The Board of Trustees of the Oconee County Public Library (OCPL) system announces the appointment of Philip Cheney as its new director, replacing retiring director Sue Baldwin. 

“Philip’s skills and experience are a perfect fit for Oconee,” said W.R. “Biff” Kennedy, chairman of the OCPL board.  “And, it’s always a plus when you can promote from within.” 

As director, Cheney will be responsible for the Oconee County library system, including personnel and financial matters.  He will work with the OCPL board to improve information technology systems, increase material acquisition and communicate library vision and services to Oconee citizens.  He will begin his duties in January.

Cheney, an OCPL employee since 2007, most recently supervised the three branch libraries as well as the bookmobile.  Prior to his Oconee experience, he was on the City Council of Anderson and served as head of Public Services of the Anderson County Library.   He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Saint Andrews Presbyterian College and a Masters of Library Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

The Oconee system includes library branches in Salem, Seneca, Walhalla, and Westminster and the bookmobile that serves the more rural areas of the county.  In addition to its role in lending books, OCPL offers free Wi-Fi and computer access at all branches as well as popular year-round children and youth programs. OCPL’s mission is to connect the county’s diverse communities with information resources that enrich, enlighten and entertain.

For additional information, please contact Biff Kennedy at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 864-882-1477 or Philip Cheney at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 864-638-4133.