Who are the FRIENDS of the Library?

This volunteer, non-profit support organization has raised money to enhance programming and services offered by the Charleston County Public Library since 1982. The Charleston FOL is the official organization that raises money for the Charleston County Public Library. To supplement member dues, this tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization raises the majority of its funds from branch book sales held throughout the year and during the group’s multi-day That BIG Book Sale held annually at the Omar Shrine Auditorium.

Money raised by the FRIENDS touches the lives of thousands throughout Charleston County by funding programs and events, including:

  • The annual Summer Reading program;
  • Costs and materials for programs, such as movies, performer expenses, etc.;
  • Author book signings and lectures;
  • Ongoing professional development training for staff.

Members also provide hundreds of hours of volunteer time to help with library services and programs.

Board of Directors

Executive Director
Leah Donaldson

Officers
President - Carin Jorgensen
Vice President of Book Sales - Gail Golightly
Vice President of Marketing - Amanda Bunting Comen
Vice President of Development - Rick Kates
Sorting Room Liaison - Susan Wallberg
Treasurer - Breyonna Davis
Past President - Susan Hoffius

Board Members
Merideth Bonvino
Savannah Frierson
Ulani DeCillis
Rebecca Hiester
Jaclyn Henderson
Rebecca Hoffman
Lauri Moffet
Dodie Marshall

How can someone join the FRIENDS?

Your membership will help fund more than 7,000 programs annually at Charleston County Public Library.

To become a member: Sign up online, download the FRIENDS of the Library Membership Form and mail it in, or call 843-805-6882.

For more information about FRIENDS' Book Sales and events, please visit the Charleston FRIENDS of the Library website.

Book Sale Schedule

Get the latest details on when and where the book sales will happen by visiting the Charleston FRIENDS of the Library website!

At FRIENDS sales you will find books with prices starting at just $1 for paperbacks and $3 for hardback books. Items include mysteries, romances, classics, children’s books, local histories, cookbooks and more. 

In addition, you can find $1 books in the FRIENDS of the Library section of a number of Charleston County Public libraries.  These books are refreshed often and you will find a variety of genres.

Donate Your Books

Donations of books are always welcome!

Each year the FRIENDS receive thousands of donated books, which they in turn resell to the public through book sales. Your donation is tax-deductible and helps to provide critical support to the Charleston County Public Library. Books must be in really good condition.  Think about the quality YOU would buy at a book sale.​

Items that are not accepted include:

  • Moldy, musty, wet, torn, yellowed or damaged books​
  • Encyclopedias, dictionaries or computer books older than 2018
  • CDs
  • DVDs
  • Video Games
  • Cassette or VHS tapes
  • Magazines, newspapers, pamphlets

You can donate at the Main, Baxter-Patrick James Island, Johns Island, and Wando Mount Pleasant libraries.

Main Library: Drive behind the Library (past parking garage). You will see stairs and a dropbox. Please ring the door bell Monday - Friday 10a-2p. If no one answers, you can place books in the drop-off bin. If you need a receipt for tax purposes, just request it from us!

Branches: Please contact branches directly before donating as they may have limitations (e.g. Johns Island only accepts 2 boxes per patron). Baxter-Patrick James Island (843) 795-6679, Johns Island (843) 559-1945, Wando Mount Pleasant (843) 805-6888.

For more information on donating to the FRIENDS, click here.

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