I love libraries. They have been a useful resource for so many things in my life and work. I don’t know what I’d do without them. The library provides books on CD for my long delivery travels, research info when working on my commentaries and instructional help from technical books – covering all sorts of subjects. Throw in the collections of music, DVD’s, national magazines & newspapers and monthly art exhibits – what more could you ask for – except more funding for the libraries. The library even has free parking too.
Although I’m a card carrier for both Berkeley and Charleston County most of the time I tend to bypass the libraries in Berkeley County to visit Charleston County libraries – they just have more and better selections. My favorite is the Main Branch library in downtown Charleston. It was nice to learn that this library system had just been recognized for its excellence.
Library Journal, the oldest and most respected publication in the field, named the Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) a “star” library, putting it in the top 3 percent of library systems (7,115 libraries included) throughout the country. This first-ever service comparison clusters libraries with similar operating budgets, then rates the libraries in four main categories: number of visitors, circulation, program attendance and public Internet computer use.
“We’re a community resource, not a vault with books that are kept under lock and key. From computer training and entertainment events to homework help and finding the most recent book or DVD, libraries provide residents with essential services and information,” said Cynthia Bledsoe, Acting Director. “Library Journal’s star rating is a reflection of how Charleston County residents have embraced the library and understand its importance as a vital cornerstone in the community. We’re proud of our rating and of the support from our community.”
A 2007 study by the SC State Library found that CCPL was the busiest public library system in South Carolina, ranking first in circulation, patron visits, programs offered, program attendance, reference transactions, public Internet computers and number of branches. The same study showed that Charleston County’s available operating revenues ranked third, behind the library systems in both Richland and Greenville counties.
I like my local library, but I enjoy other libraries too. I’ve spent a lot of time in the SC State Library in Columbia, SC, as well as the Richland County Public Library in downtown Columbia. In fact, the Richland County Public Library was named 2001 Library of the Year – best in the country byLibrary Journal. So we have some pretty good libraries in SC.
I used to like the Greenville library too, but some years back they said we couldn’t leave our paper, Carolina Arts, there anymore. The problem wasn’t us, it was some other publications they had problems with and the only solution they could come up with was to ban all alternative newspapers. I’ve had no problem like that with any other library – except in Asheville, NC. They really didn’t have any good reason for keeping us from their readers. But, that’s Asheville for you – always different. Sometimes not in a good way.
And, the good news, bad news is, with the downturn in the economy – people are using libraries now more than ever, but funding is probably being cut like all government services. We should let our leaders know that we understand the need for cutting back, but we don’t want to see the libraries’ budgets cut – they should be increased due to the increases in use. Makes sense, doesn’t it?