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 6 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.

RENEW NOW

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 12 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 $15)

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FELLOW BENEFITS

The Association of Fellows attracts like-minded individuals who share a passion for literature, history, the arts, the exchange of ideas and other educational opportunities. The Association of Fellows attracts patrons who play a more prominent role in securing the financial health of the Library and the maintenance of its historic collections to perpetuate and preserve its legacy for the future.

In acknowledgement of their generous support, Fellows patrons receive advance notice for ticketed events as well as unique programs and special receptions throughout the year with the opportunity to become better acquainted with one another.

In the spirit of community, a newly created Fellows Club Lounge in honor of Dr. Suzan D. Boyd, will allow members of the Association of Fellows to gather in an intimate, book-lined room for social and intellectual enlightenment whether over coffee during the day or just before an evening program.

 

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
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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
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