Programs

  • Charleston Library Society Programs

    The Charleston Library Society is a cultural institution for life-long learning, serving its members, the Lowcountry community and scholars through access to its rich collection of books, historic manuscripts and archival material and programs promoting discussion and understanding of the ideas they contain. The collections of the Library Society stretch from the 15th century to the modern-day and include materials from around the world. The Society paved the way for the founding of the College of Charleston in 1770 and provided the core collection of natural history artifacts for the founding of the Charleston Museum (the first in America) in 1773.(Continued on Schedule O) Between 1748 and 1914 when the Library Society settled into its current location, the collection was migratory, moving from place to place for safe-keepingpersonal homes to the upstairs of the Gabriel Manigault liquor warehouse to the County Courthouse. 164 King Street was the first building to house the collections that was designed and built for the Society. Here, in this new building, members like DuBose Heyward, John Bennett, Beatrice Witte Ravenel, Albert Simons, Josephine Pinckney, and many others, studied and read and wrote, diligently weaving the cultural fabric of 20th-century Charleston. The LibraryThe Charleston Library Society offers an impressive circulating collection of fiction and non-fiction ranging across biography, mystery, South Carolina history and geography, Southern literature and expansive reference materials. Curation of the collection is ongoing, and ensures edited acquisition of the most popular new releases and books of importance in addition to a host of audio and E-books, periodicals, movies/DVDs and a robust offering for children and young adults. When on-site, members may choose to explore collections using the physical or online card catalogs, as well as inquire with the Circulation Desk for insight and recommendations. As the library continues to grow in resources and its collections, there are more and more opportunities for sharing the wealth of knowledge and historical treasures that can be found within the walls. The CLS LibGuides (Library Guides) are a great place to start when curious to learn more about how to use the library and all that is available. These guides offer everything from special tools and aids specific to archives and focused content, as well as how to reserve electronic or traditional books and general maps to the organization of the stacks here at 164 King. Peruse, enjoy and ask questions our incredible librarians are here to help. Reading tables and workspaces are located throughout the library for members use and enjoyment on a first-come basis with the exception of the conference room which may be reserved in advance by calling the circulation desk. Researchers are welcome to use our collections during the Librarys open hours, but advance notice is requested. Visit Special Collections to learn more about formal Research Services for members and non-members. Young readers have always been a special focus for the Library Society. From bi-weekly Story Time hour to a 500-volume young adult collection, families can enjoy regular access to the most acclaimed titles for all ages. The Rabbit Hole, with murals inspired by DuBose Heywards beloved childrens book, The Country Bunny, provides a charming, old-fashioned library setting for exploring books and games, hosting birthday parties, or relaxed family fun. Programming Each year, the Charleston Library Society hosts over 200 events ranging from author lectures and concerts to book clubs, childrens programs, and galas. The founding members were an intellectually curious and culturally productive group and their desire to be at the heart of discussions about important issues is a trait that not only continues to resonate with our members today, but also provides the foundation for program development and enrichment. Renowned guests and speakers have included: David McCullough, Scott Turow, Dorothea Benton Frank, John Grisham, Lord Julian Fellowes, Jon Meacham, Darla Moore, Mayor Joe Riley, John Avlon, violin virtuoso Maestro Matteo Fedeli, Bernard Cornwell, Justice Sandra Day OConnor, jazz musician and vocalist, Ann Caldwell, Matt Diffee, Life-Long Learning classes with Penn Hagood, Steve Gavel, & Barbara Horlbeck, The Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Emile Pandolfi, local artist, Jonathan Green, Axelrod Research Curator of Ichthyology at the American Museum of Natural History, Melanie Stiassny, Chamber Music Charleston, and the recipient of the 2023 Founders Award, David Rubenstein. Storytime in the Rabbit Hole Sign up your littles for our Storytimes in the Rabbit Hole! Join our Childrens Librarian, Tori, each week in and hour of educationally themed time that will engage your child in diverse reading, learning activities and book-related crafts! Themes will change weekly. Workshops As a cultural institution for lifelong learning, the Charleston Library Society continues to offer workshops and classes on conservation, bookbinding, and paper-making in our Bindery. Our staff strives to curate hands-on programming for our intellectually curious membership. Special Collections From colonial-era letters to literary manuscripts and Audubon folios, the Library Societys expansive Special Collections house some of the Lowcountrys greatest cultural treasures. Our rare books and archives provide unique insight into Charlestons past as one of Americas earliest urban settings. The materials housed in the Library Societys Special Collections consist of more than 20,000 rare books, pamphlets, maps and plats, along with our notable manuscript and early American newspaper collections. Among the treasures are correspondence from George Washington and Alexander Hamilton, Dubose Heywards manuscripts for Porgy, and the jaw-dropping illustrated volumes of Pierre-Joseph Redout. A generous grant from the Bernard and Judy Cornwell Foundation enabled the Library Society to develop digitization as an additional layer of sharing its own Special Collections. Rare books and manuscripts require specialized scanners for safe digitization, and the library now owns the equipment necessary for preserving its vast collections in perpetuity. In conjunction, the Library Society continues its partnership with Lowcountry Digital Library where the broader Charleston community can access the Charleston City Directories as well as other manuscripts and archival documents tied to the history of the Lowcountry. The Librarys archives, vaults and special collections exist for the benefit of members and non-members for any and all research needs (subject, of course, to any specific parameters in place to protect and preserve historic materials). Researchers are invited to work with our staff on any project, large or small, and we welcome the partnership. Advance 24 hour notice is encouraged, so that we are prepared to assist with materials and direction for your project. Daily passes are available to non-members with the completion of some basic information. Please call or email to connect with one of our Research Librarians. Bindery and Conservation We are the modern caretakers of a collection assembled in response to the intellectual pursuits and borrowing needs of CLS members since 1748. Remarkably, through the triumphs and turmoil of time and history, our institution and its collections have survived. The items that comprise our special and circulating collections are individual time capsules. Acquisitions are the driving force in building a collection and meticulous editing allows us to expand with the present times, preserve the past and retire others. Whether through purchase or donation, the last 100 years of acquisitions have placed a myriad of first editions and earliest printings of novels on our shelves. While this Legacy Collection will not circulate, our members have access to treasures that are beyond a dollar value. Without conservation and preservation, the treasures and antiques of the collection are at risk of deterioration. Should you desire to leave your legacy within the walls of the Library Society, or honor another there are ample opportunities for named conservation. Through the Jerrold and Ann Mitchell Conservation Lab, the Charleston Library Society has the tools for proper care and repair of our historical treasures. Work closely with our special collections librarian to save a piece of living history for the future.
    Geographies
    Not indicated
    Dates
    Jan 1, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024
    Source
    990
    No causes provided
    No populations provided
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    $1.9M