The South Carolina State Library promotes the development of effective library programs to encourage the reading and educational achievement of the state's children and youth through local public libraries. Among its major projects for children is the development and coordination of the statewide summer reading program, which involves approximately 130,000 children annually through local libraries. A youth services consultant provides advisory services to all South Carolina public libraries. This service includes help with planning, collection development, programming, promotion and other aspects of work with children, young adults and families. Workshops and other training are also provided. A series of booklists for parents and children provide guidance in selection of good books to read.

• Educational Game Technology Program

  The SC State Library maintains a collection of educational games that may be reserved by South Carolina public libraries for programs. Libraries will need to complete a reservation form to reserve the equipment for specific dates.

• Letters About Literature

  A national reading and writing promotion program sponsored by the South Carolina Center for the Book, the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, and Target.

• Summer Reading Program

  The purpose of the program is to encourage children to enjoy reading during the summer and to discover some of the many wonderful children’s books available in libraries. Children can join the reading program at their local public library and earn rewards for reading during the school vacation.

Resources for Librarians, Teachers and Families

Booklists by reading level

• Chapter Books (pdf)
• Picture Books (pdf)
• Beginning Readers (pdf)
• Born to Read (pdf)
• Bilingual (pdf)

Family literacy resources

• Letter Knowledge (pdf)
• Narrative Skills (pdf)
• Phonological Awareness (pdf)
• Print Awareness (pdf)
• Print Motivation (pdf)
• Vocabulary (pdf)

• Literacy On The Go: Tips, ideas, and activities that help encourage early literacy for busy families ... on the go! (pdf)

Additional Resources:

• Web Resources for Children's Services

  The South Carolina State Library compiles a list of Web resources related to children services for children's and young adult librarians.

• Web Resources for Teens' Services

  The South Carolina State Library compiles a list of Web resources related to young adult services for children's and young adult librarians.

• Listservs

  E-mail discussion groups with interests in children's literature, programming ideas, book reviews and more.

Related Documents:

Some of the documents below require a PDF viewer:

• Youth Services Guidelines

  Summary: A tool for public libraries to use to evaluate current services for children and teens and to help with planning for the future.

For additional information, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Library Development Services Director, South Carolina State Library.