Information for visitors
Operating hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday-Friday | 9:30 AM-5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM-2:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Holidays
For 2012, the Library Society is closed on the following days:
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- January 20
- Presidents' Day
- Maundy Thursday thru Easter Monday (April 5-9)
- Independence Day
- Labor Day weekend
- Columbus Day
- Thanksgiving (November 21-25th)
- December 22-31
Calendar
The following events are currently scheduled for the Library Society. Please check the blog or call at 843.723.9912 for the most up-to-date information.
Getting here
View Larger Map
By foot- The Library Society is located in the heart of Charleston, a fifteen-minute-or-less walk from most points below Calhoun Street. Just above the intersection of King and Queen streets, the Society's main entrance is flanked with a distinctive pair of ginkgo trees. Those taking the Gateway Walk can enter through the garden path at the East Entrance of the building.
By auto- The Library Society has a limited number of parking spaces available behind the main building. The driveway is an immediate left after passing the SCE&G driveway. The nearest parking garages are less than 100 yards away at the corner of King and Queen Streets: the County garage on the left and the City garage on the right. The Horlbeck Alley, Cumberland Street, and Majestic Square parking garages are also nearby.
By bus- The nearest CARTA stops are at the corner of Broad and Meeting and the corner of King and Market.
Accessibility
For those requiring wheelchair access, there is a ramp into the main building in the East Entrance, adjacent to the parking lot.
Admission
The Library Society welcomes all visitors during our normal operating hours. Our staff is ready to answer any questions you might have about the Society, and if available, to provide tours. Admission is free, but donations are very welcome. We do ask that visitors remain in the Main Reading Room unless accompanied by a staff member.
Eating
No food or drink is permitted in the Main Reading Room or the book stacks. Eating is permitted in the Bischoff Lounge. Complimentary coffee for members is located in the Bischoff Lounge.
Borrowing
- Members of the Library Society may check out six items at a time.
- Books, magazines, audios, and videos may be kept for two weeks.
- Books one year old or older may be checked out for eight weeks if the patron requests it.
- Items may be renewed by telephone.
- Items may not be renewed if on request by another member.
- Late items are fined at a rate of five cents per day.
- Members will be billed for lost items.
Non-members are welcome to browse our catalog and use the reference area of the Main Reading Room. Further research requires the purchase of a Daily Membership ($5.00).
Contact us
The Charleston Library Society
164 King Street
Charleston, SC, 29401
Telephone: 843.723.9912
Fax: 843.723.3500
Email:
info@charlestonlibrarysociety.org