Good day from Little River, SC and the
Little River Chamber of Commerce! I can't believe we're half way through February. We have enjoyed some mild weather so I hope you have been out and about visiting some of Little River's restaurants and shopping locations. When you do get out, you should will visit one of our local libraries. When it's chilly outside, having a good read is certainly a good way to pass the time.
Here is some information that may interest you:
Libraries have lots for snowbirds to check out
By Steve Palisin
"The Strand’s winter vacationers who seek access to books, DVDs, community programs and computers to make them feel more at home for the season find them at area libraries.
“It is wonderful,” said Briget Livingston, director of the city of Myrtle Beach’s Chapin Memorial Library. She said besides the local population checking out the various programs available at Chapin Library, the increase in patronage from snowbirds extends the library’s reach and its value to the community. “We have started offering computer classes,” Livingston said, “and they are taking advantage of that – anything from the basics of using a mouse. People who have never used the computers are coming to learn.”
Georgetown County Library tallies its highest traffic from winter vacationers at its Waccamaw Neck branch in Pawleys Island and main branch in Georgetown, said Heather Pelham, public service librarian for the system. “Our programs get even more vibrant,” she said. “We have a lot of interested folks checking things out and lots of new faces.”
Pelham called this period from winter into spring “more exciting than ever” with the library system’s continuing events and “one-shot deals” such as the Mardi Gras night. Most programs are free, she said: “That’s the beauty of the libraries.”
The availability of computers and other resources for which people cannot afford magnifies their importance. “With the recession, our library use continues to climb,” Pelham said.
That also lets the public remain active in getting more high-tech, especially through patrons obtaining a password for free wi-fi usage in the branches, and use of computer desks that are “always chock full” of people.
Clifton Boyer, director of libraries for Horry County Memorial Library, based in Conway, said its Surfside Beach and North Myrtle Beach branches – both of which opened in expanded, larger quarters last year – entertain the highest counts of winter vacationers in the system.
Shelley Rideout, branch manager in North Myrtle Beach for almost three decades, said officials there see many “loyal snowbirds who come back year after year.” Besides moving into a bigger site, the library has a 24-unit computer lab and more room for programs, such as free legal seminars.
“They’ve found the new building,” she said. “They blink, look around and go ‘Wowwwwwww.’?”
Rideout said regulars hail from places such as Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Canada and even a few from Florida. The bitterly cold winter last year also prompted more vacationers to extend their stays, which spurred further usage of the library.
Retirees also have latched on to electronic books, Rideout said, “and they’re walking into the technical future, unafraid. They’re ready to do it.” Popular fiction never loses its lustre, Rideout said, and borrowing of DVD movies stays steady, offering prime pastimes for everyone, especially folks on holiday."
Not only does our area have access to books, Little River also boasts some of the best restaurants and shopping. We also offer fishing, boating and of course, golf. If you need information about current events, tourism, Chamber Memberships, or services in Little River, please be sure to visit
www.littleriverchamber.org.
I think I'll visit the North Myrtle Beach Library myself and I hope you will too.
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