Library cards are free to the following individuals:

  • Charleston County residents
  • Charleston County business owners
  • Charleston County property owners
  • Students in colleges or universities in Charleston County*
  • Active duty members of the military stationed in Charleston County
  • Teachers and students of accredited K-12 grade schools in Charleston County*
  • Employees of Charleston County Government

*Students in colleges and universities or accredited K-12 grade schools must physically attend classes at the learning institution located in Charleston County. Students at all-virtual schools or who only attend virtual classes do not qualify.

You must present a valid photo ID and proof of address (if not listed on your ID) and, if applicable, proof of membership in the qualifying groups (if not a Charleston County resident).

NEW FOR 2023 - only residents of Berkeley, Colleton, Dorchester and Georgetown counties qualify and can apply for an Out-of-County library card in person at one of our branches. Also, the annual fee for an Out of County card is now $80. You must present a valid photo ID and proof of address (if not listed on your ID)

All library policies are on the Charleston County Public Library website at ccpl.org. You may also request copies of those policies at a library branch.

If your library card is lost or stolen, please call your local library as soon as possible to stop unauthorized use of your card. You will need to come into the library with a valid photo ID to replace your lost library card.

If you belong to one of the above groups qualifying for a free card, save time and apply online!  Here are the easy steps:

  1. Complete the online library card application below, and click the I agree statement at the end of the form to submit it online. Items marked with an asterisk are required to process your new library card. A parent or legal guardian should complete the form for children 11 and under.
  2. Wait for an email from your preferred library branch that your card is ready to pick-up. Please allow two business days for processing of your application.
  3. Take a valid picture ID, proof of address (if not on your ID) and proof of membership in any of the above qualifying groups (if not a Charleston County resident) to the preferred library branch within 30 days.
  4. Show your documents to library staff and get your new CCPL library card. You’re now ready to enjoy all the benefits of library membership!

We respect your privacy and adhere to the Library's Online Privacy Policy when asking for personal information.

Are you any of the following?
Personal Information
Include your Unit or Apartment Number, if applicable. PO Boxes are not accepted.
Include area code and number using XXX-XXX-XXXX format.
*Please provide your mobile phone number if selecting text message notifications. Include are code and number using XXX-XXX-XXXX format.
Please enter any four numbers that you would like to use as your PIN so that you can access digital resources and use self-check kiosks to check out materials at our branches. (Hint: It should be something you can easily remember.) If at any point you wish to change your PIN, you can do so at your nearest branch.
Family Member Information and Consent
A. Internet Use

Please read carefully.

Charleston County Public Library does not control information and resources available on the internet. The internet and its resources are always changing. The Internet may include items that are illegal, inaccurate, out-of-date, defamatory, and potentially offensive or disturbing to some people.

Restrictions:

The public's use of the Internet must be consistent with the library's Code of Conduct. Violations include:

  • Sending, displaying, or downloading obscene (as defined by S.C. Code 16-15-305) or disruptive messages, files, or images;
  • Changing or adding files to CCPL's computer network;
  • Harassing, insulting, or attacking others; and
  • Violating copyright laws or software license restrictions.

If made aware of any violations, library staff will take appropriate action, which may result in the loss of Internet privileges and possible legal action.

As a user of the Library's public computers, I understand and will abide by the library's Code of Conduct and Computer, Printing and Internet Policy. As a parent or legal guardian of the minor child or children listed in this application, I agree to CCPL's Computer, Printing and Internet Policy. Library cards provide access to the Internet on the library’s public computers. I understand that some material on the Internet may be objectionable. I agree and hold CCPL harmless from any and all liability that may occur. If I choose to revoke that access for myself or my child, I must fill out an Internet Opt-Out Form.

B. Proxy Users

As the parent or legal guardian applying for your child's library card, you will have access to the account. If you wish to authorize other users, ages 18 and over, to have full access to your and/or your child's account, please acknowledge this statement and provide the proxy user(s) names where indicated below: I give my permission for the following individuals to use my and/or my child's library card accounts at the Charleston County Public Library for all transactions, including picking up holds, checking out library materials and receiving information on my account, past due items and fines.

C. Pick a design!

Teens and Adults have a choice of card designs. "The Smartest Card in Your Wallet" design replaces the previous card showing three Lowcountry scenes and was designed by a CCPL graphic designer.

Children ages 11 and under now have a special card for them featuring CCPL's mascot, Owlbert. When signing up for a library card, they will automatically get the Owlbert card, and when they turn 12 years old, they may request to change their card to one offered to teens and adults.

Smartest Card in Your Wallet design

For each of the accounts listed below, check whether the account should have approved proxy users (provide names), indicate the preferred library card design (for children 11 and under, select Owlbert), and indicate a PIN.

Please enter any four numbers that you would like to use as your PIN so that you can access digital resources and use self-check kiosks to check out materials at our branches. (Hint: It should be something you can easily remember.) If at any point you wish to change your PIN, you can do so at your nearest branch.
Please enter any four numbers that you would like to use as your PIN so that you can access digital resources and use self-check kiosks to check out materials at our branches. (Hint: It should be something you can easily remember.) If at any point you wish to change your PIN, you can do so at your nearest branch.
Please enter any four numbers that you would like to use as your PIN so that you can access digital resources and use self-check kiosks to check out materials at our branches. (Hint: It should be something you can easily remember.) If at any point you wish to change your PIN, you can do so at your nearest branch.
Please enter any four numbers that you would like to use as your PIN so that you can access digital resources and use self-check kiosks to check out materials at our branches. (Hint: It should be something you can easily remember.) If at any point you wish to change your PIN, you can do so at your nearest branch.
Adult Cardholder: Internet Use and Proxy Users

Please read carefully.

Charleston County Public Library does not control information and resources available on the internet. The internet and its resources are always changing. The Internet may include items that are illegal, inaccurate, out-of-date, defamatory, and potentially offensive or disturbing to some people.

Restrictions:

The public's use of the Internet must be consistent with the Library's Code of Conduct. Violations include:

  • Sending, displaying, or downloading obscene (as defined by S.C. Code 16-15-305) or disruptive messages, files, or images;
  • Changing or adding files to CCPL's computer network;
  • Harassing, insulting, or attacking others; and
  • Violating copyright laws or software license restrictions.

If made aware of any violations, library staff will take appropriate action, which may result in the loss of Internet privileges and possible legal action.

As a user of the Library's public computers, I understand and will abide by the library’s Code of Conduct and Computer, Printing and Internet Policy. This library card provides me access to the Internet on the library’s public computers. If I choose to revoke that access for myself, I must fill out an Internet Opt-Out Form.

Adult Cardholder: Choose Your New Library Card

"The Smartest Card in Your Wallet" design replaces the previous card showing three Lowcountry scenes and was designed by a CCPL graphic designer.

Children ages 11 and under now have a special card for them featuring CCPL's mascot, Owlbert. When signing up for a library card, they will automatically get the Owlbert card, and when they turn 12 years old, they may request to change their card to one offered to teens and adults.

Smartest Card in Your Wallet design
Teen Cardholder: Choose Your New Library Card

"The Smartest Card in Your Wallet" design replaces the previous card showing three Lowcountry scenes and was designed by a CCPL graphic designer.

Children ages 11 and under now have a special card for them featuring CCPL's mascot, Owlbert. When signing up for a library card, they will automatically get the Owlbert card, and when they turn 12 years old, they may request to change their card to one offered to teens and adults.

Smartest Card in Your Wallet design
Complete Your Application

Please read the following agreement, and click "I agree" to submit your application.

  • I will be responsible for all materials borrowed on this account.
  • I understand that if item(s) have not been returned within 42 days of the due date, the library will attempt to recover the item or the replacement cost, which may lead to referral to a collection agency and associated fees.
  • I will notify the library if any card associated with this account is lost/stolen, or if my contact information changes.
  • By applying for this card, I understand and will abide by the library’s Code of Conduct and Computer, Printing and Internet Policy. This library card provides me access to the Internet on the library’s public computers. If I choose to revoke that access for myself or my child, I must fill out an Internet Opt-Out Form.

I agree to be responsible for any use of this card: for selection of materials borrowed with this card, for all fines incurred, and for loss and damage of material charged upon it. The Charleston County Library assumes no responsibility for any damage to my equipment while used in conjunction with the library's audiovisual materials.

Reminder: Please wait for an email from your preferred library branch that your card is ready to pick-up. Please allow two business days for processing of your application.

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