Valerie Byrd Fort, Liz Hartnett and Christine Shelek conduct literacy outreach activities.
Since 1992, we’ve worked to improve literacy rates in South Carolina and beyond. Our center is the state’s designated examination site for new children’s and YA books, which are available to the public. Our staff provides a range of outreach activities that address literacy issues in our communities. Learn more at the links below!
Come visit us! We’re open to the public Monday-Friday, 8:30 to 5:00.
We have brand new titles, as well as select classics, folktales, poetry, and even a section of pop-up books!
The Linda Lucas Walling collection focuses on ensuring access to all readers, including those facing physical and cognitive challenges.
Cocky’s Reading Express (CRE) is the University of South Carolina’s literacy outreach program. Founded by undergraduate students in 2005, it addressed the need to promote literacy which was evident then and is even stronger today. The student- led, mascot -based program visits children in South Carolina Title I Schools. Our impact is magnified through partnerships, education, and programming. Read about our current initiative here.
Students, educators, librarians, and parents need to make decisions about services, strategy, and outreach based on a clear understanding of the population they seek to serve. Trained staff create and implement professional development opportunities to enhance understanding among teachers, parents, and librarians of best practices to promote learning.