Charleston Temporary Library Will Open October 5

A new facility on Morrison Drive will provide public library services during the ongoing renovation of the Main Library.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Isometric editorial illustration of a neat row of colored book spines on a shelf, symbolizing continued access to public library resources.
The Charleston County Public Library will open a temporary location on Morrison Drive on October 5 while the Calhoun Street main branch undergoes renovation. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Charleston County Public Library will launch a temporary location at 1142 Morrison Drive on October 5, 2026. This move ensures continued access to library services while the main branch at 68 Calhoun Street undergoes extensive renovations.

Why it matters

Providing a temporary space allows the community to maintain access to public computers and materials during a construction project expected to span 18 months. The renovation itself is the result of a 2014 voter referendum intended to modernize the central facility.

The new temporary facility provides 6,300 square feet of public space. The main branch closure, which began August 1, 2026, is supported by a 2014 voter referendum.

The players

Charleston County Public Library

This public institution manages the library system and district operations throughout Charleston County.

The details

The new site on Morrison Drive will offer core services including browsing, public computers, and holds pickup. Research access for the South Carolina Room has been relocated to 1248 Camp Road and now requires appointments.

Timeline

  1. Voters approved the library renovation referendum in 2014.

  2. The Main Library at 68 Calhoun Street closed on August 1, 2026.

  3. The temporary facility opens on October 5, 2026.

Market Landscape

This temporary relocation follows the mandates set by the 2014 Charleston County library renovation referendum. The strategy positions the library system to maintain service continuity while managing a multi-year capital improvement program.

Residents can continue utilizing public computers and browsing collections by visiting the new Morrison Drive site. Patrons requiring specific research materials must plan ahead, as the South Carolina Room now operates by appointment only at its Camp Road location.

The takeaway

Maintaining access to public services during long-term infrastructure projects helps ensure that essential community resources remain available to all residents. Patrons should verify the new operating procedures for specialized services before making their trip.

Further reading

For updates on local facility status, see the Charleston Openings & Closings section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Post and Courier.

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