Does CCPL accept donated books and other items?

CCPL accepts donations of gently-used books, magazines and audio-visual materials. The guidelines listed in the Library's Collection Development Policy are used to determine whether donated items will be added to CCPL's collection. Items not added to the collection may be sent to the Charleston Friends of the Library for public book sales. Gifts are not returned to the donor.

The Charleston Friends of the Library is a volunteer, non-profit organization that hosts book sales and other events throughout the year to raise money for programming and services offered by CCPL. To learn more about upcoming events and and become a friend of the library, visit the Charleston Friends of the Library website or call 843-805-6882.

Who was Beverly Lynn Barnes and what was her connection to the Dart Library?

Beverly Lynn Barnes was the great-granddaughter of John L. Dart and grand-niece of Susan Dart Butler. She died on Jan. 16, 2021 at the age of 62. Barnes' obituary supplied by the family, noted her lineage of successful men and women, from doctors and lawyers to librarians and educators, including the Darts. In 1927, Susan Dart Butler opened the first public library for African Americans in Charleston. The Darts' efforts grew until the library was incorporated into the larger system. Now, a branch named for John L. Dart operates on King Street on the upper Charleston peninsula as part of the Charleston County Public Library. That desire to serve the public manifested in Barnes as well. She spent her adult life as a reporter, a member of President Bill Clinton's administration, and working with both the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and AmeriCorps. If you would like to recognize Barnes, the family is asking for contributions to the Dart Library in her memory.

What is the Cynthia Graham Hurd Memorial Fund?

Cynthia Graham Hurd was one of the Mother Emanuel Nine – the church members killed during a prayer service in June 2015. Cynthia was also a lifelong Charleston resident and 31-year librarian with Charleston County Public Library who stirred a passion for reading across generations and literary genres. In response to the outpouring of support and requests from individuals and businesses wanting to make donations in Cynthia's memory, her family established a fund at the library to continue her work.

Funds donated to CCPL will be set aside in her honor and used specifically for literacy, outreach and educational programming at the John L. Dart Branch Library and the Hurd/St. Andrews Regional Library; both are branches that Cynthia managed during her CCPL career. 

Donations can be sent to the address listed below or submitted electronically through Paypal:
Charleston County Public Library
c/o Cynthia Graham Hurd Memorial Fund
68 Calhoun Street
Charleston, S.C.

Can I volunteer at a library branch?

All volunteer positions are fully staffed at this time.

Can I make a donation to CCPL in someone's name?

You can honor a special person or group with a gift to Charleston County Public Library. Call 843-805-6821 for more information.