Executive Director's Notes

December 22, 2009

Heinrich Mann once said that, “A house without books is like a room without windows.” The Charleston Library Society is blessed to have books by the thousands as well as large, lovely windows that allow the late winter sunshine to add a warm hue to the interior. The tranquility masks a great deal of activity at this wonderful institution.

The last few months have bustled with change. The buildings are getting long-overdue repairs to the roofs, the windows, and the electrical system. The HVAC system will be replaced in the next few months to ensure the safety of the collections in the vaults, and we have begun the exciting process of moving the children’s library to a new space on the ground floor of the main building. A team of young parents has worked enthusiastically to get paint and carpeting donated (Thank you Mescons and Frank Lee), and the artistic talents of Whitney Kreb will be put to work painting murals that will highlight favorite Charleston children’s books such as The Country Bunny. When the move is finalized in early January, we will launch a children’s program in conjunction with the Gibbes Museum. In addition, the brand new reader-printer and microfilm readers will be moved to a new Research and Writing Center in the Ripley/Ravenel building.

Our intellectual and social programs have been equally busy. The Young Professionals have met several times, and we hosted a reception for the Coastal Community Foundation’s Griffith – Reyburn Artist of the Year Award. Our first speaker was internationally renowned author, Bret Lott, who has graciously agreed to offer a writing program this winter and spring at the Library Society. He was followed by Lisa Sanders, whose book, Every Patient Tells a Story has been a best-seller and the inspiration for the TV series, House. In early December, we hosted a reception for Pat Conroy, shortly after Mayor Joe Riley proclaimed December 10 as “Pat Conroy Day.” Following the reception, Mr. Conroy enthralled a sold-out audience at the Gibbes with stories about what has inspired many of his novels.

And music has invaded the Library. In November, the Charleston Academy of Music featured three young musicians, whose young ages (14 and 15) belied their immense talents. On December 12, we were treated to the first (of what we hope will be many) concert performed by members of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra.

As we enter this holiday season, there is much to appreciate. The staff has worked tirelessly to support the many changes that have occurred, and I am fortunate to have them as colleagues and friends. I am grateful to an energized Board of Trustees, whose vision for the future of the Library Society will assure its continued importance to the Charleston community.

We all invite you to visit and take advantage of this jewel in 2010.

Anne W. Cleveland

Events

December 14, 2009

This December the Library Society has hosted three major events, and we thank everyone who attended, and everyone who made them possible. On the 4th we hosted the Bernadette Cali and the Griffith/Reyburn Lowcountry Artist award, presented by the Coastal Community Foundation; the 10th, the Pat Conroy's South of Broad Reception and the mayor's declaration of "Pat Conroy Day"; and Saturday the 12th we hosted the Charleston Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Strings Quartet.

Society News

November 30, 2009

Thanks to Lynn Smith and the SweetSmith Bakery, we've got a great way for you to support the Library this holiday season. Call or stop by the SweetSmith Bakery (843.573.2322, 1124 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., West Ashley), and let them know you want your order to help the Charleston Library Society. You get a delicious pastry, and the Library Society gets a cut of the profit.

Around the Library

October 5, 2009

Check out Director Anne Cleveland's letter published in the Saturday Post and Courier here.

Around the Library

September 28, 2009

Although Thanksgiving is several months off, the Library Society has had such good fortune in the last month, that it is appropriate to express heartfelt thanks.

First, the Programs Committee has launched an exciting Lecture Series, inaugurated by Bret Lott on Thursday, September 24. While he may be famous for his novel Jewel, a number one best-seller and Oprah Winfrey choice in 1999, he is most appreciated as a gifted teacher at the College of Charleston. Entertaining a large audience with stories of his three years as editor of the venerable Southern Review (begun by Robert Penn Warren), Prof. Lott shared the dilemma - if not angst - facing someone trained as a teacher, whose primary motivation is to assist writers/students, being confronted with the necessity to summarily reject over 90% of the manuscripts presented to him for publication. In the Q & A afterwards, he provided interesting insight on those who aspire to have been writers as juxtaposed to those who simply write. Staying on for another hour, he shared a glass of wine with the seventy guests who were loath to let him leave.

Second, the acclaimed raconteur and best-selling novelist,*Pat Conroy*, has agreed to be part of a fund-raiser to support the Library Society and the Gibbes Museum on Thursday, December 10. His offer reflects a love of the literary traditions begun by the Library Society over 260 years ago as well as his extraordinary generosity. The evening will begin with a cocktail reception at the Library, with hors d'oeuvres prepared by (aptly named) Slightly North of Broad, part of the Maverick Group. After an hour or so of mingling with Mr. Conroy, guests will follow the Gateway Walk to join others who look forward to hearing the author's perspectives on South of Broad. Priority reservations and discounts will be given to members of the Library Society and/or the Gibbes Museum. Details will be posted soon, and tickets will be available after October 15.

Also, don't forget to read Sunday's Post and Courier article on Pat Conroy at the CLS here.