The Friends of South Carolina Libraries organization talked about building communities through libraries at their annual meeting on Wednesday. It was held at the Doctors Bruce and Lee Foundation Library in Florence.
“Libraries are gathering spaces for technologies old and new,” said Darion McCloud. He was the keynote speaker at the meeting where innovation was a main topic.
Board members said they want to redesign libraries across South Carolina through new architecture and technology. With the vast amount of technological advances nowadays, members said libraries must make upgrades as well. Some have seen changes already.
“Even in St. Helena where I am, in Beaufort, there’s a beautiful architectural award winning library, and that means everything to the members of those communities. So, they’ve been designed or redesigned with their host communities in mind,” said Director of the Pat Conroy Literary Center, Jonathan Haupt.
At the meeting, library representatives received resources on how to start the remodeling process. One way of getting support during the process is by getting close to elected officials, members said.
“It’s really nice to be able to offer them practical information on a day like today when many of them have travelled across the state to be with us,” said Haupt.
The organization also offered grants for those working to develop new innovations or ideas at their library. Applications can be found on their website and must be turned in by May 31st.
