The Darlington County Library System can trace its roots back to the early 1880s. Captain Henry Thompson started the Darlington Guards Library for the use of guard members and their families. Later, access was granted to any gentleman of the community and two ladies of his choice, for a small fee.

In 1912, the library was donated to the Civic League, a public service-oriented group of women. By 1922, an expansion was needed, and renovations were made. A large addition was planned in 1928, but was put on hold by bank failure and the Depression. The WPA helped the library double its size in 1933-34.

Largely due to the Farm Women Council, bookmobile service was added in 1936. The Darlington and Hartsville libraries merged in 1968 to form the Darlington County Library System, with added service in the historic Society Hill Library (1822) and the Lamar Library. The Darlington County Library has been in its current location, 204 N. Main Street, since March 1988.

The Hartsville Memorial Library is located in downtown Hartsville, South Carolina, in the northwestern part of Darlington County and was started by volunteers in 1920. The Hartsville Library Board was officially commissioned on March 27, 1936, by an act of the S.C. Legislature. In 1968, the library became a part of the Darlington County Library System. The library has made many moves during its history. In 1994, the library moved to its present location at the corner of 6th Street and West College Avenue. A new wing was added in 2001. Renovations were also made to the original building, including the installation of new wiring and the addition of new computers, were also completed. Hartsville Memorial Library serves persons from all areas of Darlington County, as well as persons from neighboring counties. Our collection of approximately 65,000 volumes includes books, newspapers, magazines, videos, DVD's, audios and CD's. The library has 16 public access computers with Internet and word processing capabilities. Children's programs are available on selected machines.

Lamar Library is a branch of the Darlington County Library System. Located in the southern part of the county, it services the Town of Lamar and its outlying communities. The Library houses a good collection of books as well as videos, books on tape, over 35 magazine titles, and computers with internet access. The Lamar Library officially opened its doors with a Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on October 26, 2003. The new facility has about 4200 square feet. There are six internet-access computers available for public use. The collection of books and videos has been expanded. A meeting room is available for public use per the Meeting Room Policy which can be viewed on the website.

The Society Hill Library was organized December 7, 1822. it is one of the oldest social libraries founded in South Carolina. A library society was formed to make rules for the management, and to assist with additions to the collection of books as needed. Members contributed $20 making a total of $240, with which Elias Gregg purchased books in Philadelphia.

The building was restored in early 1971 by the Dogwood Garden Club and the Society Hill Township for use as a public library, after being closed for more than 20 years. The library was reopened April 30, 1971.

The present library is located on the St. David's Academy school grounds. Many people from all over the country come to the library to learn about the history of the tiny building and the town of Society Hill.

The original building, in its restored state, has been placed near the Society Hill Town Hall.