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.

Charleston library society documentary series

The Charleston Library Society frequently hosts documentary screenings in the Main Reading Room to add to our diverse programming line-up. Local and national filmmakers alike have accompanied these viewings, and most often host discussions post-screening. Each documentary offers a different view into the cultural media that the Library Society is honored to cultivate.

https://charlestonlibrarysociety.org/series/camp-in-the-stacks-2024/

Sign up your littles (ages 5 – 8 years) for our summer camps at CLS, Camp in the Stacks! Each week is educationally themed and will engage your child in diverse reading and learning activities around the library. This years themes include Wild About Nature, Scientist in the Library, Adventures and Treasures, and Around the World.

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. 

April 2024

October 2024

November 2024