$12.4 million. That’s how much the Charleston County Public Library’s Board of Trustees is hoping to raise to expand public history resources + renovate the Main Library branch in downtown Charleston.

While the Main Library currently has $9 million from a previously-approved plan to use for renovations, the Board thinks the project could be enhanced with additional funding — a grand total of $21 million, to be exact.

So, what exactly does more than $20 million of renovations look like? For one, it would assist in expanding features like the South Carolina Room, which is a reading room for The Charleston Archive — a collection of books, maps, microfilm, and other research materials that cannot be checked out of the library.

The Archive’s resources detail 300+ years of South Carolina history. Visitors can use it to connect with ancestors, take a closer look at a historic property, research the political, economic, cultural, and topographical history of the Holy City, and explore SC service records.

In short, these records tell the story of our city.

Additional funding could expand the historic archive capacity, dedicate a program area to local genealogy, enhance the youth space, and increase career assistance + educational support.

Here’s where the project currently stands, by the numbers:

2014. When voters approved a $108.5 million plan, allocating funds for the construction or renovation of 19 buildings throughout the county.
5. The number of new libraries set to be constructed based on that plan.
13. The number of libraries to be renovated — including the Main Library at 68 Calhoun St.
$9 million. The amount of funds from the building referendum currently allocated for the Main Library renovations.
$12.4 million. The amount that the Fundraising Committee hopes to raise through Project Main.
$21 million. The total target renovation funds.

You know what they say: change doesn't happen overnight. Fundraising is expected to take place over the next year, with a target end date of January 2023.

Stay tuned for updates and donate if you’re interested in participating in Project Main.