While the numbers represent the number of licenses or registrations issued by DNR, they do not measure the number actually used in the three-county region. A boat permit issued in Berkeley County, for example, can be used to operate a boat anywhere in South Carolina. In the case of hunting and fishing licenses, non-residents are required to purchase a license. Even so, there is no information on how often the license is actually used. It can be thought of as representing the average number of items checked out in a year by a member of the community.
Libraries provide opportunities for people of all ages to read and learn.
The number of library materials circulated is one indication of residents' interest in reading and learning. Each of the three counties in the region operates a public library system. In total, there are three main libraries and 19 branch facilities. Charleston County operates the largest system of the three counties, while Dorchester has the smallest system in terms of access points. Berkeley and Dorchester counties' libraries are approximately the same size in terms of circulation.