Celebrate Your Library

Special Events Coming to RCPL

In 1992, RCPL completed an unprecedented program of expansion, growth and renewed vision. The crowning achievement was the opening of the state-of-the-art Main Library on Assembly Street in downtown Columbia. In the past decade, the lives of countless residents have been enriched through this facility and the entire library system. The Richland County Public Library is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Main Library and the many milestones of the library system with a series of special events.

Sendak Exhibit

From February through mid-May, a special interactive exhibit on Maurice Sendak will be open on the first level of the Main Library. An interactive adventure for children of all ages, this exhibit-“Where the Wild Things Are: Maurice Sendak in His Own Words and Pictures”-invites guests to view the life work of illustrator and writer Maurice Sendak. The exhibit includes photographs, illustrations and hands-on activities. Children will be able to slide into a giant bowl of soup (from Chicken Soup with Rice), steer a miniature version of Max’s ship (from Where the Wild Things Are) and much more.

On February 2, the Annual Meeting of the Friends of RCPL will be held at 6:30 p.m. as a special preview of the exhibit. The exhibit, will be open to the public at no charge from February 3 to May 18 during regular library hours.

Mermaid Theatre

Eric Carle, the creator of brilliantly illustrated and innovatively designed picture books for children, will be the focus of additional events in February.

Students across Richland County will have the opportunity to see Carle’s best-known work The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Very Quiet Cricket come to life onstage. The Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia will be in Columbia to perform its blacklight puppetry production of Carle’s two popular books.

Large, colorful puppets, accompanied by spirited music and the soothing voice of a narrator, tell the tales of a caterpillar who eats his way to becoming a beautiful butterfly and a cricket who finds his voice only when the right cricket comes along.

Nine performances are scheduled for schools, and a public performance will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 15 at the Richland District Two Auditorium, Richland Northeast High School, 7500 Brookfield Rd. General admission only $8 for adults and $5 for children. A special book signing with Eric Carle will be held prior to the public performance from 11 a.m. to noon at the Main Library. Due to Carle's popularity, he will only sign books sold by the Friends of RCPL, there is a limit of three books per person, and unfortunately he will not be able to do any personalization. Questions? Call (803) 929-3474.

To purchase Mermaid Theatre tickets, call the Friends of RCPL at (803) 929-3474 (Visa, Mastercard and Discover) or send a check to Friends of RCPL, 1431 Assembly St., Columbia SC 29201.

Take a look at our current Kids' Spotlight, featuring the works of both Maurice Sendak and Eric Carle.

Check out these special events and help celebrate your
world-class library

Sunday, February 2p.m. 6:30 p.m.
Friends’ Annual Meeting and Exhibit Preview
“Where The Wild Things Are: Maurice Sendak In His Own Words and Pictures”
A sneak preview of this special interactive exhibit, to be open on the front of the first level of the Main Library, will be held for Friends’ members. 929-3475
Monday, February 3
Public Opening
“Where The Wild Things Are: Maurice Sendak In His Own Words and Pictures”
An interactive adventure for children of all ages. View the life work of illustrator and writer Maurice Sendak through photos, illustrations and hands-on activities. The exhibit will be open to the public at no charge from February 3 to May 18 during regular library hours. Find out more about the exhibit
February 10 - 14
Mermaid Theatre Performances for Schools
Richland County students can see Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Very Quiet Cricket come to life onstage. The Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia will be in Columbia to perform its blacklight puppetry production of Carle’s two popular books. Check with your school regarding participation.
Saturday, February 15
Eric Carle, Book Signing, 11 a.m. to noon
Main Library.
Public Performance, Mermaid Theatre, 1:30p.m.
Richland District Two Auditorium, Richland Northeast High School.
General Admission Only. $8 adults. $5 children.
To charge tickets, call 929-3475 (Visa, MasterCard and Discover)
or send a check to Friends of RCPL, 1431 Assembly St., Columbia, SC, 29201. Find out more about Eric Carle's visit
Saturday, March 1, 7 p.m.
A Tisket, A Tasket . . . A Literary Basket
A major Friends’ fundraiser, this silent and live auction brings together nearly 200 people who share the love of books, libraries, travel, sports and cultural events. Each year, about 100 baskets containing books and other treats are auctioned.
April 5
Friends’ Spring Book Sale and Preview
Preview for Friends’ members only: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Friday, April 4
Public Sale: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.., Saturday, April 5
April 25 - 26
A(ugusta) Baker’s Dozen - A Celebration of Stories
This annual festival brings to life the world of storytelling and children’s literature. This year’s featured guest is Vera Williams, the creator of many distinguished and beloved picture books.
Sunday, May 18
Final Day of Sendak Exhibit