On Oct. 10, the Harvin Clarendon County Library will host its Ruby Jubilee, celebrating 40 years of service to the community. The event, which will take place at 6 p.m., marks a milestone for the library and offers a chance for the community to reflect on the past while looking forward to the future.
Library Director Holly Cockfield, who has been with the library for two years, is excited to see the community come together for the occasion. “This is more than just a celebration of the library,” Cockfield said in an interview. “It’s about the people of Clarendon County who helped build it and have continued to support it over the years.”
The origins of the Ruby Jubilee
The idea for the Ruby Jubilee was sparked by library staff member Bev Davis, who stumbled upon historical documents while sorting through scrapbooks and archives. She noticed the library was approaching its 40th anniversary, and staff quickly came together to organize the celebration.
“The community put so much effort into creating this library,” said Cockfield. “It felt right to honor that dedication by inviting everyone to celebrate what we’ve accomplished together.”
The social media campaign leading up to the event, titled “Monday Memories,” has been a big part of the library’s countdown to the Jubilee. Posts from the library’s Facebook page have highlighted key moments from its history, including the groundbreaking ceremony on December 31, 1983, and the “Buy-a-Brick” campaign that helped fund its construction.
One popular post featured a story from 1982, when a volunteer dressed as the extraterrestrial character E.T. toured county schools, encouraging students to buy $1 bricks. Alcolu Elementary School raised $900 alone. This grassroots effort, combined with local fundraising, made the library a reality and earned national recognition, including the Gale Research Company Financial Award for community spirit.
Jubilee event details
The Ruby Jubilee celebration promises to be a memorable evening. Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. outside the library, with a program highlighting the library’s history and the impact it has had on the community. The event will also include a Legacy Award, recognizing a community member who has played a pivotal role in the library’s story, and a Service Award for a staff member who has dedicated over 40 years to the library system.
Following the program, guests will be invited inside for a night of socializing and reflection. The Manning High School jazz band, under the direction of Mr. Jordan, will perform, adding a musical backdrop to the festivities. Attendees can also enjoy refreshments, a 360-degree photo booth, and explore history installations showcasing the library’s evolution over the past 40 years.
“These exhibits will remind people just how far we’ve come,” said Cockfield. “We’ll have displays that include original articles, photos, and artifacts that connect us to our beginnings. It’s all about honoring the community that helped build us—brick by brick.”
A library built by the community
The Harvin Clarendon County Library holds a special place in the hearts of Clarendon residents, and the Ruby Jubilee provides an opportunity to reflect on the community’s involvement in its creation.
A recent “Monday Memories” post recalled how local children donated to the construction of the library through the “Buy-a-Brick” campaign. Those same bricks are still part of the building today, with many of the now-adult donors bringing their own children to the library.
“We want people to see that their contributions didn’t just help build a building—they created a space where learning, imagination, and community spirit can thrive,” Cockfield said.
The library’s Tabby Wall, a unique feature of the children’s section, is a lasting testament to this community involvement. Constructed using materials donated by locals—including seashells, shark teeth, and pottery—the wall is a map of Clarendon County and remains a favorite attraction for young visitors.
The library’s outdoor space also features a bronze statue of Amelia Bedelia, the famous children’s book character created by Manning native Peggy Parish. Installed in 1999, the statue continues to charm visitors and serves as a reminder of the library’s connection to local history.
Looking to the future
While the Ruby Jubilee will honor the past, Cockfield is also looking ahead to what the future holds for the Harvin Clarendon County Library.
“We’ve embraced a lot of changes over the years,” Cockfield said, “but we’re always looking for ways to serve the community better. The library is not just a place for books anymore; it’s a hub for learning, technology, and community gathering.”
In recent years, the library has expanded its digital offerings, adding audiobooks, e-books, and online resources to its collection. Its Mobile Library, which made its debut in 2006, continues to bring books and library services to rural communities in the county, ensuring that everyone has access to knowledge and resources.
“The Mobile Library is a big part of what we do,” said Cockfield. “It’s magical for kids to see a bus full of books pull up in their neighborhood. That sense of wonder is what keeps us going.”
As the library celebrates 40 years, Cockfield is hopeful that the Ruby Jubilee will inspire the next generation to take an active role in shaping its future. “Our history is rich, but our future is even brighter,” she said. “We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone who has been part of this incredible journey.”
The Ruby Jubilee will take place at the Harvin Clarendon County Library on October 10, 2024, beginning at 6 p.m. All community members are welcome to join in the celebration.
