USC reopens the South Caroliniana Library
October 5, 2023
The university officially reopened South Caroliniana Library today with a celebration and ribbon cutting.
South Caroliniana Library is the oldest freestanding academic library in the country. The design of the library – built in the Greek Revival style and distinguished by four large white columns – was based on plans by Robert Mills, a native South Carolinian who designed the Maxcy Monument on the USC’s Horseshoe and the Washington Monument in the nation’s capital. The library opened in 1840 and is one of the premier archives and special collections repositories in the Southeast. It is also the oldest free standing academic library in the country.
The library building was closed in 2017 for renovations. The public will be able to visit and use the library beginning Oct. 6.
