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.

    • 200+ programs and events a year, introducing exciting subjects and revered authors, at no charge or reduced pricing for members, and oftentimes with a social gathering before or after
    • Ever-changing exhibitions curated from our special collections and vaults
    • A fine selection of the latest titles of books, movies and audio books in the circulating collections across all subject matters
    • Borrowing privileges for 10 books at a time
    • A magnificent Reading room, Children’s Library and other private study spaces for work or research stacked with thousands of books and dozens of periodicals from around the world
    • Subscription to the Charleston Library Society newsletter, The Reader, and other communiques
    • Member-rate for special event rentals
    • Reciprocal access to Sister Membership Libraries across the U.S.

Join or Renew Now →

Corporate Membership →

Base Membership (Individual or Couple)

$150 (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

John Bennett

All benefits of base membership, PLUS:

  • Borrowing privileges for 15 books at a time
  • Complimentary guest passes for grandparents, care-givers, etc.
  • Advance notice for family or children’s programming

Tax-deductible (all but $15)

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Circle Membership

$500

John Drayton Circle

All previous benefits, PLUS:

  • Two guest passes to share with friends or prospective members that can be used for either our programs or day passes
  • An invitation to one Fellows event

Tax-deductible (all but $25)

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Association of Fellows

$1,000+

Dubose Heyward Fellow

All benefits of general membership, PLUS:

  • Invitation to all Fellows events and special receptions
  • One ‘Friend of the Library’ gift membership for recipient of choice
  • Access to Dr. Suzan D. Boyd Fellows Club Lounge
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Association of Fellows

$2,500+

Eliza Pinckney Fellow

All previous benefits, PLUS:

  • Private, docent-led tour of the library for up to 6
  • A second ‘Friend of the Library’ Gift Membership for recipient of choice
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Association of Fellows

$5,000+

John Locke Fellow

All previous benefits, PLUS:

  • Gifted copy of the Charleston Library Society Limited Edition Rare, Prized and Valuable
  • Lunch with the Executive Director
Join →

Association of Fellows

$10,000+

1748 Founders Fellow

The most prestigious membership level with every benefit, PLUS:

  • Private tour of the vaults customized to your interests guided by the Special Collections Librarian and Historian

AND,

  • Pride in perpetuating a venerable institution for future generations
Join →