As we commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Harvin Clarendon County Library building, we reflect on the remarkable journey that has brought us to this milestone. This celebration is not just about the building; it is about the community that built it, the dreams it has housed, and the future it continues to inspire.

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From Humble Beginnings to a Public Resource
The roots of the Harvin Clarendon County Library stretch back to the late 19th century, when the community’s commitment to education led to the founding of the Manning Literary Society. This society began raising funds to establish a library in the town of Manning, with Moses Levi donating land for the project. By 1908, the Hannah Levi Memorial Library was constructed by the same construction company as the Clarendon County Courthouse, serving the local white population in the era of segregation.

 

For many years, the library operated as a private entity, supported by dedicated local women’s groups like the Manning Civic League, who employed part-time librarians and maintained the grounds. In 1976, local leaders led the effort to transition the library to public status. The Civic League gifted the building to Clarendon County, paving the way for renovations that modernized the space and transformed it into a resource for all residents.

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Community Fundraising: Building for the Future
By the late 1970s, the original library building was no longer sufficient for the growing needs of Clarendon County’s population. A new, larger facility was envisioned, and the community once again came together to make it a reality. One of the key driving forces behind the fundraising effort was the generous donation from Lucius Harvin, whose contributions—along with many other private individuals—laid the foundation for success.

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Local businesses also stepped up to support the project, recognizing the value the library would bring to the entire community. From small family-owned shops to larger establishments, these businesses played an integral role in raising the funds necessary to build the new library.

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The "Buy-a-Brick" campaign, which engaged local schoolchildren, became a symbol of community effort. Children purchased bricks for $1 each, contributing their own small piece to the construction of the new facility. For those who participated, the library stands as a lifelong reminder of their involvement in shaping the future of Clarendon County.

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A Modern Library, Built on Tradition​

These fundraising efforts culminated in the building of the Harvin Clarendon County Library. The construction itself was a community event, from the public’s participation in the groundbreaking ceremony to the invitation for patrons to place their own treasures in the tabby wall. The new facility honors the past, incorporating bricks salvaged from the old Manning High School, while looking ahead to the future. The library’s distinctive window symbolizes this balance with its motto: "Key to the past, guide to the present, window to the future."

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A Second Rally: The Amelia Bedelia Statue
The spirit of community fundraising did not end with the construction of the library. In 1999, the citizens of Clarendon County rallied once again, this time to bring the beloved children’s book character Amelia Bedelia to life in the form of a statue. The effort brought together private donations, including from local families and businesses, along with the same energy and dedication that had built the library. Today, the Amelia Bedelia statue sits proudly in the children’s section, a testament to the enduring commitment of the community to support the library and its mission of literacy and education.

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Looking Forward: 40 Years of Growth and Service
As we celebrate this 40th birthday, we honor the visionaries who recognized the need for change, the donors who generously supported the library’s expansion, and the countless volunteers and community members who contributed their time, energy, and resources. We look forward to continuing this legacy of learning and service, ensuring that the Harvin Clarendon County Library remains a beacon of knowledge and a gathering place for all.

 

Join us in celebrating 40 years of community, learning, and growth. Let us look back with pride and forward with hope as we continue to build a brighter future together.