There is a strong history behind the more than one million African Americans who served during World War II. The South Carolina State Library will explore the stories, struggles, and accomplishments of these soldiers when it hosts A War on Two Fronts: African Americans Fight for Victory at Home and Abroad, an Athenaeum Press traveling exhibition from Coastal Carolina University. A War on Two Fronts is on display now through March 6, 2020. 

Nominate your agency's best publication for a 2019 Notable State Document Award.

Contest deadline: January 10: 2020. Have you ever read a story that changed your life? Literature is a powerful tool that allows us to gain knowledge about the world around us, and understand perspectives we may not have considered before. This is an opportunity to write an author and explain how their writing impacted your world view.

This episode takes us to Nica, La Suerte, retold by Lucy Vicioso-Harris (Bogotá, Colombia), who tells us why playing this audiobook over and over again became one of her most treasured childhood memories, and how moving to Polonia when she was teenager made a positive impact on her life. Furthermore, she offers us her views on early literacy as a vital factor for human well-being. Listen to episodes of BibliObservatory online at Podbean.com today!

If the rain is getting you down and your children can’t get out and trick or treat house to house, stop by the South Carolina State Library at 1500 Senate Street October 31, 2019, between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. for Book or Treat! Our new annual family-friendly event for kids of all ages provides free children’s books and treats (while supplies last) to help celebrate reading and libraries. Children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. It’ll be spooktacular!

Recent ransomware attacks targeting library systems in South Carolina are the latest in a string of attacks affecting local government agencies. The increasing number of these types of attacks highlights the serious importance of making cyber preparedness a significant priority and taking the necessary steps to secure library networks against threats. Being proactive is the most effective defense against ransomware.

The South Carolina State Library is pleased to announce a new series of workshops (December 2019 – March 2020) to be held at regional locations around the state, focusing on basic library skills. The workshops are aimed at library support staff, those who are new to libraries, and individuals who would like to just brush up their skills. Each class will be small and hands-on, with practical material for everyday library work. Participants may attend one or more topics throughout the series. Most workshops are 10:00 a.m.