One of the goals of the group that worked to revamp the website was to create a new look that reflects that diverse people and communities that we serve. With that goal in mind we set out to design a new logo that was a better reflection of Horry County. This was not an easy process and you can imagine the difficulty of attempting to find an image or concept that could potentially represent the entire county. But we found help from an unexpected talent pool of graphic artists and designers who accepted our challenge to create such an image.
Enter Ms. Joanne Doshier's Junior Digital Arts students from the Horry County School District's Academy for Technology and Academics. They listened to what we wanted and each student created a potential logo for the library. The finished designs presented to the group were impressive and we were "blown away" by their artwork and professionalism. Three of the designs were so good that we struggled to pick just one but ultimately we went with the logo you see on our web pages. Having both the oak and palmetto trees representing the coastal and inland communities that we serve edged out the other incredible ideas. I can't thank Ms. Doshier and her students enough for all the professional help they provided. They are truly talented artists.
Just as importantly, I hope you have noticed the headings in the center of the library's homepage. Inform, Empower, and Transform: three simple words that convey what libraries can do for individuals and communities. Inform yourself by using our resources. Libraries are one of the few information places in an already overcrowded field that do not have an agenda to persuade or sell you something. We are a place for access to almost all ideas--a core value of any open democratic society. Empower yourself by being informed. Use the library's many collections to have all the facts and information you need to make better decisions. Knowledge is empowering.
Can libraries really transform your life or community? They sure can and as a librarian I get to see and hear about people's transformations all the time. I have patrons tell me how they discovered a better treatment option for a diagnosed illness or disease by using library resources to find the latest articles and books. Currently, the Horry County Memorial Library is helping transform lives by helping patrons use the Internet to locate and apply for jobs. The Socastee Library is even hosting open computer lab time on Wednesday afternoons to give people extra help with job research or creating a resume. We call it "Get to Work @ Your Library." These are just two examples but there are many more that prove how a well staffed and funded library can truly be a transformational force in our communities. But don't just take my word for it; visit your nearest location of the Horry County Memorial Library to see for yourself.
Currently Reading -- Wake by Lisa McMann. Ever since she was eight years old, high school student Janie Hannagan has been uncontrollably drawn into other people's dreams, but it is not until she befriends an elderly nursing home patient and becomes involved with an enigmatic fellow-student that she discovers her true power.
Recently Read -- The Secret Speech by Tom Rob Smith. Soviet Union, 1956. Stalin
is dead, and a violent regime is beginning to fracture-leaving behind a society where the police are the criminals, and the criminals are innocent. A secret speech composed by Stalin's successor Khrushcev is distributed to the entire nation. Its message: Stalin was a tyrant. Its promise: The Soviet Union will change. Facing his own personal turmoil, former state security officer Leo Demidov is also struggling to change. The two young girls he and Raisa adopted have yet to forgive him for his part in the death of their parents. They are not alone. Now that the truth is out, Leo, Raisa, and their family are in grave danger from someone consumed by the dark legacy of Leo's past career. Someone transformed beyond recognition into the perfect model of vengeance.
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