The mission of the Columbus County Public Library System is to provide access to informational, educational, cultural, and recreational library materials and services in a variety of formats and technologies.
It is our goal to be responsive to the public library needs of the community, and uphold the public's freedom of access to information.
The mission of the Columbus County Public Library System is to provide access to informational, educational, cultural, and recreational library materials and services in a variety of formats and technologies.
It is our goal to be responsive to the public library needs of the community, and uphold the public's freedom of access to information.
Overview
The Columbus County Public Library System serves the citizens of Columbus County, North Carolina with six locations, a bookmobile and outreach programs. The Main Library is located in Whiteville and contains the most comprehensive collections and services. It serves as a resource center for the bookmobile and all the branches. The five branches are located in Chadbourn, Fair Bluff, Tabor City, Lake Waccamaw, and Riegelwood. The bookmobile serves as a mobile branch delivering library services to rural areas of the county. Circulation materials can be sent from one library to another using our courier service.
Library Cards
You may receive a free library card from any location of the Columbus County Public Library System. Your Library card allows you to use all library materials and services. For your protection, we require a valid library card to check out and renew materials, as well as use the public access internet computers. If your card is lost or stolen, please notify the library immediately.
Borrowing & Returning
A new card may be issued to anyone with proof of current mailing address. New card holders may initially borrow only two books. Upon return of those two items, new patrons will be allowed to borrow the maximum number of items for their card. You must have your library card to borrow materials. The library has the following loan period on circulation materials: Books and Audiobooks 2 weeks, VHS/DVD 2 days/nights (instructional videos may be borrowed for 7 days/nights). eBooks are now available. Library materials may be returned to the most convenient library location. Materials may be deposited in the libraries' book drops when the libraries are closed. Circulating materials may be renewed in person or by telephone, unless there are reserves for the item. Materials may be renewed up to three times. Overdue materials can not be renewed by telephone.
Fines & Fees
Overdue items accrue fines daily as follows:
> Books & Audiocassettes - $.10 per day per title
> VHS/DVD - $1.00 per day per title with a maximum of $5.00 per book/audio and $10.00 per video.
In addition to overdue fees, the library offers the following services for the amounts indicated:
> Copies - $.10 per copy
> Print-outs - $.20 per black & white page
> Replacement Library Cards - $4.00
> Computer Card only - $2.00
> ILL Postage - $4.00 per Book
Fax Service:
> Incoming faxes $1.00 per page / Outgoing faxes $2.00 first page $.25 each additional page up to the tenth, and after the tenth it is $.50 each
Lost/damaged items:
> Hard Back Books - $25.00
> Soft back books- $20.00
> Paper Back - $6.00
> VHS/DVD - $20.00
> Audiobooks (varied prices)
Bags, Earbuds, and Batteries available for purchase.
> Books & Audiocassettes - $.10 per day per title
> VHS/DVD - $1.00 per day per title with a maximum of $5.00 per book/audio and $10.00 per video.
In addition to overdue fees, the library offers the following services for the amounts indicated:
> Copies - $.10 per copy
> Print-outs - $.20 per black & white page
> Replacement Library Cards - $4.00
> Computer Card only - $2.00
> ILL Postage - $4.00 per Book
Fax Service:
> Incoming faxes $1.00 per page / Outgoing faxes $2.00 first page $.25 each additional page up to the tenth, and after the tenth it is $.50 each
Lost/damaged items:
> Hard Back Books - $25.00
> Soft back books- $20.00
> Paper Back - $6.00
> VHS/DVD - $20.00
> Audiobooks (varied prices)
Bags, Earbuds, and Batteries available for purchase.
Information & Reference Service
Professional library staff are trained to answer your questions and assist in your information needs. Call or visit the location nearest you.
Genealogy & Local History Room
The North Carolina Room is located in the Main Library in Whiteville. It serves as a reference resource of non-circulating materials on local family genealogy and the history of Columbus County. The Collection includes a wide variety of materials, including microfilm, court and marriage records, cemetery guides, newspapers, photographs, and books.
Meeting Rooms
Public meeting rooms are available at the Lake Waccamaw and Chadbourn sites. There is no charge for their use by public, nonprofit organizations for programs of civic enrichment, education, or information which are nonpolitical and nonsectarian in nature. For more information and the make reservations, call the appropriate location for details.
Special Services
When desired materials are not owned by the Columbus County Library System, patrons may use the Interlibrary Loan Service to obtain those materials. The library also provides services to individuals who are homebound and unable to come to the library. Call or visit the main branch in Whiteville for more information. Coin operated copy machines are available at all branches. Fax service is also available for a nominal fee. Library tours are available upon request.
Computers
Computers with high-speed internet access, as well as, educational, reference and applications software are available for public use. Free WiFi is also available.
