OCPL celebrates 70 Years of Service

The Oconee County Public Library (OCPL) first opened its doors in October of 1948. Seventy years later it is still serving the people of Oconee County. In celebration, the library will host a 70th Anniversary Customer Appreciation Week, Oct. 14-20, with special promotions and events. Free special edition anniversary library cards will be available to all current customers who have lost, damaged, or just want to replace their current OCPL card, which is normally a $2 fee. Cupcakes and other refreshments will be served at all branches on Oct. 18, from 4-5pm, and at the Bookmobile stop at Fair Play Presbyterian Church from 1:30-3pm. The library will be giving away prizes through contests on their Facebook page. The biggest event the library is hosting is its Clean Slate Program, a program where customers who have fines and fees older than five years can have their account completely cleared and immediately have access to all the great services the OCPL offers. Westminster Branch Manager Leah Price came up with the idea after thinking of ways to get people back into the library. “A lot of people are afraid they owe the library a lot of money. We want people using the library and understand that sometimes things happen beyond your control and returning library books is the last thing on your mind. We all deserve a second chance,” says Price. To take advantage of having your account cleared, your fines must have been accrued more than five years ago and you must present a photo ID in person at any branch during Customer Appreciation Week. Please, no phone calls or emails, except for more information. For more information on these events, contact the library at 864-364-5760.