a publication of the Greenville County Library System
&
Digital Equity
Survival Tales
Empowerment through literacy
Stories of exploration and endurance
Explore Through Movement & Play Rediscover autumn FALL 2021
Digital Equity Empowerment through literacy.
Explore Your World Library offerings to supplement your outdoor adventures. 2
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The History & Haunting of Poinsett Bridge
Local History & Folklore
Explore the Upstate's most popular historic attraction.
Explore South Carolina Room resources.
Survival Tales
Hispanic Heritage Month
Stories of exploration and endurance.
Coloring sheet and stories for kids.
LIBRARY NOW Fall 2021 Mission To champion literacy, inspire learning, and foster community connection.
Vision To be Greenville County's first choice for exploration, discovery, and information.
About this Publication Library Now is produced by the Greenville County Library System. Email communications@greenvillelibrary.org to request copies of this publication for your organization or business.
Library Board of Trustees Mr. Brian Aufmuth Ms. Laura Baker Mr. Kenneth Baxter, Treasurer
AtoZ World Food Learn to make Pandebono rolls with this new online resource—free with your library card.
Mr. S. Allan Hill, Chair Mr. Tommy Hughes Mr. Dick Jensen Mrs. Glenda Julian Mrs. Deryl Paradis, Secretary Mr. William Pinkston Mr. Joe Poore, Vice Chair
Library Executive Director Beverly James bjames@greenvillelibrary.org Greenville County Library System 25 Heritage Green Place Greenville, SC 29601
greenvillelibrary.org
Explore Through Movement & Play
Make at Home Create your own nature art.
Rediscover autumn with the little ones in your life.
Fall 2021 // LIBRARY NOW
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Digital Literacy
Stephen Shelato, Economic Mobility Partner, and Leigh Barton, Program Manager, for Striving to Thrive
Have you ever wished for a team of people invested in your personal growth? A one-stop shop where your computer learning, financial growth, and mental health journeys were facilitated by a group of helpers who were connected to multiple agencies in town that could help you with additional needs like finding shelter and beginning your recovery journey? United Ministries is one such place, offering multiple programs that work in tandem to create a network of support. Working with organizations including the Greenville County Library System, United
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Ministries utilizes the resources available in the community to facilitate a personalized pathway towards empowerment for each of its clients. “We are an integrated service model,” says Leigh Barton, who serves as the Program Manager for Striving to Thrive—United Ministries’ economic mobility initiative. Through this program, United Ministries provides longterm, one-on-one coaching that aims to help individuals achieve career, education, and life goals as they move toward economic self-sufficiency. Coaches called Economic Mobility Partners provide support, resources, and
accountability as participants set and pursue these goals. “We try to find the balance between our integrated services…but also being able to make connections for our participants at other agencies that specialize in things like addiction recovery, trauma, and sexual assault.” "We have free mental health counseling here for our participants. We also have free computer tutoring through you all. We have financial coaches in house that can really closely coordinate with our economic mobility partners," says Barton. When she references "you all," Barton gestures to
“How many m a computer e 365. Now, mu of years since computer.” Fo he says “it’s li but the bike h also, they don
Nathaniel Lord, who serves as Digital Literacy Coordinator for Greenville County Library System and leads the team of Library staff who regularly teach computer skills to clients who participate in United Ministries’ Striving to Thrive program.
For all the economic opportunity in our community, there is also a set of obstacles laid across the path of some who need it most—not the least of which are technology challenges created by massive leaps forward in the arenas of personal computers and mobile technology that leave many at a disadvantage. This gap in personal technology skills is a major focus of the United Ministries’ Striving to Thrive team.
minutes do you spend at each day? Multiply that by ultiply that by the number e you’ve picked up a or some of their clients, ike learning to ride a bike, has 5,000 buttons, and n’t have a bike.”
Stephen Shelato, who serves as one of Striving to Thrive's Economic Mobility Partners, poses a question. “How many minutes do you spend at a computer each day? Multiply that by 365. Now, multiply that by the number of years since you’ve picked up a computer.” For some of their clients, he says “it’s like learning to ride a bike, but the bike has 5,000 buttons, and also, they don’t have a bike.” The collaboration between Greenville County Library System and United Ministries was a natural one borne of the desire to serve. “We are always looking for ways to bring this set of skills out into the community,” says Lord. “It started with a class,” Shelato recounts. Over five years ago, Library staff members from the Reference Department expanded the Library System’s offsite computer training offerings to the United Ministries location on Vardry Street. Over time, participation in the computer classes at the United Ministries grew; all the while, Library staff were adapting their teaching methods to fit the needs of attendees, offering more personalized one-on-one help with the support of volunteers from United Ministries. An average of 900 computer trainings are offered for adults by the Library System each year— at its 12 locations throughout Greenville County as well as offsite locations. Computer
EMPOWERMENT THROUGH LITERACY
DIGITAL EQUITY
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Digital Literacy Preparation, and O’Reilly—all free with a library card. "Most of our participants didn't know that a librarian could help with computer tutoring," says Barton, adding that a lack of technology skills "impacts people's ability to relate to the world socially. There are a lot of feelings of shame around technology. We can see clearly it's through no fault...of their own that they don't have these skills. We try to take away that shame and fear. The gap is not so large that they can't overcome it."
Computer classes provide a foundation for participants to achieve digital literacy.
BOOK A LIBRARIAN Book a Librarian appointments are available by telephone, Zoom, or in person. Schedule a one-hour session at greenvillelibrary.org/ book-a-librarian.
classes form the foundation of the Library System’s digital literacy offerings while the addition of its Book a Librarian service invites participants to make an appointment to get Library staff assistance with building a resume, finding a job online, learning Microsoft Office software, and more. Further, organizations in the community may “Book a Librarian” to come to their location and share their expertise with the people they serve. In all, some 1,700 participants per year engage in a Library-offered digital literacy training. Lord attests that many people who come to computer classes taught by Library staff are at a beginning level oftentimes not being able to use a mouse or type. “They know that they need computer skills as individuals. They need help applying for jobs…I literally pull up a chair next to a person,” says Lord. “The world switched to computers in the late 90s. And
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then, we all started using smart phones,” Shelato recalls. “At no point did [society] teach adults how to use those things. The Library System continues to meet this changing digital landscape by expanding their offerings. When employers began accepting job applications primarily via a digital format, Library staff adapted their in-person services to help patrons navigate these online interfaces. And when local Department of Employment and Workforce centers closed their physical locations, Library staff began assisting patrons who came in with questions about filing for unemployment benefits. During 2020, the Library System added virtual computer tutoring to its digital literacy offerings. The Library System also offers access to employment readiness resources including thousands of training videos through providers like LinkedIn Learning, Ebsco LearningExpress: Career
“The opposite of addiction is connection,” adds Shelato. “Social connection is very important. To recover and feel a sense of hope you have to have a sense of progress.” He then recounts the success story of a participant in computer class taught by Library staff. This United Ministries client, who was staying at a shelter when he first came in, was suffering from addiction as well as a chronic health condition. Day after day, the participant returned, spending hours on his digital skills each week. He also attended ten computer class sessions presented by Library staff. He could see the results of his study evidenced by his typing score increasing, and the easing of his sense of isolation. “They have a relationship with a Librarian,” Shelato says of computer class attendees. “Now, he’s in recovery. He’s hiking the Appalachian Trail and uploading videos to YouTube daily along the trail. He’s doing it on his phone in the middle of the woods! He’s editing. He’s selfsufficient,” Shelato concludes.
Explore thousands of books and videos on technology topics. Explore thousands of books and videos on technology topics. Featured topics: Featured topics: JavaScript • Linux • Microsoft Office • Python Java script • Linux • Management • Microsoft • Python Social media • Video game development • and more! Social media • Video game development • And more! greenvillelibrary.org/computers-and-technology greenvillelibrary.org/all-resources Fall 2021 // LIBRARY NOW
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Poinsett Bridge
The HISTORY
& HAUNTING of
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Slightly off the beaten path
in the northern mountains of Greenville County, the Poinsett Bridge draws locals and tourists alike to its gorgeous scenery and fascinating history. Featuring a distinctive Gothic arch, the bridge is a popular subject in local photography and artwork. The bridge’s history, spanning over two centuries, has become intertwined with local folklore and legends. The Poinsett Bridge is believed to be one of the oldest surviving bridges in the Southeast. The bridge was one of three constructed in 1820 as part of the State Road, which connected Columbia to Charleston and South Carolina to the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. The Poinsett Bridge was built at Little Gap Creek and two other bridges were constructed at the North Saluda River and Hodge’s Creek. Today, the Poinsett Bridge is the only structure of the three still standing. Many historians believe the bridge was designed by Robert Mills, a native of South Carolina and architect of many notable buildings including the Washington Monument and the U.S. Treasury Building. Mills also designed a courthouse in Greenville in the 1820s with gothic windows reminiscent of the bridge’s archway. A sketch of the Poinsett Bridge is also attributed to Mills, further supporting the idea he was the bridge’s architect.
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Poinsett Bridge The bridge is named after Joel Poinsett, who served as president of the state’s Board of Public Works during construction of the bridge. Poinsett was a politician from South Carolina and during his career, served as a member of Congress and as the first United States ambassador to Mexico. He is also the namesake for Poinsettias, a floral favorite during the holiday season. Poinsett is responsible for introducing the flower, native to Mexico, to the United States. In addition to its beauty and history, the Poinsett Bridge has also become notorious for paranormal experiences. Local lore weaves together haunting characters and stories of the bridge’s past. During the construction of the bridge, many workers fell ill with what historians believe to be malaria. Though it has never been proven, legends say the body of a worker who became sick and died is buried within the bridge. A story of two workers from Ireland says they were so thrilled with their work on the bridge, they come back to visit it at night. Another local legend claims the headless body of a man who was shot on the bridge in 1861 returns on nights when it rains, exactly at the stroke of midnight.
People claim they see orbs and floating lights. Others say they can hear screams echoing from under the bridge. Many visitors have reported sudden and inexplicable car trouble when they try to leave. Over the years, the haunting tales and local legends surrounding the bridge have drawn several paranormal investigators to the area. In 2019, Poinsett Bridge was named one of the 30 most haunted places in America by the magazine Condé Nast Traveler. Today, the bridge is owned by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and maintained by the Greenville County Rec. In spring of 2021, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources announced the bridge would be undergoing an engineering assessment to determine the best ways of preserving it. Over the years, the bridge has been subjected to natural deterioration from the weather and occasional vandalism and graffiti. The study will help to ensure that the bridge and all of its stories will be around for many years to come.
Visitors have reported ghostly encounters and eerie events that do not seem to have a logical explanation. Those who visit the bridge at night have reported a variety of odd sights and sounds.
Want to learn more about local history and folklore? See page 13 for a list of South Carolina Room resources used in researching the rich history of the Poinsett Bridge.
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Local lore weaves together
haunting characters and stories of the bridge’s
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Did you know? Body language has
4X MORE
impact on first impression than anything you say
Discover non-verbal tips and strategies in Body Language for Leaders on LinkedIn Learning greenvillelibrary.org/job-skills
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Local History
Want to learn more about local history and folklore? Visit the South Carolina Room at the Hughes Main Library and start your journey today.
Books:
The following resources are available for checkout. Additional copies exist as part of the South Carolina Room collection and are available for in-library use.
The State Road: Poinsett Bridges and Culverts by Mann Batson 957.7 Batson Ghosts of Upstate South Carolina by John Boyanoski 133.109757 Boyanoski
Joel R. Poinsett: Versatile American by James Fred Rippy B Poinsett
Digital Archives:
The following resource may be viewed in the South Carolina Room or online via greenvillelibrary.contentdm.oclc.org/ digital.
• Photos of Poinsett Bridge in the Transportation Collection
Physical Archives:
The following resource may be viewed by request in the South Carolina Room.
Greenville County Driving Tour of Historic Sites Developed by South Carolina Room staff, copies of this book exist as part of the South Carolina Room collection and are available for in-library use. Additional resources used in the writing of "The History & Haunting of Poinsett Bridge" (on pages 8-11) include: Poinsett Bridge: A Historic Context and Archaeological Survey http://nationalregister.sc.gov/SurveyReports/ PoinsettBridgeSM.pdf
• Photos and information on Poinsett Bridge
Vertical Files: Explore assorted topics previously researched by South Carolina Room staff. Topics include:
• Folklore including ghosts and local legends • Historic Sites
Left to right: Chick Springs Gazebo, Campbell's Covered Bridge, Donaldson Air Force Base, Cherrydale Mansion. From Greenville County Driving Tour of Historic Sites book.
Driving Tour of Historic Sites in Greenville County
Take in the beauty of fall with this online Driving Tour of Historic Sites as your guide. Each of these three tours features a cluster of historic sites and a brief account of each site’s significance. These online driving tours, complete with directions, are available at greenvillelibrary.org/sc-room.
Northern Tour • • • •
Poinsett Bridge Chick Springs Gazebo Campbell’s Covered Bridge And 12 more sites
Downtown Tour
• Heritage Green • Richland Cemetery • Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum & Memorial • Springwood Cemetery • Westin Poinsett Hotel • And 21 more sites
Southern Tour
• Cherokee Boundary Line • Site of the Battle of Great Cane Brake • The Wilkins House • And nine more sites
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Explore Your World
South Carolina State Park Passport Enjoy free entry into any South Carolina state park with the South Carolina State Park Passport. Greenville County residents with an adult library card can check out one state park passport for seven days. greenvillelibrary.org/sc-state-park-passport
Southeast Foraging: 120 Wild and Flavorful Edibles from Angelica to Wild Plums by Chris Bennett 581.632 Bennett
Wild Edibles: A Practical Guide to Foraging, with Easy Identification of 60 Edible Plants and 67 Recipes by Sergei Boutenko 641.303 Boutenko
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Learn How to Forage & Eat in the Wild A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: Eastern and Central North America by Lee Allen Peterson REF 581.632 Peterson
How to Eat in the Woods: A Complete Guide to Foraging, Trapping, Fishing, and Finding Sustenance in the Wild by Bradford Angier 641.303 Angier
Read / Watch / Listen
Download books, movies, and music free at greenvillelibrary.org/download-and-stream.
Survival Tales
S'More Stories for Kids
Read the book or watch the movie.
S is for S'mores: A Camping Alphabet by Helen Foster James J 796.54 James
Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer 796.522 Krakauer Overdrive
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed B Strayed / Overdrive
Everest DVD Everest
Wild DVD Wild
Alive by Piers Paul Read 982.6 Read
Lost in the Jungle by Yossi Ghinsberg Hoopla
Flashlight by Lizi Boyd E Boyd
The Young Adventurer's Guide to (Almost) Everything by Ben and Penny Hewitt J 796.083 Hewitt
National Parks of the U.S.A. by Kate Siber J 363.680973 Siber
In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick 910.9164 Philbrick Hoopla / Overdrive
In the Heart of the Sea DVD In
Touching the Void by Joe Simpson 796.522 Simpson
Rocks & Minerals by Nancy Honovich J 552 Honovich
The Kids Campfire Book by Jane Drake and Ann Love J 796.545 Drake Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer B McCandless Overdrive
Into the Wild DVD Into
Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing 919.8904 Lansing
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Hispanic Heritage Month
1. Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina • J Medina 2. Counting with Frida: A Bilingual Counting Book / Contando con Frida by Patty Rodriguez & Ariana Stein • E BRD 3. Biblioburro: A True Story from Colombia by Jeanette Winter • E DIGI/BOOK B Soriano 4. La Siesta Perfecta by Pato Mena • E Spa Mena
Cut & Color
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Explore World Foods
Pandebono (Cheese Rolls) Traditional Colombian cheese bread, pandebono, makes a delicious, salty snack that pairs well with a cup of Colombian coffee. The bread is dense and spongy with a soft interior. Because the primary ingredients are cornmeal and cassava starch, the dish is gluten-free. Pandebono rolls are best eaten fresh out of the oven.
Servings: makes 12 rolls Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Halal, Kosher
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH EXHIBIT: Sofia Isabelle Segura
Ingredients • 2/3 cup (80g) cassava starch or yucca flour • 1/4 cup (40g) precooked cornmeal • 1 cup (90g) queso freso or quesito cheese • 1 1/4 cup (112g) feta cheese • 1 large egg
Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. 2. In a food processor, combine the yucca flour, cornmeal, and cheese. Mix until the ingredients are thoroughly combined. While processing, slowly add the egg to the mixture. 3. Divide the mixture into 12 similarly sized portions. 4. Shape each into a ball before placing on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top. 6. Serve warm.
Hughes Main Library Visit greenvillelibrary.org/hispanic-heritage-month for more information.
Explore AtoZ World Foods at greenvillelibrary.org/all-resources. Recipe introduction and directions © Copyright 2016-2021 World Trade Press. All rights reserved. Fall 2021 // LIBRARY NOW
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Kindergarten Readiness
Explore
Through Movement & Play
“Play is child’s work.” The concept of play being the work of children has been widely promoted by child psychologists and educators for many years. Children can and do learn while creating their own play experiences. It’s an important process, so how can you help your child play to learn? The Greenville County Library System has embraced The Palmetto Basics, a county-wide kindergarten readiness initiative brought to South Carolina by Greenville First Steps. Experts tell us that exploring these five areas of learning early in your child’s life can make a big impact on later school success.
THE PALMETTO BASICS ARE:
Maximize Love, Manage Stress
Talk, Sing, and Point
Read and Discuss Stories
By incorporating these evidence-based principles into your activities with young children, you help to foster school readiness. And don’t worry! You are almost certainly already using the Palmetto Basics without knowing it. For example, as you explore and move with your child, you’re also Maximizing Love and Managing Stress, for both you and your child, just by spending time together.
Count, Group, and Compare
Find downloadable lists of suggested activities representing each of the Palmetto Basics at greenvillelibrary.org/littlelearners-club. Choose activities that best fit your child's age and abilities. You may also create your own activities.
Explore Through Movement and Play
story time @GreenvilleLibrary Check out the Library System's YouTube channel for dozens of songs, stories, and activities to try with the little ones in your life.
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Visit greenvillelibrary.org/kids-virtual-activities and select from dozens of online learning experiences including Preschool Picassos. Request an activity kit for pick up at the library location of your choice and follow along at home.
Make at Home
MOVE & PLAY: NATURE ART Rediscover the wonders of autumn with the children in your life. As you stroll with leaves crunching underfoot notice the sights, sounds, and smells of fall while collecting objects from nature to use in this craft.
Materials: • A basket or bag for carrying treasures discovered
during your walk • Paper • Glue
Activities: • Invite your little one to walk, skip, hop, and run. • Search for colorful leaves and discuss their varying
shapes.
• Point out the trees from which they may have fallen. • Notice any nuts laying on the ground and guess which animals might eat them.
• Talk about how seeds grow into new plants and trees, eventually producing oxygen and food.
• Look for feathers and ask your child where they came from.
• Observe insects, animals, and plants. Make it together: Once you’ve collected enough treasures, invite your child to glue them to a piece of paper in any way they’d like. They may heap the pieces all together, or they may spread them out and glue each object individually. Encourage them to use their imagination. When they’re finished, and the masterpiece is dry, hang it up so your child can show it to others.
Crayola Outside Crafts by Rebecca Felix J 745.5 Felix
Tinkerlab: A Hands-On Guide for Little Inventors by Rachelle Doorley 600 Doorley
Preschoolers & Kindergartners Moving & Learning by Rae Pica Hoopla
Junior Maker: Experiments to Try, Crafts to Create, and Lots to Learn! J 745.5083 Junior
BookFlix pairs storybooks and nonfiction ebooks for read-a-loud learning experiences. greenvillelibrary.org/kids/ homework-and-learning
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LIBRARY NOW FALL 2021
