Charleston Library Society

Charleston is often touted as the birthplace of historic preservation, but what exactly does this mean, and are there varying degrees? Historic houses here and across the country must constantly evaluate how to best preserve the physical structure while balancing interpretation and public access. Join Juliana Falk, The Accidental Preservationist, for a "preservation 101" as […]

Please join us for our New Member Orientation! Every second Monday of the month, we host our newest members of the CLS family for a fun and informative tour of the facility, including key information on utilizing Library resources, an exploration of some of the treasures from the CLS archives, a visit to the Igoe […]

Due to the high enthusiasm surrounding Story Time, we will be offering this to members only. To join the Library Society, please click here. Join us for our beloved Story Time in the Rabbit Hole! During this hour-long, kid-friendly program, children and their parents/caregivers will join Justine, our Children's Programming Coordinator, to read in the Rabbit […]

Join us for a hands-on workshop on treasure box making with James Davis, Director of Conservation, where you'll learn to create personalized boxes using techniques employed for archival book boxes. This workshop is perfect for crafting unique gifts, or keeping treasures of your own. Using straightforward materials such as paper boards, covering cloth, decorative papers, […]

RESCHEDULED EVENT FROM SEPTEMBER 2025 A poignant, true story of love, faith, and endurance in the aftermath of World War II, drawn from hundreds of handwritten letters, Letters from Sweden is a historical romance that brings to life the story of Bill—a 28-year-old Purple Heart recipient and Gettysburg seminary student—and Mary, a determined and educated […]

Join the Charleston Library Society for our annual Holiday Shopping Bazaar in the Stacks: a market pop-up in our Main Reading Room featuring local makers, bakers, collectors, and artists. Date & Time: Thursday, December 4th from 2-7 PM and Friday, December 5th from 10 AM-3 PM. Enjoy our two-part holiday shopping bazaar with our local vendors: Oliver […]

Please join us for our New Member Orientation! Every second Monday of the month, we host our newest members of the CLS family for a fun and informative tour of the facility, including key information on utilizing Library resources, an exploration of some of the treasures from the CLS archives, a visit to the Igoe […]

Join us for Holiday Strings at the Library Society – one of our most cherished Chamber Music traditions. Enjoy an intimate evening to lift your spirits as we enter the holiday season. A festive lineup of seasonal works will be announced from the stage. Purchase tickets HERE.   

Join us for Holiday Strings at the Library Society – one of our most cherished Chamber Music traditions. Enjoy an intimate evening to lift your spirits as we enter the holiday season. A festive lineup of seasonal works will be announced from the stage. Purchase tickets HERE.   

Join us for Holiday Strings at the Library Society – one of our most cherished Chamber Music traditions. Enjoy an intimate evening to lift your spirits as we enter the holiday season. A festive lineup of seasonal works will be announced from the stage. Purchase tickets HERE. 

Back by popular demand, we are pleased to announce the return of our beloved and now expanded Book Sale! For one week only, browse a wide selection featuring fiction, non-fiction, coffee table books, magazines, and other delightful, rare finds. In addition, an assortment of full 'sets' of books for dressing up your bookshelves will be […]

Along with the College of Charleston, we are thrilled to celebrate the arts and culture through a shared appreciation and history of William Shakespeare's work. For its 3rd year running, join this reception-style format to enjoy refreshments and light hors d'oeuvres while the College of Charleston Theatre performers creatively (and perhaps spontaneously!) interject various soliloquies, sonnets, […]

Discover the historical ties between the flourishing city of Charleston and the English colony of Barbados in A Colony of a Colony: Barbadians Settle Charles Town, South Carolina. Authors Margaret Eastman and Robert P. Stockton, cherished voices in Charleston’s literary and historical community, join us in the Main Reading Room to share the research, stories, […]