Pat Conroy Literary Center

09/05/2026

Remembering Gloria Steinem (1934–2026)

We join readers and advocates around the world in remembering Gloria Steinem, the pioneering writer, journalist, and activist whose work helped shape the modern women’s movement and advance the cause of equality for more than six decades.

Steinem was also an admirer of Pat Conroy’s writing. In this reflection on The Great Santini, she considered Conroy’s ability to write honestly about family, hierarchy, patriarchy, and the courage required to challenge them. She concluded that Pat showed us how “courage, empathy and telling the truth” can help set us free.

In remembrance of Gloria Steinem and her extraordinary life and legacy, we invite you to revisit her thoughtful reflection on Pat Conroy and The Great Santini.

Read Gloria Steinem on Pat Conroy’s “The Great Santini”⁠

"The Great Santini" stands as a classic account of families shaped by the rigid patriarchy around them. Here, Gloria Steinem explains what she loves most about Pat Conroy's novel.

09/03/2026

A look ahead:

Thursday October 1 – 4:00-6:00 PM EDT
Price: Free
Registration: Refreshments from the Pat Conroy Cookbook will be served and space is limited; please call to reserve your spot: 843-379-7025.

Venue: Pat Conroy Literary Center | 601 Bladen St., Beaufort
Join us for a book launch and lowcountry celebration in honor of Lynn Seldon’s new book:
Pat Conroy’s Lowcountry.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Discover the landscapes, culture, and communities that shaped one of the South’s most beloved literary voices through an immersive journey across South Carolina’s storied Lowcountry. From the tidal marshes and historic streets of Charleston to the quiet charm of Beaufort, readers are invited to explore the places that inspired a lifetime of storytelling by Pat Conroy. This engaging history and travel narrative highlights the region’s rich heritage, coastal beauty, and vibrant culture while tracing the author’s deep personal connection to the communities he called home.

Follow the path through beloved Lowcountry destinations including Fripp Island, St. Helena Island, and Daufuskie Island―locations that appear frequently in Conroy’s novels and memoirs. The journey also explores formative chapters of his life, from his time as a cadet at The Citadel to his years teaching in Beaufort County schools and on remote coastal islands.

Blending literary history, regional storytelling, and practical travel inspiration, this richly detailed guide offers readers a unique perspective on the South Carolina Lowcountry. Along the way, it highlights historic landmarks, Gullah Geechee heritage, scenic waterways, renowned coastal cuisine, and authentic local experiences that continue to define this extraordinary region.

09/02/2026

Please Join Us in Welcoming Robert Gwaltney!

The Pat Conroy Literary Center invites you to join us for a special afternoon as we welcome our new Executive Director, Robert Gwaltney.

ABOUT THE EVENT

Friday, September 18
5:00PM-7:00PM
Pat Conroy Literary Center

Registration: Refreshments will be served and space is limited; PLEASE CALL to reserve your spot: 843-379-7025.
Venue: Pat Conroy Literary Center | 601 Bladen St., Beaufort

Come meet Robert, enjoy good food and drinks, and spend some time with friends of the Literary Center as we begin this exciting new chapter together.

Catering by Debbi Covington will provide the food, and a complimentary bar will be available.

08/29/2026

A wonderful evening at the Pat Conroy Literary Center!

We were delighted to welcome bestselling author Emily Carpenter and award-winning author Kimberly Brock for a conversation celebrating Carpenter’s new novel, A Spell for Saints and Sinners.

Set amid the moss-draped beauty of Savannah, Carpenter’s latest novel blends Southern suspense, modern witchcraft, obsession, power, and possession into an unforgettable story.

Thank you to Emily and Kimberly for a fantastic conversation, to NeverMore Books for partnering with us, and to everyone who joined us for the evening. We’re grateful for another opportunity to bring writers and readers together in Beaufort!

08/27/2026

08/18/2026

Conroy Center Announces New Executive Director

Welcoming Our New Executive Director, Robert Gwaltney

The Pat Conroy Literary Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Gwaltney as our new Executive Director. A nonprofit executive and critically acclaimed author, Gwaltney brings more than 25 years of mission-driven leadership and community service, along with a deep personal connection to Pat Conroy’s work and legacy.

A lifelong resident of the American South and a graduate of Florida State University, Gwaltney most recently served in executive leadership with Easterseals North Georgia, overseeing one of Georgia’s largest nonprofit early childhood education and family service programs. He also brings significant literary accomplishments of his own and has often cited Pat Conroy as an inspiration for his writing.

“Pat Conroy understood that stories can change the way we see ourselves, our communities, and one another,” Gwaltney said. “I am honored to join an organization that carries that belief forward.”

As Executive Director, Gwaltney will build on the Center’s established legacy while focusing on expanding educational programming, strengthening community partnerships, growing philanthropic support, and broadening the Center’s reach throughout the Lowcountry and beyond.

“I want the Literary Center to continue to be a place where readers and writers feel welcomed, where young people discover the power of their own voices, and where Pat’s enduring belief in empathy, courage, and the power of story remains at the heart of everything we do,” he said.

Gwaltney joins the Literary Center on September 1, 2026.

08/17/2026

For the 10th year, the Pat Conroy Literary Center was honored to welcome the Leadership Beaufort Class as they begin their year of learning, connection, and service.

The visit offered an opportunity to reflect on Pat Conroy’s deep connection to Beaufort and his example of leadership—especially his belief in helping others and standing up for what is right, even when it is the more difficult choice.

We’re grateful to once again be part of the beginning of Leadership Beaufort’s journey and look forward to seeing the impact this class will make in our community.

08/14/2026

📚 BOOK LOVERS, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU! 📚

The 10th Annual Lowcountry Book Club Convention is coming Saturday, September 26, bringing together readers, authors, and book clubs for a full day of conversations, signings, and celebrating the joy of reading.

This year’s lineup includes Colleen Oakley in conversation with Cassandra King, Dana Ridenour and Susan Zurenda, Jennifer Moorman, and more. (Pat Conroy Literary Center⁠)

📅 Saturday, September 26
📍 Culinary Institute of the South | Bluffton
📖 Author conversations • Book signings • Gourmet box lunches

Whether you’re already part of a book club, looking to join one, or simply love a great book — save the date!

More details, including ticket information, are coming soon.

See the full schedule and event details⁠ (link in comments)

08/12/2026

"Sometime in the night – maybe under the weight of its own grandeur? – just about half that magnificent Live Oak had broken from the other half and tumbled to the ground. Nobody seems to have seen it happen. I’m surprised the whole town didn’t shake. Then again, those branches were so widespread, and some bending so near the ground, it could have been a gentle landing, more like lying down than falling. I like to think that’s how it happened."

Read the entire story below:

Last Sunday was epic. In the morning, I took myself to see The Odyssey instead of going to church. I’m not proud, but our choir is on summer hiatus, so I wa ...

08/05/2026

Mark your calendars! 📚

The Pat Conroy Literary Center is celebrating a milestone with its 10th Annual Lowcountry Book Club Convention on September 25–26, 2026!

Whether you're a longtime book club member, an avid reader, or simply someone who loves great stories, this special anniversary event is a chance to connect with fellow book lovers, hear from outstanding authors, enjoy inspiring conversations, and celebrate the power of literature and community.

This year's convention promises engaging discussions, memorable keynote speakers, and plenty of literary magic as we celebrate a decade of bringing readers together.
More details, featured guests, and registration information will be announced soon, but for now... save the dates!

September 25–26, 2026

We can't wait to celebrate this landmark year with you. (link in comments)