The Charleston County Public Library offers the following free programs in December for children, teens and adults. 

Early Literacy Station
Throughout December
Main Library – downtown, 68 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC  29401: 843-805-6930

Visit the Early Literacy Station for a fun activity based on the S.C. Day-by-Day Family Literacy Activity Calendar. The theme for December is friends.

Saul Alexander Gallery Exhibit

Throughout December

Main Library – downtown, 68 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC  29401: 843-805-6930

Dance of Circles by Ryoko Chiba-Miller

Through prayer and meditation, Chiba-Miller sees geometric patterns of light appear though the paper in combinations of dots, lines and color. Her unique mandalas are designed on Italian black paper with visually appealing geometric shapes and colors to calm the circuitry of the left brain while activating the creative side of the right brain.

Activity Zone (grades K-5)

Throughout December

James Island Library – 1248 Camp Road, Charleston, SC  29412: 843-795-6679

Enjoy puzzles, mazes and coloring activities.

Desktop Trivia (adults)

Throughout December

John L. Dart Library – 1067 King Street, Charleston, SC  29403: 843-722-7550

Answer a visual trivia question correctly at the Customer Service desk, and win a prize.

Winter Reading Reviews (grades K-5)

Throughout December

John L. Dart Library – 1067 King Street, Charleston, SC  29403: 843-722-7550

Read a book, and write a review to enter a $10 gift card drawing. The winner will be announced January 7.

Tech Help: Book-a-Librarian 

Throughout December

John’s Island Regional Library – 3531 Maybank Highway, John’s Island, SC  29455: 843-559-1945

Want to learn how to use the library's downloadable media on your tablet, phone, e-reader or laptop? Call 843-559-1945, and make an appointment with a librarian for a 30-minute one-on-one session.

Painting Exhibit

Throughout December

John’s Island Regional Library – 3531 Maybank Highway, John’s Island, SC  29455: 843-559-1945

Courtney Page displays paintings of various subjects.

Early Literacy Station
Throughout December

John’s Island Regional Library – 3531 Maybank Highway, John’s Island, SC  29455: 843-559-1945

Visit the Early Literacy Station for a fun activity based on the S.C. Day-by-Day Family Literacy Activity Calendar. The theme for December is friends.

TeenSpot Celebrates National Read a New Book Month

Throughout December

Hurd/St. Andrews Regional Library – 1735 N. Woodmere Drive, Charleston, SC  29407: 843-766-2546
Write down the title of a great book you’ve read, and receive a treat.

Candy Cane Challenge (tweens and teens)

Throughout December
McClellanville Library – 222 Baker Street, MClellanville, SC  29458: 843-887-3699
Complete a winter word search, and receive a candy cane.

Early Literacy Station

Throughout December

Mt. Pleasant Regional Library – 1133 Mathis Ferry Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC  29464: 843-849-6161
Visit the Early Literacy Station for a fun activity based on the S.C. Day-by-Day Family Literacy Activity Calendar. The theme for December is friends.

Elf on the Shelf (teens)
Throughout December
Cooper River Memorial Library – 3503 Rivers Avenue, Charleston, SC  29405: 843-744-2489
Locate all six elves, bring them to the desk, and receive a candy cane.

College Admission Assistance (ages 19 and older)

Thursdays, December 1 and 15 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

John’s Island Regional Library – 3531 Maybank Highway, John’s Island, SC  29455: 843-559-1945

Adults interested in pursuing a GED, certificate, diploma, associate degree or bachelor’s degree at any U.S. college are encouraged to attend an information session with representatives from the Educational Opportunity Center. Attendees will learn about college admission, financial aid and career counseling assistance offered by the EOC.

All Things Pete the Cat (ages 3-5 with caregiver)

Thursday, December 1 at 10:30 a.m.

Mt. Pleasant Regional Library – 1133 Mathis Ferry Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC  29464: 843-849-6161
Listen to stories, sing songs, make a craft, and meet Pete.

Cookie Coloring (preschool)
Thursday, December 1 at 10:30 a.m.

Otranto Road Regional Library – 2261 Otranto Road, North Charleston, SC  29406: 843-572-4094
Create and sample cookies to get in the holiday spirit.

Black and White Theatre (adults)

Thursday, December 1 at 12 p.m.

Hurd/St. Andrews Regional Library – 1735 N. Woodmere Drive, Charleston, SC  29407: 843-766-2546
On the Waterfront. Not rated; 108 minutes.

Afternoon Adventures: Read with Rommie and Friends
Thursday, December 1 at 3:30 p.m.
Main Library – downtown, 68 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC  29401: 843-805-6930

Help your child improve literacy and communication skills by reading to STAR therapy dogs.

Teen Café (grades 6-12)

Thursdays, December 1 and 8 from 3:30-5 p.m.

Main Library – downtown, 68 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC  29401: 843-805-6930

Teen Lounge

Enjoy snacks and games after school. 

Teen Wii Time (grades 6-12)

Thursdays, December 1 and 15 from 3:30-5 p.m.

John’s Island Regional Library – 3531 Maybank Highway, John’s Island, SC  29455: 843-559-1945

Play Wii games in the auditorium.

Game On (ages 10-18)

Thursdays, December 1, 8 and 15 from 3:30-5 p.m.

Thursdays, December 22 and 29 from 2-4 p.m.

John L. Dart Library – 1067 King Street, Charleston, SC  29403: 843-722-7550

Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of gaming. Choose from board games and interactive video games.

Knit and Purl: A Casual Knitting Group (adults)

Thursday, December 1 from 5-6:30 p.m.

John’s Island Regional Library – 3531 Maybank Highway, John’s Island, SC  29455: 843-559-1945

Bring knitting materials, and knit with fellow crafters. All skill levels welcome.

Mah Jongg Nights (adults)

Thursdays, December 1, 8, 15 and 29 at 5:30 p.m.

Poe/Sullivan’s Island Library – 1921 I’on Avenue, Sullivan’s Island, SC  29482: 843-883-3914
Learn to play this fun and fast-paced game. Beginners welcome.

Winter Tree Decoration

Fridays, December 2, 9 and 16 all day

John’s Island Regional Library – 3531 Maybank Highway, John’s Island, SC  29455: 843-559-1945
Create ornaments for our holiday tree, and make one to take home.

Teen Word Seekers (grades 6-12)

Fridays, December 2, 9, 16 and 30 all day

John L. Dart Library – 1067 King Street, Charleston, SC  29403: 843-722-7550

Challenge yourself to find every word on thematic word find puzzles for a prize.

Porkchop Productions presents Christmas, The Measles and Me
Friday, December 2 at 9:15 a.m.
Main Library – downtown, 68 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC  29401: 843-805-6930

When Santa gets the measles three days before Christmas, head elf Myron wants to cancel the holiday and go on a Caribbean cruise. Join Holly the Elf as she scurries to save Christmas. This charming tale promises charismatic characters, precarious predicaments, and a lesson about giving that will warm the frostiest of hearts.

Pete the Cat Storytime

Friday, December 2 at 10:30 a.m.

Village Library – 430 Whilden Street, Mt. Pleasant, SC  29464: 843-884-9741
Listen to stories about Pete the Cat.

Porkchop Productions presents Christmas, the Measles and Me

Friday, December 2 at 11 a.m.

John’s Island Regional Library – 3531 Maybank Highway, John’s Island, SC  29455: 843-559-1945
When Santa gets the measles three days before Christmas, head elf Myron wants to cancel the holiday and go on a Caribbean cruise. Join Holly the Elf as she scurries to save Christmas. This charming tale promises charismatic characters, precarious predicaments, and a lesson about giving that will warm the frostiest of hearts.

Literary Gibbes

Friday, December 2 at 1 p.m.

Gibbes Museum

Join a book club-style discussion of To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf inspired by Realm of the Spirit: Solomon R. Guggenheim Collection and the Gibbes Museum of Art. This event is a collaboration between CCPL and the Gibbes Museum. Participation in the book discussion is free but does not include museum admission.

Porkchop Productions presents Christmas, the Measles and Me

Friday, December 2 at 3 p.m.

Poe/Sullivan’s Island Library – 1921 I’on Avenue, Sullivan’s Island, SC  29482: 843-883-3914
When Santa gets the measles three days before Christmas, head elf Myron wants to cancel the holiday and go on a Caribbean cruise. Join Holly the Elf as she scurries to save Christmas. This charming tale promises charismatic characters, precarious predicaments, and a lesson about giving that will warm the frostiest of hearts.

DIY Crafts with Ms. Grace (children)

Saturday, December 3 at 10 a.m.

Poe/Sullivan’s Island Library – 1921 I’on Avenue, Sullivan’s Island, SC  29482: 843-883-3914
Ms. Grace helps young hands create fun paper and felt projects.

Christmas Treats (ages four and older)
Saturday, December 3 at 10:30 a.m.

Village Library – 430 Whilden Street, Mt. Pleasant, SC  29464: 843-884-9741
Decorate Christmas treats to enjoy at home.

Porkchop Productions presents Christmas, the Measles and Me (ages 11 and younger)

Saturday, December 3 at 10:30 a.m.

Hurd/St. Andrews Regional Library – 1735 N. Woodmere Drive, Charleston, SC  29407: 843-766-2546
When Santa gets the measles three days before Christmas, head elf Myron wants to cancel the holiday and go on a Caribbean cruise. Join Holly the Elf as she scurries to save Christmas. This charming tale promises charismatic characters, precarious predicaments, and a lesson about giving that will warm the frostiest of hearts.

Lego Club

Saturday, December 3 at 11 a.m.
Main Library – downtown, 68 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC  29401: 843-805-6930

Build your best Lego creation, and learn how to engineer masterpieces.

Jingle all the Way (all ages)

Saturday, December 3 at 11 a.m.

McClellanville Library – 222 Baker Street, MClellanville, SC  29458: 843-887-3699
Ring bells during a jingle bell toss.

Play Day: Parade Prep

Saturday, December 3 at 11:30 a.m.

Edisto Library – 1589 Highway 174, Edisto, SC  29438: 843-869-2355
Help prepare for the Edisto Christmas Parade.

Ornamental Gingerbread

Saturday, December 3 at 1 p.m.

Main Library – downtown, 68 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC  29401: 843-805-6930

Join Chef Kimberly, and learn how to decorate gingerbread to display during the holiday season.

Ornament Drop-In (families)

Saturday, December 3 at 1 p.m.

John L. Dart Library – 1067 King Street, Charleston, SC  29403: 843-722-7550

Make a holiday ornament.

Porkchop Productions Presents Christmas, the Measles and Me

Saturday, December 3 at 2 p.m.

West Ashley Library – 45 Windermere Boulevard, Charleston, SC  29407: 843-766-6635
When Santa gets the measles three days before Christmas, head elf Myron wants to cancel the holiday and go on a Caribbean cruise. Join Holly the Elf as she scurries to save Christmas. This charming tale promises charismatic characters, precarious predicaments, and a lesson about giving that will warm the frostiest of hearts.

Saturday Movie
Saturday, December 3 at 2 p.m.

Otranto Road Regional Library – 2261 Otranto Road, North Charleston, SC  29406: 843-572-4094
The Muppet Christmas Carol. Rated G; 85 minutes.

Holiday Card Craft (ages 6-11)
Saturday, December 3 at 3 p.m.

Cooper River Memorial Library – 3503 Rivers Avenue, Charleston, SC  29405: 843-744-2489
Craft a snowflake holiday card. Materials provided.

Porkchop Productions presents Christmas, The Measles and Me (all ages)

Saturday, December 3 at 4 p.m.

James Island Library – 1248 Camp Road, Charleston, SC  29412: 843-795-6679
When Santa gets the measles three days before Christmas, head elf Myron wants to cancel the holiday and go on a Caribbean cruise. Join Holly the Elf as she scurries to save Christmas. This charming tale promises charismatic characters, precarious predicaments, and a lesson about giving that will warm the frostiest of hearts.

A-maze-ing Monday (grades 6-12)

Mondays, December 5, 12 and 19

Main Library – downtown, 68 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC  29401: 843-805-6930

Teen Lounge

Successfully complete a maze, and return it to the Young Adult Services desk to win a piece of candy.

Mind Bending Maze (grades 6-12)

Mondays, December 5, 12 and 19 all day

John L. Dart Library – 1067 King Street, Charleston, SC  29403: 843-722-7550

Complete an intricate maze, and receive a prize.

Memoir Writing Circle (adults)

Mondays, December 5, 12 and 19 at 10:30 a.m.

Poe/Sullivan’s Island Library – 1921 I’on Avenue, Sullivan’s Island, SC  29482: 843-883-3914
Come, write, and share stories for fun and feedback.

Affordable Care Act Assistance (adults)

Mondays, December 5 and 19 from 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Monday, December 12 from 12:30-4:30 p.m.

John’s Island Regional Library – 3531 Maybank Highway, John’s Island, SC  29455: 843-559-1945
Need health insurance and want to compare insurance options? Sign up for Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans and subsidies, and receive personalized, expert advice from federally-certified Palmetto Project representatives. Call 1-888-998-4646 for an appointment.

Afterschool Club (ages 6-11)
Monday, December 5 at 3 p.m.

Cooper River Memorial Library – 3503 Rivers Avenue, Charleston, SC  29405: 843-744-2489
Enjoy cool toys, art activities, music and movement.

After-School Club

Mondays, December 5, 12 and 19 at 3:30 p.m.

Folly Beach Library – 55 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC 29439: 843-588-2001

Enjoy snacks, homework help and fun activities.

Match ‘Em Mondays (all ages)
Mondays, December 5 and 12 from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Main Library – downtown, 68 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC  29401: 843-805-6930

Match the juvenile book cover with the author, and win a prize.

Tuesday Newsday (grades 6-12)

Tuesdays, December 6, 13, 20 and 27

Main Library – downtown, 68 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC  29401: 843-805-6930

Teen Lounge

Show off your news knowledge, and win candy for correct answers.

Quiz Bowl (grades K-5)

Tuesdays, December 6, 13, 20 and 27

John L. Dart Library – 1067 King Street, Charleston, SC  29403: 843-722-7550

Challenge yourself to answer the trivia question correctly, and get a treat.

Book-a-Librarian

Tuesday, December 6

Cooper River Memorial Library – 3503 Rivers Avenue, Charleston, SC  29405: 843-744-2489
Want to learn how to establish an e-mail account, format a resume, work with tablets or complete online job applications? Call 843-744-2489 to schedule a 45-minute appointment with a librarian.

Edisto Book Club

Tuesday, December 6 at 3 p.m.

Edisto Library – 1589 Highway 174, Edisto, SC  29438: 843-869-2355
Contact the branch for book details.

Full STEAM Ahead: Light-Up Holiday Greeting Cards
Tuesday, December 6 at 3:30 p.m.
Main Library – downtown, 68 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC  29401: 843-805-6930

Design a battery-powered light-up greeting card to brighten someone’s holiday.