Charleston Library Society

What it reported doing in 2024

The Charleston Library Society is a cultural institution for life-long learning, serving its members, the Lowcountry community and scholars through access to its rich collection of books, historic manuscripts and archival material and programs promoting discussion and understanding of the ideas they contain. The collections of the Library Society stretch from the 15th century to the modern-day and include materials from around the world. The Society paved the way for the founding of the College of Charleston in 1770 and provided the core collection of natural history artifacts for the founding of the Charleston Museum (the first in America) in 1773.(Continued on Schedule O) Between 1748 and 1914 when the Library Society settled into its current location, the collection was migratory, moving from place to place for safe-keepingpersonal homes to the upstairs of the Gabriel Manigault liquor warehouse to the County Courthouse. 164 King Street was the first building to house the collections that was designed and built for the Society. Here, in this new building, members like DuBose Heyward, John Bennett, Beatrice Witte Ravenel, Albert Simons, Josephine Pinckney, and many others, studied and read and wrote, diligently weaving the cultural fabric of 20th-century Charleston. The LibraryThe Charleston Library Society offers an impressive circulating collection of fiction and non-fiction ranging across biography, mystery, South Carolina history and geography, Southern literature and expansive reference materials. Curation of the collection is ongoing, and ensures edited acquisition of the most popular new releases and books of importance in addition to a host of audio and E-books, periodicals, movies/DVDs and a robust offering for children and young adults. When on-site, members may choose to explore collections using the physical or online card catalogs, as well as inquire with the Circulation Desk for insight and recommendations. As the library continues to grow in resources and its collections, there are more and more opportunities for sharing the wealth of knowledge and historical treasures that can be found within the walls. The CLS LibGuides (Library Guides) are a great place to start when curious to learn more about how to use the library and all that is available. These guides offer everything from special tools and aids specific to archives and focused content, as well as how to reserve electronic or traditional books and general maps to the organization of the stacks here at 164 King. Peruse, enjoy and ask questions our incredible librarians are here to help. Reading tables and workspaces are located throughout the library for members use and enjoyment on a first-come basis with the exception of the conference room which may be reserved in advance by calling the circulation desk. Researchers are welcome to use our collections during the Librarys open hours, but advance notice is requested. Visit Special Collections to learn more about formal Research Services for members and non-members. Young readers have always been a special focus for the Library Society. From bi-weekly Story Time hour to a 500-volume young adult collection, families can enjoy regular access to the most acclaimed titles for all ages. The Rabbit Hole, with murals inspired by DuBose Heywards beloved childrens book, The Country Bunny, provides a charming, old-fashioned library setting for exploring books and games, hosting birthday parties, or relaxed family fun. Programming Each year, the Charleston Library Society hosts over 200 events ranging from author lectures and concerts to book clubs, childrens programs, and galas. The founding members were an intellectually curious and culturally productive group and their desire to be at the heart of discussions about important issues is a trait that not only continues to resonate with our members today, but also provides the foundation for program development and enrichment. Renowned guests and speakers have includ

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 88.2%; rating input score 88
• Program expense ratio: 87.7%; rating input score 88
• Fundraising efficiency: $18.34 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 57; 57th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 4 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 67
  • Compensation committee: Pass
  • Independent consultant: Missing
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Pass
  • Written employment contract: Pass
  • Compensation survey or study: Missing
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: Limited
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 8 of 8 controls in place; rating input score 100
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 13.7%; rating input score 69; 69th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 6.96; rating input score 87; 87th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0; rating input score 90; 90th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 10.4%; rating input score 29; 29th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 8.5% per year; rating input score 100; 58th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 8.3% per year; rating input score 100; 61st percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 7.1% per year; rating input score 100; 45th percentile among comparable filings