Suzanne Stewart
Staff Writer
I am a bonafide book nerd. I love to read, and I love to collect books.
When I’m planning a trip, I find out where the bookstores are and make sure to visit not only the chain stores, but the independents stores, as well.
For the longest time, I didn’t realize that one of the best sources for books in Pocahontas County was the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center.
Visitors to the center will not be surprised to see information about the forest and Cranberry Glades, pamphlets for local attractions and souvenirs in all shapes and sizes.
They aren’t even surprised to see the collection of snakes that call the center home.
But, if they are like me, they will be surprised to see the vast collection of books for sale.
The book section is a treasure trove of history, nature guides and fun books for the kiddos.
Some of my favorite finds include:
• Fireside Folklore of West Virginia – a series of four books featuring folklore, ghost stories and strange occurrences in the Mountain State.
• Last Photographers Book Series – which features photographs by Finley Taylor, who documen- ted the lives of Appalachians during the logging and rails era.
• The Tree Army – A Pictorial History of the Civilian Conservation Corps, 1933-1942, which shares photos and stories from the CCC camps across the country and the camps established right here in Pocahontas County.
There are even more books about the Civil War and books by local authors such as G.D. McNeill and Bill McNeel.
For nature fans, there are field guides for every type of critter – insects, spiders, bats, mammals and birds, and guides for wildflowers, wild edibles and mushrooms.
The youth section has informative books with eye catching titles like “Nature’s Yucky!” and “Get the Scoop on Animal Poop!” Mixed among the non-fiction are fun fiction tales featuring wildlife and fun adventures in the great outdoors.
Every time I make a trek to the nature center, I make sure to check out the book shelves to see what’s new. I’m never disappointed with what I find.
I have a feeling, you won’t be disappointed either.
The Cranberry Mountain Nature Center is open Thursday through Monday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., mid-April to mid-October. It is located at the junction of Route 150 and Routes 39/55, 16 miles from Marlinton and 22 miles from Richwood.
For more information, call 304-653-4826 during operating hours.