Library Residents
The library's budding residency program connects the community with local working artists, entrepreneurs and writers.
Artist-in-Residence:
Richland Library’s Artist-in-Residence Program aims to connect the community with local working artists and to provide creative and educational opportunities to the community in a way that supports cultural and artistic exchange.
Created in 2015, the residency program gives artists, performers and makers of all types and disciplines the ability to work freely in their own studio space, share their works and artistic process with the community and provide learning opportunities and programs for library customers.
Current Resident:
Chuck Brown
Graphic Novel Writer and Creator
January - June 2024
Office Hours:
Wednesdays from 10 - 2 p.m.
Richland Library Main
Chuck Brown is an is an Eisner and multiple Ringo winning writer. He has written The Punisher, Wolverine, and Black Panther comics for Marvel. He also has written Superman, Black Manta, and Aquaman for DC comics. He’s currently writing Disney Villains for Dynamite entertainment. Chuck is the writer and creator of On the Stump, Flawed, and Co-Writer and Co-Creator of Bitter Root for Image Comics. Bitter Root is being adapted as a live action film by Legendary Pictures. Ryan Coogler (Black Panther), Zinzi Evans, and Sev Ohanian will produce the film. Raised in Latta SC, where one of his first jobs was in the local library. Chuck went to college and settled in Columbia SC, where he currently resides.
"As a passionate comic book writer and creator, I am excited to propose a residency at the Richland Library that will engage the local community in the art of storytelling and promoting mental health through comic creation. By offering a variety of artful opportunities, I aim to inspire creativity, mindfulness, and a deeper appreciation for this art form." - Chuck Brown
Chuck's residency will include writing workshops and programming that allow comic lovers, writers and artists of all ages to work hands-on to learn the basics of comic book creation and storytelling, He is also excited to work with the community on a comic creation challenge, encouraging library patrons to create their own comic strips to be shared and displayed through the library, fostering a sense of community achievement and recognition.
Entrepreneur-in-Residence:
The library's Entrepreneur-in-Residence supports, mentors, and educates new entrepreneurs and budding start-ups through office hours and public programs—building an ecosystem that sustains the development and growth of future entrepreneurs in the region. The program also aims to connect entrepreneurs with peers who have successfully designed, launched and run a new business venture.
Current Resident:
Michele Dugar
February - May 2024
Meet with Michele | Find An Event
Michele Dugar is both an educator and a practitioner when it comes to marketing, innovation, and entrepreneurship. She is the founder of an award-winning marketing firm and a company that produces niche children's products. Michele has over 25 years of experience as a business professor at Benedict College and the University of South Carolina. As a certified instructor of entrepreneurship and a Small Business Center advisor, she has helped many entrepreneurs launch and expand their businesses.
During her residency, she’ll share her expertise with entrepreneurs and small business owners through an array of free programs and one-on-one coaching sessions.
Made possible thanks to funding:
Writer-in-Residence:
Noted children’s author, Dinah Johnson, served as the library's first Writer-in-Residence from September 2015 - November 2016.
The South Carolina native held weekly office hours at Richland Library Main--interacting with aspiring authors of all ages. Known for her poetic stories, including Black Magic, Johnson gathered inspiration from her surroundings during her residency and applied it to numerous projects.