Allendale Library Links Residents to Statewide 2.7‑Million Catalog
Allendale County Library at 297 Main St. N. now participates in SCLENDS, a statewide resource‑sharing network that allows residents to borrow from a 2.7‑million‑item catalog and request delivery of books and other materials from partner systems across South Carolina. The arrangement expands access to educational, recreational and informational materials for local residents and connects the community to resources beyond the county’s collection.
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The Allendale County Library, located at 297 Main St. N., has joined SCLENDS, South Carolina’s statewide resource‑sharing network, giving local patrons access to a catalog of approximately 2.7 million items and the ability to request delivery of books and other materials from partner systems across the state. The library can be reached at 803‑584‑3513, and residents seeking local hours and programs are directed to the Allendale‑Hampton‑Jasper Regional Library website at ahjlibrary.org.
By participating in SCLENDS, the county’s library system effectively expands its footprint without having to grow physical collections. Patrons who previously were limited to what was on the library’s shelves can now request materials from a wide range of partner libraries across South Carolina. The arrangement is designed to increase the variety of available materials, from children’s books and school resources to health information and adult education materials.
For Allendale County residents, the change carries practical and civic implications. Broader access to library materials supports students, job seekers, caregivers, and older adults who rely on public libraries for learning, literacy and information. In communities where services and opportunities can be scarce, a larger shared catalog can reduce barriers to information and create new pathways for self‑education and community engagement.
There are public health and social equity dimensions to this expansion. Libraries serve as trusted sources of health information and community programming; access to a greater selection of materials can support health literacy, mental well‑being, and caregiving. Resource sharing can also mitigate inequalities created by limited local budgets or smaller collections, helping ensure that residents have access to the same basic informational resources available elsewhere in the state.
Operationally, the partnership requires coordination among regional systems to process interlibrary requests and deliver materials. While the service adds logistical steps compared with borrowing from the local shelf, it also brings economies of scale and shared staffing and technology that help rural and smaller libraries extend their services.
For those interested in using the service or learning more about local offerings, the Allendale‑Hampton‑Jasper Regional Library site at ahjlibrary.org provides current hours, program listings and details on borrowing through SCLENDS. The county library’s street address and phone number are available for patrons who prefer in‑person assistance or to place requests directly. As Allendale County looks to expand educational and informational access for its residents, participation in the statewide network marks a practical step toward greater equity in library services.
