GOOD NEWS: Library meetings, Artisans Series, Riley fellows

Library architects seek input for new branches

The Charleston County Public Library wants you to share your thoughts on what new and renovated libraries, approved overwhelmingly in November in a bond referendum, should be.

Architects are developing a plan that lists what kind of spaces and services should be in each of the five new libraries, and they need your input. Residents have options at five meetings between now and Oct. 1 to share ideas on what kind of services and technologies should be in the children’s area, the reference area, meeting rooms, study rooms, display areas and more.

Here are the dates, times and locations of the meetings:

• Monday, September 14 at 7 p.m., new St. Paul’s Branch Library(replaces St. Paul’s/Hollywood Branch): Meeting is at the E.B. Ellington Elementary Cafeteria, 5540 Old Jacksonboro Rd., Ravenel.
• Thursday, September 17 at 7 p.m., new West Ashley/Bees Ferry Branch Library: Meeting is at West Ashley High School Auditorium, 4060 West Wildcat Blvd., Charleston.
• Monday, September 21 at 7 p.m., new Pinehaven Branch Library (replaces Cooper River Memorial Branch): Meeting is at Cooper River Memorial Branch, 3503 Rivers Ave., North Charleston.
• Monday, September 28 at 7 p.m., new Ten Mile/Carolina Park Branch Library: Meeting is at Wando High School Cafeteria, 1000 Warrior Way, Mount Pleasant.
• Thursday, October 1 at 7 p.m., new James Island Branch(replaces James Island Branch): Meeting is at James Island Elementary School Media Center, 1872 Grimball Road, Charleston.

Voters approved a referendum to spend $108.5 million to build five new branch libraries, renovate 13 existing branches and move support services out of the Main Library to free up more space for the public. A major focus includes upgrading technology by adding self check-out kiosks, more public computers and the latest equipment in public meeting rooms.

Charleston County has hired Charleston-based architectural firm Cummings & McCrady Inc. to oversee this planning phase. Several other architectural firms are involved, including library-planning specialists McMillan Pazden Smith from Greenville.

To learn more about the construction and renovation plan, view a map and see a breakdown of the estimated costs, click here. Residents unable to attend a meeting can send comments to letusknow@ccpl.org.

Other good news:

Charleston Artisans Series: Trident Technical College Division of Continuing Education and Economic Development will offer a new series of workshops, The Charleston Artisans Series, to showcase local talent and give them a venue to share their stories. The series will be held weekly from Sept. 15 to Dec. 2 and feature local musicians, writers, poets, storytellers and artisans. Each workshop costs $19-$29 to participate and take place at Trident Technical College’s Main Campus in North Charleston and Palmer Campus in downtown Charleston. More: Contact Daphne Holland at 843.574.6655.

Diversity Leaders Initiative. The Riley Institute at Furman University last week announced its 10^th class of fellows from the Lowcountry. The program, which has graduated 1,500 fellows from across the state, offers case studies and other experiential learning tools to maximize interactions and productive relationships to encourage people to take part in positive community action. Learn more.

Among those from the Charleston area who have been picked to participate are:

• Rita Berry, president/CEO, Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce, Summerville
• Michael Bobby, chief Finance, Operating and Capital Programs office, Charleston County School District, North Charleston
• Cindy Bohn Coats, chair, Charleston County School District Board of Trustees, North Charleston
• Adair Boroughs, law clerk, U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, Charleston
• Bryan Boroughs, general counsel and director of legislative affairs, Institute for Child Success, Charleston
• Bobby Collins, senior vice president, PURE Insurance, Charleston
• Lydia Cotton, North Charleston
• Kelly Cusanelli, Senior Deputy Director, SCRA, Summerville
• Hamilton Davis, SC Coastal Conservation League, Charleston
• Julia-Ellen Davis, Trustee, South Carolina First Steps, Charleston
• Eddie Driggers, chief of police, North Charleston
• Mark Edington, chief operating officer, Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, North Charleston
• Kenyatta Gardner, attorney, Nexsen Pruet, LLC, Charleston
• Courtney Howard, director, Center for Partnerships to Improve Education, College of Charleston, Charleston
• Paul Kohlheim, vice-chair, Tri-County Cradle to Career, Sullivan’s Island
• Amanda Lawrence, vice president, Trident United Way, North Charleston
• Spencer Lynch, managing director, Lynch Cracraft Wealth Management of Raymond James, Charleston
• Melissa Maddox-Evans, general counsel, Housing Authority of City of Charleston
• Madeleine McGee, president, SC Association of Nonprofit Organizations, Sullivan’s Island
• Barbara Melvin, senior vice president, South Carolina Ports Authority, Charleston
• Cynthia Morton, attorney, Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice LLP, Charleston
• Jennifer Murray, senior vice president, South State Bank, Charleston
• Andrea Schenck, co-founder, Pacifica Human Communications, LLC, Charleston
• Arnold Singleton, vice president, Santee Cooper, Moncks Corner
• Martin Skelly, president, SIB Fixed Cost Reduction, Charleston
• Debra Sonkin, principal, Search Advisory Group, Johns Island
• Mike Stebbins, director of operations, SCRA Applied R & D, Summerville
• Melanie Stith, vice president, Roper St. Francis Healthcare, Charleston
• Matt Story, attorney, Clawson & Staubes, LLC, Charleston
• Mindy Sturm, executive director, City of Charleston, MOCYF, Charleston
• Catherine Templeton, president, Brawley Templeton, LLC, Mount Pleasant
• Mary Thornley, president, Trident Technical College, Charleston
• Eric Watson, major, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, North Charleston
• Stewart Weinberg, president, Jewish Community Center of Charleston Board of Directors, Charleston
• Steve Woodward, COO, SAFEmap International, Mount Pleasant