SOUTH CAROLINA COMPUTERS STOLEN TheTandD.com | Break-in, thefts force Holly Hill library shutdown:

Break-in, thefts force Holly Hill library shutdown
By T&D Staff Tuesday, April 21, 2009

HOLLY HILL -- Two computers -- one of which is used in the book-checkout process -- were stolen over the weekend from the library here, requiring closure of the branch.

The library will most likely be closed through early next week until new computers can be found, said Maggie Thomas, extension librarian for the Orangeburg County Library System.

“We have not had anything like this happen at any of the branches,” Thomas said.

In addition to the computers, the thieves also stole two monitors, two keyboards and one mouse. The total cost is estimated to be about $2,000.

Thomas said personal library accounts are secure and are not accessible by the public.

The break-in occurred between 5 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 p.m. Monday. The library is located on Old State Road.

Thomas said the individuals responsible broke a large window at the rear of the building, enabling them to retrieve the equipment.

The break-in was the most significant at any of the branches in recent years, Thomas said.

She said about a year ago the Holly Hill branch did have a window broken, but nothing was stolen.

The county’s bookmobile also has had a window broken and a camera stolen.

Orangeburg County Library Director Paula Paul said the incident is a shock.

“We have had a lot of the Holly Hill patrons come in and are very upset that it happened and so are we,” Paul said.

Holly Hill Police Chief Robert Wunderlich said Tuesday there were few leads or information about the break-in.

“At this point we really don’t have much of anything,” he said.

In the interim, Thomas said patrons can still drop off books at the library and late fines will not be assessed on current outstanding books.

Patrons can also return or check out books at any county branch -- the nearest being in Santee at 119 Dazzy Circle. The library is located off Bass Drive.

For more information about the Orangeburg County Library System, call 803-531-4636.