Share
icon of a microphone

Chapin Memorial Library

(843) 918-1275

Chapin Memorial Library, 400 14th Avenue North, is the only city-owned library in South Carolina.  chapin memorial libraryThe public library originally opened in 1939 at a location on North Kings Highway with 501 books.  During World War II, the library relocated to the Chapin Company building as part of the government recreation program for soldiers.  In August 1948, the Chapin Foundation provided $40,000 for a library on city park land and an additional $2,000 for landscaping.  Chapin Memorial Library opened on June 1, 1949, on the corner of Kings Highway and 14th Avenue North.  The facility has been expanded four times. 

HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday through Thursday...  9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday...  9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday...  9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday...  Closed

REGISTRATION POLICY

Chapin Memorial Library offers resident and non-resident memberships.

RESIDENT MEMBERSHIP

Any resident of the City of Myrtle Beach has the privilege of becoming a member of the library.  Acceptable identification includes a current South Carolina driver's license with an in-city address, a current South Carolina identification card with an in-city address or a Myrtle Beach property tax receipt.

NON-RESIDENT MEMBERSHIP

The Myrtle Beach City Council approves free library cards for residents of counties participating in the Palmetto Library Consortium or other inter-library loan arrangements (Darlington, Georgetown, Horry, Marion, Dillon, Williamsburg and Sumter Counties).  Non-residents of the city now can get free library cards if they live in one of those counties.  Previously, the annual card was $20 if you lived outside the city.  Veterans can also get free library cards.  City Council accepted a county grant that allows Chapin Memorial Library to purchase library materials.  Snowbirds and others can still get a 90-day Chapin Library card for $8 or an annual card for $20.

LOAN PERIOD AND OVERDUE FEES

Fourteen-Day Materials... 
Books on the New Book Shelf and Test Books are available for loan for a 21-day period.  The overdue fine is 25 cents per day, for a maximum of $5 per item.

Twenty-One Day Materials... 
All other circulating materials may be borrorwed for a 21-day period.  The overdue fine is 10 cents per day, for a maximum of $5 per item.

Reference Materials and Periodicals...
These materials are non-circulating and must be used in the building.

Reference Room...
The Reference Room is composed of several thousand information sources, including books, periodicals and computer databases.  For added convenience, the South Carolina Genealogy materials and business materials are placed in special areas.  The Reference Room also maintains a large collection of periodicals, vertical files and pamphlets.

Shirley W. Boone South Carolina Room...
This room has more than a thousand titles, area scrapbooks, vertical files, pamphlet files and a microfilm library.  Microfilm available for patrons include:  Horry County Census Records, local newspapers and the American Genealogical Lending Library Index.

Inter-Library Loan Services...
As an extension of Reference Services, Inter-Library Loans are offered to Chapin Library patrons to help them obtain materials needed that Chapin Library does not offer or own.  The Library searches through the S.C. State Library, Horry County Library System and SOLINET.

EQUIPMENT

Typewriters...
One electronic typewriter is available for the public's use.  No appointments are necessary.

Copiers...
Copiers are located near the library's Circulation Desk on the first floor.  Additional copiers are located near the Reference Room on the second floor.  Cost for copies is 10 cents per page.

Internet Stations...
Internet stations are available for Chapin Library cardholders.  Black and white printing is 10 cents per page.

Personal Computers...
PCs are available for Chapin Library cardholders.  Programs include Open Office Suite.  Black and white printing is 10 cents per page.

Facsimile Machine...
Transmitting and recieving charges are $1 per page.  The library staff must be notified to expect incoming documents.

Reader/Printers...
The microfilm reader/printers are located on the second floor and are able to convert to microfiche readers.

Audio/Visual...
A laptop and life show projector are available for public use.  The machines are available for use within the building during normal library hours.  Please call library staff ahead of time to reserve machines.

VOLUNTEER FRIENDS OF CHAPIN MEMORIAL LIBRARY

Chapin Memorial Library offers many areas where volunteer services enhance library programs.  If you have an interest in becoming a library volunteer, pick up a Volunteer Opportunities flyer at the library!