Public news and announcements are brought to you by the Horry County Public Information Office.
On May 28, 2019 in County News
The Horry County Memorial Library is thrilled to announce a 4.4 million dollar bequest from the estates of John C. Thompson and Barbara Thompson.
The Horry County Memorial Library Board and Administration along with local community leaders will be recognizing the family at the upcoming celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Conway Library. The anniversary event is scheduled for August 21, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the Library Administration Offices (formerly the Conway Library), located at 1008 5th Avenue.
The gift, the single largest donation in the library’s history, was given in memory of John’s parents, Frank A. Thompson and Donna C. Thompson. Frank Thompson was one of the founding members of the Horry County Memorial Library. The original library building on Fifth Avenue in Conway opened in 1949 and Frank Thompson’s name is engraved on the entry plaque by the front door.
John and Barbara Thompson dedicated their lives to helping the community and investing in education. John was a successful attorney and Barbara was a teacher, understanding the needs of the people in this area. Their gift is designated for the Conway Library in order to benefit and provide educational advantages for the residents of Conway and surrounding areas.
Director of Horry County Libraries Cynthia Thornley said, “Libraries are not in the book business, they are in the learning business! Our libraries teach everything from pre-literacy skills to computer coding classes and virtual reality. The incredibly generous gift from the Thompson family will ensure that our library is able to continue their legacy of learning for generations.”
“The board is tremendously thankful to the Thompson family for their contribution that will change lives for years to come at the Conway library,” said Teresa Moise, Chairman of the Library Board of Trustees.
Horry County Memorial Libraries includes ten branches and a bookmobile in locations around Horry County dedicated to informing, enriching, and empowering all persons in our community by creating and promoting free and easy access to a diverse array of available ideas and information.
On March 12, 2019 in County News
Conway, South Carolina-The Socastee Library, a branch of the Horry County Memorial Library System, has been awarded a $10,000 American Dream Literacy Initiative Grant by the American Library Association and the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. The grant will be used to establish an “English Language Learners” (ELL) program at the Socastee Library to assist various communities to learn English. The grant is one of 16 that have been awarded across the United States through a competitive, peer-reviewed application process for which 98 libraries applied.
The library will host small group instruction Mondays and Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., one-on-one conversation instruction, where students will need make an appointment during library hours, and “Let’s Speak English”, a conversational session that will be held Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The grant money will be also be used to purchase technology such as iPads and a mobile Smart Board. This technology will enable staff and volunteers to interact with students while conducting the programs and will allow students to learn or improve their English speaking, reading, and writing skills.
The Socastee Library will continue to partner with Horry County Adult Education to improve lives in our community and advocate for literacy. The library is also in the planning stages of partnering with the Horry County Literacy Council to create additional support for the community and to offer tailored assistance to attendees of the offered programs.
For more information, please contact the Socastee Library at (843) 215-4700.
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On August 24, 2018 in Events
Conway, South Carolina – The Horry County Memorial Library System and the Horry County Literacy Council have teamed up to host the 2018 International Literacy Day Celebration. International Literacy Day was declared by UNESCO in 1966 and is celebrated annually on September 8th to bring attention to global literacy needs. This year’s theme is “Literacy and Skills Development” which highlights child and adult literacy.
As part of the celebration, everyone is invited to the Carolina Forest Library September 8, 2018, for free family events throughout the day including tandem reading, bilingual story time, personal reflections on literacy, refreshments, and information about services and resources offered by the Horry County Memorial Library System and the Horry County Literacy Council. The full schedule is as follows:
9 a.m.
Horry County Memorial Library System information table and library card sign-up.
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Horry County Literacy Council information table
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Presentations by the Carolina Forest Library & the Horry County Literacy Council
Tandem reading presented by the Carolina Forest Library
Bilingual story time presented by the Horry County Literacy Council
The Carolina Forest Library is located at 2250 Carolina Forest Boulevard in Myrtle Beach. For more information, contact the library at (843) 915-5282.
On July 3, 2018 in County News
Conway, South Carolina – Horry County Memorial Libraries officials are excited to announce a new program designed to bring stories to life for young readers, Adventure Packs. Adventure packs are themed book bags that children and their families can check out from the library that include collections of books, launch pads, activities, games, and DVDs.
Adventure packs are perfect for story time, with themes that allow children to learn and explore, such as the beach, zoo animals, and pirates. In addition to the story time packs, the libraries will offer S.T.E.M. kits that focus on subjects like computer coding and flight. There are also sensory friendly kits that cover topics like anxiety, social skills, and feelings. A selection of these packs are available at every Horry County Memorial Library for a 14 day checkout with a valid library card.
Director of Libraries Cynthia Thornley says, “We are pleased to offer adventure packs to the children and families who visit our libraries. Our librarians put a great deal of thought into each pack, ensuring that every adventure will engage children and help them discover exciting things about the world around them.”
For more information on the Adventure Packs program or Horry County Memorial Libraries, visit https://www.horrycounty.org/Departments/Libraries.
On June 14, 2018 in Closings, County News
Conway, South Carolina – Due to a maintenance issue, the North Myrtle Beach branch of the Horry County Memorial Library will close Thursday, June 14, 2018, at 2:30 p.m.
During the closure, patrons are encouraged to visit the Horry County Memorial Library’s other nine locations throughout Horry County.
For a list of locations or more information visit the Horry County Memorial Library online or contact the Horry County Memorial Library Administrative offices at 843-915-5285.
UPDATE 06/15/18: The Library will reopen at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 16, 2018.
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