Lately, I find whenever I go someplace and someone discovers I work for the library they always want to know how is the library doing with all the news of budget cuts and large libraries such as Charlotte Mecklenburg making the national news with their financial woes. You see, libraries are one of those institutions that most people support and feel good about having in their community so they always want to know how we, as in the library, are doing. I tell them we are fortunate. Fortunate to have the support of our communities; fortunate to have the support of active library Friends groups; and fortunate to be building new libraries to better serve the citizens of Horry County. Does this mean we are not experiencing painful budget cuts? Absolutely not. We are making reductions in our operating costs and constantly looking at ways to save money. And we are always in need of your support.
Its funny, whenever I tell people we are always in need of their support they reflexively make a move to cover their wallets. However, you can help support the library in a variety of ways without having to stroke a check for a donation. Of course if you want to do that to I will not object. So here are some simple things you can do to help support our libraries.
- Donate Used Books and DVDs -- The HCML can use these items in a variety of ways. If you have a copy of the latest best seller, we can put it in our collection to help reduce the wait time for patrons who have the item on reserve. With our current budget, we can only buy so many copies of the latest James Patterson or Janet Evanovich novel. In addition to helping supplement our collection budget, the biggest use we have for used books and DVDs is for our Friends Groups book sales. The money our Friends raise is used in our branches to help support everything from programs to supplies. Don't worry if you think your books or materials are too old or dated, as long as they are in good shape, think "gently used," we can use them. Book sales are revenue generators for Friends groups and they can use what you don't want and you can clear some space in your attic or garage.
- Join A Library Friends Group -- All of our libraries have a Friends group that helps support that location. All of the HCML Library Friends groups are passionate people dedicated to strengthening our libraries and making people aware of available library resources in the community. In addition to raising money, they are also great advocates for libraries. For more information, contact your local library and tell them you want to join the Friends group.
- Be A Library Advocate -- Anyone can advocate for our public libraries by doing something as simple as telling your friends or coworkers about our services and resources. We do not want to be the best kept secret in town as we hear so often from patrons. If you are inclined, be an advocate by writing a letter of support to the newspaper editor; to your state representatives; or even to your congressman and senators. If you do not know who they are and how to contact them, use Project Vote Smart.
- Use The Library -- One of the easiest and best ways to support your public library is to be a regular library user. Besides, think of all the money you can save by not having to purchase books or movies. Whether you agree with it or not, sometimes our effectiveness and value is evaluated by usage statistics. You and I both know the value of libraries goes beyond how many books are checked out or by counting how many people walk through the doors but we do need quantitative ways to evaluate ourselves. Libraries add value to our communities in so many ways by providing access to resources and programs to everyone whether it is for recreation or research. Yet we still need to be used and agencies that fund grants like to know their money is going to an institution that is well utilized.
Now more than ever libraries need your support across the great state of South Carolina. Right now I can tell you that in our county we are fortunate to have people that recognize the need and value of libraries but we do not need to become complacent. As library users, or potential users (you know who you are), we need to develop and strengthen support for our libraries. So if you want to do something right away to support us just stop by and find a good read or let us suggest a book for you. Who knows, you may just develop a new habit that you will want to tell your friends about.
Currently Reading
The Poacher's Son by Paul Doiron. This is a book I am recommending to just about everyone who wants a good read. The writing is great and the action moves at a quick pace. Here is a brief summary: Game Warden Mike Bowditch strikes up an uneasy alliance with a retired warden pilot and together the two men search the Maine wilderness for Mike's father-- a fugitive on the run who has been accused of killing two men in an ambush. Mike searches for his father while his career and personal life begin to unravel.
Moment of Glory by John Feinstein. One of my favorite sports writers who I recommend to anyone who likes well written nonfiction that reads like a novel. Feinstein's latest is a unique look at how Tiger Woods' desire to retool his swing changed the life of four golfers. Feinstein's premise is that Tiger's struggle to relearn his golf swing left him vulnerable in all the PGA's Majors in 2003 and golfers who were virtually unknowns were able to take the opportunity to capture their first Major victory. Feinstein has a gift for recounting their final round play hole-by-hole while interjecting player commentary to give a entirely different look at how professional golfers handle the pressure of playing in a Major tournament or championship. If you have ever wondered what goes through a professional golfers mind as he stands on the 18th green at Augusta National attempting to make a put to win the Masters, then this is the book for you. 
