Want to show your love for the library? Nominations for the Charleston City Paper’s Best of Charleston Awards are now open through January 11, 2026. The awards celebrate the city’s favorite local services, places, businesses, people and experiences chosen by the community.
Last time, you helped Charleston Time Machine win best Local Podcast and Wando Mt. Pleasant Library win Best Library. We'd love your nominations again for Best Local Podcast, Best Library, Best Place to Work and Best Local Cause. Click the category below to submit your nomination and help us to be considered for the following categories. Thank you for your support!
The Charleston Time Machine podcast produced and hosted by CCPL Historian Dr. Nic Butler explores Charleston's history. The podcast celebrated 300 episodes last January. Butler dives into the less familiar corners of local history through his engaging storytelling that captivates listeners worldwide. The Charleston Time Machine has over 700,000 plays and was voted Best Local Podcast in 2019 and 2025.
Nominate your favorite library branch! With 18 branches across Charleston County, our libraries offer something for everyone, even beyond books. Check out free passes to local attractions, research history, visit us for a place to study or access the internet at no cost, we’re here for you. Plus, enjoy hundreds of events and programs throughout the year and so much more!
Take what you need or donate what you can. That’s our approach to our Free and Fresh Community Fridges that provide access to healthy fruits and vegetables year-round at our branches located in areas with limited access to fresh foods. Since 2021, we’ve distributed more than 182,000 pounds of produce. Thanks to grants, the program is expanding in 2026.
All food and recipes are free and accessible to the public during library hours with no sign-up required. We keep the fridges stocked thanks to our generous community partners and donations. The Free and Fresh Fridges are located at St. Paul’s Hollywood, Otranto Road and John L. Dart Libraries. The program is expanding to the Keith Summey North Charleston Library soon.
This category is open to everyone to vote, whether you work for the library or not. With more than 350 staff members across Charleston County, we’re proud to serve our community while fostering creativity, learning, and professional growth. Where else can you explore a new hobby, attend a storytime, get help with your resume, and check out a telescope all is one place for free? Our libraries are filled with exciting opportunities thanks to our passionate staff, the heart of the library!