A new exhibit on the hometown music sensation Hootie and the Blowfish is now on display at the Richland County Public Library in downtown Columbia. “Hootie and the Blowfish: A Columbia Obsession” can be viewed in RCPL’s Walk Local History Room on the Third Level of the Main Library.

As Columbia celebrates the success of Darius Rucker’s Country Music Association award for New Performer of the Year, old and new fans alike can learn more about the Hootie and the Blowfish at the library.

Rucker is the lead singer for Hootie, the renowned pop band that got its start while the band members were students at the University of South Carolina. Band members also include Mark Bryan, Jim Sonefield, and Dean Felber. While the band is on hiatus, several members have released solo albums. Rucker received his recent CMA award for his solo album, “Learn To Live.”

Carol Schenk, a Hootie hunter, stands by her finds The exhibit features items owned by RCPL Information Services Librarian Carol Schenk. For years, Schenk has satisfied her Hootie obsession with what she calls Hootie Hunts, planned excursions around CD releases or special events that provide the perfect opportunity for acquiring new souvenirs.

Schenk’s Hootie Hunts have been so successful that she now owns an unusual and wide variety of Hootie paraphernalia. The exhibit highlights everything from Hootie holiday ornaments to golf balls with the Hootie logo. Some of the more unusual items were acquired from a Christmas tree featured at the Festival of Trees, the annual fundraiser for the Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital. There are Hootie instruments, T–shirts, magazine covers and a unique candle.

Hootie and the Blowfish may be international celebrities, but Schenk’s collection has a Columbia flavor. Schenk confesses she never thought her obsession would turn into a rock ’n roll collection. She simply collected for her own pleasure. “Hootie and the Blowfish: A Columbia Obsession” will be on display through February 28.