The shelves inside Socastee Library hold more than just books. One special corner named the Little Free Pantry helps deliver hope to those in need. It’s stocked with non-perishable food items and other necessities.
“If someone is in need and wants something or needs something, all they have to do is come in. We do not ask any questions,” says Lee Brown, Socastee Branch Librarian. “You can come and get whatever you want, however much you want.”
The Little Free Pantry’s contents were all generously donated by the community, including individuals, local businesses, churches, and the library staff themselves.
“The library is blessed by a very generous, giving community, and this is all because of them,” explains Brown.
The pantry, which opened on November 27, 2025, has already served more than 50 people, distributing over 1,000 food items to families who might otherwise go without.
In one instance, a man thanked the library for his items explaining he didn’t know where his dinner was going to come from that night.
Brown says a vision to develop this permanent resource came into focus during the library’s Thanksgiving food drive in November.
After some research, the Horry County Memorial Library team learned Irmo Library in Lexington County has a similar program they could model their program after.
“They started their food pantry, and they have many locations that do this as well. We hope to follow in their steps and eventually have something similar in each of our branches,” says Lynn Doyle, Horry County’s Assistant Director of Libraries.
For those looking to contribute to the Socastee Library’s Little Free Pantry, we shared a list of suggested donations below.
There are some items that cannot be accepted, including dented cans or foods with otherwise damaged packaging, perishable items, and foods made or canned at home.
If you intend to donate canned food, consider those with pop-tops for those who may not have a can opener.
“It’s important for the library to do this because we serve everybody in the community. This is just a good place for them to come,” says Doyle. “It’s just kind of a quiet place that they can come and just bring a bag and fill it up with whatever they need.”
The Little Free Pantry is located beside the main desk inside the Socastee Library. It is available whenever the library is open.
Socastee Library Hours:
- Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sunday, Closed
Suggested Items for Donation:
Dry Goods
- Pasta
- Popcorn
- Oatmeal
- Dried Beans
- Boxed Dry Soups
- Rice & Other Whole Grains
Individually Packaged Snacks
- Raisins
- Protein Bars
- Fruit Snacks
- Granola Bars
Ready-to-Eat Foods
- Jerky
- Bread
- Cereal
- Granola
- Applesauce
- Dried Fruits
- Nut Butters
- Canned Fruits
- Canned Meats
- Pudding Packs
- Nuts and Seeds
Hygiene Products
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Wipes
- Toilet Paper
Follow Horry County Memorial Library on Facebook (Horry County Memorial Libraries) and Instagram (hcm.library) for updates on this initiative and details on other programs.