Smokey Bear Day

A black and white photo of two young girls with a Smokey Bear doll

August 9, 2022 marks Smokey Bear's 78th birthday!

The Smokey Bear doll featured in this photo is part of our collection; libraries used it for the Summer Reading Club in the 1950s. The Ad Council and Forest Service commissioned artist Albert Staehle to create the fictional character to help prevent forest fires.

Smokey's popularity remains strong, and so does the effort to protect America's land. Check out the resources below from our collection to learn more about South Carolina forests and watch this video for an up close and personal look at Smokey Bear.

Forestry Resources in our Digital Collection

Upcoming Event

Photo of the writer Mary Martha Greene next to a copy of her book, The Cheese Biscuit Queen, Kiss My Aspic!

Mary Martha Greene, The Cheese Biscuit Queen, Presents Homemade Food Gifts for the Holidays

December 4, 2025, 3:00 PM
Join us at our next Speaker at the Center series on Thursday, December 4th, at 3 p.m. for an author talk and demonstration with Mary Martha Greene, The Cheese Biscuit Queen. She will highlight recipes from her latest release, "Kiss My Aspic!" Greene will highlight recipes that make excellent homemade holiday gifts!