Beaufort County Library kicks off summer reading, free lunches and new programs for all ages

Beaufort County Library announced its summer programs and new services at the library board meeting, including a summer reading program starting May 31, a USDA-funded free lunch program for children under 18 at all six branches, and the systemwide rollout of Wonder Books.

Library Director Amanda told the board the summer reading program, “Color Our World,” runs May 31 through July 31 and asks participants to read 20 minutes per day; readers who complete 30 days of reading can enter grand-prize drawings donated by local businesses. She noted that summer reading is open to all ages: “reading is summer reading program is not just for kids.”

Amanda said the USDA-funded summer-lunch program will operate Monday through Friday at all six library locations in partnership with the Beaufort County School District; meals will be cold lunches and available to anyone under age 18. She also described new materials and services: Wonder Books (audio-enabled children’s and chapter books) now available at every branch after an initial donation to Saint Helena, and a plan to fill summer internship slots across branches to support summer programming.

The board heard additional service updates: the bookmobile continues outreach to county departments, the Burton Wells locker pickup pilot has averaged about 20 pickups per month since its January launch, and tutor.com usage rose after promotional efforts and a library email to cardholders. Amanda said tutor.com is a free, state-provided online tutoring resource offered 24/7 to South Carolina residents.

The director highlighted forthcoming events such as Riverbanks Zoo appearances, a comics workshop for teens and a screening of the PBS documentary Free for All with post-screening conversations at Hilton Head and Saint Helena. No policy changes or votes were taken; the board received the program and services report and asked clarifying questions about internships and meal logistics.