The Charleston Library Society is a membership library; one of less than twenty such institutions in the United States. The library receives no tax support, but instead is sustained through the memberships and gifts of individuals. The Society is, however, public: anyone paying a subscription fee may use the resources of the Society.

All levels of adult membership include full research and circulation privileges, our newsletter, The Charleston Reader, and access to great events throughout the year.

The Library Society has a range of membership options, for families, students, and researchers. Please browse our membership categories below to find that which best suits you, then click here to apply online. Memberships may also be completed over the phone at 843.723.9912, or in person at the Society.

Memberships

Giving Circle and Association of Fellows Memberships

Rates vary by circle

To better recognize our many generous benefactors, and to streamline financial giving, the Library Society has instated a tiered membership system. All Giving Circle memberships include the full benefits of a Friend of the Library membership, plus rewards commensurate with the level of giving; certain Library Society classes, events, and lecture series are open only to members in a Giving Circle. The Association of Fellows supports conservation and development of the collections, and is a way for patrons to exercise an increasingly prominent role in securing the financial health of the Library and the maintenance of its historic collections. Membership in the Association of Fellows delivers the satisfaction that a significant portion of your support will go to directly to the conservation of important works in the collection.

For more information on our various circles of giving and the Association of Fellows please click here.

Friend of the Library Membership

Seventy-five dollars annually.

The Friend of the Library Membership is a "family" membership: it covers two household members, and includes one free Minor membership for anyone under eighteen.

Minor Membership

One free with Friend of the Library Membership; additional Minor memberships, three dollars annually.

Minor memberships are for children twenty one or younger whose parents are members.

Senior Membership

Twenty dollars annually.

Senior Membership carries the same privileges as Friend of the Library memberships, and is available for those sixty-five and over.

Student Membership

Twenty dollars annually.

Any college student with a valid ID may purchase a Student Membership. There is no age restriction on Student Memberships.

Research Membership

Five dollars daily

For researchers who will only be with us briefly, a single-day Research Membership is available. This entitles the member to full access of the Society's collections for the day the membership is purchased. Materials can not be checked out of the Library with a Research Membership.

College of Charleston Memberships

Faculty Membership

Free

All members of the College of Charleston faculty have a free Friend of the Library Membership.

CofC Student Membership

All College of Charleston Students have free Research memberships. A student membership is required to check out materials.

Group Memberships

Rates vary

Organizations may purchase a membership for the use of their members/employees. Small groups- those of ten or less- can purchase a membership for one hundred dollars a year. Groups of ten and above are charged on a sliding scale as approved by the Board of Trustees. Please contact the Library Society for more information.

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Click here to join.