Main Branch 
July 2025
We have a lot of exciting events planned this month! Check out a selection of program highlights below, and scroll down to access the full calendar of free events for all ages.
Featured Programs
Thelonious Monk:
Straight, No Chaser
Tuesday, July 1
5:30-7:30 p.m.
 
This documentary is a haunting portrait of the influential jazz pianist and composer (1917-82), laced with performance footage from the '60s. Included are comments from Thelonious Jr., who talks about his father's `fits of depression and euphoria.'
 
Ya'll Yoga
Thursday, July 3
Thursday, July 10
Thursday, July 17
Thursday, July 24
Thursday, July 31
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
 
Access balance, strength, and independence in chair and floor-based poses. You will learn to transition from seated to standing to reclining on the mat using the chair as a tool. If getting up and down from the floor is challenging for you, we will teach you how to do this with and without the help of a chair. This class is great if you are looking for low-impact movements, recovering from an injury, or focusing on joint and spine health.
 
Vision Board Making:
Summer Edition
Tuesday, July 8
2-3 p.m.
 
Join us for our workshop where we will visualize our goals for the Summer and create reflective vision boards! 
 
Job Search Drop-In
Tuesday, July 8
6-7 p.m.
 
Come to the Job Search Drop-In. Stop by for one-on-one assistance with creating or formatting your resume, navigating online applications, and exploring helpful career resources.
 
 Gallery Night "Historical Fiction"
By
Jennifer York
Wednesday, July 9
6-7 p.m.
 
Jennifer York is a full-time artist who lives on James Island near Folly Beach. The Charleston Lowcountry is her muse, where she explores the tidal marshlands near her home and rides her bike all around downtown, filling her sketchbook with local imagery all along the way. She has been making pop-up paper artworks since 2018. This started with collapsible carousel books and evolved into pop-up paper dioramas in old suitcases, layered scenes in antique mirrors, and large-scale tyvek papercuts. Solo exhibitions include the Gibbes Museum of Art and The Myrtle Beach Art Museum. She is 2024 Griffith-Reyburn Lowcountry Artist of the Year. See more of her work at jennifer-york.com and @jenniferyorkart.
 
Short Fiction Book Discussion
Wednesday, July 9
6:30-7:30 p.m.
 
Join us for a discussion series on selections from The Best American Short Stories 2024, edited by Lauren Groff. This program will also be streamed live on CCPL's Zoom server. To join the discussion via Zoom, please register here.
 
Tech Team Help Lab
Thursday, July 10
Thursday, July 24
6-7:30 p.m.
 
Drop in and play with our “tech toy box” or see a staff member for assistance with your own device during our digital drop ins! First come, first served.
 
Book Voyage Book Club
Thursday, July 10
6-7:30 p.m.
 
Embark on a Literary Adventure! The Book Voyage Book Club is taking off for Australia and New Zealand, and you’re invited! This month, we’re exploring the rich histories and vibrant cultures of Australia and New Zealand —choose a book set in this fascinating region and let the journey begin. Each month, we discover new corners of the world through captivating stories. Join our lively discussions at our monthly meetups or chart your own course by filling out your personal reading map. Connect with fellow book lovers, broaden your horizons, and experience the magic of global storytelling. Ready to travel the world—one book at a time?
 
Wattstax
Tuesday, July 15
5:30-7:30 p.m.
 
Filmed record of a benefit concert staged in 1972 at the L.A. Coliseum, punctuated by interviews with residents of L.A.'s Watts neighborhood and monologues from Richard Pryor. Music acts include the Dramatics, the Staple Singers, Isaac Hayes, Kim Weston, Jimmy Jones, Albert King, Carla Thomas, Rufus Thomas and Luther Ingram. Directed by Mel Stuart.
 
 Wanderlust on a Dime:
Budget Travel Secrets 
Wednesday, July 16
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
 
Dreaming of your next adventure but worried about the cost? Join us for an informative and inspiring program on budget travel, where you'll learn practical ways to see the world without emptying your wallet.
Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a newbie, this program will equip you with the essential knowledge for booking flights, searching for hotels, and more using travel apps!
Registration is required. Parking is free underneath the library for the first hour; $1 for every 30 minutes after that.
Presented by the CCPL Tech Team.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Simply Delicious:
Meals on a Dime
Thursday, July 17
1-2 p.m.
 
Join us as we learn how to make an affordable meal of black beans and rice. We will also discuss the basics of creating meals that are wallet friendly, nutritious, and delicious. This class will include a tasting portion, where participants will be able to sample the dish that is demonstrated. We will offer a version that contains meat and a version that does not. 
No common allergens will be present at this class; however, some products may be manufactured in facilities that process one or more of these allergens. If you have any additional allergy or dietary concerns, please contact us at askaquestion@ccpl.org or 843-805-6930 for more detailed information and we will try to accommodate your needs.
 
Summer Reading Cultural Fair
Saturday, July 19
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
 
Visit our cultural fair in the Main Library auditorium! Vendors from several cultural groups of Charleston will be attending to share with you their heritage through crafts, traditional clothing, stories, presentations, performances, and more! Food, drinks, and merchandise will be available for free or for purchase depending on the vendor.
 
Visiting local cultural organizations include:
 
Círculo Hispanoamericano de Charleston
 
Chinese Association in Greater Charleston
 
Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity
 
Japan-America Association of South Carolina
 
Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians
 
The Dante Alighieri Society of Charleston
 
Filipino Community Center of Charleston
 
Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor
 
Polish American Society of Charleston
 
BYOB Club
Monday, July 21
6-7:30 p.m.
 
Call it "Literary Potluck": Join us for the "Bring Your Own Book" book club!
Each month we'll explore a new genre, and all you have to do is bring a book you've been wanting to talk about that fits the theme. Whether it's a beloved classic, a recent page-turner, or a hidden treasure, we want to hear about it! A great way to discover new genres and read out of your comfort zone.
This month's genre is historical nonfiction. 
Registration required. Parking is free underneath the library for the first hour; each additional 30 minutes after that is $1. 
 
Resume Writing
Monday, July 21
6-7 p.m.
 
 Get expert insights on resume building and optimization to revitalize your job search. This program provides practical tips to create standout resumes for today's competitive job market.
 
Gig Economy Mavericks:
Mastering Your Own Destiny
Tuesday, July 22
2-3 p.m.
 
Unlock flexible income! This class is your practical guide to navigating the gig economy. Learn step-by-step how to sign up, get started, and maximize your earnings with platforms like Uber, Lyft, and more.
 
Science Friday Book Club
Friday, July 25
2-3:30 p.m.
 
Charleston County Public Library is proud to partner with the Science Friday podcast to host the Science Friday Book Club! Please join us in person where we will discuss Nicola Twilley's book Frostbite. 
Visit the SciFri website to learn more: https://www.sciencefriday.com/scifri-book-club/
 
Painted Garden Gnomes
Monday, July 28
6-7 p.m.
 
Paint your very own, unique garden gnome! All of the supplies will be provided, just bring your creativity and imagination!
We have a limited supply of garden gnomes so please register early.
 
Password Manager Pro
Tuesday, July 29
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
 
Master Your Digital Security-- join us for a program on password management!  Strong, unique passwords are your first line of defense against cyber threats, but remembering them all can feel impossible. In this program, we'll share password best practices, and share ideas for keeping your personal information safe across all your devices! Presented by the CCPL Tech Team. 
Parking is free below the library for the first hour; $1 for every 30 minutes after that.
 
Only the Strong Survive
Tuesday, July 29
5:30-7:30 p.m.
 
Affectionate and informative tribute to the soul-music scene in Memphis and Chicago during the 1960s and '70s includes interviews with and performances by the artists. Among those featured are Isaac Hayes, Carla Thomas and Wilson Pickett. Directed by Chris Hegedus and D.A. Pennebaker.
 
Interview Skills Workshop
Thursday, July 31
9:30-10:30 a.m.
 
Sharpen your interview skills in this comprehensive program, covering everything from effective communication to handling challenging questions, equipping participants with the confidence to excel in any job interview.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Staff Picks
Books
 
Sam's Pick
 


Into The Drowning Deep
by 
Mira Grant
 
If you love swimming in the ocean this one may not be for you. 
“Seven years ago, the Atargatis set off on a voyage to the Mariana Trench to film a mockumentary bringing to life ancient sea creatures of legend. It was lost at sea with all hands.” 
When Victoria is offered an opportunity to find out what happened to her sister and the other crew members of the Atargatis ship, she ends up finding something more terrifying than anyone can imagine. This book is told from the POV of many different characters on this voyage. Some are looking for answers, some are looking for a new scientific discovery, and some people are just looking forward to the greatest hunt of their lives. 
Available in print. 
 
 
 
 Looking for more to do? View the complete calendar of events.
(link to your branch-specific online calendar on this page:
https://www.ccpl.org/branches)
Main Branch: 68 Calhoun Street I 843-805-6930
Main Library
68 Calhoun Street
Charleston, South Carolina 29401
843-805-6930

ccpl.org