Programs
Attendance & Behavioral Expectations
While all Library programs are open to the public, some programs—like those tailored to the
interests and developmental needs of children and teens—may be created with specific audiences in
mind.
• All programs have the intended age range clearly indicated in all promotional materials.
• The Library uses the child’s age on the day of the particular program as the basis for whether
that child may attend.
• Adults must be accompanied by a child in the advertised age range to participate in a
program intended exclusively for children.
• Programs for tweens and teens are exclusively for them, unless they need an adult
companion or assistant.
• Programs for adults are promoted as Ages 18+ and may not be suitable for anyone under
the age of 18.
• Media selection for programs will not be restricted by the possibility that the media may be
viewed by an unintended audience.
• Parents and guardians are responsible for their own minor children’s use of the Library at all
times and must follow the Library’s Safe Child Policy.
• Due to the potential for food allergies, outside food is not permitted in Library programs.
• The Library’s Patron Behavior Policy applies to all Library program attendees.
Access
Every effort will be made to provide space for everyone who wants to attend a program. Attendance
may be restricted, though, if safety, expense, or program success demand it. Admission will be
decided on a first-come, first-served basis—either through advanced registration or at the door.
• For programs requiring advanced registration, the Library will hold a patron’s spot for the
first 5 minutes of the program, after which the spot can be given to another patron.
• In cases of the same program being offered at multiple branches, patrons should only
register/attend the program at one location. The Library reserves the right to deny
admission in cases of duplicate registration/attendance.
• A program will never be restricted due to its potentially contentious nature.
• Anyone who disrupts the audience or the program facilitator, or who violates Library policy,
may be denied admission or asked to leave the program.
Youth Services and STEM Programming Breaks
In order to provide outreach to Dorchester County schools and continuing education to
programming staff members, the Library recognizes the following breaks in the schedule for youth
and STEM programs:
• The first two full weeks of January (Saturday-Friday)
• May
• August
The Library will alleviate the impact of these breaks through the delivery of passive programs
scheduled during the most popular program time slots.
Cancellations
There are several reasons why programs might be canceled, such as bad weather, the presenter’s
absence, or low registration. Programs that are canceled do not always get rescheduled. Program
cancellations will, whenever feasible, be announced in advance on the Library’s online events
calendar, social media, and through other suitable channels of communication.
DCL SUMMER READING 2026: UNEARTH A STORY
June 1st – July 31st
All ages are welcome to participate!
REGISTRATION BEGINS Monday, June 1st, 2026
Sign up at any of our locations to pick up a game card or register online through Beanstack here!
How to Play:
1. Mark one spot on your sheet every day you complete a reading activity or keep track online with Beanstack.
2. Register for Summer Reading and earn a free prize.
3. Complete 20 reading activities and earn a free book and prize.
4. Complete 40 reading activities and earn a free book and prize!
Complete the challenge to be entered into our grand prize drawing*!
*Physical game cards must be returned to your local Dorchester County library by Sunday, August 16th, 2026 to be entered into the Grand Prize Drawing! Beanstack participants will automatically be entered.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is an early literacy program for children from birth to the start of 5-year-old kindergarten. Read a book (any book) to your newborn, infant, and/or toddler. The goal is to have read 1,000 books (yes, you can repeat books) before your child starts kindergarten.
How to Participate:
Step 1: Visit your local Dorchester County Library branch and register your child for the program.
Step 2: Return completed logs to your local branch after every 100 books to earn incentives.
Step 3: When you finish the last book, return your final completed log to your local branch for special recognition!
View and register for Winter Programming online through our new LibCal calendars below!
System-Wide DCL Event Calendar
Ashley River Branch Event Calendar
North Charleston Branch Event Calendar
St. George Branch Event Calendar