Charleston County Public Library - Cooper River Memorial Branch

History:

The Cooper River Memorial Library is truly a community-originated and oriented library branch. The idea of a library building in North Charleston as a memorial to World War II veterans was conceived by a North Area resident and was presented to the Suburban Junior Chamber of Commerce in March, 1946. The Jaycees accepted the idea with enthusiasm. A planning committee was formed and soon afterward approached the Board of the Charleston County Library with a proposal. The Jaycees sought to raise funds for a library building, equipment, books and land through public subscription, with the facility operated as a part of the County Library System.The Board met the proposal with enthusiasm and agreed to cooperate fully.

Every organization in the District and many others in the Charleston Community endorsed the Library project as presented by the Jaycees. Many individual citizens took part in the drive for funds, contributing both time and money. A house-to-house canvass and an automobile raffle were among the many money raising projects undertaken in this outstanding community effort. Funds were also obtained from the Charleston County Legislative Delegation.

Incorporation in June 1947 was quickly followed by the groundbreaking in January 1948 and the new building was opened for service on December 29, 1948. The library continued to grow and build its collection. In 1973, Charleston County Council approved a fifty percent enlargement in building size for the Cooper River Memorial Library and the Cooper River District Memorial Library Association deeded the property to the County of Charleston.