South Caroliniana Library, Columbia

The South Caroliniana Library, celebrated as the first separate college library building in the United States, occupies a prominent position at the northwest corner of the University of South Carolina's historic Horseshoe. Designed by renowned architect Robert Mills in 1840, the library is a distinguished example of Greek Revival architecture, characterized by its classical proportions and decorative elements. This historic structure symbolizes the university's long-standing commitment to academic excellence and the preservation of knowledge.

By 1927, the burgeoning library collection had outgrown the original structure, necessitating expansion. J. Carroll Johnson, a noted architect from Columbia, designed two fireproof wings to accommodate the growing volume of materials. This expansion ensured the library could continue to serve its essential role in supporting the university's academic programs. However, with the construction of a new library building in 1940—now known as McKissick Museum and the USC Visitors Center—the original South Caroliniana Library transitioned into a special collections library. This shift allowed it to house valuable manuscripts and archival materials documenting South Carolina's rich history.

In the 1970s, the South Caroliniana Library underwent significant interior and exterior renovations to modernize the facility and enhance its functionality. These updates included the introduction of air conditioning, which improved the preservation conditions for the library's precious collections and provided a more comfortable environment for researchers and visitors.