Director working to build on library society's legacy

Anne Cleveland is on a mission to make the Charleston Library Society the premier center of literature and culture in the Holy City.

While that may seem like a novel concept to those who came of age in Charleston during the latter half of the 20th century, it's a position the society held during its first 200 years.

In restoring the library to its former position, Cleveland, its executive director since August, is introducing it to many people. The former English and history teacher, who has lived in Charleston for 26 years, says she was not familiar with the society.

That's the main thing she wants to change.

The society is a scholarly research center and private lending library that holds an untold number of important manuscripts including John Locke's handwritten Constitution for South Carolina and DuBose Heyward's handwritten manuscript of "Porgy."

The society was founded in 1748 by 17 young men who were interested in reading the latest materials published in England. But its contributions to the cultural legacy of Charleston went far beyond that.

Several well-known institutions in town, at least in part, owe their existence to the library society, Cleveland says. They include the College of Charleston, Charleston Museum (America's first) and South Carolina Historical Society.

"They were all kind of birthed by the library society," Cleveland says. "It's exciting for me to make people aware of what a jewel it is. I am trying to get people into the door and learning about Charleston from a new perspective."

While Cleveland says she is passionate about letting the community know the society is reaching out, her job is not one she dreamed of having. In fact, it was only after Steve Gates, who chaired the search committee for an executive director, asked if she would be considered for the position, that she visited the library society for the first time.

"It was so out of the blue," Cleveland says. "I walked through the door the next night and I said, 'Oh, my God!'

"I am learning so much. There is so much history that I didn't know existed. I am having so much fun. For me, it's been a personal renaissance."

It's a renaissance that she's trying to give to others, especially young people. She has led the society in establishing a young professionals advisory board. The society needs another generation coming along that is invested in the institution's existence, she says.

To attract new members, a number of new initiatives have been launched since she took over.

Over the next three years, the library society will work with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra to explore the roots of American music with an emphasis on Charleston's role in the development of African-American spirituals, jazz and blues, Cleveland says. Her goal is to create a space where the city's musicians who perform in a range of styles can work side-by-side.

In addition, the library society has a new lifelong learning series that includes a writing salon led by author Bret Lott on Tuesday nights.

The Poetry Society of South Carolina, established in 1921 by John Bennett (1865-1956), DuBose Heyward (1885-1940) and other library society members, will make the institution its home again in March.

Tommy Dew, Charleston walking tour guide, who helped produce an application for a tour of Charleston for the iPhone, will add information on the library society's collections to his tour.

According to her first report to the library society board, attendance at its events increased by 216 percent in her first five months on the job.

The changes have not gone unnoticed.

"Her enthusiasm, good humor, innovative thinking and her energy have all been remarkable," says Benjamin Allston Moore Jr., library society president. "And in addition to that, she has brought about an entirely new spirit among our long-term employees.

"She has transformed the society first by cleaning up and refurbishing our great central reading room, by introducing new programs for our membership and by appealing to and attracting young people, particularly professionals, as well as energizing our older membership."

Charleston attorney and friend Charlton deSaussure says Cleveland brings the same level of excitement and love of learning to her work at the library society that she did as a teacher. Cleveland, who taught deSaussure's children, has an enthusiasm that is contagious, he says.

"As an elementary school student, I went to the Charleston Library Society," deSaussure says. "I was away for many years, but I have rejoined with Anne at the helm."

Reach Wevonneda Minis at 937-5705.