Shelves of books at the St. Helena Branch Library, in St. Helena Island, SC, on August 9, 2022. The 30,000-square-foot facility brings state-of-the-art technology, public internet computers, a media lab, sound lab, computer lab, large meeting room, and conference room. The branch offers programs for learners of all ages residing in the rural St. Helena Island community. The unique Gullah-Geechee Room design is inspired by the handmade woven sweetgrass baskets of the region. Inside, it provides interactive resources to learn about the area's culture. The library is adjacent to the historic Penn Center. Constructed in 2012, this newest facility in the Beaufort County Library system is a LEED Silver Certified energy-efficient building. The project cost was $10,000,000 and was made possible by a collaboration of the funding of state and federal agencies. The funds include a U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development provided Community Facilities direct loan of $6,000,000, a USDA RD Community Facilities grant of $2,500,000, and a South Carolina Department of Commerce grant of $1,500,000. USDA media by Lance Cheung.

 

For more information about the Community Facilities Loans and Grants Program, please go to rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities/community-facilities-direct-loan-grant-program