Massive, modern and pretty darned awesome…read more The library has some of the most advanced check out and return devices I've seen. Like a self-checkout at the supermarket, it's great for the introverts that don't want to have a conversation. One of the "study" rooms was open this afternoon and I was able to spend some time with laptops set up and be on a few Zoom calls before the end of my workday. A terrific space and very productive. [Review 19438 overall - 1012 in South Carolina - 408 of 2023.]

What a great library! We decided to check it out one weekday and so happy we did. It is newer and…read morehas so many things to do. The children's area, our main reason for going, was amazing. Story time rooms, education rooms, computers with educational games, reading nooks in the windows, beautifully designed book shelves and displays, a cool "shark room" which was a reading area with dome windows all around with sharks displayed and a lovely outside area to read. The staff was very helpful and patient with the kids. They helped with the scavenger hunt that they had for children and went over different programs and events they had coming up. It's a little bit of a hike for us, but we will continue going there. My daughter absolutely loves it and tells everyone about it.

Great resources. Friendly staff. Great parking lot in downtown Charleston. History Room.read more

I lived in Charleston for ten years before visiting the Main library. Three other libraries are…read morecloser to my home, and with ILL and transfer between branches, I can read any book I want without having to travel downtown to pick it up. This library is massive and reminds me of the library at my state university (years ago), while the other libraries in the system are more like "neighborhood" branches. This may be the flagship library, but every branch is impressive. Another fun fact is that the Main Library branch serves as an early voting location during election season. Ballots and books are two of my favorite things, and I'm glad the library does its part to serve democracy. I thought I'd have to drive around for a parking spot or park in a nearby garage. Not true- there's parking on the ground level, your first hour is free, and it's super easy to get in and out. The Main library is also open on Sundays from 2-5 PM, and it's the only branch with Sunday hours. Since Sunday isn't as busy downtown, it's a great time to explore this branch.

Small but awesome. Yes, the collection of books on hand can be small in comparison to larger…read morelibraries, but I've been surprised by how they seem to have some obscure titles on hand and available. The staff is A+ and always eager to assist. If they dont have something you're looking for, they will get it! A good amount of seating is available if you want to sit for a while with a book, newspaper, magazine or your own computer. I never tried their wifi (normally use my own hotspot), but understand it's easy and good. So happy there is an excellent library on Daniel Island.

Reviewing a concert, not the actual library…read more.. Attended a performance of Brahms Piano Quintet in F Minor, part of the Piccolo Spoleto festival in Charleston. Not a bad place to HEAR a chamber performance, although visual sightlines are non-existent unless you snag a near front row seat. A beautiful facility, definitely a must see location for music lovers.

There is something special at the top of those white stairs and that is a literary history of a…read morecity built on the traditions of its past. With modern decor and the smell of old bindings and leather, this is a book lovers dream. This is the type of place you may see in a movie and one you can get swept away in the pages. Big fan!!!!

Trade A Book is Charleston's oldest bookstore. As of 2025 Beverley has been in business for 36…read moreyears. Her first store under the same name was located in Summerville on Trolly Rd which she later sold. (That new owner has since moved the location and kept the same name though they are not affiliated.) Trade A Book is a used bookstore where readers are able to bring in their books in exchange for store credit. There is a limit of 25 books per person per day that can be brought in. (Please don't be one of those that tries to sneak more in.) You May find new books on the shelves when someone trades them in but TAB does not order stock of new releases. What books should you expect to find? A little bit of everything. - general fiction - fantasy / sci fi - Upper YA - Lower YA - Children's books (grade school as well as picture books for the little kiddos) - Historical fiction - Classics - Romance (historical, contemporary, fantasy) - Mystery/ thriller - Horror - Religious / Christian - non fiction (this space is very small and limited) - Westerns - Local authors - and much more!! At this time operating hours are Thurs-Fri 11-4P. It is best to call the store ahead of time to confirm they are open as Beverley runs the store by herself and can take leave while she assists with family care. Beverly is one of the nicest store owners and is super knowledgeable about the books on her shelves. Readers are always welcome to request temporary holds if something comes in. There is a special charm to this place that you won't find anywhere else in the Charleston area. 10/10 recommend visiting yourself. There is a coffee shoonnex

Tons of selection. I went to return a few days later and was bummed she wasn't open! I would returnread more

If you are not affiliated to cofc, including returning books through inter-library loan, then don't…read morevisit the library. I called in advance to ask if I could rerun the book through inter-library loan from our college library, located in the same town. They told me I must return the book physically. So I traveled and paid the parking to return the book. At soon as I entered the entrance, I was stopped abruptly by asking a tag to enter. I said I just need to return the book and I showed her my institute id. She said " actually return the book right here!!!!' I might misunderstand her, but if I were told that I just need to return the book to the guard and it would be less shocking to me.

This is the library for the College of Charleston but the general public is welcome too. As the…read morepremier academic research library in the Lowcountry, their three floors feature over one million volumes. There is also a cafe on the ground floor. This is a superb resource for the community!