Issuu

2026

JUL/AUG

ACTIVITY REPORT

This Activity Report is not all-inclusive, but highlights Anderson County Library System activities for the last 2 months - aligning them to our 2026 - 2029 strategic goals - to show the forward progress of our shared strategic plan.

Expanded Hours at Locations Expanded Marketing

More Physical and Digital Items

Better Internal Communication

More LEAP Station Items Remote Card Renewal

EXPANDING ACCESS

IMPROVING COMMUNICATION

A PLACE TO BELONG

OUTREACH & COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Improved Onboarding & Training

Programs at Accessible Times

Enhance the Main Library Environment Innovative Adult & Senior Programming

Expanded Bookmobile & Outreach

Expanded Youth & Teen Programming

Community Partnership Programs

Standardized Look & Customer Service

Sponsorship Opportunities

Building Improvements

OUR STRATEGIC FOCUS 2026 – 2029

24/4 LOCKERS: PENDLETON

We cut the ribbon on our 24/7 pickup lockers at the Pendleton Branch, expanding access to library materials.

LEAP STATION: SC AQUARIUM PASSES We added 5 passes to the SC Aquarium to our LEAP Station collection. 3 are available at the Main Library, 1 at the Pendleton Branch and 1 at the Powdersville Branch. If these circulate well, we plan to add an additional 5 passes at other branch locations. Patrons eagerly borrow from our LEAP Stations and expanding this collection allows access to materials and experiences beyond traditional library offerings.

PROGRAMS FOR SENIORS We’re strengthening senior-focused programming by offering a diverse mix of activities that support health, social connection, lifelong learning, technology skills, and creativity. Our July and August events included 81 senior-focused program offerings, with a particularly strong emphasis on accessible health and fitness activities such as Chair Yoga, OverEasy Exercise, and Practical Strength. We’re also creating opportunities for connection and recreation through Scrabble, BUNCO, board games, crafts, and book discussions, while partnership programs such as AARP Tech Time for Seniors and Tech Help at Baptist Village help older adults build confidence with technology. Importantly, these programs are taking place across multiple library locations - including Belton, Lander Memorial, Pendleton, and Honea Path - as well as through outreach, allowing us to meet seniors where they are and provide opportunities for engagement beyond the traditional library setting. Together, these offerings demonstrate our commitment to making the library a place where older adults can stay active, stay connected, keep learning, and participate in their community. The library is a Place to Belong.

ENHANCING THE ENVIRONMENT Even before our Main Library Space Utilization Study got underway, we had identified a problem area on the second floor of the Main Library. In front of the conference rooms, there was a bank of wooden study carrels containing six public computers. The individual carrels kept the staff from having a clear view of the conference rooms and the three computers closest to them. Patrons using the computers on the back side felt comfortable eating and even sleeping in relative obscurity, and they frequently left messes behind. We solved this with some creative furniture rearrangement. We removed the carrels and replaced them with two semicircular computer tables we had in storage. Placing them around a pillar gave us better sightlines from both the Info Desk and the ECC Desk. The tables allow the computers to be angled so patrons cannot see their neighbors’ screens, but there are no dividers to hide behind. Removing the carrels opened up the space in front of the conference rooms, allowing us to add a table in this area with access to power, while keeping the same number of computers available. The change feels more spacious, yet allows more patrons to use the space simultaneously.

CHAPTER CHASERS Innovative Adult Programming We started the Chapter Chasers Adult Reading Challenge in 2025 to engage adult readers and attract them to the library with interesting book-related programming. In 2026 we added Silent Book Clubs at the Pendleton Library and the Main Library, along with book bingo and book discussion events at other branches, where patrons can talk about the books they’ve read and get recommendations from fellow Chapter Chasers. Our Evening with a Librarian programs continue to be popular; the next one, on October 1, will feature several librarians sharing their favorite books and authors that fit different prompts. Attendees will leave with lots of ideas for books to fill their missing prompts. As of September 1, 312 adults had enrolled in Chapter Chasers 2026, and 32 had completed the challenge. All completers can choose between a tote bag or a zipper pouch with the Chapter Chasers branding, and are entered to win one of three grand prizes to be awarded in December.

NIGHT AT THE LIBRARY In July and August we continued our Summer ‘Night at the Library’ events. We had a combined turnout of 202 people for ‘Music Night’ and ‘Game Night’. Attendees participated in fun activities like line dancing, silent disco, trivia, bingo, board games, an UNO tournament, and more! This was the first series of after hours programs we offered and our crowds had a great time. By offering programs at accessible times, we are creating additional opportunities for our community members to connect at the library.

TEEN ROBOTICS TEAM

Bosch Fund representative Roula Adonakis visited Teen Robotics Camp in July.

Our Robotics Team was started in 2022 with just a few participants and limited materials. Over the last several years, we have grown in skill, resources, and members! Over the seasons, our team has been awarded: Multiple design, innovation, skill, and excellence awards. Our 2025 team won the State Championship and attended the World Championship! The 2026 season is just getting started, and we currently have 16 teens participating on 2 teams. 8 of our members are new to the library!

‘Worlds’ competitors (from our 2025 season), Cara, is now our student Engineering Notebook Consultant, and Nadia is now our Equipment Manager. They are passionate about robotics and guiding junior team members.

We are grateful for local sponsors like, Bosch, who assist with fees and equipment. Wish us luck on another amazing robotics season!

EXPANDED TEEN PROGRAMS Expanding Teen Programming at Lander Memorial Library

In July and August, we expanded teen programming at Lander Memorial Library with the launch of Teen Time, a new recurring program designed to give local teens more opportunities to connect, have fun, and engage with the library. Teen Time kicked off in July with an Anime Night, where 9 teens enjoyed Japanese waffles and boba tea while spending time together. In August, 7 teens returned for Game Night, featuring basketball and plastic axe throwing. Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with teens expressing enthusiasm for the new program and interest in future activities. The program also provided an opportunity for the Teen Department at Anderson Main Library to collaborate with Lander Memorial staff - supporting our commitment to stronger internal communication and resource sharing. Staff worked together to brainstorm program ideas, share supplies, and promote Teen Time at the Main Library. As we move forward, we hope to build on this collaboration and expand teen programming across the county, creating more opportunities for branches to share ideas, resources and supplies while providing teens throughout Anderson County with engaging programs close to home.

SUMMER READING PARTNERS Summer Reading 2026 has wrapped up with roaring good times for kids all around the county! One of the highlights of the summer was the many community partners who gave their time and provided access to unique resources as part of entertaining and free programs for kids at all of our branches. These collaborations supported our strategic goal of expanding Community Partnerships. They also supported our goal of A Place to Belong by expanding new programs that provided out-of-school learning opportunities in our branches.

Some of our partners include Friends' volunteer, Janeen Miklos, who brought her wide collection of puppets to all branches to teach children about the many still living relatives of the dinosaurs. Kids then had a chance to create their own puppet.

Iris Barham and her family own and operate Milky Way Farm in Starr. Iris brought a calf to many of our branches during June to celebrate Dairy Month. Kids enjoyed themed stories and a chance to safely interact with a calf up close, while learning more about the path of safe and nutritious food from a local dairy farm to their kitchen table.

The Clemson University Arthropod Museum brought the Miniature Museum to several branches this summer. The traveling collection of 100 specimens included insects, pests, and invasive species while tying into the Summer Reading theme of “Unearth Your Story!”

Sponsors We coudn’t make Summer Reading a success without the generous support of community sponsors! Our sponsors this year provided the funding for our finisher prizes.

SUMMER READING WRAP-UP

Families enjoyed our stand-alone Summer Reading Guide with over 4,750 printed copies distributed. The digital version was read 1,985 times.

Highlights

Enrollment Listeners: 680 (26% YoY) Readers: 1,016 (9% YoY) Teens: 170 (27% YoY) Completion Listeners: 220 (24% YoY) Readers: 322 (7% YoY) Teens: 67 (34% YoY)

• The Summer Reading Program had more participation in 2026. • Teens were a success story with strong teen engagement over the prior year. • Participants stayed engaged. Program attendance rose a whopping 60% over the 2025 Summer Reading Program attendance. 4,385 people attended our Summer Reading programs

STORYBOOK SERIES We partnered with the City of Anderson, and Market Theatre to bring a series of 7 performances based on beloved stories to Linley Park. Families enjoyed gathering on Saturday mornings, once a month from March to September, to watch talented actors bring stories to life! Forming partnerships to further literacy, and making it accessible to the community, is advancing our ‘Outreach & Community Partnerships’ strategic goal.

MIDNIGHT FLIGHT 5K Our library running team, TEAM 796.42, booked it to the finish line in our 4th annual participation of the Midnight Flight 5k. We enjoyed meeting attendees and sharing what we love about the library!

SCHOOL SUPPLY DONATIONS

+ We partnered with Anderson County Sheriff’s Office on a school supply drive. We collected lots of needed items for families to relieve some back to school financial pressure for families in our community.

OUTREACH & MOBILE SERVICES The Anderson County Library System’s Bookmobile and library staff have been hitting the road to bring library awareness and services directly into the community. In July and August, we participated in 17 community outreach events, including Storybook Series events at Linley Park, tech help sessions at Baptist Village Apartments, Art Center Outreach, Arthrex Academy Storytime, Children’s Outdoor Fun Day, Last Splash of Summer, the Spring Water Festival, Midnight Flight, Family Literacy Celebration at the Champions Center, and numerous back-to-school events! These events gave us opportunities to connect with community members, share information about library services, issue new cards, answer questions, and connect patrons with library resources. The Bookmobile continues to provide regular stops for patrons who may not be able to easily access a library branch. We made 48 service stops in July and August. Our fall schedule has also expanded to include additional stops at Sandy Springs Community Park, Anderson 5 Charter School, Baptist Village Apartments, TerraBella Marchbanks, Morningside of Anderson, and Pelzer First Baptist Church/The Village Co-op. We continue to serve patrons in locations such as Sylvara Anderson, Roberts Presbyterian Church, DG Market in Townville, The Legacy of Anderson, Liberty Oaks Academy, the Adult Education Center, and Northlake Condominiums. The continued growth of both our outreach activities and Bookmobile schedule reflects the Library’s ongoing commitment to expanding its presence throughout Anderson County.

CERT TRAINING Library Director, Annie and Head of Human Resources, Crystal, attended Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training offered by Anderson County Emergency Management. CERT training equips people with the skills needed to care for themselves and assist their neighbors until emergency personnel arrive. When sponsored by a local government agency or recognized organization, CERT-trained volunteers may also support local authorities when emergency response resources are overwhelmed following a major disaster. Before, during, and after emergencies, CERT volunteers may assist by: Ensuring personal and family safety Checking on neighbors and community members Sharing preparedness information Supporting emergency operations centers Assisting with light debris removal Helping manage volunteers, donations, and crowds

FALL SEED LIBRARY The Summer/Fall Seed Library opened July 1st and patrons are digging in. 2,316 Seed packets have been checked out from the Main Library Seed Catalog with more checking out daily. 1,310 seed envelopes checked out from Traveling Seed Totes so far. The Seed Library is a partnership with Anderson County Soil and Water. It is an educational project that provides the public an opportunity to learn about the importance of growing their own food, eating healthy, environmental stewardship, promoting green space and plant diversity, while encouraging families to get outdoors.

OFFICE PODS: LANDER BRANCH

We’re excited to announce that Anderson County Library System has been awarded an LSTA Impact Grant! The grant funds will be used to purchase two soundproof office pods for the Lander Memorial Library Branch in Williamston, SC one two-person pod and one single-person pod. Lander Memorial currently does not have dedicated study rooms, but students, tutors, remote workers and other community members regularly use the library as a place to work and study. The new office pods will provide flexible, technology-friendly spaces for studying, tutoring, remote work, job interviews, telehealth appointments, virtual meetings and more. Because the library leases its building and space is limited, major renovations to create traditional study rooms aren’t feasible. The office pods offer a practical way to make better use of the existing space while expanding access to the kinds of quiet, private spaces our community needs. We are targeting a November public unveiling.

MAGIC DESKTOP We launched Magic Desktop at all library locations on July 6th. Magic Desktop is an ‘edutainment platform’ for children ages 2-12. Magic Desktop computers are a safe, closed environment designed exclusively for kids. Parents can be sure their kids are limited to age-appropriate content. The platform is filled with thousands of engaging and educational activities. From virtual puzzles and STEM games, to learning ABCs and practicing fine motor skills, Magic Desktop helps kids learn and grow. Families are very enthusiastic about the computers, and kids are having fun while they learn.

INCREASED SECURITY Electronic Staff Badges have been issued to all members of staff. Electronic badges provide an added layer of security for the building, while also making it easier for patrons to identify library employees. Badges clearly display each staff member’s name and department, so patrons quickly recognize staff who can offer assistance.