Can you believe this library started as a community’s dream? That’s right. We’re standing in front of the Charleston County Public Library Cooper River Memorial Branch. It is more than just a place for books. It embodies the spirit of North Charleston.
Back in 1946, a local resident had an idea. Why not create a library as a memorial to World War II veterans? The Suburban Junior Chamber of Commerce embraced the concept. They formed a planning committee. The committee then approached the Charleston County Library Board.
The Jaycees wanted to raise funds. These funds would cover the library building, equipment, books, and land. The library would then be a part of the County Library System. The Board loved the proposal. They agreed to cooperate fully.
Every organization in the District endorsed the library project. Many Charleston citizens contributed time and money. There was even a house-to-house canvass. An automobile raffle raised money as well. Funds also came from the Charleston County Legislative Delegation.
Incorporation happened in June 1947. Groundbreaking followed quickly in January 1948. Finally, the new Charleston County Public Library Cooper River Memorial Branch opened on December 29, 1948.
The Charleston County Public Library Cooper River Memorial Branch continued to grow. It built its collection. In 1973, Charleston County Council approved a fifty percent enlargement. The Cooper River District Memorial Library Association deeded the property to the County of Charleston.
Interestingly, in 2021, the Charleston County Public Library Cooper River Memorial Branch closed temporarily. It moved to a temporary location on Cherokee Street. This was while a larger library was built in the same spot.
The new library is the Keith Summey North Charleston Library. It covers 20,000-square-feet. This replacement was part of a $100 million referendum passed in 2014.
During the temporary closure, the Charleston County Public Library Cooper River Memorial Branch offered limited services. These included a condensed book collection, DVDs, free Wi-Fi, and computers.
The Charleston County Public Library Cooper River Memorial Branch truly is a community landmark. It evolved from a heartfelt idea into a vital resource. Its story reflects North Charleston’s dedication to honoring veterans and fostering knowledge. As you step inside, remember the Charleston County Public Library Cooper River Memorial Branch is a living memorial. It embodies community spirit.