Chincoteague Island Library

The Chincoteague Island Library is a historic property built in 1887 in the Queen Anne style. It originally housed the O.M. Jones Drug Store, which operated on site until 1908. Thereafter, the property served as the home of Wallace "Tig" Jester's barber shop for the next 75 years. In 1990, the building was moved to its current location on the west side of the island. Following a major renovation, it re-opened on July 4, 1995, to serve as the Chincoteague Island Library, a branch of the Eastern Shore Public Library system. A commemorative plaque was placed on the fence in front of the library to commemorate the building's history.

The Chincoteague Island Library is a branch of the Eastern Shore Public Library system, although it is mostly funded through grants and private donations. Located near a waterfront park, the library is housed in the oldest wood frame structure still standing on Chincoteague Island. Built in 1887 for the O.M. Jones Drug Store, the building became a barber shop in 1908 under the ownership of Wallace "Tig" Jester. A historical plaque later placed at the site notes that "for 75 years, Tig offered a shave, a haircut, and a gathering place for island men."

By 1990, the building was in need of repair. After the Citizens' League raised enough funds to save the building, it was moved to its present location on the west side of the island. Following renovations, which preserved the original storefront stained glass windows on the ground level, it re-opened as the Chincoteague Island Library on July 4, 1995. To provide further space for patrons and accommodate its growing collections, an additional wing was added to the library in 2010. Octagonal in shape and topped by a cupola with a weathervane, the new wing was designed by the architect Richard Vesely. This tripled the size of the building, which was originally only 600 square feet. The upper floor provides Queen Anne-style armchairs where patrons can sit and read, while the windows provide visitors with views of the waterfront.

The Chincoteague Island Library works together with the Museum of Chincoteague Island to facilitate the Chincoteague Island Life History Project. As part of this longrunning oral history project, library staff and volunteers have been involved in conducting interviews with local residents since 2004. The aim of the Life History Project is to gather first-person perspectives regarding the history and culture of Chincoteague Island. In addition, the library also offers an array of public programs and events for adults and children throughout the year.

Jones, Devry Becker. Chincoteague Island Library Historical Marker, Hmdb. January 19th 2021. Accessed March 10th 2022. https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=165065.

Welcome, Chincoteague Island Library. Accessed March 10th 2022. https://www.chincoteague.com/chincoteagueislandlibrary/.

Life History Project, Chincoteague Island Library. Accessed March 10th 2022. https://www.chincoteague.com/chincoteagueislandlibrary/oralhistory.html.

Richard Vesely , Island Properties. Accessed March 10th 2022. https://www.chincoteague.com/islandpropertynow/rvbio.html.

Shaffner, J.. Not to be missed: Chincoteague , Not to be missed. June 11th 2014. Accessed March 10th 2022. https://jshaffner.wordpress.com/2014/06/11/not-to-be-missed-chincoteague/.