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

Sign up your littles for our Storytimes in the Rabbit Hole! Join a member of our team 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.

Hands-on learning experiences in our Bindery and Conservation Lab, including paper marbling, bookbinding, and more. Offered for all levels of experience, our workshops share insights into the practices of preserving books within institutions.

Join us in partnership with South Carolina 250 to celebrate the incredible anniversary of our beloved Southern state, as well as our country. From the women who helped shape our country to the lesser-known heroes fighting for independence, mark your calendars for these Revolutionary programs you won’t want to miss.

April 2026

May 2026

June 2026

July 2026

August 2026

November 2026