We’ll share great library programs, highlight what we learn from leaders in the field, and hopefully inspire conversations about the future of libraries.

We’ll also be sharing resources, like workshop handouts, presentation slides, etc.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) invites libraries, archives, and library agencies, associations, and consortia to apply for the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian grant program.

Helping Hands for the Blind and The Accessible World Symposiums have formed a partnership to produce the first Online Symposium on Diabetes around the world scheduled for Wednesday, November 8, 2006 from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. PST.

There’s a new “hot spot” in Columbia - if you’re connected.

Computer or PDA users whose personal machines already have Wi Fi connectivity now have online access at the South Carolina State Library at 1500 Senate St.

The new access provides more than just a place for patrons to surf the Web. The way the technology is set up, anyone can access the State Library’s electronic resources, including online catalogs, subscription databases, and Discus - South Carolina’s Virtual Library.

Are you a blind college student interested in exploring different career options? Have you recently found out that you're experiencing vision loss? Are you nervous about pursuing a new hobby, career path, or interest, because you've never heard of another blind person who has done it successfully?

NFB-LINK provides mentoring relationships for individuals who would like resources and guidance on a variety of blindness topics.

September 8, UNESCO’s International Literacy Day, is a timely reminder to the world about the importance of literacy for individuals, families, communities, and whole societies. This year’s theme, “Literacy sustains development,” emphasizes that literacy is not only a positive outcome of development processes, but also a lever of change and an instrument for achieving further social progress.

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, an observance started in 1987. Over the past two decades, thousands of public and school libraries have joined forces each fall in a national effort to encourage more families to get library cards. Library cards are generally free to those living in the library's service area. Some libraries may require some form of identification, proof of residency or the signature of a guardian.

South Carolina State Library cardholders who have always wanted to browse the stacks at 1500 Senate St. will get their chance starting Sept. 1, when the library’s new stack pass policy begins.

State Library cardholders, who include current and retired state employees, as well as staff members from other South Carolina libraries, will be allowed to peruse the stacks after receiving a pass at the front desk.

Students can revisit their most powerful literary experiences through a contest that asks them to write a personal letter to an author and explain how his or her work changed their perspective on the world. 

The national Letters About Literature competition is open to students in grades four through 12, and submissions are being accepted until Dec. 8. The annual competition is sponsored by the South Carolina Center for the Book in partnership with Target.

Tech Express, South Carolina’s public library Technology Institute arrives September 13, 2006 at the Columbia Conference Center.   We encourage you to begin thinking about emerging technologies and the issues before the event, by reading the web logs (blogs) of our three dynamite speakers: