Allegheny Insurance Services recently donated 20 computers to five libraries that serve our region.

Valley Head Library received six computers. Tygart Valley Library, Philippi Library and Belington Library received four each, and Five Rivers Library in Parsons received two computers.

All of the Hewlett-Packard models are equipped with monitors and Microsoft Office Suite.

“Libraries provide a valuable service in our rural communities by offering computer and Internet service to those who may not otherwise have it,” said Jay Wallace, president of Allegheny Insurance. “This donation fits perfectly with our goals of promoting literacy and access to information for all citizens. We also pursue this goal by sponsoring Newspapers in Education programs and donating water to help schools and non-profit groups raise much-needed funds.”

The donations will be a great asset to the libraries.

“Many of our patrons still use dial-up internet in their homes,” said Douglas Wood, director of the Valley Head Library. “Therefore our library serves as a hot spot for many folks in the Valley Head community, and this donation only enhances the services that we are able to provide.”

Wood was among five library directors to meet with Wallace recently to accept the donations. Also attending were Sharon Mallow, director of the Tygart Valley Community Library; Judy Larry, director of the Philippi Public Library; Tamela Smith, director of the Belington Public Library; and Nancy Moore, director of the Five Rivers Public Library.

“These four computers will be a big help to us and, more importantly, to our patrons,” Larry said, noting several monitors on existing computers were wearing out.

Smith added, “This is a wonderful gesture and will make a huge difference in the lives of the people – young and old – who access the Internet through our facility.”

“These computers will be a big help to us, and more importantly to our patrons,” Moore said, noting the towers on several existing computers were wearing out.

Mallow said her library’s six computers are used frequently.

“Adding more will be wonderful for our residents,” she said.

Wallace added, “We’re pleased to help the communities in which we operate, and the people who support our company. We regularly upgrade our technology, and we use that opportunity to provide gently used equipment to those who may derive benefit in our area.”

Allegheny, an independent insurance agency, has been providing personalized options to people since 1893. The firm offers a full line of options for personal or commercial customers, including auto, life, health, long-term care, disability, general liability, workers’ compensation and many more.