Washington County, MD — May 2026 — The Washington County Free Library (WCFL) has received a generous

$10,000 donation from the family of Ruth Ann Shives to enhance the Children’s area at the Hancock War Memorial

Library. Mrs. Shives was a longtime Hancock resident of more than 40 years and a devoted supporter of libraries.

Mrs. Shives had a deep love of books and reading and regularly brought her children to Children’s Storytime at the

Hancock branch. In honor of her commitment to literacy and library services, her family chose to support the

Children’s area with a meaningful and interactive addition that will benefit young visitors for years to come.

This gift will fund the installation of Pixel Pegs from Science Kinetics—a large-scale, modern take on the classic

Lite-Brite. This colorful, hands-on feature invites children and families to create illuminated designs, encouraging

creativity, collaboration, and interactive play within the library space.

The Washington County Free Library is deeply grateful to the Shives family for their generosity and support. Gifts

like this play a vital role in strengthening library services and ensuring that welcoming, engaging spaces remain

available for children and families in our community.

Join us at the Hancock War Memorial Library, 231 Hancock Veterans Parkway, Hancock, MD,

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 1pm for the official ribbon cutting.

For more information about library services, please visit www.washcolibrary.org.