34 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen like feel for which historic downtown Summerville is known. Even the diamond-shaped windows of this 110-year-old building were crafted by the same carpenter who made them for several of the town’s iconic cottages a century ago. However, the Timrod is more than a building with books. Guest author appearances, lectures and other literary events broaden the appeal. At the monthly BYOB (bring your own book) club, participants share their latest reads with others rather than everyone discussing the same book. “That way, it expands the views of readers as they are exposed to different authors and titles,” explained Leslie Koller, president of the Timrod’s Board of Directors. The tradition of book clubs or “reading circles,” as they were first known, goes back to the Chataqua literary movement of the late 19th century. At a time when the education of women was not prioritized and their expectations were mostly limited to homemaking and child-rearing, the concept was an attempt to enhance their lives with intellectual endeavors such as lectures, plays, operas and symphonies. Chataqua began in Chataqua Lake, New York, initially as a program to train Sunday school teachers, but morphed into a non-religious entity. By 1900, there were 150 independent Chataquas across the country. In 1897, a group of women in the “Flowertown in the Pines” (aka Summerville) formed a reading circle. As the group grew over the next decade and its collection of books expanded, the Timrod Literary and Library Association was established. The association’s namesake, Henry Timrod, is considered one of the South’s most important 19th century poets. The town donated property at 217 Central Avenue, as the group sought to obtain donations of books and funding for building the library which was completed in 1915. Many books in the library’s collection are added through the recommendations of members. Koller explained, “Because we don’t accept government funding, no one tells us what to put on shelves.” Today, there are over 10,000 books in its collection, ranging from bestsellers to hard-to-find titles as well as those of regional interest and reference books. Additionally, there are DVDs, videotapes and even audio books on CD. There is also a children’s book collection, complete with monthly story times that are open to the public, but reservations are advised. The Timrod is an affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, too, a program through which children can receive a free book by mail each month. The Timrod covers postage costs for children in Summerville. Funding for the library to continue its mission of literacy and learning comes through membership fees, grants, private donations and fundraising events such as the upcoming annual Fall Fest on Nov. 2. There will be vendors, a silent auction, a donated book sale and other activities for the community to enjoy. Other popular fundraisers include monthly programs by local storyteller Tim Lowry and an annual book signing visit by popular novelist Mary Alice Monroe. Terri Barnes, vice president of the board, expressed hope that a card party that was held in June at the Summerville Country Club will also become an annual event. There are also plans for the inaugural campaign in which the Timrod plans to obtain sponsorship from companies, corporations and individuals. The Timrod Library, with its 450 active members, is one of only two surviving membership libraries in South Carolina and one of a handful in the country. Koler said she and the staff, “just want people to come and visit and see this space — just walk in the door and feel the ambience.” Chances are that your first visit won’t be your last at this charming piece of local Americana history. Charleston Women in Philanthropy
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