South Congaree, SC 04/26/2021 (Paul Kirby) – Retired Lexington County Councilman Bobby Keisler and Retired SC House Member Mac Toole were both awarded state awards Monday from the S.C. Friends of the Public Library organization. The presentations were made by the president of the S.C. Friends of the Public Library group.
They received their awards in front of a packed house of library supporters, their families, elected officials, and friends during the April 2021 meeting of the Friends of the South Congaree / Pineridge Branch Library. The meeting was held at the Town of South Congaree’s Courtroom and Council Chambers.
When Keisler was first elected to the Lexington County Council to represent District Five, one of his campaign promises was that he would work to bring a Lexington County Branch Library to the South Congaree-Pine Ridge area of Lexington County. Working in cooperation with former SC House Member Mac Toole (Dist. 88), Keisler organized, presented, and got approved the building of that branch. He also secured the donation of the land from the Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commission. In July of 2007, Keisler’s promise was fulfilled when the doors of the branch library opened off Sunset Drive in the Town of South Congaree.
Over the years Keisler continued to support the little library in South Congaree. When he found out that children from Congaree Elementary walked to their weekly story times from the school, he helped appropriate funding for a sidewalk along Sunset Drive so that their walk was safe. Such is his commitment to not only fulfill but go above and beyond the campaign promise he made so long ago.
For his years of dedication and commitment to the South Congaree / Pine Ridge Branch Library, Keisler was awarded the Outstanding Public Official Award by the SC State Friends of the Public Library group. He was nominated by the Friends of the South Congaree / Pine Ridge Branch Library. The award was presented by President Marlene White of S.C. Friends of the Library group.
Former Representative Mac Toole (Dist. 88) served the people of the area for many years. When the library was being built, Toole worked tirelessly to secure funding for the libraries first collection of books through the State of SC. He continued to support the library over the years through his relationships in Lexington County and at the SC State House. He has also personally supported the library and its Friends Group with financial contributions.
Once, Toole committed to kiss a pig if children from the nearby school met a preset reading goal. When the goal was met, Toole puckered up and kissed the pig to the delight of the assembled children!
For his efforts and continued support, Toole was present the Elected Official of the Year Award from the S.C. Friends of the Public Library group. He was also nominated by the Friends of the South Congaree / Pine Ridge Branch Library. The award was once again presented by President Marlene White of S.C. Friends of the Library group.
Both men spoke after their awards were presented. Each made it known that even though they had both retired from politics, they were still committed to do what they could for the little library that has served the people of the South Congaree and Pine Ridge communities all these years.
