The Exquisitely Quaint Timrod Library
Originally published October 1, 2015
The historic Henry Timrod Library , one of only two membership, or subscription, libraries remaining in South Carolina, is still a vital and fully engaged entity today. Named for the Poet Laureate of the Confederacy, it was born from the zeal and forward thinking of 19 intrepid Summerville ladies in 1897. Caught up in the “enlightenment” of the Progressive Era, their enthusiasm led them to establish a Summerville Chapter of the Chautauqua Literary and ScientificCircle. Their numbers and vision grew, and by 1908, they were chartered as “ The Timrod Literary and Library Association ”. With the donation of land from the town of Summerville and eight years of fund raising and focused community cooperation, the present day building became a reality in April 1915. The original minutes from the Timrod’s inception to the present have given us a marvelous, and often entertaining, written record of the evolution of the Timrod.
The exterior of the building constructed by local black contractor, Jim Cooper, is an architectural delight, with its unique diamond paned windows that flood the rooms with natural light. It is included on the National Register of Historic Places
(since 1979), and more recently was named to the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Places of Distinction
and is a part of the “Sweet Tea Trail” of designated sites to visit.
Two additions, one in 1927 and another in 1985 retained the original design, right down to matching the locally produced bricks. Thanks to the generosity of Catherine Peterman Stewart, a long-serving librarian, friend and benefactor, and the local Summerville community, these additions enabled the Timrod to continue serving its members and the community at large as Summerville grew.
Today, the Timrod still offers fine historic collections, with a focus on the civil war, and the local area, as well as current volumes and best sellers. Currently, programs available each month to our members and the public include: 2nd Monday Children’s Story Hour, 3rd Friday “Tea & Tales” with renown “Resident” Storyteller, Tim Lowry
, and 3rd Sunday “Talking about Books”, a casual sharing of whatever you are reading and (like with all events at the Timrod) refreshments!
As the Timrod is a membership library
, it depends on modest annual dues, gifts, bequests and the generosity of friends, as well as fund-raising events to maintain this historic building, its substantial collection of books and its place in the community. Some of our annual events include: the 2-Sunday “Southern Author Series” in February, a Patrons Party in May, a BBQ in September, our October Book Sale and Luncheon, and both large and small “meet the author” signings and talks.
Though now also connected to the world via modern media, our modest staff and governing Board welcomes and depends on our volunteer members to provide the personal touch, so as to retain the charm and ambiance we’ve come to love and support. Visitors are always welcome.
Annual Membership: Family- $15.00 Patron $50.00
