2020 is almost half over and most of us are already TOTALLY over it! July will be the fifth month we have been practicing social distancing, wearing masks, washing our hands more than ever, and learning a brand new “normal”. But, even the COVID-19 cloud has a silver lining! As schools and businesses gradually re-open, nearly everyone has a new appreciation for simple things. And for each other. That is always a good thing.

This time last year, Charleston’s big news was the $100 million renovation of the old Charleston Civic Center. It is now the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center. This year, the Charleston branch of the Kanawha Public Library begins its $24 million renovation project. The main branch at 123 Capitol St. has closed and most of the books are now at the temporary library at the Charleston Town Center Mall. The renovation and addition of 20,000 square feet is expected to be completed in February 2022. This will include a large meeting area and a café. But in the meantime, the CTC Mall is a convenient place to hang out, find the latest new releases, and grab a Starbucks. Especially during these hot summer months.

In June, the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences began a soft reopening as it began offering the popular “day camp” programs. Details for these can be found on their website. Most concerts and shows have been postponed  indefinitely. The Clay Center has begun additional sanitary practices which include an ultra-violet system with the H-VAC units. They are also getting creative about how the space is used. New ideas are being implemented with the Susan Runyan Maier Sculpture Garden. Stay tuned as the staff announces more events.