Welcome
Cultured and eager for knowledge, Charlestonians have always been passionate about their libraries. In 1931, a group of visionaries founded a system of public libraries so that all people, from all walks of life, could experience great literature, be inspired by the sciences and humanities, and be together in shared public spaces. Their vision was compelling. Today public libraries have proven themselves to promote learning, encourage reading, support self-improvement and to do so in ways welcoming to everyone. Librarians have read to children for generations. Parents have checked out their own books while loading their children's book bags. Those looking for work, returning from military service, or researching their history or their hobbies, have all been drawn to libraries. While few question the value of public libraries private support for libraries has not kept pace. In particular, funding for enhancements to the existing system of public libraries and for partnerships with library-associated education and literacy organizations have lagged behind.
Cultured and eager for knowledge, Charlestonians have always been passionate about their libraries. In 1931, a group of visionaries founded a system of public libraries so that all people, from all walks of life, could experience great literature, be inspired by the sciences and humanities, and be together in shared public spaces. Their vision was compelling. Today public libraries have proven themselves to promote learning, encourage reading, support self-improvement and to do so in ways welcoming to everyone. Librarians have read to children for generations. Parents have checked out their own books while loading their children's book bags. Those looking for work, returning from military service, or researching their history or their hobbies, have all been drawn to libraries. While few question the value of public libraries private support for libraries has not kept pace. In particular, funding for enhancements to the existing system of public libraries and for partnerships with library-associated education and literacy organizations have lagged behind.
Those same ideals that motivated concerned citizens of 80 years ago motivate today's fundraisers and advocates for open-access libraries and archives. The Board of the Library Foundation of the Lowcountry has committed itself to furthering the goals of the original founders of the Charleston, Dorchester, and Berkeley Country Public Library systems, sometimes in ways the founders never considered (e.g., electronic books) but ways they surely would have embraced...all with the aim of continually improving and enriching the Lowcountry.
Those same ideals that motivated concerned citizens of 80 years ago motivate today's fundraisers and advocates for open-access libraries and archives. The Board of the Library Foundation of the Lowcountry has committed itself to furthering the goals of the original founders of the Charleston, Dorchester, and Berkeley Country Public Library systems, sometimes in ways the founders never considered (e.g., electronic books) but ways they surely would have embraced...all with the aim of continually improving and enriching the Lowcountry.