SANTEE – The vision of a town library was realized in July with the opening of the Santee Public Library to the public. But the ribbon cutting on Sept. 10 made this vital contribution to the Santee community official.

“It’s a great day in Santee,” Mayor Silas Seabrooks said. “We are headed in the right direction. I appreciate and pray for everyone responsible for this wonderful library.”

The library at 119 Dazzy Circle, off Bass Drive, is a milestone, which was the result of a grassroots effort by many residents and officials. Members of the Rotary Club of Lake Marion; Seabrooks, with the support of the Santee Town Council and the town employees; Orangeburg County officials and the Orangeburg County Library System were all involved in making the new library possible.

Originally a joint project of the Rotary Club and the Town of Santee, the facility was the Rotary’s centennial project, commemorating the 100-year anniversary of Rotary International on Feb. 23.

The site of the new library was formerly the old Santee Town Hall. Rotary members worked long and hard to refurbish the building, providing sweat equity with carpentry, painting and other interior and exterior work on the building and grounds.

Contributions of cash and building supplies were donated by generous residents and business people, and a pancake breakfast fund-raiser was held by Rotary. A Rotary project was initiated to sell commemorative bricks for $50 each. The bricks, which are inscribed with the names of contributors, line the entrance pathway to the library. Rotary also donated the library’s three public computers, a printer and office chairs.

Pastor Gene Ball, who is also director of Orangeburg County Fire Services, gave the invocation.

“The library is a grand addition to Santee and eastern Orangeburg County,” Ball said. “The books and the computers are going to a very helpful service to the citizens.”

Present at the dedication to extend their good wishes for the new library were: Orangeburg County Administrator Bill Clark; Santee Town Councilwoman Sheryl Patrick; Santee Town Administrator William Avery Frick; Orangeburg County Library Director Paula Paul; Barbara Jeffcoat, vice chairperson of the Orangeburg County Library Board; Extension Librarian Margaret Thomas; Jennifer Chatto-McCoskey of the library staff; Tim Maybank, deputy administrator of Orangeburg County; and Buck Travis, Rotary project chairman.

Travis told the story of the project’s beginnings.

“There were three separate buildings in need of repair,” he said. “I said I thought they’ve got to be kidding.”

Administrator Bill Clark praised the cooperative efforts of Rotary and the Town of Santee.

“You made the project happen,” he said. “The cooperation of all players resulted in a great project, and the county is proud of your achievement.”

The library is at the center of two other new buildings, a satellite office of the Department of Motor Vehicles and the headquarters of the Santee Police Department.

Paula Paul expressed her appreciation to Seabrooks, Rotary members and Cynthia Funderburg, who was on the library planning board. She also recognized the contribution of Margaret Thomas, extension librarian.

“Ms. Thomas did a great job,” Paul said.

“Libraries date back to 700 B.C.,” Barbara Jeffcoat noted. “Throughout history, libraries have been destroyed by invaders, and we appreciate their importance.”

Library patrons, too, are thrilled with the new addition to the community.

“We’re so glad to have Internet service right here at our own library,” said George Goodwin of Santee, who was working at a computer with Harriet Tilly.

The hours of the Santee Branch Library are: 1:30-5:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday; 1:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday. The library is closed on Friday and Saturday.

For more information, call 803-854-5300.

T&D Correspondent Shirley Upton can be reached by e-mail at writer@ntinet.com.

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