anime club for teens at GC, MC and SA
annual community read program Berkeley Reads in conjunction with the Friends of the Library and the Berkeley County School District
author talks
book club kits for book discussion groups
book drops outside each location for after-hours drop off
books, magazines, music cds, dvds, audiobooks on cd and downloadable ebooks and audiobooks from Overdrive for checkout (all at no charge, with the exception of late fees)
courier service between branches to speed delivery of new materials and reserve holds
"crates" of age-appropriate reading materials to area daycares (rotated monthly)free
ebooks Jasmine Digital Library (Overdrive)
feature films shown at Main Library (MC) on early dismissal days of the area schools and also select Saturdays.
financial programs
free annual summer reading program for children, teens and adults
free access to Census records and back issues of the Berkeley Independent (on microfiche) for use in the South Carolina room.
free access to DISCUS databases in addition to library-subscription genealogy databases and Gale Literary Criticism Online
free access to materials dealing with Berkeley County, South Carolina, some one-of-a-kind or out of print. Library use only, South Carolina Room Main Library
free computer technology classes offered at intervals throughout the year
free genealogy databases
free internet access for customers with a library card (a signed acceptable use agreement and/or parental permission form is required)
free library card...to whom?
All Berkeley/Dorchester County residents, teachers at schools (public or private) in Berkeley County, Berkeley County property and/or business operators,
Berkeley County Government employees and U.S. Active Duty military members and dependents are eligible for a free library card.
free teacher cards-any teacher in a Berkeley County school is eligible for a 30-day checkout teacher card and a personal card, no matter their county of residence.
free wireless connection at all branches
Friends of the Library information
green option of having overdue notices and pick-up notices emailed
health programs
InterLibrary Loan for Berkeley County residents-free (Dorchester County residents must use their county library to place ILLs) http://www.bcls.sc.gov/how/Documents/ILL.pdf
internet only card a one-time fee of $2.00
librarians and trained staff to help you locate the items and resources you need
library-presence at school fairs, parent nights,
etc., area events
library tours for groups (reservation needed)
microfiche copier available in the South Carolina Room-Main Library (cost, 10 cents per page)
non-resident and temporary cards for a fee: non-resident $30.00 per year, temporary $15.00 for 6 months.
off-site library card sign up at events
online catalog with access to your account for searching, placing holds, updating information and renewing items
photocopier (cost to print, 10 cents per page)
public computers with Microsoft Office and Internet access (free) cost to print is 10 cents per page.
public meeting rooms (reservation needed) @ DI, GC, MC & SA (SA=Sangaree)
"Read the Books" database-contains Accelerated Reader lists of area schools, matches "searched for" items with items we have in our collection. Can search for books based on grade level, based on century, etc. Has suggested titles which then syncs with BCLS catalog to check for availability
referral to community services (eg. homeless shelter, foodstamps, hospice, United Way...)
reserve "holds" on materials at other BCLS locations; items couriered to customer's library location when it becomes available
return checked out materials to any branch in the library system
special programming events for children during the summer
storytimes for preschool children
Talking Book Services through the South Carolina State Library
tax forms
teacher resources
telephone reference call any library branch