October is National Book Month. It is a celebration that focuses on the importance of reading, writing and literature.  And if you want to find books, and so much more, the Cayce-West Columbia Library at 1500 Augusta Rd., West Columbia, is the place for you.

“The Cayce-West Columbia Library is a wonderful source for information,” said Amy Kneece, senior branch librarian in West Columbia. She has been at the branch for 21 years. The library is housed in the former Compton’s Department Store. Kneece said she has many library users who tell her of their trips to the venue when it sold clothes and shoes. 

Just some of the features of the library include: books in hardcopy; audio books; videos; newspapers; magazines; and computers with Internet access. 

Library hours are: 8:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. Mon-thru-Thurs. Fri and Sat hours are from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., and the West Columbia branch is open from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday. 

Ed’s Editions at 406 Meeting Street and the Mardel book store in the Westside Plaza Shopping Center at 2305A Augusta Rd., are also great places to get books in West Columbia.

There are a lot of services, along with books, that the library provides including special programs that inform and enlighten library patrons. 

“The library’s Mission Statement is to ‘Provide access to quality resources that promote lifelong literacy for the Lexington County community.” said Stephanie Sturkie of West Columbia. She is on the Lexington County Public Library Board of Trustees. “And that’s what it does. The library in West Columbia provides so much access and so many resources.”

Kneece noted that the library also offers many types of assistance, including free Notary Public services.

Another feature of the library is “Family Storytime.” The next one is at 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 14. It introduces little ones to literature in a way that allows all ages to experience the best in books, nursery rhymes, fingerplays, songs and more.  

Kelly Poole is the director of the Lexington County Public Library system, which oversees 11 libraries in the county.  She said libraries provide an exceptional experience. 

“I don’t know if there is any place more transformational than the library,” Poole said. “It can be a quiet place to study, a playground to make new friends, an office space to meet clients, a classroom to offer students extra help, and so much more.” She also said the library “is the gateway to unlimited possibilities.”  

In addition to adults, the library has programs for kids. In West Columbia there is a Lego Club for elementary school-aged children. It teaches the fundamentals of engineering. It will meet at 3 p.m. on Nov. 25.  Middle school and high school-aged students in West Columbia can try out firefly toys and tabletop games at 2 p.m. on Nov. 18. 

For the adults there are Master Gardener clinics. There is a Holiday Plants Master Gardeners session on Nov. 8. There is also Mid-Morning Yoga at 11 a.m. on Oct. 16 and again at 11 a.m. on Nov. 20, and Dec. 18.  

The library has lots to offer small businesses and entrepreneurs, whether just starting or well-established. A library program highlights online and in-person services to help you achieve your business goals. And access to specialized online resources, technology, spaces to work and professional reference staff are available to you free with a library card. (ages 18+)

“It is amazing what there is at the Cayce-West Columbia Branch of the Lexington County Library,” Kneece said. “We invite everyone to come in and find out all we have to offer. From reference books to fiction, we have something for you. The library is a wonderful place to learn and to be entertained.”