Beaufort County Library System is adding a sixth library location in the Town of Port Royal and Beaufort County Council officially passed a resolution to name the new facility in honor of former Town of Port Royal Mayor Samuel E. Murray.

Located at 1408 Paris Avenue, the planned library will be the first for the Town of Port Royal.

Mayor Murray served as a member of Town Council for 18 years and as Mayor for six consecutive terms. While in office, Mayor Murray oversaw beautification projects, new infrastructure and expanded the small business community. Mayor Murray was also instrumental in kicking off the redevelopment of the port property.

"It's wonderful that County Council could recognize Mayor Samuel E. Murray for his many years of service to the Town of Port Royal," said Council Member Alice Howard. "His dedication to public education in Beaufort County and his commitment to public service to the Town of Port Royal helped make the town what it is today. Honoring his memory with this library branch will be a daily reminder of his legacy."

“The Beaufort County Library is proud to have the opportunity to open a new branch library in Port Royal which will be named in honor of Mayor Samuel E. Murray," said Lynne Miller, Chair of the Library Board of Trustees. "During Mayor Murray's six terms he also saw to the redevelopment of Port Royal making it one of the jewels of the Low Country.”

Beaufort County Council officially passed the resolution on April 22.

The goal will be to open the Port Royal Branch Library location this summer.

Beaufort County Library System currently operates libraries in Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, Lobeco and St. Helena Island.

The County is also exploring ideas for new library locations in Burton and the Okatie/Bluffton area.

To learn more about the Beaufort County Library System, visit www.beaufortcountylibrary.org.