Library Public Services Coordinator Hillary Barnwell gave me her full support for upgrading the historical collection's facility from the very first time I broached the topic. Library Director Julie Zachowski agreed and allowed me to make a short presentation to the Library Board of Trustees. Thus began the process. Library Director Wlodek Zaryczny saw things through until sufficient financial arrangements were in place to see to critical elements of the relocation plan. Wlodek never wavered in support of this project. County Engineer David Coleman shepherded the building process. It was quite sad for me that Hillary Barnwell did not live to see the move accomplished since those who knew her know how much she advocated for historical projects.
With the help of my then assistant Charmaine Seabrook Concepcion, my son, Ciaran and almost son Kyle (who were paid in cheeseburgers), we got everything moved from the old South Carolina Room downstairs over the summer and in place with almost an hour to spare before the ceremony! Whew! but that was cutting it really, really close.
The Friends of the Beaufort Library then headed by Deena Culp provided $25,000 seed money and the Clover Club hosted a fund-raiser with Dr. Larry Rowland as featured speaker to help purchase the compact shelving array that allows us to store 2.5 - 3 times as many materials in the limited space available inside the Paul Siegmund Room. All in all about 150 private citizens and local organizations contributed to the fund-raising efforts. I remember being particularly pleased that BDC researchers Stephen Hoffius and Robert Cuthbert surprised me at a BDC Author Book Talk on Northern Money, Southern Land by donating all their sale proceeds after the program that day towards our compact shelving fund.
The Friends of the Library also funded a nice reception that evening shown here.
Look closely and you'll see Former Assistant County Administrator Morris Campbell, my former bosses Dennis Adams and Julie Zachowski, USCB librarians Geni Flowers and Mae Mendoza and former Library Board of Trustee members.
Library Board members Patsy Hand, Theresa Dunn, and then Beaufort County Council Chairman Paul Sommerville marked the occasion as well.
It was nice that the Beaufort Gazette covered the re-opening and that the Island Packet's David Lauderdale championed the project in his column several times through the years:
Beaufort Gazette, 30 September 2020 p. 1A.
Charmaine Seabrook Concepcion and I gave tours that evening and throughout October in honor of American Archives Month. I even recently found the note cards we used to give those tours: 
What a difference a decade makes! 10 years later we have approximately 7000 books, videos and cds; our archival collections have doubled and then some though the largest archival collection is still the Lucille Hasell Culp Collection. We've added 5 years worth of newspaper microfilms, some additional SCDAH microfilm series, and many, many more vertical files since then. We've added 7 digital collections, an active Facebook page and another blog to the "Virtual BDC." About 7500 people attended more than 250 BDC local history programs in the last 10 years. There's still room enough to grow though my successor whomever s/he may be will probably have to start advocating for additional space as soon as 2026 if my experience with how quickly things tend to happen in Beaufort County holds true.
I reflected on the journey of moving the collection into more suitable quarters in the BDC's Connections blog at the time:
"It's been an arduous 9 year journey from the initial request I made to the Library Board of Trustees on September 18, 2001 to the ribbon cutting today. Although at times I despaired that it would ever happen, I am so grateful for all the people and organizations that have helped me protect the "Wonders of the Beaufort District Collection" by giving of their time, talents, and monies. I am scared to mention anyone by name in fear that I will inadvertently omit someone. I hope the 150 angels of the BDC already know that I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. We done good. -- Grace"
Though COVID-19 mitigation has prevented us from hosting researchers inside our facility for many months, that is about to change. 
Beginning Monday, October 5, 2020 we will be providing some on-site, in-facility services under limited circumstances. The major change is that service will be provided by appointment only for the time being for these key reasons:
Beginning Monday, October 5, 2020 we will be providing some on-site, in-facility services under limited circumstances. The major change is that service will be provided by appointment only for the time being for these key reasons:
2) Until we can find, hire and train a new part-time circulation assistant, I am the entire BDC staff so advance arrangements are required to make sure that I will be on-site to provide access to the Research Room materials; and
3) To keep us all safe, customers must wear masks properly [that is, covering the nose and mouth with two or more layers of fabric or appropriate material] at all times while in County buildings. Disinfectants will be applied to all high touch surfaces between customers.
Please note: To get on my calendar, please call 843-255-6446 or email me at gracec@bcgov.net to make the necessary arrangements.
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