CHARLESTON, S.C. - With the Charleston County Public Library's Outreach Department, the library comes to you. This is especially helpful in local senior communities, like the Canterbury House.
Sydney Reddick visits the CCPL Outreach team during their biweekly visits to the Canterbury House. "I love them, they're my friends. The library is my friend," she said.
Reddick is very familiar with Charleston County Public Library Outreach. She utilized the Bookmobile back in 1962. Her husband was away on a military assignment and Sydney was at home with three small children and another on the way.
"I was going absolutely nuts because I didn't know anybody and we were new here. The library truck came down the road. I flagged them down, went in, introduced myself, got some books, got a library card, and that was a lifesaver for me. I was standing out on the corner every other Tuesday when it came by and got my books. If, for some reason, my car was there and I wasn't outside, they came to the door," she said. "The library truck was a lifesaver. I don't know what I would've done if I didn't have it."
And now almost 60 years later, Reddick says her relationship with CCPL is very similar.
"I get a sack of books to take home, read for two weeks, give them back and get a new sack. The library is still a lifesaver for me," she said.
The Outreach Department's visits to senior communities are more than a book drop-off. They offer browsing, recommendations, technology help, and library card sign-up.
Canterbury House resident Doris James says she recently started visiting the CCPL Outreach table.
"I love that the Charleston Library comes and gives us opportunity to mix with people and to choose books to read to keep our minds together because I love to read. If I tell them I like large print, they'll bring me a large print. If I tell them this is my favorite author, they'll bring that. It's so convenient. Being old and getting the bus or going down there is not easy all the time," she said.
Reddick agrees: "Keep 'em coming! That's all I've got to say. Give them a truck, give them gas, and get them here."
If you'd like to suggest an Outreach location, just fill out the form.