Orangeburg County was well represented at a recent event designed to bring library officials and lawmakers together to share library concerns in the Palmetto State.

Library Board members, Friends of Libraries and staff gathered at a luncheon in Columbia to inform legislators of their priorities. This year, the main agenda item was to increase the amount of funding to libraries.

“South Carolina public libraries are requesting $2.50 per capita. Libraries currently receive $2.00 per capita. As a comparison, Georgia provides $3.75 per capita, West Virginia provides $4.32 per capita and Mississippi provides $2.60,” said Paula Paul, Orangeburg County Library director.

Paul said the funds are used to purchase books, magazines, audio-visual materials, computers, software and related technology. In addition, the funding is allocated for salaries and bookmobile operation.

In Orangeburg County, 43 percent of the population is registered as library users.

T&D Correspondent Cindy Ott can be reached by phone at 803-829-3638. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

You must be logged in to comment.