The lowdown on libraries

Here’s your guide to the Charleston County Public Library

From workshops to book clubs, there’s plenty to do at local libraries. | Provided by Charleston County Public Library

Charleston County Public Library has a lot to offer, so we’re breaking down the resources, services, and events you may not know about.

There are 18 branches (some are being renovated) and a Mobile Library, with unique experiences at each location.

How to get a card

To become a cardholder, stop by any branch, fill out an application, and provide a photo ID and proof of address. Or, fill out this online form and pick up your free card at your preferred branch. See who’s eligible.

Did you know? You can check out books, audiobooks, e-books, movies, TV shows, and music for free with your library card.

Free services

Request curbside services to pick up and drop off materials from your car
Order books in the mail if you qualify as permanently or temporarily housebound
Book a meeting space as a nonprofit, civic, educational, cultural, or government group
Learn a new language with the Mango online language-learning program
Get one-on-one training from a librarian on topics like resume editing and tech support
Access computers and Wi-Fi at all branches

Some of the newer library resources include creative studios, sewing machines, cooking classes, and you can check out telescopes, chrome books, and WIFI hotspots. Stay updated on Instagram.

Free events

Events for adults include yoga, sewing, book clubs, and writing workshops
Events for teens and kids include storytelling, movies, art projects, and games

Book it to your favorite branch to pick up a card, explore services, and attend events.

GET A LIBRARY CARD

Click here to have your event featured.

Tuesday, Jan. 31

International Piano Series: John Milbauer | Tuesday, Jan. 31 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Sottile Theatre, 44 George St., Charleston | $30, free for CofC students | Grab tickets to see this world-renowned artist perform for the College of Charleston International Piano Series.
National Geographic Live: Secrets of the Whales | Tuesday, Jan. 31 | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St., Charleston | $21.85+ | Deep dive into the science of whale families through the work of National Geographic underwater photographer Brian Skerry.

Wednesday, Feb. 1

America’s First Museum: 250 Years of Collecting, Preserving, and Educating | Wednesday, Feb. 1 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting St., Charleston | $12 | Commemorate two and a half centuries since the museum’s founding during this year-long exhibit.
Myths from the Sea | Wednesday, Feb. 1-Tuesday, Feb. 28 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Lowcountry Artists Gallery, 148 E. Bay St., Charleston | Free | Award-winning artist Gale Ray’s newest collection of paintings and pottery will be featured this month with an opening reception on Friday.

Thursday, Feb. 2

Carolopolis Awards | Thursday, Feb. 2 | 6 p.m. | Sottile Theatre, 44 George St., Charleston | $107-$157 | The Preservation Society of Charleston will host the 69th annual awards presented by Carriage Properties.
Hangmen by Martin McDonagh | Thursday, Feb. 2-Saturday, Feb. 4 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Cannon Street Arts Center, 134 Cannon St., Charleston | $35-$45 | It’s 1965 and execution by hanging has just been abolished in the United Kingdom in this production.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

69º | Cloudy | 21% chance of rain

Sunrise + sunset

Rise: 7:14 a.m.
Set: 5:52 p.m.

Tide

Low: 10:15 a.m. + 10:17 p.m.
High: 3:56 a.m. + 4:18 p.m.

Transit

The Engineering Phase of the Lowcountry Rapid Transit project has begun. There will be a downtown Charleston route study and a ~$1 million Transit Oriented Development study soon. Learn more about the project. 🚌

Development

MUSC’s College of Health Professions building is headed for downtown. The six-floor, 90,000-sqft project has a $50 million price tag and is slated to open in 2025. Here’s what it looks like. (Charleston Regional Business Journal)
A private 70-acre development is underway at the old Navy base in North Charleston. Navy Yard Charleston will feature residential, office, retail, and restaurant space. Take a look at this rendering. 🏗️ (The Post and Courier)
A project in Nexton is expected to bring 500 new jobs to Summerville. Dayfield Park development will include offices, restaurants, and retailers with construction beginning this summer. The project is set to be completed in 2026. (WCIV)

Biz

The second largest importer in the US is eyeing the Holy City. Target, which has a temporary warehouse at the Port of Charleston, is considering the Lowcountry for the site of a new distribution center. Stay tuned. 🚢 (The Post and Courier)

Community

The Land and Water Conservation Fund has awarded grants to three local projects: $261,000 to Fort Pemberton, ~$428,000 to Isle of Palms County Park, and ~$125,000 to the Vine Street bike path at Edisto Beach. Get the project details. (WCBD)

Family

Expecting (or know an expectant new mom)? Roper St. Francis Healthcare provides an array of helpful baby-centered classes to prepare parents for this big life change (think: breastfeeding basics, infant CPR, what to expect, Dad 101 + more). See the class schedule. 🧑‍🍼 *

Trending

The internet’s most popular cup is back in stock. The Stanley Quencher is beloved for its comfortable handle, large straw, ability to fit in your car’s cup holder, and how it keeps water cold for 11 hours. Plus, the popular 40-ounce size means all day hydration. 💧*

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Three cheers for beers 🍻

Coast Brewing’s new taproom opens in North Charleston

Take a look at the new space. | Photo by @coastbrewing

Sip, sip, hooray. Coast Brewing Company has opened a new taproom in North Charleston. The space features a bar, community tables, a stage, and a deck.

This family-owned craft brewery uses organic and local ingredients. Drop by 1250 N. 2nd St. to enjoy a cold one Thursday through Sunday. Check out upcoming eats at the new digs below.

SEE THE FOOD TRUCK CALENDAR

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Tatum.

Editor’s pick: Local bookworm checking in. There’s a new book on the scene written by a journalist and author based in Charleston, and it sounds like a page-turner.

Skip Johnson’s “The Year 2020: A Day-by-Day Diary of a Debacle” e-book is now available online. Dig into the pandemic, floods, droughts, storms, and forest fires of the year 2020.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Take a look at our Valentine’s gift guide, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Alexandra Garian, Tatum Jacaruso, Erin McPherson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Stephanie Zapiecki | Advertise with us.

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