Larry Hypes
Contributing Writer
CHRISTIANSBURG – Lordy, lordy, the library is 40!
The Christiansburg branch of the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library system, one of the busiest locations in town, is in the midst of preparing to celebrate its 40th anniversary year. And that is not all – the library is in the midst of a plan with officials to begin an upgrade to the facility, expand and enlarge the library space, all designed to make the library as state-of-the-art as possible, even more “user friendly” in the constantly developing electronic age and a place where local citizens look forward to visiting.
Visit they do – an average of approximately 250 citizens daily, almost 6,000 per month come in to check out written material, use computers, read, bring children, attend meetings, donate materials and sometimes blood to the Red Cross. Never a dull moment.
“Our aim to provide a welcoming space for everyone,” says Branch Manager Salina Sullivan. “The library is one of the few remaining places where people do not have to pay to come and utilize what is offered here. We love the traditional tools including books, magazines and newspapers and recognize that technology has created an opportunity for all people to break down barriers and be able to access a world-wide store of information.”
Although the facility already provides a wide-ranging selection of activities, leadership at every level is excited about improvements. Along with MFRL Librarian and Director Karim Khan, all involved are already planning for the future.
In 2025, the Christiansburg library offered 522 programs attended by 10,174 patrons. A popular program for all ages was the petting zoo, with more than 500 attendees.
An extensive children’s area focusing on youth needs from infancy to age 10, along with knitting and crochet instruction, crafts for children with gingerbread creations in season, a home school STEM (Science/Technology/Engineering/Mathematics) approach to education, and a regular adult writing group coordinated by Kelcee Sykes are all part of the Christiansburg facility and Sullivan says that public input is always welcome to add to and improve current offerings.
Sullivan, a 24-year veteran of library work came to Christiansburg in 2017 after a position in the Roanoke area. Before, during and after COVID-19, the Christiansburg library has never stopped serving the Montgomery County region, a point of pride for all involved.
She and her staff are dedicated to the mission “to welcome all people to spaces, services and resources that empower individuals and our communities to thrive.” The staff currently includes Assistant Kelcee Sykes, along with associate staff members Katrina, Travis, John, Lisa, Jerry, Lynn, Alden, Zach, Denise and Lauren.
In the past year, staffers assisted with circulating over 87,000 items and welcomed some 91,000 visitors.
“Our job is to serve this community to the very best of our ability,” says Sullivan, who continues, “and the staff members here are the strongest part of that effort. Every one of my colleagues is committed to helping our customers.”
Now located on Sheltman Street adjacent to the Fire Department and Rescue Squad complex, the 15,100-square-foot facility moved from its nearby earlier location on the corner of Radford Road and Depot Street in 1986.
A whirlwind of activity, the C-Burg location has thousands of print books but in this digital age has expanded to include periodicals, DVDs, audio books, local history information, genealogy materials, and passes to attractions including Mill Mountain Zoo and the Roanoke Science Museum.
The library offers instant computer access to a host of websites, and library associates ready to assist with any questions. Free W-Fi, a reading area, copier, fax machine, Notary Public services, passport assistance, a working association with the Lions Club to assist with eyeglass distribution, and other programs are all part of the package.
In addition, the library has a community meeting room available for scheduling by the public, a program connected with New River Community Action (NRCA) for free assistance with income taxes, regular Red Cross blood drive days, and many programs to inform citizens about a wide range of subjects from gardening to substance abuse.
That (activities) sounds like a lot, and it is,” notes Sullivan. “To keep up, we have a monthly staff meeting, take training classes, and keep working to improve our skills in every area.”
Many activities are planned for the Sept. 12, 2026 anniversary celebration including live music, a silent auction, anniversary merchandise – with 25 percent of the proceeds going to the capital improvement fund – and many other events all open to the public.
Information, library offerings and hours are all available on the website and the phone number is 540-382-6965.
