People are talking . . .

What are people saying about the Abbeville County Library System? Check out some of our favorite new quotes below:

"I like coming to this library 'cause it's like I'm in my own living room."

"This library is so cool."

"I'm really impressed with this library. I used to come in here and it seemed old and run down with old books. Now, it's first class."

and my favorite:

"I came to the library just to tell you that I finally found a job. . . . I would not have found it without all of your help . . . so I am very grateful to the library!"

Come check us out -- we'd love to see you in our 'living room'! :-)

Teen Event at the Abbeville Library on February 8 from 6 - 7 pm

What's new?

Just published, and available now at your library:

The Wolf at the Door by Jack Higgins
The Burning Land by Bernard Cornwell
Kisser by Stuart Woods
Be Careful What you Pray for by Kimberla Lawson Roby
Big Girls do Cry by Carl Weber
Blood Ties by Kay Hooper

and more!

We add new items to the library system EVERY DAY, so come by -- often! -- and get yourself a stack to take home!

3 things you can do to help your library during these tight economic times

1. Make a monetary donation to the Friends of the Library, no matter how small.

"Friends" funds go to purchase materials for our libraries and to host programs for children, teens, and adults. Every penny helps us to provide better services!

2. Join the Friends as a volunteer.

Let us know at the library if you'd like to help us with booksales and other fundraisers.

3. Show your support.

If you believe that the library is a place that provides excellent services to all citizens of our county, please contact your County Council and state representatives. Let them know that, even in these tough times, continuing library funding at its current level is critical if we are to provide needed resources for the community.

Open -- and warm!

The Calhoun Falls Library is open -- and warm! Come check out our new heating system (oh, and lots of great books, too!)

Calhoun Falls Library closed for a couple of days

I hate to be the bearer of bad news --- but it's mighty cold these days @ the Calhoun Falls Library. Our heater went out yesterday, and we've had to close the branch for the next few days while the problem is being dealt with. We're working with the town of Calhoun Falls to get us back open (and toasty warm) just as soon as possible. In the meantime, please come visit us at our branches in Abbeville or Donalds.

We'll be back open in Calhoun Falls just as soon as possible!

A comparison of more than 11 years of Public Library Survey data suggests that service changes in U.S. public libraries are having an impact on visitation and circulation, as record numbers of people now use public libraries nationwide. Several findings from the survey include:

*** The availability of Internet terminals in public libraries rose sharply between 2000 and 2007, increasing by 90 percent on a per capita basis. This dramatic increase is one example of the way U.S. public libraries are expanding their range of services to meet patron demand.
*** Between 1997 and 2007, per capita visits to public libraries increased nationwide by 19 percent. During the same period per capita circulation increased by 12 percent. This growth in demand for library services occurred even as people increasingly turned to the Internet to meet other information needs.
*** The study identified very different trajectories between urban and rural communities for select service trends, highlighting the importance of local context for identifying patron needs and improving services.