How do I get a library card?
A Charleston County Public Library card can be picked up at any of our branch locations. Library cards are free to Charleston County residents, business owners, property owners, students, members of the military, teachers of accredited K-12 grade schools and employees of Charleston County.
To receive a card, you must fill out an application at a branch or through this online form and present current identification with proof of address indicating residence or property ownership in Charleston County. With proper identification, a card will be issued and valid the same day.
All patrons under the age of 18 require parental consent to obtain a library card. Parents have the right to determine the level of access their child has to all CCPL resources, including print collections, audio-visual collections, e-Resource collections (e-books, audiobooks, music, films), databases, and Internet access.
Learn more about the various Youth Card options.
I go to a K-12 public school in Charleston County. Can I get a library card?
Through the L2 program, you already have a library account, no physical library card is needed. CCPL registers every Charleston County School District student for a library account using their CCSD username and password. Parents may opt their child out of the L2 program at any time by filling out this online form or by visiting any library location.
Can I get a card if I don't live in Charleston County?
Library cards are free to the following individuals:
- Charleston County residents
- Charleston County business owners
- Charleston County property owners
- Students in colleges or universities in Charleston County*
- Active duty members of the military stationed in Charleston County
- Teachers and students of accredited K-12 grade schools in Charleston County*
- Employees of Charleston County Government
*Students in colleges and universities or accredited K-12 grade schools must physically attend classes at the learning institution located in Charleston County. Students at all-virtual schools or who only attend virtual classes do not qualify.
If you live in Berkeley, Colleton, Dorchester or Georgetown counties, you can get a library card by paying an annual fee of $80. If you live outside of these four counties, you are not eligible to receive a CCPL card. To receive a card, you must fill out an application and present current identification with proof of address. With proper identification, a card will be issued and valid the same day. The card is valid for one year from date it was issued.
I go to a college in Charleston County. Can I get a library card?
A student attending any school of higher education in Charleston County can sign up for a library card. To receive a card, you must fill out an application, and present your college ID.