Grateful for Caring Volunteers

            The Calhoun County Library is proud to give back to our community—but the truth is, we couldn’t do nearly as much without the support of our gracious volunteers.

            For large events like Cookies with Santa, Boo Bash, and Grow with Me, our ability to serve so many families depends on the extra hands and hearts of volunteers. Without them, we would be forced to limit the number of crafts, snacks, or books we could share. Thankfully, we are blessed with a dedicated group of individuals who generously give their time to serve the county.

            To honor their hard work this year, we hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at the close of our Summer Reading Program—our busiest season of the year. We felt it was important to recognize right away the long, hectic, and successful hours our volunteers poured into helping us. As a small token of gratitude, each volunteer was gifted a tiny Bonsai tree, symbolizing the way they nurture not only these plants, but also the minds and imaginations of the community members they serve.

            Without our volunteers, we simply wouldn’t be the library we are today. To all of our volunteers: thank you. We are truly fortunate and deeply grateful for your continued support.

The Fantastic End

 Calhoun County Library Summer Reading Finale

The Calhoun County Library held the Summer Reading Program Finale to celebrate the accomplishments the participants have completed at the end of July.

On July 31, 2025, after a program with magician and illusionist Jesse Greene, it was time to present the results of a wonderful Summer Reading Program.

First, we gave out Participation Certificates to everyone who registered and logged minutes and gave out Certificates of Excellence (Completion Certificates) to everyone who read 300 minutes or more. This was over 150 certificates designed, printed, and ready to hand out!

·         We had 138 participants in our Summer Reading Program.

·         We had 72 participants complete the challenge.

·         We read 101,176 minutes in total.

Then, we presented the Grand Prizes. For everyone 30 minutes read and logged, the participant got an entry in their respective age category. So someone who read 30 minutes still had a chance to win the end of the Summer Reading Program Grand Prize the same as someone who read 300 minutes, who just had more entries. We had multiple winners and we changed up the prizes this year.

·         Early Literacy: Elizabeth Ott and Lorelei Trotter (LeapPads)

·         Children’s: Rylee Strock and Shana-Yessenia Alvarez (Echo Dots)

·         Teen: Bailey Williams and Laionnah Poole (AirPods)

·         Adult: Heather Hess and Jon Coble (Kindles)

To complete the Summer Reading Program and start getting our county ready to go back to school, The Jeffcoat Law Firm set up a table to give away something amazing: over 150 backpacks filled with essential school supplies. These backpacks were completely free! We would love to thank The Jeffcoat Law Firm for their support and generosity to our community. With school starting, this was a huge help. Thank you, The Jeffcoat Law Firm.

This event still was not over. Of course, we had to give out free books and end the summer with ice cream as they exited the library with all of their other goodies.

The Summer Reading Program is completely free to attend and enjoy. We would like to thank everyone who came and volunteered. This project is made possible by a Library Services and Technology Act grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the South Carolina State Library.

Illusions for Local Summer Reading Program Finale

            The Calhoun County Library was full of magic and tricks that disappeared into thin air right in front of our very eyes at the Summer Reading Program Finale.

            On Thursday, July 31, 2025, local magician Jesse Greene performed for us through a billow of fog and mystery. We were excited to have Jesse amaze us as part of our Summer Reading Program Finale to have a great sendoff for a magical, colorful summer. What better way to do that than to have all kinds of colorful illusions?

            Even our very own staff members, Janice and Beth, joined Jesse on stage as his magician’s assistants. During their debut performance in front of a crowd of over 180 people, both were left astonished by Jesse’s sleight of hand, mind-reading skills, and his ability to reveal cards marked with unique, hand-drawn images. Jesse wowed the audience with a variety of impressive tricks. Among them were illusions like producing oversized objects from beneath small, seemingly empty steel cups. We won’t spoil too much—if you want to experience the full magic, you’ll have to catch one of Jesse’s shows for yourself!

            The Summer Reading Program is free and open to the public. The library also thanks all attendees and volunteers who helped make the event a success. This program is supported by a Library Services and Technology Act grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the South Carolina State Library.

Calhoun County Library Hosts Colorful Paint Party for Summer Reading Program

            The Calhoun County Library recently brought creativity to life with a vibrant Paint Party as part of its Summer Reading Program, held on Thursday, July 24, 2025.

            Young participants kicked off the fun with do-a-dot markers and simple cardstock designs perfect for little hands. As they painted, the children were treated to a live musical performance by The Ukaloonies, who filled the room with energy and laughter. The musical duo kept the excitement going with interactive games, including a color game where children held up pieces of construction paper to match the colors sung in the lyrics. Favorites like “Singin’ in the Kitchen” and the classic nursery rhyme “BINGO” had everyone singing along.

            While the younger kids enjoyed their musical art session, older children and adults participated in a more structured painting experience in a separate room. Guided by Calhoun County High School art teacher Mr. John Sawvell, participants learned step-by-step painting techniques using brushes and canvases. Mr. Sawvell introduced various brush types and demonstrated specific painting methods, helping each artist bring a sunflower in a vase to life. Though everyone painted the same subject, each piece reflected a unique personal touch—highlighting the beauty of individual interpretation in art.

            The library extends a heartfelt thank-you to The Ukaloonies for their engaging performance and to Mr. Sawvell for sharing his artistic expertise. The event saw a wonderful turnout, proving that creativity comes in all ages and colors.

            The Summer Reading Program is free and open to the public. The library also thanks all attendees and volunteers who helped make the event a success. This program is supported by a Library Services and Technology Act grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the South Carolina State Library.