Best Bookstores & Libraries in Charleston, South Carolina, United States
1. Blue Bicycle Books
Independently owned bookstore with a wide selection of new and used books. Special events and author readings make this a must-visit.
- Special Events: Offers author readings and other special events
- Wide Selection: Carries a wide variety of new and used books
- Locally Owned: Independently owned and operated bookstore
2. Carter's Books
A charming used bookstore with a large collection of books on various subjects. Known for its affordable prices and friendly staff.
- Affordable Prices: Offers books at very affordable prices
- Large Collection: Boasts a large collection of used books on various subjects
- Friendly Staff: Known for its friendly and helpful staff
3. The College of Charleston's Addlestone Library
A beautiful library on the campus of the College of Charleston, open to the public. Offers extensive resources for research and study.
- Extensive Resources: Provides extensive resources for research and study
- Beautiful Architecture: Features beautiful architecture and design
- Open to the Public: Open to the public for research purposes
4. The Charleston County Public Library
A network of libraries throughout Charleston offering books, digital resources, and programs for all ages. The main branch is a historic landmark.
- Digital Resources: Offers digital resources in addition to physical books
- Historic Main Branch: The main branch is a historic landmark
- Programs for All Ages: Provides programs for children, teens, and adults
5. The Joe Riley Waterfront Park Library
A modern library located in a beautiful waterfront park, offering a wide selection of books and digital resources.
- Waterfront Location: Located in a beautiful waterfront park
- Modern Design: Features modern design and architecture
- Wide Selection of Resources: Offers a wide selection of books, digital resources, and programs
6. The Mace Brown Museum & Library
A museum and library dedicated to the life and work of author Dorothy West. It offers a unique insight into African American literature.
- Unique Insight: Offers a unique insight into African American literature
- Dedicated to Dorothy West: Dedicated to the life and work of author Dorothy West
- Museum Exhibits: Features museum exhibits on the history of African American literature
7. The John Rutledge House Historical Museum & Library
A historic house museum with a library featuring resources on the history of Charleston and the American Revolution.
- Historic House Museum: A historic house museum showcasing the life of John Rutledge
- American Revolution Resources: Offers resources on the history of the American Revolution
- Charleston History Resources: Features resources on the history of Charleston
8. The South Carolina Historical Society Library
A research library specializing in the history of South Carolina. It offers extensive resources for historians and researchers.
- Extensive Resources: Offers extensive resources for historians and researchers
- South Carolina Focus: Specializes in the history of South Carolina
- Research Library: A research library dedicated to the study of South Carolina's history
9. The Gibbes Museum of Art Research Library
A museum library specializing in the art and culture of the American South. It offers resources for artists, historians, and enthusiasts.
- Art and Culture Resources: Offers resources on the art and culture of the American South
- Museum Library: A museum library dedicated to the study of art and culture in the American South
- American South Focus: Specializes in the art and culture of the American South
10. The Charleston Museum Library
A library specializing in the history, art, and culture of Charleston. It offers resources for researchers, historians, and enthusiasts.
- Charleston Focus: Specializes in the history, art, and culture of Charleston
- Research Library: A research library dedicated to the study of Charleston's history, art, and culture
- Resources for Enthusiasts: Offers resources for enthusiasts of Charleston's history, art, and culture
11. The Charleston Library Society
A private membership library founded in 1748, offering a wide selection of books and resources on various subjects.
- Private Membership Library: A private membership library open to the public by appointment
- Founded in 1748: One of the oldest libraries in America, founded in 1748
- Wide Selection of Resources: Offers a wide selection of books and resources on various subjects
12. The Peninsula Grill Library
A small library located in the Peninsula Grill restaurant, offering a curated selection of books on food, travel, and literature.
- Curated Selection: Offers a carefully curated selection of books
- Located in a Restaurant: Located within the Peninsula Grill restaurant
- Focus on Food, Travel, and Literature: Focuses on books about food, travel, and literature
13. The Circular Congregational Church Library
A library located within a historic church, offering resources on the history of Charleston and the church.
- Historic Church Location: Located within a historic church
- Church History Resources: Offers resources on the history of the Circular Congregational Church and Charleston
- Free and Open to the Public: The library is free and open to the public during church hours
14. The South Carolina Room at the Charleston County Public Library
A special collection within the main branch of the Charleston County Public Library, focusing on the history and culture of South Carolina.
- Special Collection: A special collection dedicated to the history and culture of South Carolina
- Within the Main Branch: Located within the main branch of the Charleston County Public Library
- Historical Resources: Offers historical resources on South Carolina's history and culture
15. The Archives and Manuscript Library at the College of Charleston
A research library specializing in the archives and manuscripts related to the history of South Carolina and the American South.
- Research Library: A research library dedicated to the study of archives and manuscripts
- South Carolina Focus: Specializes in the history and culture of South Carolina and the American South
- Archives and Manuscript Resources: Offers resources on archives and manuscripts related to South Carolina's history