Charleston
South Carolina
Charleston County Public Library
About Us :
We are committed to continually identifying, evaluating and responding to your informational, educational, cultural and recreational needs. Our readily accessible, user designed services are provided by trained professional and support staff.
We promise to continue in our efforts to make the Charleston County libraries essential to the life of every person who seeks our services.
History:
The Charleston County Library was established in 1930 and formally opened on January 1, 1931. It was first housed in the Charleston Museum building. Within the first two days four hundred cards were issued and by the end of that February, 8,473 books had been circulated. The library's services expanded rapidly. In June, 1931, the first library branches were opened to make library materials accessible to all county residents. At the end of the first year the library had 9,705 members and had circulated 77,459 books. In 1935 the library had expanded rapidly and it was felt that a separate building was needed. In 1935 the library moved to its new quarters at 94 Rutledge Avenue. By 1954, the quarters at 94 Rutledge had also been outgrown and a public campaign to was launched for construction of a new headquarters library building. A bond issue was put before the voters by County Council and was passed with a large majority. A site was selected on Marion Square where the west wing of the old Citadel was located and the new headquarters building opened its door in November, 1960.
On Sunday, February 8, 1998, the library closed its doors at the 404 King Street address for the last time. A brand new library was built only a few blocks away at 68 Calhoun Street, the grand opening being held Tuesday, April 7, 1998.
Recent News
CCPL Partners With The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, AT&T, and the Public Library Association To Support Digital Literacy
CCPL partners with the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, AT&T, and the Public Library Association to support digital literacy Digital literacy programs will be offered at various library branches during January, February, and March.…
Read More »CCPL to Open Renovated John L. Dart Library on January 29, 2024
CCPL to Open Renovated John L. Dart Library on Jan. 29 The branch closed in October 2022 to receive updates on interior finishes, technology, furniture and more. CHARLESTON, SC – Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) will open the renovated…
Read More »CCPL Receives Donation from Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation
The $2,500 contribution will support the after-school food program at the Baxter-Patrick James Island Library Charleston, S.C. – Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) has received a $2,500 charitable contribution from the Food Lion…
Read More »Charleston County Public Library Shows Growth, Community Impact in 2022-2023
Charleston County Public Library (CCPL)'s Annual Impact Report for Fiscal Year 2023 (July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023) is now available. The report highlights how the system continues to grow and evolve into a modern library and service hub that has a…
Read More »CCPL Celebrates The Charleston Friends Of The Library During National Friends Of Libraries Week, October 15-21
The Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) will be spending the week of Oct. 15-21 celebrating its Charleston Friends of the Library (CFOL) group as part of the 18th annual celebration of National Friends of Libraries Week. The Charleston FOL…
Read More »After School Food programs Return to Charleston County Libraries
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) and the Lowcountry Food Bank (LCFB) are working together to alleviate child hunger in Charleston by offering free after-school food at select Charleston County libraries. Beginning…
Read More »CCPL Celebrates Library Card Sign-Up Month in September
Charleston, SC - This September, Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) is joining the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide for Library Card Sign-Up Month, a time to remind parents, caregivers and students that a library…
Read More »Charleston County Public Library Recognized Nationally by Gale/Library Journal
Charleston County Public Library Recognized Nationally by Gale/Library Journal as a Library Defying the Odds The library system received honorable mention in the inaugural Libraries Defying the Odds award for its services and programs combating…
Read More »Charleston County Public Library News - June 8, 2023
Free Meals for Kids and Teens: Summer Feeding Begins June 12 at Select Library Locations Charleston, SC –The Charleston County Public Library (CCPL), Charleston County School District (CCSD) and the Lowcountry Food Bank (LFB) have teamed up…
Read More »Charleston County Public Library - Summer Reading Begins
Summer Reading begins Monday! Here's a breakdown... Visit the Summer Reading Website Download the Summer Reading Program Guide Register Online Download the App See…
Read More »Reading Is Radical This Summer At The Charleston County Public Library
This summer, the Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) and the Charleston County School District (CCSD) are winding back the clock to a time of VHS tapes, parachute pants, and boom boxes to remind you that Reading Is Radical. Summer Reading 2023,…
Read More »Charleston County Public Library To Open New Keith Summey North Charleston Library On April 20
The 20,000-sq-ft branch will celebrate its opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by a day full of fun and informative programs for all ages. CHARLESTON, SC – Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) will open the Keith Summey North…
Read More »CCPL Receives $10,000 Grant from Roper St. Francis to Fight Community Hunger
The grant will help fund the library’s Free and Fresh Community Fridge program at several library locations CHARLESTON, S.C. – Roper St. Francis Healthcare’s (RSFH) Community Investment Program has donated a $10,000 grant to the…
Read More »Charleston County Public Library - Charleston Time Machine Podcast Makes Radio Debut
CCPL’s Charleston Time Machine Podcast Makes Radio Debut 96.3 FM OHM Radio will air episodes weekly on Sundays at 3 p.m. CHARLESTON, S.C. – There’s now a new way to listen to Charleston County Public Library’s (CCPL)…
Read More »CCPL And CCSO Team Up To Bring Library To The Juvenile Detention Center In Charleston County
The Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) in partnership with the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) opened a library at the Charleston County Juvenile Detention Center on Tuesday, December 6. The detention center is located at 4450…
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