Throughout human history, technology has always impacted the way people live. The Industrial Revolution ushered in a new age of technology that raised the standards of living of people around the world and their access to goods and services. Today, technology is built in to every facet of daily living. The emergence of information and communications technologies have dramatically increased connectivity between people and their access to information, and further raised living standards. Learn more about this year's theme.

It's an explosion of local literary talent! This year's showcase brings you more than 100 South Carolina authors!

From picture books and poetry to thrillers and histories, there will be something for every age and interest. This is a great opportunity to meet real authors, discover your next good read, and stock up on holiday gifts.

Saturday, December 13, 2014, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Richland Library Main. Learn more at the Richland Library's website.

Looking for online learning opportunities? Visit the South Carolina State Library's YouTube channel to find recorded webinars and much more!  Here is a link to a recent webinar recording for South Carolina State Government Bit by Bit - Education Statistics.  Check it out!

The Big Read is accepting applications from non-profit organizations to develop community-wide reading programs between September 2015 and June 2016.  The Big Read is a national program designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture and to encourage reading for pleasure and enrichment.

Organizations selected to participate in The Big Read receive a grant, access to educational and promotional materials, and online training resources and opportunities.  Approximately 75 organizations from across the country will be selected.

Download this month's More - the Newsletter for South Carolina Libraries.

Elearning South Carolina and the South Carolina Department of Education offer a comprehensive online professional development course program for K12 teachers. Winter 2015 registration is now open.  Learn more at the Elearning South Carolina website today!

Join us for an author talk and book signing by John Warley, for his novel, A Southern Girl. The worlds of privilege and poverty collide in this moving tale of adoption, identity, belonging, dedication, and love. Warley’s novel is published by USC Press.

When: Thursday, December 4 from noon – 1:00 p.m.
Where: South Carolina State Library, 1500 Senate Street, Columbia

The Sumter County Public Library is hosting the 2015 Local Author Fair on Saturday, January 21, 2015 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is seeking local authors to participate. Applications may be picked up at any Sumter County Library location, and must be completed and turned in by December 17, 2014. This is a chance for local writers to display, sign and sell their works.

Do you take your State Library Talking Books on trips?  If so, send us a photo of yourself with your talking books and send it to us to post to our website! We love hearing from our Talking Book Services patrons and especially like to know where you take your books to enjoy.  You can send your photos and a brief description to crogers@statelibrary.sc.gov and it'll get posted at our Talking Book Services website and on our Facebook page.

Through The School Foundation, which promotes educational excellence in Florence’s SC School District 1, the Start 2 Read program can send a certified early childhood teacher to a business to distribute books to the parents/guardians of 1, 2 and 3-year-old children.

According to Debbie Hyler, SC State Library board chair and The School Foundation Executive Director, “many people don’t understand how critical it is to read to very young children. This program exposes parents to the joy of reading with their young child.”