July 19, 2025

Chapin Memorial Library Expands Community Engagement Programs

News Summary

Chapin Memorial Library in Myrtle Beach is enhancing its community engagement with new programs and a mobile library service. Offering various initiatives from children’s programs to live jazz events, the library aims to increase access to literature. A standout feature includes the ‘Jazz in the Stacks’ series and the launch of a mobile library service, which will visit local neighborhoods three times a week. Community feedback has been positive, reflecting the library’s commitment to accessibility and literary arts, including new poetry initiatives and local author events.

Myrtle Beach—Chapin Memorial Library has announced an expansion of its community engagement initiatives with the introduction of new programs and the launch of a mobile library service. These efforts aim to enhance access to literature and foster creativity in the Myrtle Beach area, making library resources available to an even wider audience.

The library offers a variety of programs catering to all age groups, including children’s programs, cooking classes, and line dancing sessions. A standout feature this season is the “Jazz in the Stacks” series, which showcases live jazz performances every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. until March 4. Additionally, the library hosts “Game Day Fun Day,” a monthly event held on the first Thursday, where community members can enjoy board games such as Scrabble, Bunco, and Pictionary.

In pursuing STEAM education, the library has scheduled a new program for children focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, set to take place on January 29 at 4 p.m. In a bid to promote literary arts, a new Poetry Box has been introduced, allowing amateur poets to submit their works for potential online publication, aligning with a nationwide initiative to support the arts sector.

Special events include the upcoming South Carolina Author Event titled “Spill The Tea,” scheduled for February 22. This event aims to engage local authors and readers alike in discussions about literature and storytelling.

Mobile Library Service

The Chapin Memorial Library has also launched a mobile library service, operated in a custom Mercedes Benz van that will be visiting local neighborhoods three days a week. This initiative was made possible by a $200,000 grant received from the Chapin Foundation. The mobile library features over 900 items for borrowing, including books, DVDs, and puzzles, allowing patrons to access library resources in their own communities.

In addition to lending materials, the mobile library offers the opportunity to obtain library cards, access computers, and use Wi-Fi. It is equipped with a driver’s seat that doubles as a desk chair, a wheelchair lift for accessibility, and a generator to ensure power supply during stops.

The service targets various communities, focusing specifically on 55-plus communities on Tuesdays, alongside public stops on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The library staff actively engages with the community, having reached approximately 700 individuals during the Myrtle Beach Springfest to promote the mobile library and facilitate library card issuance.

Community Feedback and Future Plans

Community responses to the mobile library initiative have been overwhelmingly positive, with many patrons expressing gratitude for its convenience and accessibility. The mobile library aims to bridge gaps in access to literature and library services, particularly for those who may have limited ability to visit a traditional brick-and-mortar library.

This new service marks a significant step in Myrtle Beach’s history, as it is the first mobile library for the area, reflecting a revival of the traditional bookmobiles that originated in the early 20th century, particularly around 1905. The mobile library will periodically adjust its schedule based on community feedback, ensuring it meets the needs of the residents it serves.

Chapin Memorial Library is located at 400 14th Avenue North, and the expansion of its programs and services illustrates its commitment to community engagement and accessibility. For residents of Myrtle Beach looking for enriching activities or enhanced access to library materials, these recent initiatives represent an important opportunity.