Chapin Memorial Library
Contact Information[edit | edit source]Email: [email protected] Description of Collections[edit | edit source]Chapin Memorial Library houses a varied and extensive collection of genealogy materials in the Boone Archives Room. The collection largely focuses on South Carolina, but also contains materials for North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and other surrounding states. Genealogy reference guides (Evidence Explained, Professional Genealogy) are also included in the collection. An index of local obituaries is available dating back to 1915. Major online subscription databases are also available: Ancestry.com (on-site only) - America's Obituaries & Death Notices (Newsbank.com) - HeritageQuestOnline.com - FamilySearch.org Services[edit | edit source]The reference staff at Chapin Memorial Library is available to help patrons get started with their research. They provide help with locating materials, using equipment (PC's, microfilm readers/printers) and starting basic research. Chapin Memorial Library offers free guest WiFi service for patrons using their phones, tablets or personal computers. If needed, printing is also available. Chapin Memorial Library also hosts the Grand Strand Genealogy Club that meets the second Saturday of the month, year round. This group provides regular presentations on a variety of genealogy topics and also offers one-on-one mentoring assistance to individuals just beginning their research or struggling with specific problems. History[edit | edit source]The Chapin Memorial Library is named for Mr. Simeon B. Chapin - a financier, philanthropist, and one of the early developers of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The library originally opened in 1939 at a location on North Kings Highway with 501 books. During World War II, the library relocated to the Chapin Company building as part of the government recreation program for soldiers. In August 1948, the Chapin Foundation provided $40,000 for a library on city park land and an additional $2,000 for landscaping. Chapin Memorial Library opened on June 1, 1949, on the corner of Kings Highway and 14th Avenue North. The current facility has been expanded four times. The Chapin Memorial Library was the first city-owned library in South Carolina, and is under the jurisdiction of the Recreation Services Department of the City of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Day-to-day operations are currently managed by the Library Director, Jennifer Nassar. Tips for Your Visit[edit | edit source]
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