Visually impaired/blind K-12 students from across the state have their artwork on display at the State Library's Talking Book Services student art gallery. According to Pamela Davenport, Director of the Library's Talking Book Services, "The idea to display student artwork was a result of a joint venture with the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind and will promote and educate the public about artwork of blind and visually impaired students in South Carolina."

Library Services Librarians of the State Library have three classes which are open to state employees, to library staff and to the public: "State Government Information," "Grants Research: Finding a Funder for Your Nonprofit Organization," and "BOOKS, Books and more Books! SC LENDS & Safari Books Online."

The South Carolina State Library is pleased to announce the launch of a family literacy activity calendar called South Carolina Day by Day. The calendar is designed to be a tool that families, caregivers, educators and librarians can use at home and in the classroom to further develop early literacy skills that help young children become prepared for school or do better in school.

SC teens will be reading for the fun of it as many libraries celebrate Teen Read Week™, October 18 -- 24, 2009. They join thousands of other libraries, schools and bookstores across the country who are encouraging teens to celebrate this year's theme, "Read Beyond Reality @ your library®." Teen Read Week™ is the national adolescent literacy initiative of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), the fastest-growing division of the American Library Association.

Despite afternoon rains, more than 130,000 book lovers flocked to the ninth annual National Book Festival held September 26 on the National Mall. President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama acted as honorary chairs of the free festival, which was sponsored by the Library of Congress. For many families, the most popular tent was the Pavilion of the States, supported for the eighth year by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

Throughout the country, most children have started a new academic year. Teachers are sending out their lists of required readings, and parents are beginning to gather books. In some cases, classics like "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," "The Catcher in the Rye," and "To Kill a Mockingbird," may not be included in the school's curriculum or available in the school library due to challenges made by parents or administrators.

On Wednesday, September 9, the South Carolina State Library was recognized as a United Way 2009-2010 Kickoff Superstar. Fifty-four Kickoff Superstars were recognized at the 2009-2010 Campaign Kickoff and of these, only four represented state government agencies. According to David Goble, State Library director, "It was a thrilling event. We were recognized as a Pace Setter organization for initiating our campaign before the kickoff and because we increased our giving by more than 11%."

September is Library Card Sign-up Month and citizens as well as state employees are encouraged to discover their local library by checking out what's new and signing up for a library card if they do not have one already.

Cards for the South Carolina State Library are free to anyone who is a state legislator, elected and appointed state official, eligible state government employees, eligible retired state employees, and individuals employed by the news media.

Interested in learning more about what's going on in South Carolina libraries? Subscribe and listen to our Lion's Roar podcast. The latest edition for the week of September 11, 2009 (episode 21), is now available online and on iTunes.

FREE ADMISSION: Every Sunday in September for children with disabilities and their families!
Admission for Sunday, September 27 is sponsored by the SC Assistive Technology Program/USC School of Medicine.