South Carolina State Library

The South Carolina State Library (SCSL) is the official State Library of South Carolina located in Columbia, South Carolina. It is both a library and a state agency. The SCSL manages public library development, federal and state funding for libraries, service for print-disabled and physically handicapped patrons, library service for state institutions, and library service to state government agencies.[1][2]

South Carolina State Library
Agency overview
Formed1929
JurisdictionState of South Carolina
Headquarters1500 Senate Street
Columbia, SC
Agency executive
  • Leesa Aiken, Director
Websitewww.statelibrary.sc.gov

History

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In 1929 the South Carolina Legislature created the State Public Library Association and the State Library Board in order to establish statewide library services.[3] Using grants, field agents were hired to assist communities that wanted to start libraries.[3] Between 1935 and 1943 the Works Progress Administration created the South Carolina Library Project which helped establish at least some library service in all of South Carolina's counties.[4] The State Library Board inherited the library assets of the WPA and received its first appropriation of state funding in 1943.[4]

Building

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The current State Library building at 1500 Senate Street was constructed between 1969 and 1970.[5] 1969 was when the existing State Library Board was redesignated as the South Carolina State Library and funds were made available for the construction of the building.[5] It was dedicated on February 18, 1970.[6] This building houses the general collections, public-facing staff, Talking Book Services and other administrative departments.[7] The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2022.[8]

References

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  1. ^ "About Us". South Carolina State Library. Retrieved 2020-12-06.
  2. ^ "Document Asset - SC State Library - Teacher Resources". Knowitall.org. Retrieved 2020-12-06.
  3. ^ a b "South Carolina State Library". South Carolina Encyclopedia. 2016-11-11. Retrieved 2020-12-06.
  4. ^ a b Blair, Nancy (October 15, 1940). Statewide Library Project Annual Report (PDF). pp. 1–25. Retrieved 6 December 2020.
  5. ^ a b "South Carolina State Library Construction Collection". Digital Collections – University of South Carolina Libraries. Retrieved 2020-12-06.
  6. ^ "Building dedication ceremony at the South Carolina State Library". Digital Collections – University of South Carolina Libraries. Retrieved 2020-12-06.
  7. ^ "South Carolina State Library". Columbia, SC 29201. 2019-08-11. Retrieved 2020-12-06.
  8. ^ "Weekly listing". National Park Service.
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34°00′04″N 81°01′39″W / 34.00111°N 81.02755°W / 34.00111; -81.02755