Library Director Closes the Book On a 50 Year Career

Please join us in wishing Ray McBride a happy and rewarding retirement! 

A career spanning 50 years is coming to a close for Beaufort County Library Director Ray McBride, who will retire October 2 after serving as the Library’s Director for the past five years. 

McBride’s legacy as the Director of the Beaufort County Library will be marked by his tireless efforts to upgrade library facilities, expand collections, and ensure library services reach all segments of the community. 

Over the course of his five years at the helm, McBride implemented much needed upgrades and renovations to four out of five branch libraries, upgraded the Library’s technology infrastructure to the latest technology, revived Bookmobile service after 20 years of inactivity, increased print and digital circulation, and secured a 300% increase to the library materials budget. 

Beaufort County Library staff and customers are indebted to his vision and commitment for providing library services to Beaufort County residents. His work has assured success for years to come.  

This is the second retirement for Mr. McBride — the first was in 1997 when he retired as Command Sergeant Major from the United States Army and started his library career as the Systems Administrator/Reference Librarian for the Darlington County Library. 

In 2000, he joined the Greenville (SC) County Library system as Information Technology Manager before being promoted to Operations and Information Technology Manager where he supervised the construction of five new library branches. 

From 2007-2013, McBride served as the Executive Director of the Florence (SC) County Library System where he was responsible for managing six branch libraries and served as Project Manager for the construction of four branch libraries and one community center.

After his last day in the office, McBride will relocate to Ormond Beach, Florida where he and his wife have purchased a home. His immediate plans will be to explore his new community, spend time with his children and grandchildren, and enjoy quality time fishing in the great outdoors.

While the Library Board of Trustees conducts a search for a new Library Director, Amanda Brewer Dickman, Deputy Director of Library Services, will serve as Interim Director of Library Services.