South Caroliniana Library

Capital City & Lake Murray Country

Completed in 1840, this structure is the first free-standing academic library building in the United States. Robert Mills, a native of South Carolina, submitted designs for the building in 1838, modeling the reading room after Bulfinch's plans for the original Library of Congress (Washington, D.C.). Always a library, it served South Carolina College and then the University of South Carolina. Upon completion of the larger McKissick Library in 1940, this original building was designated to house materials pertaining to the history and culture of South Carolina. Today the Library draws researchers to its special collections of state heritage. The collection includes books, newspapers, manuscripts, pamphlets, serials, maps, audio recordings, and visual images.

Visit the Website

Columbia

Midlands

USC Horseshoe,
Columbia, SC 29208 (803) 777-3131

Info & Amenities

Location

I-126 to Elmwood Ave. exit. Follow Elmwood to Assembly St. and turn right. Follow Assembly to Pendleton St. and turn left. Go 2 blocks on Pendleton St. to the corner of Sumter. The Horseshoe can be accessed from Sumter St.

Admission

Open to the Public

Checks Accepted

Yes

Days and Hours of Operation

M-F 8:30am-5pm

Days and Holidays Closed

New Year's, July 4th, Thanksgiving & two weeks of Christmas