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

The Liberty Day logo above an image of the State House dome.

Liberty Day at the State House

January 16, 2026, 9:00 AM

The State Library will be supporting the SC250 Commission's first annual Liberty Day at the South Carolina State House. The State Library will be providing swag bags and the SC250 Activity Booklet along with other resources for exploring the American Revolution in South Carolina.