Credit: CCPL
Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) officially opened the Baxter-Patrick James Island Library, located at 1858 South Grimball Road, during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, November 2nd.
“This facility offers the public access to the latest library resources, services and technology while providing features unique to the surrounding James Island community, its history and culture,” Executive Director Angela Craig said. “We're excited to share this beautiful new library with Charleston County residents.”
This facility is the second of five new libraries to open after the passing of a $108.5 million referendum in 2014 calling for new facilities and the renovation and update of the existing branches. The Wando Mount Pleasant Library opened in June.
The new branch was designed by architects Cummings and McCrady, Inc., as well as MSR who handled interior design, and was built by MB Kahn. Construction of the 20,000 square-foot facility began in September 2017. Features include:
- 100-Seat Auditorium
- A study room
- Self-Check Kiosks and Automated Materials Handling
- Digital Media (Recording and Editing) Lab
- Digital Preservation Equipment
- DJ Station with Turntables
- Creative Studios/Makerspace equipped with several tools including sewing machines, a Cricut, art materials and more
- Storytime Room
- Teen Lounge with Gaming Area
- Outdoor Reading Areas
- Cultural Path and Genealogy Corner
- Learning (Computer) Lab
The ribbon cutting ceremony included speakers from the library and Charleston County Government, as well as elected officials. The ceremony also featured the dedication of portraits of long-time James Island educators Nan C. Baxter and Anna Smalls Patrick. The new library, as well as the elementary school that formerly occupied the library site, were named for Mrs. Baxter and Mrs. Patrick to honor the impact they had on the surrounding community.
In addition to the ribbon cutting, patrons had the opportunity to attend several opening day programs including a special storytime featuring CCPL's mascot, Owlbert, a panel discussion on the Evergreen Cemetery, which is located adjacent to the library property, a Young Adult talk featuring YallFest author Corr
For more information about this library branch and updates on the construction of the other facilities, please visit ccpl.org/construction.
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Press Release
