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.

Upcoming Event

Colonial militia reenactors in a field.

Defenders of Liberty: The Evolving Story of America’s Military

May 22, 2025, 10:00 AM

Join us for a one hour webinar exploring America's military evolution from its colonial militia roots to its modern global presence. This focused session traces the remarkable transformation of U.S. armed forces that began with citizen soldiers defending colonial settlements against Native American tribes and fighting for independence from Great Britain.