Learn more about the State Library's rare book collecion

rare book

The South Carolina State Library is committed to preserving the Rare Book Collection (promotional video) and making them accessible to the community. The collection includes approximately 2,000 items, ranging from political speeches and periodicals to historical scientific works and literature. Half of the Rare Book collection comes from the personal library of A.S. Salley, Jr., South Carolina’s first Historian and Archivist. The Rare Book Collection can be searched in our online catalog, SCLENDS. A selection of digitized materials from the Rare Book Collection can be accessed through the South Carolina Book Collection. If you'd like to make an appointment to view the collection, please visit our website. Further information can be found in the Rare Book Guide.

Vote411 Make a Plan to Vote.

Upcoming Event

Photo of author Mary Martha Greene in her kitchen.

Mary Martha Greene, The Cheese Biscuit Queen

November 19, 2026, 6:00 PM

Please join us for our next Speaker at the Center talk with The Cheese Biscuit Queen, Mary Martha Greene. Greene, the author The Cheese Biscuit Queen: Kiss my aspic! Southern Recipes, Saucy Stories, and More Rambunctious Behavior and The Cheese Biscuit Queen Tells All: Southern Recipes, Sweet Remembrances, and a Little Rambunctious Behavior will demonstrate preparing a champagne mustard.