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Become a Member

The Charleston Library Society invites you to join a great tradition by becoming a member and engaging in the resources and programs it provides. Support from members is fundamental to advancing the Charleston Library Society’s role as a cultural and research institution locally, regionally, and globally.

Out of town visitors may purchase a day pass for $25 (two children per adult may join at no charge) or a week pass for $85 in order to enjoy on-site access to our resources while spending time in Charleston.

Member Benefits to Enjoy:

All library memberships include the following benefits, with further benefits added in conjunction with increased support levels.

Members receive access to the Charleston Library Society’s collections, spaces, and programs, including: 

  • The rare privilege of browsing a historic collection of more than 300,000 volumes, spanning from first editions to the latest new releases, as well as subscriptions to a wide variety of newspapers and periodicals
  • Daily use of the Library’s landmark building, including quiet reading rooms and private study areas 
  • Borrowing privileges from the circulating collection and personalized book recommendations through the Library Society’s curated catalog offerings (maximum 10 items) 
  • Preferential pricing for author lectures, concerts, lifelong learning courses, and special workshops 
  • Special access to a curated selection of recorded programs and an invitation to the Annual Meeting 
  • A subscription to the Library’s journal, The Reader, and other weekly & seasonal communications 
  • Remote access to research databases, digital archives, and Libby eBooks and audiobooks 
  • Subscription to PressReader, featuring thousands of international newspapers and magazines 
  • Access to rotating exhibitions, research databases, reference assistance, and online collections 
  • Meet-and-greet opportunities with authors and scholars 
  • Reciprocal privileges at sister libraries nationwide and at more than 1,400 North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) institutions, including museums, historic homes, botanical gardens, children’s museums, and science centers 
  • A 10% discount on facility rentals, purchases at the annual book sale, and select Library materials 

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Corporate Membership →

Gift a Membership →

 

Base Membership (Individual or Couple)

$150 (will move to $175 as of April 1) (student $75)

Beatrice Witte Ravenel

The Library’s general membership, allowing one person or two adults in a shared household, all of the benefits listed above, and a slightly reduced level for students.

Tax-deductible (all but $15)

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Family Membership

$250 (will move to $285 as of April 1)

John Bennett

All benefits of base membership, PLUS:

  • Use of the Children’s Library, The Rabbit Hole, including weekly children’s programming and the extensive youth collection 
  • Increased borrowing privileges 
  • A complimentary guest pass for grandparents or caregivers 
  • Advance notice of family and children’s programming 

Tax-deductible (all but $15)

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Circle Membership

$500 (will move to $650 as of April 1)

John Drayton Circle

All previous benefits, PLUS:

  • Two guest day passes for friends or prospective members 
  • Invitation to one Fellows event per year 
  • Personalized research assistance and New Item Request privileges 

Tax-deductible (all but $25)

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Association of Fellows

$1,000+ (will move to $1,250+ as of April 1)

Dubose Heyward Fellow

All benefits of general membership, PLUS:

  • A complimentary 12-month introductory membership to give to a friend or family member 
  • Privileges for increased use of the Conference Room and Dr. Suzan D. Boyd Fellows Club Lounge 
  • Priority access to Special Collections 
  • Early ticket access to selected programs 
  • Exclusive pre-program gatherings are offered three or more times per season 
  • Invitations to private receptions with distinguished speakers throughout the year 
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Association of Fellows

$750 (New addition!)

William Hinson Junior Fellow

All previous benefits:

  • Must be under the age of 40 
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Association of Fellows

$2,500+ (will move to $2,875+ as of April 1)

Eliza Pinckney Fellow

All previous benefits, PLUS:

  • A private vault tour for you and up to six guests 
  • A guaranteed seat at any $10 program with advance RSVP 
  • A second gift membership for a recipient of your choice 
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Association of Fellows

$5,000+ (will move to $6,500+ as of April 1)

John Locke Fellow

All previous benefits, PLUS:

  • Reserved seating at select programs 
  • One limited-edition copy of Rare, Prized, and Valuable: Fifty Favorites from the Collections
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Association of Fellows

$10,000+ (will move to $12,500+ as of April 1)

1748 Founders Fellow

The most prestigious membership level with every benefit, PLUS:

  • Private tour of the archives customized to your interests and  
  • Pride in perpetuating a venerable institution for future generations. 
  • Annual lunch honoring those who allow this organization to be at its fullest 
Join →