A woman and two young boys standing outdoors at a book sale table with books and clothes displayed. The woman is smiling, wearing sunglasses and a blue t-shirt. One boy, wearing sunglasses and a maroon cap, is holding a yellow shirt and is in front, while the other boy, holding a red book titled 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid', is dressed in a bright blue t-shirt. The scene has trees and a grassy area in the background.

Creating lifelong learners starts with reading.

Charleston FRIENDS of the Library is proud to touch the lives of thousands of adults and youths throughout Charleston County by funding programs at the 18 branches of the Charleston County Library. Last year 5,779 programs were provided to an audience of 118,103 of our neighbors.

Featured programs and events at the Charleston County Library supported by FRIENDS

The Annual Summer Reading program - 1 ,149 programs offered; 16,947 new registrations (summer 2025)

Free and Fresh Community Fridge Program - offered at four library branches, 21K interactions (FY 2025)

Program support (costs and materials for activities, movies, or performer expenses) for the 5779 programs offered the the 18 branches of the Charleston County Library

Library Team Support - ongoing professional development training for library staff

28,000

Free books distributed in Charleston County by FRIENDS!

Table with stacks of books and magazines, with some papers and a box on top, in a storage or stockroom with chairs and shelves in the background.

5,779

Programs at the Charleston County Library - supported by FRIENDS!

A woman leading a storytime or activity session with children and parents seated on the floor in a library. The woman has her arms raised, engaging the audience. The library has bookshelves filled with books, windows with blinds, and a banner in the background.

118,103

Participants in Library Programs across all 18 branches!

Children and adults sitting on chairs and cushions in a classroom, watching a storytelling or reading session with a woman holding a book, with a large screen displaying 'BOOK BREAK!' in the background.

11,000

Volunteer hours - by our amazing volunteers!

Group of five women wearing Charlestown Friends of the Library aprons, standing behind a table at a library event.

25

Community Events & Book Sales hosted by FRIENDS!

Group of five people standing behind a table with books at a charity book sale for Charleston Friends of the Library. The table is covered with a green cloth, and the background features brewery tanks visible through a glass window.

110

New Members joined FRIENDS!

3 smiling men at an event

**data from January 1 - December 31 2025

  • Teacher and students holding books
  • sitting on carpet for bilingual story time
  • kids painting sun catchers
  • Fridge locations John Dart Otranto Road St Paul's Hollywood
  • book break story time kids and care givers
  • caregiver with child holding a reading award
  • woman opening refrig door for free and fresh food program
  • kids snacks on table for kids cafe program
  • 2 leaders holding books at bilingual story time