South Caroliniana Library reopens after renovation
The newly renovated interior of the South Caroliniana Library. | Photo provided by USC
USC’s South Caroliniana Library, a cornerstone for studying SC and Southern history since 1840 and the oldest freestanding academic library in the country, is set to reopen Thursday following a $10 million, four-year renovation.
Architect Robert Mills inspired the library’s design with its Greek Revival style seen throughout Columbia, highlighted by four white columns in the front. The second-floor reading room — a replica of Thomas Jefferson’s library in the second Library of Congress — also received a facelift, including display cases for significant holdings.
Robin Waites, Executive Director of Historic Columbia, described the library’s rehabilitation as a “victory for preservation in Columbia and South Carolina.”
Display cases hold South Carolina’s most significant artifacts. | Photo provided by USC
Beyond its architectural significance, the library serves as a treasure trove for researchers, students, historians, and novelists. It offers a vast collection ranging from the Colonial Era to the present, including a 1683 handwritten letter by French Huguenot Louis Thibou and Samuel Wilson’s 1682 account, one of the earliest descriptions of the Carolina colony after its 1670 foundation.
The library also collaborates with filmmakers, authors, museums, and researchers to ensure the Palmetto state’s history remains accessible to all.
Located on the Historic Horseshoe, the building was built in the Greek revival style in 1840. | Photo provided by USC
Historical Highlights
Established in 1840, it served as the University’s main library for a century.
Its 1940 transition focused on safeguarding the state’s documents and treasures.
Annually, over 2,000 researchers use its vast collections.
It is the most architecturally unique building on the Horseshoe and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The library’s reopening and renovation will preserve and showcase SC’s history for future generations.
Events
Wednesday, Oct. 4
The Market at Richland Library | Wednesday, Oct. 4 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly St., Columbia | Price of purchase | Shop your community to get fresh produce, meet your new favorite author, or pick out an interesting piece of art.
Blythewood Farmers Market | Wednesday, Oct. 4 | 4-7 p.m. | Doko Meadows Park, 171 Langford Rd., Blythewood | Price of purchase | This market has food, live music, and special promotional events throughout the year.
Thursday, Oct. 5
First Thursday on Main | Thursday, Oct. 5 | 6 p.m. | Main Street, Columbia | Free | On the first Thursday of each month, businesses in downtown Columbia stay open late with live music in front of the CMA.
120th Diamond Gala | Thursday, Oct. 5 | 5:30-9 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | $165 | This celebratory business gathering will bring together influential leaders, trailblazing entrepreneurs, and notable professionals for an unforgettable experience.
Friday, Oct. 6
2023 Corn Maze at Clinton Sease Farm | Friday, Oct. 6-Sunday, Oct. 8 | Times vary | Clinton Sease Farm, 382 Olde Farm Rd., Lexington | $15 | The corn maze at Clinton Sease Farm is back and this year the event is themed “The Jewel of South Carolina.”
Saturday, Oct. 7
Columbia Craft Oktoberfest | Saturday, Oct. 7 | 1-10 p.m. | Columbia Craft Brewing Company, 520 Greene St., Columbia | Free | Celebrate with the release of the new Festbier and grab a Curry Wurst from The Wurst Wagen.
Sunday, Oct. 15
Runway Rendezvous Workshop | Sunday, Oct. 15 | 1-3 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St, Columbia | Sashay over to the CMA for a runway workshop focused on mastering your model walk, boosting your confidence, and conquering the art of strutting in heels.*
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News Notes
Open
Another Broken Egg Cafe, a Florida-based breakfast and brunch chain, opened its third Midlands location on Monday at 101 State St., West Columbia, part of the Brookland development.
Announced
“Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars” will light up Colonial Life Arena, May 16-19, 2024. The show is part of the Disney100 celebration and boasts its largest cast ever, including debuts of Raya from The Last Dragon and Elsa + Anna from Frozen II. Advance tickets are available now.
Biz
Wells Fargo plans to close its office at 101 Greystone Blvd. by June 30, 2024, per its filings with the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce. The move follows the company’s nationwide strategy to reduce its real estate holdings and workforce. (The State)
Real Estate
After implementing short-term rental regulations, the city issued 233 permits from May to September, fewer than anticipated. The ordinance requires permits for units rented for 30 days or less; think Airbnb. Officials identified hundreds more properties without permits, prompting 214 notification letters. (The Post and Courier)
Comedy
Comedian Leanne Morgan will bring her “Just Getting Started” tour to The Township Auditorium on April 27, 2024. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m., available at the box office or online.
Tech
FEMA plans to test its Emergency Alert System on Wednesday, Oct. 4 between 2:20 and 2:50 p.m. This means your phone will receive amessagefrom the federal agency around that time frame. Remember: This is a test.
Cause
Central Carolina Community Foundation awarded $620,000 in scholarships to 195 students for the 2023-2024 academic year. 72% of recipients will attend SC schools. The foundation focuses on local talent and a diverse demographic of students.
Ultimate Long Drive (ULD) World Championship coming to Columbia
Par Tee Golf Center will be the host of the 2023 World Long Drive Championship. | Photo by Par Tee Golf
FORE! Experience Columbia SC Sports is hosting the 2023 Ultimate Long Drive (ULD) World Championship at the Par Tee Golf Center located at 3209 Charleston Hwy., West Columbia, from today until Sunday, Oct. 8.
With live broadcasts on platforms like ROKU, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Facebook, and YouTube, the spotlight will be on the Soda City skyline. Literally, the driving range offers a scenic view of downtown Columbia and Williams Brice Stadium on the horizon.
Emmy award-winning sportscaster Jim Kelly will return to provide play-by-play event coverage for the fifth year.
The driving championship features age divisions everywhere from 7-and-under to 75+, including categories for athletes with disabilities and a special Valor division for military and first responders.
For the main event, competitors worldwide have secured their spots after several qualifying rounds. Spectators are welcome to attend the event free of charge.
For soap that does the most
Salt & Ash Soap Co.'s Peppermint Eucalyptus Bar Soap. Relax and treat yourself this fall with this clean ingredient skincare line.
For skin pampering
Roosevelt Supply Co’s Anti-Aging Face Lotion, which will keep skin looking fresh and youthful.
To get your Halloween on
These Halloween glass can cups. Because Halloween ghosts have never looked cuter — plus they’re sold from a Star Seller on Etsy (read: smooth shipping + great reviews).
For cozy moments
This best-selling crewneck sweater. The comfy, pullover shape can be customized to your style, thanks to colors from nutmeg to apricot to rose red.
To upgrade outdoor seating
This heated, cushioned folding chair with three heat settings. Because camping, lounging, and cheering from the sidelines doesn’t have to be uncomfortable.
I’ll be traveling to Ireland next week for a shoulder season vacation, and I just realized I’d be missing the State Fair for the first time in many years. I think I’ll be able to find some chips and malt vinegar to satisfy my Fiske Fry craving. Send me some travel tips if you’ve visited the Emerald Isle before.
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