October 10, 2025

Thomas Cooper Library Designated as Cultural Landmark

Columbia, South Carolina, October 10, 2025

News Summary

The Thomas Cooper Library at the University of South Carolina has been officially designated a Cultural Landmark in South Carolina. Opened in the fall of 1959, it stands as a prominent center for academic research and community engagement, featuring over 3 million books and 300 online databases. Designed by architect Edward Durrell Stone, the library has received multiple accolades, including a Library Building Award, emphasizing its importance in the state’s educational landscape.

Columbia, South Carolina – The Thomas Cooper Library at the University of South Carolina has been designated a Cultural Landmark in South Carolina, recognizing its vital role as a center for academic research and community engagement. Opened in the fall of 1959, after the McKissick Memorial Library reached its capacity, it was the first undergraduate library in the South and only the third in the United States.

Designed by renowned architect Edward Durrell Stone, who also created the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the library offers a rich array of resources. The library was recognized early on, receiving a prestigious Library Building Award from the American Library Association in 1963. Currently, it serves as USC’s main research center, providing access to over 300 online databases that cover a multitude of academic disciplines.

With a vast collection of more than 3 million books along with an extensive array of journals, government documents, maps, and films, the library stands as a beacon of knowledge and learning in the state. Its significance is further enhanced by its proximity to other cultural attractions in the area, such as the Columbia Craft Brewing Company and the South Carolina State Museum.

The South Carolina State Museum is currently hosting the ‘Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume’ exhibit, which will run through January 2026, providing an added draw for visitors exploring the Columbia area.

In a comprehensive overview of South Carolina’s rich library heritage, the Charleston Library Society, founded in 1748, stands out as the oldest cultural institution in the South and one of the oldest subscription libraries in the United States. Originally started with 5,000 British books, many were lost to a fire. The Charleston Library Society continues its operations as a subscription library, offering various benefits to its members, including access to notable literary treasures like letters from George Washington and Alexander Hamilton.

Additionally, the Hughes Main Library in Greenville, which began operations in 1921, has undergone multiple relocations since then. The current location opened in 2002 and has since gained recognition for its modern design and active community events.

The Richland Library Main, evolving from the Lend-A-Hand Club established in 1895, now occupies 242,000 square feet. The Addlestone Library at the College of Charleston, dedicated in 2005, houses over 2 million resources and attracts more than 800,000 visitors annually. The College of Charleston itself is the oldest institution of higher learning in South Carolina, founded in 1770.

The collective contributions made by these iconic libraries highlight South Carolina’s ongoing commitment to fostering a culture centered around books, education, and community engagement.

FAQ

What is the Thomas Cooper Library?

The Thomas Cooper Library is the main undergraduate student library at the University of South Carolina (USC), offering a rich array of resources and serving as a key research center.

When did the Thomas Cooper Library open?

The Thomas Cooper Library opened in the fall of 1959.

How many online databases does the Thomas Cooper Library offer?

The Thomas Cooper Library offers more than 300 online databases across all academic disciplines.

What is the significance of the Charleston Library Society?

The Charleston Library Society, founded in 1748, is the oldest cultural institution in the South and one of the oldest subscription libraries in the U.S., originally starting with 5,000 British books.

Feature	Detail
Library Name	Thomas Cooper Library
Opened	Fall of 1959
Architect	Edward Durrell Stone
Online Databases	Over 300
Books	Over 3 million
Nearby Attractions	Columbia Craft Brewing Company, South Carolina State Museum
Current Exhibit at State Museum	‘Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume’