Reading can open up whole new worlds. With a library card through the South Carolina State Library, you’ll have access to the SCLENDS online catalog of books, DVDs, audiobooks and much more! SCLENDS, which stands for South Carolina Library Evergreen Network Delivery System, is a consortium of 19 county libraries plus the state library that share resources and circulating materials. SCLENDS libraries share a single online catalog, which means that cardholders can search for items at any of the participating libraries as easily as they search for items at their home library. Requesting items is as simple as clicking a button. Within a few days, any available circulating item can be delivered from any SCLENDS library across the state. Visit statelibrary.sc.gov/get-library-card and sign up for your SCLENDS card today!
The South Carolina State Library also provides Talking Book Services for the blind and physically handicapped. Our Talking Book Services department provides free informational and recreational reading materials in accessible formats to qualified users. The program serves:
• Those who cannot hold a book or turn pages due to physical disabilities
• Those who cannot see standard size print due to visual impairment or blindness
• Those who have temporary disabilities due to injury, illness, or surgery
• Those who have physically-based learning disabilities
South Carolina residents (all ages and income levels) unable to read or use standard print materials as a result of temporary or permanent visual or physical limitations are eligible for this service. Blindness is not the only qualifying condition. Even those with low vision due to problems such as macular degeneration are eligible. Physical conditions such as missing arms or hands, lack of muscle coordination, or prolonged weakness are qualifying conditions when their result is an inability to hold a book or turn pages. Persons with physically based, medically certifiable reading disabilities (such as dyslexia) and institutions serving clientele with qualifying conditions are also eligible. Visit sctalkingbook.org to learn more.
The State Library also provides Discus – South Carolina’s Virtual Library, which is the “information place” for all South Carolinians. Discus, which stands for Digital Information for South Carolina Users, provides free access to an electronic library that is available 24/7. Discus is a collection of subscription databases with an array of resources ranging from books and magazines to maps and videos. This collection of databases provides high-quality publications in an easy-to-navigate format for students and teachers alike.
Discus allows students to safely search for up-to-date information without sifting through advertisements and non-educational results found in search engines such as Google. Among the top reasons to use subscription databases is that they prepare young students to find credible sources for later academic achievement. Visit scdiscus.org today and check out all the great resources!
The South Carolina State Library has many resources available for all South Carolinians. Explore our website at statelibrary.sc.gov and find out what we’ve got to offer. The South Carolina State Library encourages everyone to read and learn more in the New Year!