We did not realize that sediment could be serene until it was time to select the featured state document for July 2021 and saw the cover of DHEC’s Watershed Plan for Sediment in the South Saluda River. This plan helps identify causes and sources of water quality impairments, assess them, and develop a plan to address them. Colorful graphics and images, and a detailed breadth of information make this plan easy to navigate and follow. 

We cannot begin a new school year without celebrating our 2020/2021 Letters About Literature contest winners. The young writers composed letters to their favorite authors; they are prime examples of the creativity that flourishes throughout South Carolina. Congratulations to these students, their teachers, and their families.

     Lauren Boylston - Bluffton

     Mady Green - Okatie

The June 2021 list of new South Carolina state documents is available. Scaling the list to feature just one publication proved difficult, with so many informative, colorful, and creative documents available.

You never know where state documents might pop up. Our Digital Projects Coordinator found this 1930s annual report in an antique shop in Columbia. It is from the Division of Maternal and Child Health, part of the South Carolina State Board of Health. The State Board of Health operated from 1878-1972 before becoming what we know today as the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).

Our emergency preparedness toolkit is available; we sent it to all South Carolina public library directors last week. The kit guides staff in preparing for, reacting during, and responding to almost any disaster or emergency. 

This kit helps library staff develop or deepen relationships with external agencies to collaborate when emergencies happen effectively. The blank spaces let you customize the kit to your library’s specific building information and community and emergency contacts. 

The University of South Carolina Honors College is proud to showcase selections from the 8th annual South Carolina High School Writing Contest. Featuring submissions from high school juniors and seniors from across the state, the works are edited by Honors students from the SCHC 384 course. For a complete list of winners, please visit the Writing South Carolina web page.

Today, on what would have been Eric Carle’s 92nd birthday, we are celebrating his books and artwork. This morning we created our own Very Hungry Caterpillar and many of our library’s staff members are holding copies of their favorite Eric Carle books.

Next week we take you on a social media scavenger hunt, leading up to the release of our latest “must-have” library resource. Beginning Monday, follow us on social media as we help you track down the emergency preparedness necessities in your library. Share your discoveries using the hashtag #SCSLSafetyHunt. We can’t wait to see what you find!

Denise Lyons, Deputy Director of Statewide Development, is elected to the IFLA Health and Biosciences Libraries Section. Her term will begin in August 2021 and run through August 2025. This Section Standing Committee is a part of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) governing body, the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users. It is the global voice of the library and information profession.