Charleston Library Society
Charleston Library Society
Charleston Library Society
4.5
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4.5
13 reviews
Excellent
7
Very good
5
Average
1
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0
PUMBRIDGE
London, UK2,293 contributions
May 2022
A great place for a quick snoop... although you have to navigate a steep flight of steps from street level!
This is one of Charleston's grandest surviving buildings - a private library/club which is members-only, but which you're at liberty to push open the door, spend a few minutes admiring the interior, take a leaflet, look at the wonderful old bookshelves at the back, then go on your way again.
It's pure history, and the folk inside are very enthusiastic about it.
Well worth a brief look, before you're told that it's strictly membership and that, sadly, it's not possible to come in and spend the day browsing!
This is one of Charleston's grandest surviving buildings - a private library/club which is members-only, but which you're at liberty to push open the door, spend a few minutes admiring the interior, take a leaflet, look at the wonderful old bookshelves at the back, then go on your way again.
It's pure history, and the folk inside are very enthusiastic about it.
Well worth a brief look, before you're told that it's strictly membership and that, sadly, it's not possible to come in and spend the day browsing!
Written 3 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AndreLePlume
Atlanta, GA251 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
The Charleston Library Society is one of the great hidden treasures of Charleston. One of the few remaining private libraries in the United States. Although you can only fully use their resources if you join (and it is worth it if you are going to be spending a lot of time in Charleston), it is worth just going in to see the beautiful, historic building and look at whatever they are exhibiting in the main lobby. For locals, I highly recommend joining and for visitors I recommend stopping by. They also recently hosted an incredible literary festival (Charleston to Charleston), which I hope they will continue to do in the future.
Written 5 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EvanGuthrie
Charleston, SC10,963 contributions
May 2019 • Business
I really like being able to visit and utilize the Charleston Library Society. It is a great resource for research and houses a lot of cool things about Charleston. I like all of the history and items that the library has and the overall feel and atmosphere of the building and location is great. It is a nice quiet space to read, work, and study if you need the time to concentrate and find a quality spot to focus and get stuff done. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable in assisting you with any research or questions you may have. They also have a really good lecture series and speakers that they offer that is always fantastic. This is also a good event space that is wide open and has plenty of room. I have always enjoyed my visits to the Charleston Library Society and look forward to being able to come back many times in the future.
Written 12 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard C
Virginia792 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Despite the fact the Charleston Library Society is a private library, I was allowed to look at the exhibit cabinets in the front reception area. These are a limited example of their extensive holdings, and one can enjoy seeing them in well under 30 minutes. It's behind the Gibbes Museum, so if you're visiting there, you may want to pop around back and walk up the staircase -- although you're likely to be underwhelmed if you visit after the Gibbes. If you're time is limited, consider another site.
Written 6 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terrie J
Charleston, SC3,427 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
I have seen this building for years and never knew anything about it. I finally decided to walk up the steps and see what was inside. What I found was a very nice lady who told me the history of the building and it's contents. This is an old private library. It has a number of exhibits under glass on the first floor, but also has books. Most of the books are very old and offer history of our area. The book section is reserved for members of the society. The public can look around the first floor. There was an art exhibit in the lobby. There is also a section with chairs for upcoming events. There are special speakers and since there is a piano in the corner, I am assuming musical events as well. This was a fascinating place to find.
Written 28 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The World is My Oyster
Orlando, FL21,657 contributions
May 2020 • Friends
We stopped by to look at the gorgeous design, which reminded me a lot of the Roman architecture. The columns and steps give it all its charm and beauty!
Written 6 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter V
Thua Thien - Hue Province, Vietnam107 contributions
June 2017 • Couples
Advised by my great late froend mr jerry goedy we went to this library and found an enormous source of historic material
Written 17 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charming_Karl
Lisbon, Portugal1,421 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
After moving to Charleston, we made a point of joining the Library Society. And now, about 9 months later, we have only been to one event. Which, by the way, was great. But we had hoped to get more out of our membership. I guess what they've offered just hasn't fit into our schedule, or interested us enough to make it a priority. We will have to do a bit better now that our year's membership is winding down.
Written 7 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Townhaven
Aviemore, UK177 contributions
Apr 2017
This is one of the oldest subscription library in the country. Housed in a wonderful building and full of interesting books and reading materials, both old and new. Non members may go in the first floor and just look around, or read one of the papers. Inquire about a membership if you are interested.
Written 11 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jazzydays
Goose Creek, SC229 contributions
May 2017 • Friends
The Charleston Library Society is a beautiful building on King Street in downtown Charleston. Often there are book sales on the lawn and staircase as other reviewers mentioned. You may come inside and look around for free to view the checkered floor and prominent historical books. The Poetry Society of South Carolina has monthly meetings and workshops here. The Charleston Library Society also has workshops for children such as bookbinding which you register for in advance. There is a small amount of parking behind the building but a parking garage is just a block away. If you love history and books you should make a quick stop inside while strolling King Street.
Written 21 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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