Library programs

The Charleston County Public Library will offer the following free programs.

--Main Library, 68 Calhoun St., downtown: 805-6930.

Children's Book Week: May 12-18. Children's Book Week has celebrated books and reading since 1919. The Main Library is holding its annual Children's Book Week bookmark contest. Visit the Main Library Children's Room any time all week long to design a bookmark. Winning submissions will be reproduced in full color and distributed throughout the Main Library.

Genealogy Lecture: May 13 at 6:30 p.m. The Charleston County Public Library will host an evening with Tracy Edward (O'Carroll) Tucker, genealogist and Armigerous Chieftain of Clan Cian. This 90-minute presentation is designed as an overview of Irish history, culture and genealogy, concentrating chiefly upon researching clan affiliation.

Fiction Writing Group: May 13 from 7-8:45 p.m. Designed to help fiction writers at all levels, from beginning to professional, this monthly workshop series will allow for work on individual projects as well as a chance to learn about the many techniques of story. The time will be split between instruction, interactive exercises, and questions and answers. Sponsored by the Charleston County Public Library, the Lowcountry Initiative for the Literary Arts and the Friends of the Library.

Small Business Counseling: Wednesdays, May 14 and 28, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. SCORE counselors will be available in Business Reference to give advice on starting a business.

Great Books Discussion: May 14 at 7 p.m. "What Is War?" by Karl Von Clausewitz. Books will be available at the Fiction Desk of the Main Library or by calling Sara Breibart at 805-6804.

Business Center Tour (adults): May 15 from 3-3:45 p.m. Own a business or interested in starting one? The Business Center can help. Take a tour of the online and print resources designed for entrepreneurs' needs.

The Main Branch Poetry Series: May 15 from 7-8 p.m. The Poetry Society of South Carolina, the Lowcountry Initiative for the Literary Arts, and the Charleston County Public Library are proud to present a monthly poetry reading series at the main library. Poets Garrett Doherty, Kit Loney and Bryan Penberthy will be featured this month. Copies of the poet's books will be available for purchase and signing after the reading.

Yo Art Project: May 16-June 16. The Palmetto Project presents an exhibition of photo works and posters by kids ages 6-15 from the Meeting Street Manor and Bridgeview Public Housing Residence. These photos and posters illustrate the children's creativity and their insight into their community. There will be a reception May 18 from 3-5 p.m. with refreshments and a multimedia presentation. The Yo Art Project is a facet of Palmetto Project programs and is presented in partnership with the Charleston Housing Authority, Charleston Recreation Department, city of Charleston's Office of Cultural Affairs and the Main Library.