Byrne-Diderot Library
An essential part of the instructional life at ACBA, the Byrne-Diderot Library contains more than 16,000 books, DVDs, catalogs, and current and historic periodicals focused on the six building trades taught here, as well as peripheral topics that supplement the College’s cross-curricular approach to learning. Topics include architecture and architectural history, art and art history, drafting and drawing, historic preservation, history, labor history, social sciences philosophy, economics, business and literature.
In addition, ACBA is quickly becoming the nation’s leading repository of literature within the building arts, the highlight of which is the Jefferson Collection of rare and historic books. Though copies of these rare books can be found in leading archival resources around the world, ACBA is seeking to bring as many of these architectural resources as possible together in one place.
The library provides students, faculty and visiting researchers with targeted information services to help them find the information they need. In addition to individual reference and research assistance, the library offers library orientation sessions and support methods to classes. ACBA maintains reciprocal use agreements with the College of Charleston’s Addlestone Library, Clemson Architecture Center at Charleston Library and The Citadel’s Daniel Library (details below).
Contact our librarian to schedule a research consultation or library visit or for more information. Contact the Office of Institutional Advancement if you would like to become a Friend of the Library (details below).
Library Hours
Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Contact Information
Morgan Kinder, MLIS
Director of Library Services
Email: kinderm@acba.edu
Phone: 843-266-7837
Fax: 843-764-9832
Available Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Special Collections OPENED by appointment
The Byrne-Diderot Library is located on third floor of ACBA’s historic Old Trolley Barn campus, 649 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Learn more …
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ACBA has been gifted many unique pieces for its collection including print, tool, photographic and architectural items that require special care and conservation. These are housed in the DAR Special Collections Room, funded through a grant from the Daughters of the American Revolution in 2013. The room houses the College’s spectacular collection of rare books, historical periodicals, historical pamphlets, drawings, trade catalogs, auction catalogs and vertical files.
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ACBA’s Jefferson Collection comprises copies of books that were among those cherished by America’s third President. A devoted reader, Thomas Jefferson collected one of the largest private libraries in the country. When an invading British army burned the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., during the War of 1812, Jefferson sold Congress some of the 6,500 books from his own collection to re-establish the Library of Congress. By his death in 1826, he had again assembled some 1,600 volumes.
ACBA is seeking to bring together in one place early editions of Jefferson’s principal books on architecture and the building arts.
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Within the library’s special collections is its permanent exhibit of historic architectural artifacts. Many are on long-term loan from Historic Charleston Foundation and can now be seen at ACBA by the public for the first time in decades, including the remains of the historic Gabriel Manigault House. In addition, ACBA has an extensive collection of original salvaged historic hardware from some of Charleston’s most significant historic properties, many of which have been destroyed over the centuries.
Tools donated by the Stanley family, of the Stanley Tools Company, can be found in the Artifacts Room as well.
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Throughout its history, ACBA’s library has benefited from the interest and generosity of many supporters. The Trustees, faculty and staff recognize the life-long efforts that the College’s collections of books, files, photographs, artifacts and periodicals represent and are grateful to people like Richard Byrne and David Beckford for their commitment to seeing this early collection preserved as a unified whole for others to enjoy.
Now you can be a part of establishing ACBA as a national repository of literature and research sources for the building arts by becoming a Friend of the Library. Contact the Institutional Advancement Office to get involved.
A meaningful and lasting tribute to a friend or loved one is through the purchase and dedication of a special book for ACBA’s collections. If you would like to honor someone in this way, please contact ACBA’s librarian. More information about donating items to the library can be found below.
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Architectural Carpentry and Timber Framing
Stone
Plaster
Historic Preservation
Architectural History
Special Collections