News
CCPL Giving Away Free At-Home COVID Tests at Select Branches
Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) is offering free take-home, mail-in COVID-19 test kits at select library branches during a special giveaway event on Saturday, October 23rd. The kits are the result of a partnership between the library and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), with support from the Charleston County Government Emergency Management Department.
Five libraries throughout the county will host a curbside giveaway event on Saturday, October 23rd from 10 am to 12 pm. These branches include:
- Baxter-Patrick James Island
- 1858 South Grimball Rd, Charleston / 843-795-6679
- Bees Ferry West Ashley
- 3035 Sanders Rd, Charleston / 843-805-6892
- Main
- 68 Calhoun St, Downtown / 843-805-6930
- Otranto Road
- 2261 Otranto Rd, North Charleston / 843-572-4094
- St. Paul’s Hollywood
- 5130 HWY 165, Hollywood / 843-889-3300
The testing kits will be distributed, while supplies last, through curbside pickup service outside of the branch. Each vehicle can receive up to five kits. Patrons will not be able to obtain a testing kit inside of a library branch. “Libraries are all about access and we wanted to help our partners at DHEC in their effort to connect our communities to the opportunity of owning a free COVID-19 test, should they need it,” said CCPL Deputy Director of Innovation Natalie Hauff. “We are also grateful for passionate staff members who have poured their hearts into our community during this pandemic. Events like this would not be possible without their tireless efforts.”
These kits are for at-home use only. CCPL staff is unable to assist with testing. Detailed instructions are included in each testing kit. Once complete, tests must be returned via a FedEx shipping envelope to any FedEx drop off location. The kit includes a free shipping label. Tests should not be returned to a library location or book drop and the public should not enter the library to use a computer to retrieve results in order to keep the public and staff safe from the spread of COVID-19. The public is encouraged to access the library’s free internet from the parking lots of our facilities.
Need assistance in finding your closest FedEx drop box? Type in your zip code and find the nearest location to you. For more information on the October 23rd giveaway event, contact your local library branch or visit ccpl.org. For information about the testing kits, visit crlcorp.com/covid-19-testing/