The Library…a Happenin’ Place!
By Jimmie Epling
Director
Darlington County Library System
Long ago, in a bygone era, public libraries were thought of as a temple with many steps leading up to a portico supported by stately columns. All reminiscent of an ancient Greek or Roman temple, where knowledge could be had by those who dared breach its massive, heavy oaken doors. You entered with hushed voices so not to disturb other acolytes of the written word as you made your way to the shelves to select a piece of truly great literature to read or consult some weighty tomes in search of an answer to a particularly vexing question. That was then.
This is now. The Darlington County Library System, in all four of its local incarnations, Darlington, Hartsville, Lamar, and Society Hill, are bright, airy welcoming places for everyone. Yes, we do continue to offer truly great literature, but we also offer stories whose sole purpose is to simply entertain you on a lazy afternoon under a backyard tree or at the beach. We will also help you divine the answer to your questions, but rather than turn to a weighty tome, we may turn with you to an online information database of which you have access through the Library. The public library of now is also about programs for everyone.
Public libraries, in addition to being a place for reading and lifelong learning, have become in part community centers offering programs for individuals and families. All four locations of the Library serve as a meeting place in their communities and a ready source of programs for all ages. The programs range from special summer and winter reading programs with challenges and prizes, to author visits, movies, tax help, book clubs, story times for children, computer help, knitting and crafts, GED training, and so much more.
We often hear “you do programs at the Library?” Yes, we do! We are looking for interesting and unique programs to offer. Some of the best ideas for programs come from you! What do you suggest we do next?
Every month the Library has dozens of programs for children, teens, adults, and families. You can discover what is happening in Darlington, Hartsville, Lamar, and Society Hill with our monthly events calendar. Just go online to our website at www.darlington-lib.org to get the October calendar.
Below are some special upcoming programs you might find interesting!
CRAFT, COLORING, CONVERSATION, AND COFFEE
The Darlington, Hartsville, Lamar, and Society Hill Branches all have craft, coloring, conversation, and coffee programs. The crafts and coloring programs are fun and entertaining, with chatting encouraged. Check our monthly calendar for the day and time of the program at the branch nearest you and join in on these free programs that are open to all adults.
COMPUTER CLASSES
The Darlington and Hartsville Branches are offering free computer classes!
Darlington’s classes are Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Thursday 6-7 p.m. Call the Branch at 843-398-4940 to reserve your spot.
The Hartsville Branch offers computer classes Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. each week. Get free one-on-one, hands on help at the Hartsville Branch.
YOGA FLOW
Join Rachel Baggett at the Darlington Branch for free yoga classes. All ages and genders are welcome, just bring your own mat. The program will be every 1st and 3rd Saturday from 12:30-2 p.m. starting on October 15th.
BOOK SALES AT HARTSVILLE AND DARLINGTON
Join the Friends of the Hartsville Memorial Library for their Fall Book Sale on Friday, October 7th through Sunday, October 9th at the Hartsville Branch.
The Friends of the Darlington Library are holding their book sale on Friday, October 7th and Saturday, October 8th at the Darlington Branch during the Sweet Potato Festival.
The Friends’ book sales are great opportunities to discover treasures for your library, stock up on great reads for the winter months, or discover holiday gifts for that special person on your list.
WILD WEST MURDER MYSTERY DINNER THEATER
Join us at the Society Hill Branch on Saturday, October 22nd for the Wild West Murder Mystery Dinner Theater. Set in 1887 in the town of Cactus Gulch, those who attend can become part of the play and everyone searches for clues to the evildoer’s identity.
Dinner is homemade chicken bog, green beans, cornbread, and dessert. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. and the play begins at 6 p.m. Tickets available now. Contact the Society Hill Branch Library at 843-378-0026 for further information and to reserve your tickets.
AUTHOR MARY ALICE MONROE VISITS LAMAR
Join the Friends of the Lamar Library for a luncheon with author Mary Alice Monroe on November 8th at 11:30 a.m. A New York Times bestselling author, Mary Alice Monroe found her true calling as a writer when she moved to coastal South Carolina. Already a successful author, she was captivated by the beauty and fragility of her new home. Her experiences living in the midst of a habitat that was quickly changing gave her a strong and important focus for her novels.
She will be talking about her latest book, a “Lowcountry Christmas,” the story of a wounded warrior and his younger brother discover the true meaning of Christmas in this timeless story of family bonds. This tale is a poignant continuation of her Lowcountry Summer series.
Tickets are $40, which includes the lunch and a signed copy of the book, “Lowcountry Christmas.”