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

Cover of Reflections of South Carolina

"Reflections of South Carolina" with Robert Clark and Tom Poland

June 19, 2025, 3:00 PM

Please join us for our next Speaker at the Center talk with writer Tom Poland and photographer Robert Clark on Thursday, June 19th, at 3:00 p.m., to explore their latest release, "Reflections of South Carolina."