Harvin Clarendon County Library offers patrons expanded services

MANNING - Traveling to another place or time is easy when you have access to books that expand your horizons from the comfort of your own home.

"Even though our doors aren't open physically, many of the wonders inside our doors are available through our website, clarendoncountylibrary.com," said Library Director Charlotte Johnston.

For individuals without access to the internet, Johnson said the library at 215 N. Brooks St. has Wi-Fi available in the parking lot from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.

"If they do use the library's Wi-Fi, we are asking folks to be mindful and keep the appropriate distance from others," she added.

A new service the library has initiated in light of the recent mandatory closings is a temporary library card for those individuals who don't currently possess one.

"The temporary library card will allow the user a 60-day access," Johnston said. "They will need to go to the library's website. There is a form under Contact Us that they can fill out, and we will work with them to get their card set up."

Along with the standard library card, the temporary cards will allow individuals to access online materials including E-books, television shows, movies and books for infants right on up to adults.

According to Johnston, both library cards will allow patrons to view certain Nickelodeon programs, PBS educational programming, the Magic School Bus, comic books, audio books and lots more.

"In coming weeks, we are looking at additional programming that will be available over our website and possibly our Facebook page," Johnston said. "Every other day, we are giving our viewers a list of resource and programming suggestions."

During this time when parents are faced with keeping their toddlers, youngsters and teens entertained while they are staying indoors, the library is a huge resource for them, Johnston added. From books that parents can read to their infants and toddlers to books appropriate for all school-aged children, the library is a free resource that can be educational, entertaining and fun.

"We are working on ways to meet your needs now, and we look forward to seeing our many friends and serving you as soon as possible," Johnston said.