Few People Know South Carolina Was Home To The First Public Library In America

American entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker Jim Rohn said, “Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.” And while we love finding new places to travel to and explore, isn’t it interesting and wonderful how you can really “travel” through books? Books can transport our minds and imaginations to new places, teaching us new things and helping us to grow and become better people. Those who love reading or who understand the impact of education surely appreciate the role libraries in South Carolina have played in this. Most may not know, however, that the first public library in the U.S. was in South Carolina.

Although the building no longer exists, a historical marker was placed at the site of the first public library in America by the Historical Commission of Charleston in 1955.

The marker is mounted at eye-level on the gate in front of Memminger Elementary School at or near the postal address, 20 Beaufain Street. The provincial library was established in 1698 and was located in the St. Philip’s Church Parsonage, which stood on this site until 1858 when a girls’ school was built here.

Library history in Charleston continues with this building, which is a Roman Revival-style mansion constructed in the mid-1800s by Isaac Jenkins Mikell, a cotton planter and slave owner from Edisto Island. In 1935, the Charleston Free Library purchased the house and turned it into a public library, with it serving in this capacity until a new public library structure was built on King Street in 1960.

Today's main branch of the Charleston County Public Library sits on Calhoun Street.

The Charleston Library Society, founded in 1748, is the third oldest subscription library in the United States after the Library Company of Philadelphia and the Redwood Library and Athenaeum of Newport, Rhode Island. It's also the South's oldest cultural institution.

It's a charming facility that hosts over 200 events ranging from author lectures and concerts to book clubs, children’s programs, and galas.

The Rabbit Hole is a children's library featuring sweet murals inspired by DuBose Heyward’s beloved children’s book, The Country Bunny, providing an old-fashioned library setting for exploring books and games, hosting birthday parties, or relaxed family fun.

Details for membership options are available on The Charleston Library Society website, and out-of-town visitors can purchase a day or week pass to enjoy on-site access to the library society resources while visiting Charleston.

We have some really special libraries in South Carolina. Check out the incredible Edgar Allan Poe Library in South Carolina that makes bookworms swoon!

Did you know the first public library was in South Carolina? What’s your favorite book or story of how a particular book impacted your life? Share with us in the comments section below.

Everyone who loves reading should try The Ultimate Reading Challenge.