Connecting Communities and Expanding Access: How Lexington County Public Library Leveraged AM Quartex to Launch their First Digital Collections
From its humble beginnings with a modest collection of just 325 books to its evolution into a network of ten branches and two bookmobiles, the Lexington County (SC) Public Library (LCPL) stands as a testament to the enduring importance of public libraries to their communities. In a post-pandemic world where digital access has taken center stage, the library remains committed to providing its community and beyond with access to valuable resources. Its archives are a treasure trove of local history featuring rare photographs, unique printed materials, and other significant artifacts. Staying true to its historical mission, the library continues to embrace modern technology to expand its outreach.
Bringing History to Life Through Digital Innovation
When LCPL set out to create a digital space to showcase its rich collection of digitized assets, it needed a platform capable of honoring Lexington’s heritage while providing a high-quality, inclusive digital experience. AM Quartex proved to be the perfect solution, ensuring access to historical resources for everyone regardless of location or financial means.
The urgency of this project became even more apparent during the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene in the Fall of 2024. Despite the challenges posed by this unprecedented environmental disaster, the library, with the support of the AM team, successfully launched its first-ever digital collections program in early 2025. This milestone not only safeguarded vital historical materials but also reinforced the library’s dedication to its community and its history.
Alongside the digital presentation of the library’s materials, the usability of the platform has enabled an innovative and engaging display of content, encouraging both easier and more extensive use of the material. A standout example is the timeline feature, which the library team has used to highlight a journey through Lexington County’s rich history and culture. The timeline cohesively links the library’s digital assets to their historical and societal significance. Spanning from the library system’s inception in 1912 at the Batesburg Town Hall to the present day, it tells the story of the library’s evolution through carefully curated visuals and materials. This engaging, visually striking, and user-friendly feature invites exploration and fosters a deeper appreciation for the library’s role in the community.
Another valuable addition is the index feature on the local history page, which provides critical context for exploring the physical archives of the South Carolina Reading Room. This integration bridges the gap between digital and physical collections, encouraging users to explore the region’s history in greater depth.
This digital initiative complements LCPL’s longstanding mission of innovation and community outreach. Programs like its popular mobile book service have already brought library resources to residents across the county, and the digital collections program builds on this foundation, extending access to historical and educational materials.
To cater to a diverse range of users and strengthen community outreach at LCPL, users need easy access to information. With an extensive resource library, even a novice researcher can locate resources of interest with ease. The search functionality within Quartex enhances discoverability and directs users to the most relevant content, facilitating meaningful connections with the library’s extensive resources.
Senior Branch Librarian Mark Mancuso reflects, “For years, we have been hoping to digitize our library’s unique local, historical photographs and documents in such a way as to make these gems accessible to our patrons and beyond. Quartex has provided us with the tools to accomplish this. It’s flexible and intuitive, allowing us to begin realizing our dream. Our librarians can create wonderful collections with minimal effort and in a complete way. It has helped us open more access points to our county’s history and heritage. We couldn’t be more pleased.”
Reflecting the library’s dedication to providing equitable access to resources and ensuring that digital collections are inclusive and user-friendly for all community members, the platform prioritizes accessibility. For the digital collections platform to be effectively used by the wide range of visitors to the library, with varying purposes, AM Quartex conforms to the regulations outlined in the WCAG, with a focus on the WCAG 2.2 AA standard.
AM Quartex is revolutionizing how LCPL’s community connects with its rich history. By utilizing AM Quartex, the library can showcase a wealth of historical materials. These collections provide invaluable resources for researchers, educators, and community members.
Explore LCPL’s digital collections and uncover more by visiting: https://localhistory.lexcolibrary.com/
