A Bold New Chapter: Clinton Library Unveils Cutting-Edge Space for Learning and Creativity

The Laurens County Public Library System (LCPL) recently celebrated a major milestone with the grand opening of its new Clinton Library branch on Sunday, April 27. Located at 304 W. Pitts Street, the nearly 12,000-square-foot facility welcomed community members for tours, demonstrations, and a first look at the state-of-the-art space designed to educate, empower, and entertain—the mission at the heart of the LCPL system.

The new Clinton branch replaces the former library building, significantly expanding both the size and the services available to the public. It is also one of the community improvement projects funded by the Capital Project Sales Tax (CPST), approved by Laurens County voters to support major infrastructure and development initiatives across the county.

“This project has truly been a collective community vision,” said Renita Barksdale, Library Director for the Laurens County Public Library System. “In the years leading up to the design and build-out, we spent time engaging with the community—attending local events, listening to feedback, and asking residents directly what they wanted in their library. The result is a welcoming, flexible space where people of all ages can learn, create, and connect.”

Barksdale, who has led the LCPL system since January 2021 and brings more than 18 years of library leadership experience, emphasized the library’s role as a community cornerstone. “When people think about home, work, and church, we also want them to think of the library as one of those important, comfortable places where they belong.”

A Space Designed with Community Input

The open house event showcased the many new features of the Clinton Library, designed to serve visitors of every age group:

• Young Adult Section – For the first time at the Clinton branch, teens now have a space of their own to hang out, do homework, and explore resources tailored just for them.

• Children’s Area & Juvenile Room – The children’s area offers kid-friendly tables, chairs, activities, and a conveniently located family restroom. The Juvenile Room, furnished through a donation in memory of Leslie Anne Cooper Jackson, features a projector for movie screenings, Minecraft competitions, and interactive story times.

• Makerspace Room – Made possible by a $50,000 grant from the Institute of Museums and Libraries, the Makerspace offers hands-on learning opportunities across science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). Features include:

  • 3D printer and Glowforge laser cutter

  • Cricut machines and (coming soon) a large-format printer

  • Virtual reality goggles

  • Edison and Cubelets robots

  • Oil spill kits for environmental learning

  • Genetics and STEM activity kits

  • Sewing machines

  • A variety of arts and crafts supplies for creative projects

  • Interactive learning tools focused on levers, ramps, and velocity experiments

• Adult Collection – A broad selection of traditional books, DVDs, audiobooks, and new releases.

• Two Study Rooms – Equipped with Smart Boards and seating for five, these flexible rooms are available for tutoring sessions, virtual doctor visits, small meetings, or parent-supervised student use.

• Laptop Kiosk & Computer Stations – Patrons can check out laptops for up to four hours for in-library use or access one of eight desktop computers.

• Drive-Thru Service – Designed for convenience, the drive-thru allows patrons to pick up books and materials without leaving their vehicles.

Modern Design Meets Functionality

Visitors also toured additional features that make the new Clinton Library a welcoming and functional space for the entire community:

• Meeting Room Space – Available as a voter polling location, meeting space, and for events (with a small fee if food or beverages are served).

• Centrally Located Circulation Desk – Ensures staff can easily assist patrons throughout the space.

• Outdoor Reading Garden – Made possible by a $50,000 donation from the Bailey Foundation, the garden features original pillars from the historic Emily Vance House and will soon include a commemorative bench.

• Comfortable, Modern Furnishings – Designed to make the library feel like a natural extension of home.

• Staff Workroom and Break Area – A much-needed addition not available in the previous building.

Barksdale expressed heartfelt appreciation to the City of Clinton and the Bailey family for donating the land that made the new library possible, noting that their generosity helped turn the community’s shared vision into reality.

“This space was built with our community’s needs and dreams in mind,” Barksdale said. “It’s a place where curiosity is encouraged, creativity is celebrated, and connections are made. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us for the grand opening and look forward to all the ways this library will serve Clinton for years to come.”