Programming

Each year, the Charleston Library Society hosts over 200 events ranging from author lectures and concerts to book clubs, children’s 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 O’Connor, 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.

Series

The Charleston Library Society frequently hosts Fellows Member events as a perk to our Fellows Members, including Wine Club and Happy Hours. For more information on Fellows level memberships, visit the ‘Become A Member’ page!

Sign up your littles for our Storytimes in the Rabbit Hole! Join our Children’s 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.

As a cultural institution for life-long learning, the Charleston Library Society continues to offer workshops and classes on conservation, bookbinding, and papermaking. Because our members are intellectually and creatively curious, our programming is curated to offer more than lecture-style events. Learn more about our hands-on workshops, offered year-round.