Future of USCB books sparks concerns
By Lolita Huckaby
BEAUFORT
Banning of books in public school libraries was a hot issue last year; it looks like the possibility of getting rid of books in libraries, particularly the ones at USC Beaufort, may be a topic of discussion this year.
As part of renovation projects at both university campus libraries, relocation of print materials was part of the plan. But rumors of permanent removal, in favor of digital materials, has generated concern.
A small but dedicated group of students voiced their opposition to the action at a meeting of the Student Faculty at the Bluffton campus last week with hopes that those in charge of making decisions will respect their concerns.
If nothing else, the history of the Beaufort campus library alone is worthy of recognition. The library is in an annex of the historic Sandstone Building, home of the original Beaufort College which housed, at one time, the 3,000 volumes belonging to the public Beaufort Library Society, chartered in 1807.
In 1862, the Union army which had taken over the town, confiscated the books and took them north, where they eventually ended up in the Smithsonian collection. From there, we all know what happened – they were destroyed in a fire.
Back to the current threat. With building space at a premium on both campuses, it’s understandable those making decisions are looking around for solutions to providing services to some 2,000-plus students.
But to get rid of books to create that space, it’s like cutting down trees to make a public park.
Meridian Road pathway plans up for debate
LADY’S ISLAND – Some folks have been wondering why in the world they would support the proposed 1 percent sales tax referendum to be on November’s ballot when “all” they got out of the 2018 $10 million road sales tax was a turn lane at Walgreens.
Here’s part of the answer.
The county engineering department is currently soliciting citizens’ comments about a proposed 10-foot wide pathway along the north side of Meridian Road as well as an 8-foot wide sidewalk from Middle Road to Sams Point Road.
A public information session was scheduled for Tuesday night, but the county is still accepting comments on-line through May 15. For more details see: Meridian Road Multi-use Path and Middle Road Sidewalk Public Meeting – Beaufort County One Cent Sales Tax Program (beaufortcountypenny.com)
You can find out all kinds of information on the website, including information about the proposed tax referendum.
These two projects were included in the 2018 sales tax program, but for various reasons did not get built. Now the county’s in a catch-up mode.
Another project in the 2018 referendum package was the recently completed connector road off U.S. 21, across from the island Walmart as Phase 1 of the “Airport Frontage Road” which connects to Lost Island Road. Phase 2 will follow, connecting to Little Creek Road.
Also not yet constructed are improvements to the 4.4-mile road between Woods Memorial Bridge and Chowan Creek. While a $10.7 million chunk of the 2018 referendum is allocated for the joint state, county and city of Beaufort project, the biggest drawback has been lack of public support for the various recommendations.
Coming up with solutions to the area’s traffic issues, obviously, is not a simple process. But the planners are trying … even if we don’t like their proposals.
Lolita Huckaby Watson is a community volunteer and newspaper columnist. In her former role as a reporter with The Beaufort Gazette, The Savannah Morning News, Bluffton Today and Beaufort Today, she prided herself in trying to stay neutral and unbiased. As a columnist, these are her opinions. Her goal is to be factual but opinionated, based on her own observations. Feel free to contact her at bftbay@gmail.com.
