As the Carolinas recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene, we know that many friends, neighbors, and loved ones are still without power and internet access, or even more critical needs such as clean water.
Additionally, several Upstate SC counties have extended school closures through the mid-week, while many counties in Western NC have announced school closures lasting longer, if not indefinitely.
For those who are able to safely travel, CALN has compiled a list of open public libraries in some of the most affected counties, where you can access the internet, or at the very least, power.
Libraries in the hardest-hit counties, especially those in Western NC, remain closed as communities work to rebuild and recover. Some may re-open later this week, but others will take much longer.
If you would like to support those in need, you can find a list of organizations involved in the ongoing relief effort here and here.
South Carolina
Oconee County:
Oconee County Public Library (Main Branch): All county branches are open and have Wi-Fi.
501 W S Broad St
Walhalla, South Carolina 29691
864-638-4133
Pickens County:
Hampton Memorial Library (Main Branch): All county branches are open, but did not have Wi-Fi as of Monday 9/30.
304 Biltmore Rd.
Easley, South Carolina 29640
864-850-7077
https://pickenscountylibrarysystem.com
Cherokee County:
Cherokee County Library (Main Branch): Plans to reopen Tuesday 10/1.
300 East Rutledge Avenue
Gaffney, South Carolina 29340
864-487-2711
info@cherokeecountylibrary.org
https://cherokeecountylibrary.org/
Newberry County:
Hal Kohn Memorial Library (Main Branch): Open but did not have Wi-Fi as of 9/30.
1100 Friend Street
Newberry, South Carolina 29108
803-276-0854
Lexington County:
Lexington Main (Main Branch): Open and has Wi-Fi.
5440 Augusta Road
Lexington, South Carolina 29072
803-785-2600
Cayce-West Columbia and Irmo are also verified to be open. If you would like to call your local library in Lexington County, you can find their phone number at this link.
Hampton County:
Hampton County Library (Main Branch): Open and has Wi-Fi.
12 Locust Street
Hampton, South Carolina 29924
803-943-7528
York County:
York County Public Library (Main Branch): All county branches are open and have Wi-Fi.
138 East Black St.
Rock Hill, SC 29730
(803) 981-5858
https://www.yclibrary.org/hours-locations
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North Carolina
Jackson County:
Jackson County Public Library (Main Branch): Open and has Wi-Fi.
310 Keener St.
Sylva, NC, 28779
828-586-2016
https://fontanalib.org/jackson
Macon County:
Macon County Public Library (Main Branch): Open and has Wi-Fi.
149 Siler Farm Rd.
Franklin, NC, 28734
828-524-3600
https://fontanalib.org/franklin
Nantahala Community Library is also open.
Caldwell County:
Caldwell County Public Library (Main Branch): Open and has Wi-Fi.
120 Hospital Avenue
Lenoir NC 28645
828-757-1270
https://ccpl.libguides.com/mainpage
Alleghany County:
Alleghany County Public Library (Main Branch): Open but did not have Wi-Fi as of 9/30.
115 Atwood Street
Sparta, NC 28675
Phone: 336-372-5573
Ashe County:
Ashe County Public Library (Main Branch): Open and has Wi-Fi.
148 Library Rd.
West Jefferson, NC 28694
336-846-2041
https://www.arlibrary.org/ashe
If you do not see your library on this list, they are likely closed due to the impacts of the hurricane. If you would like to call your library to double-check, here are the directories for North Carolina Libraries and South Carolina Libraries.