American entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker Jim Rohn said: “Reading is essential for those who want to rise above the ordinary.” While we love finding new places to travel and explore, isn’t it interesting and wonderful that you can actually “travel” through books? Books can take our minds and imaginations to new places, teach us new things, and help us grow and become better people. Those who love reading or understand the impact of education will definitely appreciate this role. Libraries in South Carolina we played in this. But many people may not know that the first public library in the United States was in South Carolina.

Although the building no longer exists, a historical marker was placed on the site of the first public library in America by the Charleston Historical Commission in 1955.

The marker is mounted at eye level on the door in front of Memminger Elementary School at or near the postal address of 20 Beaufain Street. The provincial library was founded in 1698 and was located on this site until 1858, when a girls’ school was built here. It was located in the Vicarage of St. Philip Church.

The library history in Charleston continues with this building, a Roman Revival-style mansion built in the mid-1800s by Isaac Jenkins Mikell, a cotton planter and slave owner from Edisto Island. In 1935, the Free Library of Charleston purchased the house and converted it into a public library, which served in that capacity until a new public library structure was built on King Street in 1960.

The current main branch of the Charleston County Public Library is located on Calhoun Street.

Founded in 1748, the Charleston Library Society is the third oldest subscriber library in the United States, after the Library Company of Philadelphia and the Redwood Library and Athenaeum in Newport, Rhode Island. It is also the oldest cultural institution in the South.

It’s a stunning facility that hosts over 200 events, from author conferences to concerts, book clubs, children’s programs and galas.

The Rabbit Hole is a children’s library featuring adorable murals inspired by DuBose Heyward’s beloved children’s book. Village RabbitIt provides an old-fashioned library setting for exploring books and games, hosting birthday parties, or casual family fun.

Details on membership options are available at: Charleston Library Society Website and out-of-town visitors can purchase a day or weekly pass to enjoy on-site access to library community resources while visiting Charleston.

We have some really special libraries in South Carolina. Check out the incredible Edgar Allan Poe Library in South Carolina This one makes bookworms swoon!

Did you know that the first public library was in South Carolina? What is your favorite book or story that describes how a particular book influenced your life? Share with us in the comments section below.

Everyone who loves reading should try it The Ultimate Reading Challenge.