Executive Director's Notes

April 8, 2010

Not only has Charleston experienced one of the coldest winters in many years, but the economy has had a rather "chilling" effect on most non-profits as well. So it is pleasant to be able to say that the Library Society has stayed very "warm" thanks to the energy expended by its hard-working staff. Every day, I am more indebted to the talent, professionalism, and generosity of spirit exhibited by the people who care for this wonderful institution.

My own energies have been focused on an expanding learning curve. For instance, I now know there is a difference between preserving and conserving. As we delve deeper into our collections, we witness the ramification of possessing books and manuscripts that were genuinely used and handled by patrons of the Library Society. What we consider to be very valuable items (such as Buffon's 1793 Natural History of Birds) were once checked out and circulated on a regular basis. The result is that many volumes are in need of serious help. We have taken care to preserve our collections by having them stored in safe conditions - which involved the costly replacement of the entire HVAC system in the Ripley-Ravenel Building in March. However, despite our dedicated preservation, many of the volumes and manuscripts now require conservation, which will involve reactive repair. Many vie for conservation, including: Catesby, Charles Darwin's journals from the HMS Beagle, and, as mentioned in this newsletter's Help Conserve a Deserving Treasure, even our George Washington letters need to be transferred to non-acidic paper. At times it is a daunting challenge, but as we create a prioritized wish list, we will conserve items that can be exhibited and enjoyed again.

On a far more positive note, as people rediscover this special place, membership, programs, and attendance have grown at a healthy rate. In fact, new memberships rose by 140% between December and March. Our community outreach has taken a number of forms this year, as evidenced by our very busy events calendar. The Poetry Society will now make the Library Society its home, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and the Charleston Academy of Music are exploring ways to schedule more concerts here, and we've established a partnership with the Gibbes Museum to offer a children's program. Event attendance has increased by almost 320% with speakers such as Pat Conroy, Bernard Cornwell and John Avlon attracting standing-room-only crowds.

The enthusiasm of our members has been contagious in other ways, too. This week we received an anonymous challenge that will match all new and increased memberships and donations in 2010 up to $25,000. It is wonderfully validating to have someone believe that we are a vibrant cultural center worthy of such support.

Under the thoughtful guidance of President Ben Moore, the Board of Trustees has been equally engaged and active. A Strategic Planning Committee, chaired by Steve Gates, met throughout the fall and winter. At the January 9th Board Retreat, a comprehensive plan was adopted enthusiastically that broadens the mission, encourages the expansion of our membership, and establishes a vision that will build on the values of the marvelous institution we have inherited.

Please come often and take advantage of the lovely setting and its treasures.

Anne Walker Cleveland
Executive Director
Charleston Library Society