Waccamaw Neck Library

Joseph Turner By

Local Opinion

Though its location has moved since my nerdy childhood days at the library, the Waccamaw Neck library in Pawleys Island is still a great place to visit. First and foremost, the folks that work there are genuinely kind, generous, and pleasant to be around. Like the location, the faces have changed since I was a kid, but the attitude and openness of the staff has not. When you interact with these good people, you realize that a library can be much more than just a set of resources to access.

The library is on Willbrook Boulevard, right between the fire station and the Waccamaw Intermediate School. The library is closed Sunday, but opens every other day at 9PM, and closes at 6:30PM M-T-W-Th and 5:30PM F-S.

Comprehensive Services and Amenities

Like many libraries, the Waccamaw Neck library offers a wide array of media, of both the traditional paper variety as well as the more modern digital variety. This includes audiobooks, movies, and music as well as digital books that can be read on e-readers such as the Kindle.

It also provides internet access and computer access, which can be really helpful for folks who may not have a computer at home, folks who just moved here, or folks who just need some help navigating some of the online systems these days. As far as I know, these computers are first-come-first-served, but there may be a checkout system as well - ask one of the super friendly librarians!

For those interested in group activities or events, the library offers the DeBordieu Auditorium, equipped with a projector, stage, and seating for over 200 attendees. Two smaller meeting rooms, each furnished with whiteboards and smart TVs, are available for more intimate gatherings or workshops. You can rent these rooms at the facilities site for the library.

One of the more interesting amenities unique to this particular library in my experience is the extensive board game catalog. I’d guess that there are a couple few hundred different board games to choose from, ranging from the old classics (think Monopoly) to the modern, German-style board games that folks love to play (Settlers of Catan being the iconic example). You can check out these board games and play them at home. My friends and I have done this a couple of times, and have been pleasantly surprised to see all the pieces included. In fact, a couple of the games we played hadn’t even had all the pieces punched out of the cards, so they’d never been played.

There is also the Teen Tech Room, which has all kinds of stuff that (still nerdy) teenage me would have found fascinating, from 3d printers and similar items, to video game systems that can be played at the library. I never see many teenagers hanging out there, sadly, but it would be a good, safe spot to spend some time.

And then we have the massive children’s section, a place for the young’ns to learn, read, play, and enjoy the resources of the library. There is a dedicated childrens’ librarian who can help direct any inquiring young mind to the types of books they’d most enjoy. I hope this goes without saying, but this area is not a free daycare. I have more than once seen parents let their kids run amok. I guess they expect the librarians to take care of them. Needless to say, this is not appropriate.

For those interested art, the library showcases rotating exhibits of artwork and photography, usually by local artists. Spend some time on your next trip taking a walk around the edges of building and take a look at what’s hanging!

Access to Statewide Catalog

As a member of the South Carolina Library Evergreen Network Delivery System (SCLENDS), the Waccamaw Neck Branch Library provides patrons with access to a shared catalog encompassing 20 library systems across the state. This collaboration grants users the ability to search and request materials from a collective collection of over 2.75 million items, significantly expanding the resources available beyond the local holdings.

To search the catalog, patrons can visit the Polaris Catalog Online, where they can perform keyword searches, browse by category, or utilize advanced search options to locate specific materials. For assistance with searching or managing accounts, the library staff is readily available to provide support.

Friends of the Waccamaw Library and Annual Book Sale

I’d be slacking to not point out the yearly Friends book sale. The Friends of the Waccamaw Library (FOWL) is a dedicated group that actively supports the library through fundraising and community events. One of their most anticipated events is the Annual Summer Book Sale, typically held in July. This event offers a vast selection of books, CDs, DVDs, and audiobooks at bargain prices, attracting book lovers from across the region. Proceeds from the sale directly benefit library programs and services. FOWL also organizes a Holiday Book Sale in December, providing another opportunity for patrons to find great deals on a variety of media. These events are a great opportunity to raise some funds for the library and get to know other folks in the community. I’ve personally always had great luck finding at least a couple of really good things at each sale.

Engaging Programs and Events

The Waccamaw Neck Branch Library hosts a variety of programs catering to different interests. Regular offerings include the “1st Thursday” series from September to June, featuring guest speakers and cultural presentations. Seasonal events such as the Fall Film Series and the Musicians’ Series provide entertainment and educational opportunities for patrons.

Contact Information