<strong>From staff reports</strong>

Beaufort County Library System Interim Director Amanda Dickman and St. Helena Branch Library Head Librarian Maria Benac were special guests at the Rotary Club of Beaufort’s Dec. 9 luncheon as the club donated $450 to the Friends of Beaufort Library for the purchase of children’s books.

Dickman addressed the Rotarians and recounted the unique challenges of operating the county library system in the COVID-19 environment, knowing the importance of reading to thousands of Beaufort residents during months of staying in their homes. She cited the statistic of more than 20,000 curbside deliveries of books and other library materials during the months when all county libraries were closed to the public.

Dickman also spoke of the background for the County acquiring two Bookmobiles and the impact of that service over the past three years.

Benac also addressed the group and expressed appreciation for the donation.

The Rotary Club of Beaufort purchases adult books for the main library and children’s books for the branch library as a thank you to each guest speaker throughout the year. The guest is asked to sign a book plate and the books are put into circulation for county residents.

The Rotary Club of Beaufort hosts “hybrid” meetings, with its members either attending in person or virtually using Zoom.

<em>The Rotary Club of Beaufort recently presented a $450 check to the Friends of the Beaufort Library in support of children's reading services at the St. Helena Library. Pictured are Rotary President Robert Bussa, St. Helena Library Branch Manager Maria Benac, Acting Beaufort Library Director Amanda Dickman and Rotary Director of International Services Nancy Dykeman. Submitted ph</em>oto.