News
CCPL to Close James Island Library on September 28th
When one door closes, another one opens. As construction at the new Baxter Patrick James Island Library nears completion, Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) plans to close the current branch at 1248 Camp Road on Saturday, Sept. 28. This will allow time for staff and materials to be moved to the new branch before the expected November opening.
“We’re excited to bring this beautiful, brand-new and unique facility to James Island less than three miles away from the current branch,” said CCPL Executive Director Angela Craig. “We think the new Baxter Patrick James Island Library will be an incredible resource for the entire community providing resources in literacy, educational success, workforce development and community engagement.”
Rather than just operating as usual on the closing day, CCPL plans to give the branch a proper send-off with a moving party from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event will include a variety of fun programs and activities that celebrate the current branch, while giving patrons a glimpse of all the incredible resources and features the new branch will have to offer.
“We really wanted to make this a fun day for the community,” said James Island Branch Manager Chris Johnston. “We hope everyone will come out and celebrate our big move together!”
Though the current branch will close before the new one opens, CCPL is doing all that it can to ensure that James Island patrons still have convenient and easy access to library services. The CCPL Bookmobile will make regular stops at the current branch location on several Thursdays in October (Oct. 3, 10, 17 and 24) from 3:30-5:30 p.m. At the bookmobile, patrons can check out and return items, as well as pick up holds. Any materials checked out at the current branch must be returned prior to closing, or at the bookmobile or another library location.
The bookmobile will help bridge the gap, but James Island residents shouldn’t have to wait long for their new branch to open. The Baxter Patrick James Island Library will be located at 1858 South Grimball Road, which is at the intersection of South Grimball Road and Nathanial Drive. The building is almost complete and features of the 20,000-square-foot facility include:
- 100-Seat Auditorium
- A study room
- Self-Check Kiosks and Automated Materials Handling
- Digital Media (Recording & Editing) Room
- Digital Preservation Equipment
- DJ Station with Turntables
- Creative Studios/Makerspace equipped with several tools including sewing machines, a Cricut, art materials and more
- Storytime Room
- Teen Lounge with Gaming Room
- Outdoor Reading Areas
- Cultural Path and Genealogy Corner
- Learning (Computer) Lab
For more information about this new branch, including the latest construction images, please visit ccpl.org/construction.