Lowcountry Forever: Magnolia Plantation & Charleston County Public Library – June 29, 2025

SEGMENT #1: Magnolia Plantation
GUEST: Neves Richards, Director of Volunteer Engagement
ISSUE: Historic Preservation
Established in the late 17th century, Magnolia Plantations has been open to the public since 1871. The historic grounds are open year-round, offering visitors a glimpse into it’s rich and evolving history. This summer, the Plantation is offering a new program, Nature Pop, bringing more than 40 Lego statues to the grounds for visitors to enjoy. Neves Richards, the Plantation Director of Volunteer Engagement shared the idea behind bringing Nature Pop to the Lowcountry, what statues the more than 800,000 Legos have been made into, and where visitors can find them. As the Director of Volunteer Engagement, she also provided information on how individuals can volunteer and become a part of the plantation. Richards also discussed the plantations offerings, besides this summer’s “Nature Pop” and how the venue impacts the Lowcountry economically.

________________________________________________

SEGMENT #2: Charleston County Public Library
GUEST: Kathleen Montgomery, Associate Director of Community Engagement
ISSUE: Community Assistance
The public library is for much more than reading magazines and checking out books. This summer, the Charleston County Public Library is expanding programs to be outreach within the community. Kathleen Montgomery, Associate Director of Community Engagement with the Charleston County Library introduced their Summer Feeding Program, a joint venture with Charleston County School District and the Lowcountry Food Bank to provide lunch for 5 through 18 years old. The program will run through August 10th at the various library branches. Montgomery also provided information on their Summer Reading Program, available to both students and adults. Plus, she laid out the many reasons why libraries are still important and relevant here in the 21st century.

Recent Headlines

9 hours ago in Sports, Trending

Last call? States look to extend bar and restaurant hours during the World Cup

World Cup fans in a growing number of U.S. cities won't have an issue finding a well-poured pint to go with their late-night match. State leaders across the U.S. are signing off on extending bar and restaurant hours during the world's most-watched sporting event.

9 hours ago in Entertainment

Dua Lipa and actor Callum Turner are married

Dua Lipa and actor Callum Turner are married, local officials in London confirmed to The Associated Press. They tied the knot Sunday at Old Marylebone Town Hall.

9 hours ago in Sports, Trending

Serena Williams is returning to pro tennis at age 44 after nearly 4 years away from the sport

Serena Williams is returning to professional tennis at the age of 44 after nearly four years away from the sport. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion has accepted a wild-card invitation to play doubles at the upcoming Queen's Club grass-court tournament in London, the WTA Tour announced Monday.

15 hours ago in Entertainment

A guide to the bookstores owned by your favorite authors

Amazon remains the dominant force, but physical, brick-and-mortar stores have rebounded — and stores owned by authors such as Ann Patchett are now a niche unto themselves, found everywhere from Brooklyn to New Mexico.

16 hours ago in Entertainment

YouTuber box office boom: ‘Backrooms’ and ‘Obsession’ draw Gen Z to theaters

Young audiences turned out in droves to movie theaters around the country this weekend. It wasn't for the big budget "Star Wars" movie, "The Mandalorian and Grogu, " which fell sharply in its second weekend, however, but for a small budget horror from a 20-year-old first-time filmmaker that began on the internet.