Charleston Library Society
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Our mission is to: Providing educational opportunities for all ages children through adults; Conserving, preserving, exhibiting and expanding its collections; Using technology to improve access to and understanding of the Librarys collections; (Continued on Schedule O) Offering lectures and programs on common literary and historical interests; Collaborating with other cultural institutions on subjects of common interest; Providing a literary and historical archival center for scholars, researchers and students; and Providing programs that offer life-long learning opportunities to the community.
- Income
- $2.5 million
- Spending
- $2.2 million
- Spent on programs
- 88%
- Reserves
- 37.8 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 61%
- Employees
- 26
- Volunteers
- 50
- Highest pay
- $223,170, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 100 out of 100.
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 37.8 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 14% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 6% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1588% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 5 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100.
Independent board
25 of 2524 of 24 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (1)
- $1.9 million spent. The Charleston Library Society is a cultural institution for life-long learning, serving its members, the Lowcountry community and scholars through access to its rich collection of books, historic manuscripts and archival material and programs promoting discussion and understanding of the ideas they contain. The collections of the Library Society stretch from the 15th century to the modern-day and include materials from around the world. The Society paved the way for the founding of the College of Charleston in 1770 and provided the core collection of natural history artifacts for the founding of the Charleston Museum (the first in America) in 1773.(Continued on Schedule O) Between 1748 and 1914 when the Library Society settled into its current location, the collection was migratory, moving from place to place for safe-keepingpersonal homes to the upstairs of the Gabriel Manigault liquor warehouse to the County Courthouse. 164 King Street was the first building to house the collections that was designed and built for the Society. Here, in this new building, members like DuBose Heyward, John Bennett, Beatrice Witte Ravenel, Albert Simons, Josephine Pinckney, and many others, studied and read and wrote, diligently weaving the cultural fabric of 20th-century Charleston. The LibraryThe Charleston Library Society offers an impressive circulating collection of fiction and non-fiction ranging across biography, mystery, South Carolina history and geography, Southern literature and expansive reference materials. Curation of the collection is ongoing, and ensures edited acquisition of the most popular new releases and books of importance in addition to a host of audio and E-books, periodicals, movies/DVDs and a robust offering for children and young adults. When on-site, members may choose to explore collections using the physical or online card catalogs, as well as inquire with the Circulation Desk for insight and recommendations. As the library continues to grow in resources and its collections, there are more and more opportunities for sharing the wealth of knowledge and historical treasures that can be found within the walls. The CLS LibGuides (Library Guides) are a great place to start when curious to learn more about how to use the library and all that is available. These guides offer everything from special tools and aids specific to archives and focused content, as well as how to reserve electronic or traditional books and general maps to the organization of the stacks here at 164 King. Peruse, enjoy and ask questions our incredible librarians are here to help. Reading tables and workspaces are located throughout the library for members use and enjoyment on a first-come basis with the exception of the conference room which may be reserved in advance by calling the circulation desk. Researchers are welcome to use our collections during the Librarys open hours, but advance notice is requested. Visit Special Collections to learn more about formal Research Services for members and non-members. Young readers have always been a special focus for the Library Society. From bi-weekly Story Time hour to a 500-volume young adult collection, families can enjoy regular access to the most acclaimed titles for all ages. The Rabbit Hole, with murals inspired by DuBose Heywards beloved childrens book, The Country Bunny, provides a charming, old-fashioned library setting for exploring books and games, hosting birthday parties, or relaxed family fun. Programming Each year, the Charleston Library Society hosts over 200 events ranging from author lectures and concerts to book clubs, childrens programs, and galas. The founding members were an intellectually curious and culturally productive group and their desire to be at the heart of discussions about important issues is a trait that not only continues to resonate with our members today, but also provides the foundation for program development and enrichment. Renowned guests and speakers have included: David McCullough, Scott Turow, Dorothea Benton Frank, John Grisham, Lord Julian Fellowes, Jon Meacham, Darla Moore, Mayor Joe Riley, John Avlon, violin virtuoso Maestro Matteo Fedeli, Bernard Cornwell, Justice Sandra Day OConnor, jazz musician and vocalist, Ann Caldwell, Matt Diffee, Life-Long Learning classes with Penn Hagood, Steve Gavel, & Barbara Horlbeck, The Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Emile Pandolfi, local artist, Jonathan Green, Axelrod Research Curator of Ichthyology at the American Museum of Natural History, Melanie Stiassny, Chamber Music Charleston, and the recipient of the 2023 Founders Award, David Rubenstein. Storytime in the Rabbit Hole Sign up your littles for our Storytimes in the Rabbit Hole! Join our Childrens Librarian, Tori, each week in and hour of educationally themed time that will engage your child in diverse reading, learning activities and book-related crafts! Themes will change weekly. Workshops As a cultural institution for lifelong learning, the Charleston Library Society continues to offer workshops and classes on conservation, bookbinding, and paper-making in our Bindery. Our staff strives to curate hands-on programming for our intellectually curious membership. Special Collections From colonial-era letters to literary manuscripts and Audubon folios, the Library Societys expansive Special Collections house some of the Lowcountrys greatest cultural treasures. Our rare books and archives provide unique insight into Charlestons past as one of Americas earliest urban settings. The materials housed in the Library Societys Special Collections consist of more than 20,000 rare books, pamphlets, maps and plats, along with our notable manuscript and early American newspaper collections. Among the treasures are correspondence from George Washington and Alexander Hamilton, Dubose Heywards manuscripts for Porgy, and the jaw-dropping illustrated volumes of Pierre-Joseph Redout. A generous grant from the Bernard and Judy Cornwell Foundation
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since March 1941.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.