Friends of the Hilton Head Library
With a mission to promote literacy and encourage the pursuit of lifelong learning using the Hilton Head Island library’s resources, Friends of the Hilton Head Library raises funds through private donations, book donations and book sales.
The funds help the Hilton Head Island library deliver premier public services and resources for our community that are not anticipated to be available from county and state funding, like online subscriptions to the New York Times, books for the Lucky Day Collection, and lanyards for children’s library cards.
Some contributions made in 2022 include:
• A subscription to an online Lego robotics program.
• A new easel and craft materials.
• A balloon installation that reflected the summer reading theme of “Oceans of Possibilities.”
• A wheelchair to assist patrons with limited mobility.
• New chairs for staff to use at the circulation desks.
• Funds for musical events and literary speakers.
• Continued support and funding for Bookmobile community outreach.
• Funds for continuing education for the library staff.
The community is always top of mind. Friends of the Library purchased the Bookmobile, which services Hilton Head and the southern portion of Beaufort County. Recently it donated hundreds of books to be props in The Lean Ensemble Theater’s production of “Educating Rita.” Friends of the Library partners with the Arts Center and provides books for Free Little Libraries in the area.
It participates in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Italian Fest supporting the Beaufort County Library.
Literacy is its focus. Throughout the year Friends of the Library sponsors many programs. In January and February it completed its first-ever Artist in Residence Program, a four-week writing workshop.
Friends of the Library funds author events like Cassandra King and John Caher, who came to speak in February about their most recent work. In the summer Friends of the Library will help fund the activities, prizes, and programs for the annual summer reading program.
It helps support the library staff as well with an annual scholarship for a Beaufort County Staff member who wants to pursue a master’s degree in library science.
