Marlene & Nathan Addlestone Library – College of Charleston

Marlene & Nathan Addlestone Library, College of Charleston is a university library in Charleston, SC, serving students, faculty, and researchers at the College of Charleston. As the main library on campus, it provides access to extensive collections, including U.S. Government documents designated by Congress, Special Collections, and archives from the SC Historical Society. The library supports academic research through its databases, journals, research guides, and course reserves, while also housing the Center for Student Learning, a main campus computer lab, and a Starbucks. It offers services such as interlibrary borrowing, digital delivery of materials, and 24/7 access during key academic periods. The library is known for its curated exhibits that highlight the cultural and historical heritage of the Lowcountry, including displays on the Porcher family, the Stono Preserve, and Black women’s history during the Antebellum and Reconstruction eras.

The library is a central hub for scholarship and discovery, combining traditional and digital resources with a strong commitment to accessibility and preservation. Its collections include rare manuscripts, artifacts, and multimedia materials that document the region’s diverse past. The library’s Special Collections and the SC Historical Society Archives are integral to preserving and sharing the Lowcountry’s legacy. The library also supports student success through academic services like tutoring, study spaces, and technology access. With a dedicated team of librarians and staff, it fosters a collaborative environment for learning, research, and community engagement.

Located on George Street, the library sits just a short walk from the College of Charleston’s main campus and is surrounded by historic and cultural landmarks. It is within a quarter mile of Barnet Courtyard and Cistern Yard, both green spaces on campus, and near the Kathleen K. Lightsey Garden, the Sottile Theater, and the John M. Rivers Communications Museum. These landmarks reflect the vibrant academic and cultural life of the historic district.

The library is recognized for its comprehensive, well-documented online presence and a website that is both user-friendly and optimized for search engines, ensuring that users can easily access information, services, and resources. Its strong digital infrastructure supports remote and on-site research, making it a cornerstone of academic life at the College of Charleston.

As the intellectual heart of the College of Charleston, Marlene & Nathan Addlestone Library stands as a vital institution in the city’s academic and cultural landscape, anchoring research, preservation, and community connection in the Lowcountry.

Services:

• Borrow, Renew, Return
• Collection Development
• Interlibrary Loan
• Library Spaces & Equipment
• Research Guides