#BoCoGrateful campaign in November
Last week, some out-of-town travelers stopped by the Blue Ridge Library, something many travelers do when they need Internet access or information about the area they’re passing through or visiting. When they returned to their car, they found that it wouldn’t start.
Margaret, one of our library staff members, offered to jump-start their car. Unfortunately, her battery was difficult to access, and the cables couldn’t connect properly. Then Emily, a frequent library patron, noticed the predicament and offered the use of her car to jump-start. Thanks to the time and care of our library staff and patron, the visiting family was soon on their way.
That’s Botetourt for you. We take care of everyone within our borders, even when they’re just passing through.
Maybe you’ve called Botetourt home for your entire life, as your parents and their parents did before you. Your knowledge of this community runs deep, and you know that it will always be a part of you. You’ve weathered good and bad times alongside family, friends and neighbors you’ve known forever, and you know that you’ll always be there for each other. You’ve memorized every mountain ridge, every historic building, every bend of the James River, and every face in your local church and store. If home is that safe feeling of being accepted and supported in a deeply rooted social network, you know Botetourt is it.
Others of us are relative newcomers to Botetourt, whether we moved in a few weeks or a decade ago. Having lived elsewhere, we have a special appreciation for Botetourt’s uniqueness. We know that it is rare indeed to find a community that is so largely kind, civil, supportive, family-friendly, safe, and generous.
Even visitors to Botetourt notice the difference. In Botetourt County government, it’s not unusual to hear contractors, consultants, prospective business owners and other visitors remark that they’ve never experienced such a kind, helpful, uplifting community as Botetourt. As they work with county staff, local businesses and organizations, and individuals in the community, they notice the difference. When they have questions, Botetourt County employees are generous with their time and insights. When they get lost, Botetourt citizens go out of their way to guide them. When they pass someone on the sidewalk, Botetourt locals smile and greet them. When they chat over lunch, Botetourt residents show genuine interest in their lives.
Is Botetourt perfect? Of course not. But we think it’s about as close as a community can get.
This November, we’ll be celebrating the things that make Botetourt such a wonderful place to live and work through a campaign called #BoCoGrateful. If you use social media, we’d love for you to follow Botetourt County Libraries, Botetourt County, and other Botetourt organizations, looking for this hashtag that reminds us how fortunate we are. Join in with your own expressions of gratitude for Botetourt County and what it means to you. For our part, we’re humbled and ever grateful for the opportunity to serve this community every day. #BoCoGrateful
~ Julie Phillips, Director
Botetourt County Libraries
