By Andy Ann
Walterboro native Jackie Gallagher is the new reference librarian and adult programming coordinator at Colleton County Memorial Library.
Gallagher has a bachelor’s degree in history from Charleston Southern University, a master in teaching from the College of Charleston, and a master’s degree in education from The Citadel. She is a former teacher who worked for 11 years in education before joining the library staff. During her career in education, she taught in Hampton, Charleston, and Colleton counties.
With a passion for the past, Gallagher enjoys researching and helping others learn about the rich history of Colleton County and the surrounding areas in the Lowcountry. She enjoys helping patrons learn more about the area and help them find the answers to some of their research questions.
Gallagher recalled how as a child she remembers her mother and aunts researching for clues from the past by exploring cemeteries, creating rubbings from the grave marker stones, as well as researching on microfilm. She expressed how much she enjoyed taking a part in these family quests.
Gallagher accepted the position at the library when she realized that she was looking to rekindle that personal passion for history again. “My first love is history,” she said. “I love Colleton County as well. I was born and raised here, was a Langdale before I got married, and my family has been here since the 1700s. I’ve been all around the county and now I’m coming back home.”
Through the library, Gallagher wants to have a hand in facilitating interesting adult programs such as book clubs, painting classes, history talks, and more. There are several adult painting classes scheduled in the coming months and she would like to see a mystery book club launch in January. There is also discussion about possible bingo and movie nights being added to the programming. She would also like to work with the Colleton County Museum and form partnerships there.
While music could be heard from a piano recital taking place in another room, Gallagher described the library as having a very creative, open, and encouraging environment. She wants the community to realize that libraries are not boring, but rather filled with many rich opportunities and adventures to experience.
Gallagher emphasized that the library is a “place for people to come, meet and connect.” She wants others to realize that the library is a place they will want to come to and it is for all ages. She said that it is a place where visitors can “be passionate and be happy. Follow your passions.”
For more information about the Colleton County Memorial Library, visit www.colletonlibrary.org, call 843-549-5621, or email Jackie Gallagher at jgallagher@colletoncounty.org.
