The Richland County Public Library is redefining and reimagining what a library is supposed to be.
After the passage of the bond referendum in November 2013, the library has expanded its resources to include a myriad of practical skills courses and artistic venues. Services at RCPL include everything from woodworking, sewing, weaving and dyeing courses to technology rentals and story slams. Last year, the library commemorated the grand opening of the second floor studio spaces with Overdue, a free event full of music and art.
On June 30, the library celebrated another milestone: the opening of the first floor. The renovations led to a gallery space and an expandable auditorium that can seat up to 200 individuals.
Emily Stoll, a media relations specialist at the library, noted the significance of the recent renovations and how they impact the Columbia community.
“We’ve always been an area that has access to information. We have more than one million print and digital resources,” Stoll said. “We are becoming an area where people can come learn, create and share.”
This emphasis on hands on learning is one of the pillars of what Stoll calls a “21st Century” library. It is the idea of using the library not only as a space for information, but one of community gathering and a hub for conversation.
The second floor studio spaces have four primary target areas: writing, media, practical crafts and studio art. In addition to creative spaces and introductory courses, the department has a team of experts on staff dedicated to the program.
Ultimately, the library is now a multifaceted entity that now features a creative space space for both professional artists and students.