Fall Events are Here!

Next Thursday, September 24th, bestselling author Bret Lott will give a lecture entitled "Southern Writing and Southern Editing: My Life and The Southern Review". Mr. Lott was named editor of The Southern Review in 2004: he returned to Charleston last year, and now teaches English and creative writing at The College. He is the author of a dozen books, including The Hunt Club and Jewel, an Oprah Book Club pick and major motion picture.

Also, for those of you yet to stop by since we've started remodeling, a picture of part of the improved reading area in the Main Reading Room. The old green vinyl chairs have been happily relegated to the bowels of the building, and our casual reading space has never looked better or felt more relaxing. Stop by soon!

A brimful of Asha...

Quick tip for confused patrons: your new books are all still here, they've just moved twelve feet. The passageway gallery (!) between the Main Reading Room and the Barnwell Annex is now the home to all our new nonfiction, fiction and mysteries, along with our esoteric collection of non-accessioned books. Feel free to grab a few good volumes and have a seat in our new chairs or couches.

Our fine collection of East Indian art is now on display in the passageway. Though they have been out since 1990, we hope their new place in the passageway brings renewed interest in these wonderful pieces. The Society has many American colonial-era works, and even a few late medieval documents, but none of our written materials compare age to our Indic art. Reflecting on these Jain and Hindu carvings- some over eight centuries old when the Society was founded- makes one pause before calling the CLS a "venerable" institution (still, 1748's pretty good by American standards- even for Charleston!)

Don't forget- CLS Fall Book sale, mid-November. The Bhagavad Gita teaches,

"Worn-out garments are shed by the body; Worn-out bodies are shed by the dweller within the body. New bodies are donned by the dweller, like garments." -Bhagavad Gita II.22

Well, our book sale is exactly like that. Just instead of worn-out bodies, think of worn-out books. And the immortal atman of cash from resale moves through the samsāra of being exchanged for new books. Or something like that. Anyhow, stop by soon, and bring books- it's good for your soul.

Labor Day Weekend: more proof Grover Cleveland was our greatest president...

The start of September; the end of summer; the start of football season; the end of having large print books in the front room of the Barnwell Annex... it's an eventful time indeed. Labor Day weekend is here, unless you're one of the 6,335,000,000 or so people who don't live in the United States, Canada, or Bermuda. (Remember, they all celebrate Labor Day on May Day, better known as "Commie Christmas".) Which reminds me, I'm pretty sure the City of Minneapolis officially regards the first of May as "Labor Day". So there's another 330,000 or so folks not celebrating Labor Day this weekend, either.

For the record the Charleston Library Society is taking the holiday off- we're closed this coming Saturday and Monday. I'll personally celebrate the proletariat's struggle against capitalist running-dog lackeys by watching the Bulldogs of UGA (in red, no less) run a football down Mike Gundy's throat; glory, glory, and to hell with Oklahoma State.

Other goings on: Don't forget, we're only a month-and-a-half away from the Fall Book Sale, so stop by with your donations. The new library chairs are in, as are new lamps and some more stylish seating in the Main Reading Room.

...about a lucky girl who made the grade...

Your devoted blogger hopes your weekend was a great as his- I finally got Hey Jude, the weird compilation album released in early 1970 by Apple Records while the Beatles were still with Capitol Records, which means I'm only A Collection of Beatles Oldies away from having the complete official discography.

For those of you who haven't read the news today, our own Anne Cleveland was given a quick writeup in this morning's Post & Courier. Check it out here. P&C columnist, naval historian, and all-around good guy Bryan Hicks put together a nice piece highlighting not only Anne's (impressive) CV but her goal of increasing membership, especially amongst younger Charlestonians. So remember: go grab a young Charlestonian and drag them to the Library Society, to-day. You know that they'll be glad.

Free, convenient parking downtown: the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.

Notes (re)compiled while wondering why this blog didn't post the first two times I clicked "Publish Post".

As most of you know, Eric left his position here at the Society early this month, and is busy bringing the skillful leadership to the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, (http://scdah.sc.gov/), one of the most prestigious history jobs in the state. We all wish him the best of luck.

Anne Cleveland is now Executive Director of the Library Society. Her handiwork here is already readily apparent (not to mention awesome). If you haven't been by in a while, now is the time to visit. Everything is clean and smells like lemons! And there are rugs and lamps and thoughtful decor! We're all very excited.

Decor changes bring me to the next topic- our fund raising campaign for new furniture! The Society wants to thank everyone who has participated so far. Your donations have been as speedy as they have been generous, and the new furniture should be here soon. I hope everyone's in the mood for a good sit!

Finally, the news y'all have been waiting for: the driveway is now open! Our segment of the streetscaping project has passed, leaving a lovely bluestone sidewalk, bricks across the driveway, and a renewed appreciation for on-site parking! A month of parking in the garage and walking in the August heat will do that to you. This is also a good time to remind everyone that when you park in the rear, you do not have to walk around to the front: just press the buzzer at the back door, and we're more than happy to let you in.

Papalaka-papalaka-papalaka-boo! Digariga-digariga-digariga-doo!

Today, August the fourth, is Saint Sithney's Day- the obscure Breton saint of mad dogs (if you ever contract rabies, he's your man). And, as Noel Coward taught us, only Mad Dogs and Englishmen are out on a day like today, when the heat index is at 98 degrees.

"In tropical climes there are certain times of day,
When all the citizens retire,
to tear their clothes off and perspire.
It's one of those rules that the biggest fools obey,
Because the sun is much too sultry and one must avoid
its ultry-violet ray..."
- Sir Noël Coward

So the synthesis of our little ecclesiastical and musical history lesson and weather report is this: if you're coming into the Library Society today, look out for rabid canines. (The Englishmen should be fairly harmless unless they are soccer hooligans, or they try to convince you that British food is suitable for human consumption. It is not.)

The driveway is still blocked off due to streetscaping: visitors may park in the 93 Queen Street garage for free if their ticket is validated at the front desk. We'll let you know when (if?) the situation improves.

ALSO COMING SOON: Fall book sale: October 17th and 18th November! Mark your calendar. Now.

Sorry, no snappy title today due do a sudden rush of patrons (weird, right?)

The CLS has been, if not overwhelmed, at least very, very whelmed by how quickly our call for new seating was answered. There must be some very dedicated sitters amongst you! All the club chairs have now been accounted for, as have twelve of the library chairs. That leaves us with just a dozen chairs left! These chairs are 150 dollars each: for more information, or to pay by credit card, call 843.723.9912.

Also, though we know y'all love the Library Society with a deep and abiding love, like that of a young John Hinckley for Jodie Foster, we're going to be a little hard-to-reach until the end of the month. We are now sans driveway and sidewalk thanks to ongoing streetscaping. The Society can still be reached via the Gateway Walk, and folks who drive to to library can park at the City of Charleston garage on Queen Street for free. Just make sure to get your pass validated at the front desk. We plan on remaining open and maintaining normal hours throughout this phase of construction.

Oh, streetscaping, so truly the bimetallism of our day...

Just some quick news on this, the 113th anniversary of the "Cross of Gold" speech, and the 29th birthday of Irish footballer Robbie Keane: Ongoing streetscaping will close the parking lot of the Society until late July. The Library will remain open. Patrons and Visitors may park at the City's Queen Street garage for free if their pass is validated at the Main Desk. The backdoor will still be open and the handicapped access ramp available via the Gateway Walk. If you have any questions, please call us at (843) 723 9912.

Two and One-Third Centuries of being cooler than "North Carolina Day"...

We should all feel privileged to have not one, but two days to celebrate Carolina Day this year: Sunday, the 28th is the 233rd anniversary of the Battle, but Saturday the 27th is the date of the parade. While we're sure y'all will be spending Sunday with your family, opening presents under the palmetto tree, we hope you will join us in the parade on Saturday. The Library Society is meeting at Washington Park at 11:00 AM, and the marching starts at noon. All members and friends of the Society are encouraged to join us- we will be near the front, under our new green flag!


Don't forget- only six days left to RSVP for the Lowcountry Launch Event for Dorothea Benton Frank's Return to Sullivans Island. The party will be on the evening of the 2nd, and is shaping up to be a lot of fun!

"Maybe the cabin is the place inside each of us, created by our goodwill and teamwork... Nah, they said there'd be sandwiches."

"Oh, yes, sitting... the great leveler. From the mightiest pharaoh, to the lowliest peasant, who doesn't enjoy a good sit?"
-Charles Montgomery Burns


As many of you already know, of the best sits in town is to be had in the Main Reading Room here at the Library Society. Whether at the research tables, digging into a hundred-year old manuscript or a brand-new magazine; or sunk deep in the club chairs taking in a new novel or some non-fiction, the peace and quiet in here is pretty hard to beat (though the streetscaping crews outside occasionally try).

If you know first-hand how relaxing a spell in the CLS can be, though, then you're likely also aware that our chairs have seen better days. If you had been around through two World Wars, Prohibition, eight-and-a-half decades of the Red Sox losing, the Atomic Age, the Jet Age, Nixonomics, Billy Beer, seven decades of the Soviet Union, telegraphs, telegrams, telephones, the internet, the mobile phone, mobile internet, and the collective posteriors of maybe a quarter-million "sits"... you might be a little worse for wear too. (Come to think of it, a signifigant number of our members have lived through two World Wars, Prohibition, eight-and-a-half decades of the Red Sox losing, the Atomic Age, the Jet Age, Nixonomics, Billy Beer, almost-seven decades of the Soviet Union, telegraphs, telegrams, telephones, the internet, the mobile phone, and mobile internet. As for being sat on 250,000 times, I'd rather not know.)

The Society is, therefore, looking* to replace our tired, squeaking, mismatched seating with twenty four new wooden library chairs and four new club chairs. Library chairs can be purchased for a donation of $150, club chairs for $300. A brass plaque of dedication is included if desired. For more information, or to pay by credit card, call 843-723-9912.

ALSO COMING SOON: June 27th is the Carolina Day Parade, come march with us (under our new flag)! Washington Park, 11:00 AM: we're near the front. July 2nd is the Lowcountry Launch Party for Dorothea Benton Frank's new novel, Return to Sullivans Island. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served, and a complimentary signed copy of the book comes with every ticket ($75). There will be sandwiches. Also, spread the word: our first Summer Book Sale, mid-July!


*ha, I audaciously split an infinitive! Take that, 5th grade English class!

Ah, King Street and the Never Ending "Beautification" Project

They will be finished by August. At least, that's their story, and they are sticking with it. In the meantime, the city's contractors will subject lower King Street to jack hammering and other loud noises, dust, and the indiscriminate blocking of our driveway. Our apologies to members, but you are witnessing your tax dollars at work. When the project is completed, you will be buoyantly carried along beautiful bluestone sidewalks, until you find yourself deposited at our august organization. What a wonderful world it will be!

Much has happened since our last blog (yes, we are pretty slack). The Southern Literary Festival was a big success. Our thanks go to all of the authors who took time out of their busy schedules to entertain and inform. Next year will be even better, so be sure to mark your calendars for June 3-5, when we will feature more of the region's best writers.

Next on the agenda is Carolina Day. Few events are more emblematic of Charleston's affinity for the past. This year Carolina Day will be celebrated on Saturday, June 27 (it is never celebrated in Charleston on Sunday). We urge you to join the Library Society contingent at Washington Park at 10:30. We will line up at the Broad Street gate near to the front of the procession. The uniform of the day is seersucker for men and cool clothing for women. We have a newly modified banner this year (dark green and gold). The procession will start at 11:00. We hope that you will choose to march with us (at the expense of all of your other organizational affiliations). Of course, we will understand if you march with an organization founded prior to 1748.

Finally, you can not miss our next author event (unless of course, you wish to be mocked by your fellow literary buffs). On Thursday, July 2, we will host a book launching party for Dorothea Benton Frank to celebrate her new title, Return to Sullivans Island. This book is the sequel to Sullivans Island, her breakout novel and New York Times bestseller. At the party Mrs. Frank will discuss the book, answer questions, and sign copies for guests. Tickets are available by calling the Library Society at 843-723-9912. Ticket costs include a copy of the book. The food will be great, and the event will be spectacular. We hope to see you here.

Read a book!

Did you know that "Cinco de Mayo" is Spanish for "Bring your Favourite Librarians some Dos Equis Day"?

It's Cinco de Mayo! Little more than a local day of remembrance in Mexico, the anniversary (this one is the 147th) of the Battle of Puebla has grown into a major celebration of Mexico and its culture on the north side of the border. As St. Patrick's Day and Oktoberfest have taught us, Americans are quick to adopt other cultures' holidays and traditions, so long as they mostly consist of drinking, eating, and dancing. This is why Leif Erikson Day, with its lutefisk, mashed peas, and Ringes beer just hasn't been all that popular outside of Wisconsin. Norwegian Americans, I am truly sorry.

The Library Society has a few upcoming events you'll want to mark on your calendar (we'll even have wine and hors d'oeuvres at a few of them- though none are scheduled to involve dancing...). Next Thursday, May 14th, we are scheduled to host Dr. Edmund Drago for a lecture and book signing. Dr. Drago, a historian at The College of the Charleston, will be discussing his Confederate Phoenix: Rebel Children and Their Families in South Carolina. The first full account of white children and their families in South Carolina during the Civil War. Drago's book shows how the War transformed the domestic world of the white South, through deprivation, disease, and death. Call us at 843.723.9912 for reservations or more information, or email us at rsvp@charlestonlibrarysociety.org.

Also, one of Charleston's own major local holidays (and we do have a few, don't we?) will be here soon: Piccolo Spoleto. The CLS will again be hosting the international arts festival's Southern Literary Festival, a series of lectures and book signings from some of the South's most beloved and well-respected authors. This year's scheduled guests include Nicole Seitz, Cassandra King, Ron Daise, Janna McMahan, Bret Lott, and Anne Rivers Siddons.

Who knew the word "cozy" was pejorative?

You would, if you attended the Carolyn Hart and Margaret Maron lecture last night. According to the authors, describing American mysteries written by women as "Cozies" belittles the genre and reinforces the preconceptions of chauvinistic, misogynist editors who dominate the publishing business (or something to that effect). Again, who knew?

The authors were both entertaining and enlightening (one of them won The Order of the Long Leaf Pine). Of particular interest were their descriptions of how they became mystery writers, and the challenges that they have faced through their careers (see the above paragraph). Their humor and insight, and rather good questions from the audience made the night quite memorable. Many thanks to Carolyn Hart and Margaret Maron.

Look for more events in the upcoming issue of the Charleston Reader, and don't forget about the Southern Literary Festival on May 28-30. It will be loads of fun, and again, you need to be here!

Spring has been especially beautiful, and colder than normal, this year in Charleston. This season, above all others, makes me grateful to be a resident of the Lowcountry. There are far worse places to live, most of which are north of Virginia and west of Texas.

Read a book!

Carolyn Hart and Margaret Maron...and You Need to be Here!

Thursday we will host Carolyn Hart and Margaret Maron, two of the world's most successful mystery writers...and you need to be here! Per your demands, we have made murder mysteries (or cozies) the greatest strength of our circulating collections for the past fifty years. Now, you have the opportunity to listen to, meet, and get signed copies from two of the masters in their field. Skip whatever you have planned (including College of Charleston plays, organizational meetings, or drinking at the club), and come to the Library Society to show your devotion to the genre. Be forewarned! If you do not attend, we will begin using the mystery book budget to purchase how-to and self-help books. Cozies or lawn mower maintenance manuals...the choice is yours!

Also, don't forget about the Southern Literary Festival from May 28-30. This year we will have a great line up of authors who will offer their perspectives on fiction and the South. Tickets will be available from Piccolo Spoleto. We look forward to seeing you here!

Read a book (and come see Carolyn Hart and Margaret Maron)!

I'm just sad 'cause there's still six months of baseball left...

XJSes roll around town with their tops down, polychrome sails push scores of dinghies back and forth across the harbor, tourists form an unplanned human chain Meeting and Market Streets in a kind of casual protest against all politeness. Yes, its springtime in Charleston. Which at the Library Society can only mean one thing... the Spring Book Sale!

Which was last weekend, so, you missed it. Way to go. For the record, it was excellent, which is a polite way of saying we made a little money with it. Thanks to all the members, Bridge Runners, tourists, and sundry passers-by who stopped in; an even bigger thanks to the volunteers who kept the sale sailing along.

So with the Book Sale out of the way, springtime at the library must mean it's time for something else... and that something is murder! On Thursday, April 16th, at 7:00 PM, we will host Writing Murder Mysteries of the Carolinas, a lecture and book signing with authors Carolyn Hart and Margaret Maron. These two nationally-recognized authors will be providing insights into their creative process. It's sure to be an exciting night- doubly so if they disclose their "creative process" for penning murder mysteries (over fifty between the two!) to be autobiographical. RSVP now.

Don't forget, the Edgar Allan Poe exhibit is still here: if you can't make it to the Murder Mysteries event, you can still get in a little vernal morbidity- if you come before the 20th of April.

ACTUAL LIBRARY NEWS: the Library Society will be closed this Friday the 10th and Saturday the 11th. We will return to normal hours Easter Monday because we're the only country in the Western world that doesn't get the day off...

Spring Book Sale, Still More Poe, and Mysteries

This weekend the Library Society will hold its annual Spring Book Sale: we refer to it as Mr. Hinson's Crazy Book Bargain Bonanza (everything must go, go, go)! As in the past, this year's sale will feature great titles and even better bargains. If you love books, and you are looking for a stack of volumes to read during summer vacation, the Library Society is the place to be on Saturday and Sunday. The hours for the sale are 9:30 AM-5:00 PM on Saturday, and 1:30-5:00 PM on Sunday. All books will be half price on Sunday. Book dealers are welcome, but only after Noon on Saturday.

People are still talking about Friday's Poe event (in a good way)! Prof. Harry L. Poe gave an enthralling lecture about the famous poet, and then read "The Raven." Members indulged on Poe-themed hors d'oeuvres, such as City in the Sea Shrimp, The Pit-cooked Barbeque and the Pendulum Sliders, and Ravens Wings (there was no extra charge for the puns). We are grateful to Prof. Poe and other Poe family members, who made the gala and our month-long Poe exhibit possible. If you have not yet seen the exhibit, you have until April 20. It is definitely worth a trip to King Street.

Don't forget that nationally best-selling mystery writers Carolyn Hart and Margaret Maron will be at the Library Society on April 16 to speak about writing mysteries in the Carolinas and to sign copies of their books. If you love mysteries, this is a must-see event!

We look forward to seeing you this weekend.

Read a book (that you purchase from the Library Society)!

Poe, Poe, Poe...and Other Things

On Friday evening the Charleston Library Society will unveil its Edgar Allan Poe exhibit at a Poe-themed party (or Poepalooza) for members and guests. The exhibit includes Poe manuscripts, rare editions, and ephemera, and the event will feature Poe-themed hors d'oeuvres. The exhibit made the front page of the Post and Courier on Monday, and it is even more impressive in person. Tickets for the Poe party are still available, so call today. We are sure that you will have a good time (we humbly apologize to the member who called on Monday to express their concern that people are enjoying themselves at the Library Society).

Jack Bass and Scott Poole did a great job last week at their lecture on South Carolina during the modern era. One of the underlying currents to their comments (and the resulting audience questions) was that South Carolina is dealing with many of the same issues today as during the past century (no great surprise there).

Don't forget our annual Spring Book Sale on April 4-5. We begin the book sale on the day of the Bridge Run, with the hope that dehydrated and fatigued runners will stumble into the building and purchase their weight in Lee Iacocca biographies (at least that is how it has worked in past). Sunday is half-price day (we have discontinued the "fill a box with books for $10" promotion).

Thanks for your support, and we hope to see you soon!

Read a book!

(It's also Osama Bin Laden's birthday... but let's not get into that.)

Happy Purim! We here at Shh! would like to thank the City of Charleston for bringing some non-traditional ra'ashan... er, noisemakers, in the form of jackhammers and Sawzalls and front-end loaders and the like. These guests should still be around long after the holiday has passed...

We hope you've been able to make it to one of our late-winter events: both the Ken Burger and Marjorie Wentworth book signings proved entertaining, interactive, and very well-attended. If you haven't been able to make it to an event recently, we hope you'll join us Monday (yes, Monday- not Thursday) the 16th (St. Pat's eve!) for Jack Bass and W. Scott Poole as they discuss and sign copies of their new book, The Palmetto State: The Making of Modern South Carolina.

Also on the horizon... a major event celebrating Edgar Allan Poe, mid-April murder mysteries, and, yes- the Spring Book Sale (April 4th-5th... get the word out now)!

Southern Fried Fiction and Poetry

You should kick yourself if you missed Ken Burger's talk about his book Swallow Savannah. Burger is a rarity; he is an accomplished journalist, an excellent writer, and as congenial as anyone that you would ever hope to meet. The setting for his novel is mid-century Groton, SC, (a thinly disguised Allendale, which was Burger's childhood home). His book is replete with elements of Southern Gothic fiction: sex, avarice, violence, substance abuse, and racism. Burger uses all of these instruments to create a tale of how outside forces change the residents of a small South Carolina town. Check it out today.

Next on the agenda is Marjory Wentworth, who will be at the Library Society on March 5 to discuss her book, Shackles, her poetry, and herself. She is poet laureate of South Carolina, a prolific writer, and a regular contributor to the Post and Courier. She also will sign copies of her books, so do not miss this event!

The city's work crews have once again descended on lower King Street to "beautify" it with bluestone sidewalks. We apologize for the daytime mess, but you can park behind the Library Society and avoid much of the noise. The construction crews depart by 5:00 pm, so parking for evening events is not a problem.

We hope that you join us for all of our entertaining and educational programs. We also hope to see you soon.

Read a Book!

Many moons have passed....

It has been quite some time since Clifford Jacobs or I have taken time to keep you informed of Library Society happenings. We hope that you had a chance to come to Danny Crooks' lecture on January 15 (the crowd was large and enthusiastic). Let's face it, if you can't draw a crowd in Charleston with a lecture and book signing dealing with Robert E. Lee, then you are just not trying.

I also hope that you had a chance to attend the Library Society's 260th Annual Meeting. For the first time in its long history, the Library Society has witnessed trustees rotating off the board as a result of term limits. The new trustees are excited to be part of the team, and we are excited to have them on board.

The Library Society received much appreciated publicity from the the front page Post and Courier article about the George Washington/Charles Cotesworth Pinckney correspondence. We also received an addition to the collections. After reading the article, two generous members donated to the Library Society Pinckney's appointment as Minister Plenipotentiary to France. They also donated a letter from Washington welcoming Pinckney home from France and offering to host him and his family at Mount Vernon as they returned to Charleston.

We have big plans for late Winter and early Spring. Ken Burger will be here on February 19 to discuss his debut novel Swallow Savannah. Many of you know him as the Post and Courier's new columnist and a former sports reporter.

We will blog more often in the future. After all, what would Shh! be without news?

Read a book!