Charleston Opened Temporary Library Branch

The city moved library services to Morrison Drive while the main branch undergoes renovations.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Exterior view of a modern brick library building in Charleston with accessible entrance ramps and large windows under diffuse daylight. — The Charleston County Public Library has opened a temporary branch at 1142 Morrison Drive to provide service while the main downtown library undergoes renovation. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Charleston County Public Library has opened a temporary branch at 1142 Morrison Drive. This facility serves as a stopgap while the main downtown library on Calhoun Street undergoes extensive renovations.

Why it matters

The closure is necessary to modernize the main library, including the relocation of children and teen services and a general refresh of public spaces. The move ensures that downtown patrons retain access to library services throughout the construction process.

The new temporary facility occupies 6,300 square feet of public space within a former union hall. It is part of a broader system-wide upgrade funded by a 2014 referendum totaling $108.5 million.

The players

Charleston County Public Library

This is the primary public library system serving the residents of Charleston and surrounding areas.

International Longshoremen's Association

This is the labor union whose former downtown hall now serves as the site for the temporary library branch.

The details

The library system secured the site at 1142 Morrison Drive, which provides dedicated parking and bus access for residents. Meanwhile, the main branch on Calhoun Street has been turned over to contractors to begin work on the final upgrade of the county's 18 library locations.

Voters approved the library referendum in 2014.
The Main Library closed for renovations on August 1, 2026.
The temporary library branch opened on October 5, 2026.

Market Landscape

This project represents the final phase of a large-scale infrastructure initiative to modernize the county's public facilities. By securing a temporary downtown site, the library is maintaining its market presence against potential shifts in local service demand.

Patrons can now access library resources at the Morrison Drive location instead of the closed Calhoun Street site. Residents should check the library website for specific updates on collections available at the temporary space versus those in storage.

The takeaway

Maintaining physical access to community hubs is essential for public library systems during lengthy construction phases. Patrons should prepare for a transition period of up to two years before services return to the main branch.