Amber Locklear started a book collection in June and has already amassed hundreds of books.
More impressive is that she will not keep one single book for herself. Rather, the books will become the foundation of a library in Lincolnville, SC – a small town between Summerville and Ladson that lacks a library.
Locklear, a senior at Pinewood Preparatory School, came up with the idea in June while participating in a community service and public leadership program at Furman University.
“I grew up in Lincolnville and we never had a library,” said Locklear. “It seemed like a good idea because it is something that the town really needs.”
Furman University recently provided Locklear with a grant for supplies and fundraising efforts.
Lincolnville Town Councilwoman, Dot Bailey, believes Lincolnville is long overdue for a library and appreciates Amber’s efforts. “Amber has been very helpful,” said Bailey. “Many people in the town are very excited because they have never been able to borrow books in Lincolnville.”
The library will be named after Laverne C. Williams, a Lincolnville citizen who passed away last year and left many books to the town with hopes that Lincolnville would one day have a library.
While the majority of book donations thus far have come from Williams, Locklear, her family and friends, a series of book drives will be held at Pinewood in the coming months. The first book drive, which does not yet have a definitive date, will be held within the next few weeks.
Currently, Locklear is collecting books, adding library pocket and recording the books in a computer. Soon, with the help of some fellow Pinewood students, she will begin building bookshelves and organizing the books.
The library, which will be located in a small room in Lincolnville Town Hall, already has a bigger home waiting should it continue to grow.
“If we get too many books to fit in the current room, it’s not a problem,” said Locklear. “The mayor said that if the library grows out of the room, we can have his office.”
For information on donating books, contact Locklear at Amber.locklear@yahoo.com or bring the books to Pinewood Preparatory School. Locklear will gladly accept any donations; however, children’s books are most needed.

Contact Michael Tannebaum at 873-9424 ext. 215 or mtannebaum@journalscene.com.