North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years
A new chapter is underway for the Little River Library.
Located within the Ralph Ellis Complex off Highway 57, the branch first opened in 1996 as the Stevens Crossroads Library. Although the name was updated in 2006 to align with the county system, the building itself has remained largely unchanged.
“This building was built over 30 years ago and it was a different era. Our library users had different needs. By renovating, we are updating and giving them the things they’ve asked for most, which is mostly space,” said Tracey Elvis-Weitzel, director of the Horry County Memorial Library. “It needs some improvements just to keep the building running and to extend the life of the building, but also to make it a nicer place for our citizens and our staff.”
Library staff are working closely with the Horry County Maintenance Department to transform the facility into a more functional and inviting space.
Demolition began on Jan. 20, 2026, and construction is expected to wrap up in March.
When the library reopens, visitors will notice a redesigned floor plan that better reflects community needs.
In addition to the reconfiguration, the library is receiving several cosmetic upgrades, including fresh paint, new shelving, updated restrooms and a new ADA-compliant circulation desk.
The re-imagined library is bringing new opportunities.
The Little River project is the latest improvement under the county’s ongoing Library Renovation Project, which began in 2019 with upgrades to the Loris Library. The long-term plan calls for renovations at all county library locations, with priorities based on building age, facility needs and community demand.
The library system also recently purchased a new bookmobile that will hit the road soon to provide services directly to neighborhoods, schools and community centers.
