USCB Inaugurates $2 Million Bluffton Campus Library Renovation
Imagine a library bathed in natural light, where students lounge on modern furniture, write on whiteboards, enjoy coffee drinks and talk in animated tones. The University of South Carolina Beaufort’s newly re-opened Bluffton campus library is all this and more.
USCB recently completed a $2 million renovation of its Bluffton campus library, transforming
it into a dynamic hub for learning, creativity and collaboration. The updated facility
now features a redesigned makerspace, the Fin & Bean coffee shop and the Innovative
Media Center. The Makerspace and Innovative Media Center include 3D scanning and printing,
laser cutting, VR studio, podcasting, CAD software, video production and more.
Bridging academic exploration and social interaction, the new state-of-the-art library
aligns with USCB’s focus on experiential learning. Construction began in May 2024,
with the first floor closed during the summer months. The library reopened in January
and is buzzing with students, faculty and staff.
"Library usage is up,” said Dr. Kim Kelley, USCB's Director of Libraries.“The students are here in force and seem to really love it.”
Built in 2004, the Bluffton campus library houses about 47,000 items in its collection, including reference and rare books, titles for young adults and children, sound recordings and more. It needed an update to respond to modern usage patterns and current best practices in higher education library design. In 2022, USCB engaged Brightspot Consulting, a Buro Happold Company, which guides higher education institutions seeking to transform spaces to increase student success and staff productivity.
Through focus groups and surveys, the consultants learned that students, faculty and staff wanted flexible and inviting spaces for working collaboratively, studying individually, hosting events, grabbing a coffee, and meeting with professors or advisors.
Beaufort-based architectural firm Bear Steele Global, Collins Construction Services of Savannah and Garvin Design Group of Columbia led the transformation. New fixtures and finishes celebrate USCB brand colors.
The university eventually plans to add an open-air pavilion on the south side of the Bluffton campus library, said Provost Dr. Eric Skipper.
USCB libraries are open to the public. Visitors can explore collections on-site, and those holding library cards from surrounding counties can check out books. Certain offsite electronic resources, such as eBooks and online databases, are restricted to current USCB students, faculty, and staff.
The USCB Bluffton campus library is located at 8 East Campus Drive, 29909. For library hours, go to USCB.edu/library.For more information email library@uscb.edu.
- USCB -
CW • 2/20/2025