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. And 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.

“The Horry County Maintenance Department will take a concept and bring it to reality,” said Morgan Livingston, project manager for the department. “We work with the departments to create a budget. and once we get that budget, [we] will follow through until the completion of the project.”

Demolition began 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.

“Our children's area was small and cramped. It's made it super hard to have any kind of programs, so we moved them over by the windows with the natural light and gave them more space,” explained Elvis-Weitzel.

Staff also incorporated public feedback when planning the layout of adult computer stations and reading areas. In the updated design, these resources will be in a quieter section of the building.

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.

“We will be able to offer more programs from for children and for more children, because the space was so cramped and so small, they were limited in the number of children that they could accept in certain programs. Now, that space is much larger so more children can participate,” explained Elvis-Weitzel.

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. 

Residents are encouraged to follow Horry County Memorial Libraries on Facebook for details about a reopening celebration planned for March.

While the Little River branch remains closed for renovations, residents in northern Horry County may visit the North Myrtle Beach Library or the Loris Library for library services.

Residents can also find a list of all library branches here.