Welcome to Richland County Public Library online! A tremendous variety of materials and services are available at your library, including research tools, book reviews, downloadable audiobooks and much more.

While change is inevitable, nowhere is this more true than in libraries. The variety and format of RCPL resources have changed dramatically with new technologies, but the public library is still the first place most people go for information.

Usage at RCPL has never been higher—circulation, total units of service and the number of people visiting the libraries are all at least 10 percent higher than last year. With the current economy, I expect library usage to continue to climb.

Specifically in 2008, your library:

  • Provided free programs, events and Summer Reading Clubs for all ages that attracted more than 95,000. 

 • Saw usage of all library facilities increase, including the more than 51,000 people who visited The Link, Ballentine, RCPL’s newest facility that opened in December 2007.

  • Saw record participation from volunteers, with nearly 800 children, teens and adults contributing more than 15,000 hours valued at $250,000. 

 • Celebrated the 15th anniversary of the Main Library in downtown Columbia and the expansion of facilities and services throughout the county with a series of special events that attracted more than 1,000 people. The events were made possible by the Friends of RCPL.

More change is coming in 2009, when I retire April 3 after nearly 30 years with RCPL. Having worked with wonderfully supportive Boards of Trustees and the most talented and professional staff to be found anywhere, I consider myself so very fortunate. The library board is committed to finding the right person to take charge of the bright future that is in store for RCPL and the community it serves.

C. David Warren

Executive Director