Alamance County Public Libraries

The Alamance County Public Libraries is a group of five public libraries located in different locations
throughout Alamance County. The five libraries include May Memorial Library (Burlington), Mebane Public Library (Mebane), Graham Public Library (Graham), North Park Library (Burlington), and South Annex Library (Graham). The libraries take pride in being able to provide free and open access to all members of Alamance County.

“Our collections, services and programs enhance the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities.”

Between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013 staff at Alamance County Public Libraries...

Checked out 816, 473 books, DVDs, books on CD, CDs, playaways, and magazines.
Saw 592,433 visitors
Offered 1505 programs that were attended by 32,411 people
Answered approximately 49,379 research questions
Helped 32,0007 people with computer questions
Provided computer access to 135,462 people

^{Statistics taken directly from “Notes from the Director” – www.alamancelibraries.org}

To see new releases, new DVDs, and ebooks, visit Alamance County Public Libraries’ online catalog

History of Alamance County Public Libraries

The first public library in Alamance County opened in the early 1920s in Burlington, NC and was located in the Broad Street High School. In 1937, the library was temporary moved to a storefront on Main Street. Then, in 1938, W.H. May, Sr., an industrialist, and his two sons generously donated $15,000 to buy the old U.S. Post Office that was located on Spring Street. They then converted the building into the first official public library. The library was named in memory of Mr. May’s wife, Mrs. Emma Watkins Sharpe May, who died in 1935. The doors of May Memorial Library officially opened for business on Spring Street in June 1938.

May Memorial Library joined a regional library system in 1962 along with Chatham County libraries. They became known as Central N.C. Regional Library. However, after more than 45 years, the partnership ended in 2009.

The two longest-serving library directors at the Alamance County Public Libraries have been Miss Evelyn Parks and Mrs. Margaret Blanchard. Miss Evelyn Parks served for 26 years from 1949-1975 and Mrs. Margaret Blanchard served as library director for 25 years, from 1980-2005.

There are now five branches of libraries that belong to the Alamance County Public Libraries. May Memorial Library serves as the headquarters library and in addition, the county library system includes Mebane Public Library, Graham Public Library, North Park Library, and South Annex Library. There was one a public library in Elon in the 1940s, but it is no longer there. However, an additional library for the town of Elon is currently in the planning stages.

As of 2009, the Alamance County Public Libraries have around 250,000 items and a staff including around 50 employees.

Bookmobile Service in Alamance County

A county bookmobile service ran for almost 40 years in the rural areas of Alamance County. This service made sure that even those who were unable to visit the May Memorial Library in person would be able to borrow books. There were three successful bookmobiles between 1938 and 1978 that traveled and delivered books around the county.

Outreach Services Program

Alamance County Public Libraries offers a homebound Outreach Services Program through the May Memorial Branch. There the Outreach Coordinator works with volunteers who deliver and pickup bins of Large Print Books, Audio CDs, and DVDs for homebound patrons throughout the County.

The Outreach Coordinator assists patrons with selections and materials to meet their individual requirements, and works with personnel to meet the needs of patrons living in retirement communities, adult care homes, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.

Books-by-Mail Program also offered to individuals with certified visual disability requiring large print books and/or audio materials.

Alamance County Branch Libraries

Mebane Public Library: The Mebane Public Library was originally founded in 1936. The currently Mebane Public Library is located on First Street in Mebane and opened in 2005.

North Park Library: The North Park Library first opened in May of 1978 in a community center. The library was partially funded with Community Development Block grants. North Park Library is located on Sharpe Road in Burlington.

Graham Public Library: The Graham Public Library first opened in 1968. The original library was and still is located in the Graham Municipal Building. The library has since expanded into a larger facility that is located on South Main Street in Graham.

South Annex Library: The South Annex Library is located on Snow Camp Road in Graham and is only opened one afternoon a week.

Alamance County Public Library Book Clubs

The Alamance County Public Libraries provide several different book clubs. They have 10 different clubs in total for adults, teens, and children. When you join a book club, you receive a Book Club Kit which includes 10 copies of the discussion book, a discussion guide, and information about the author. All of this comes inside a tote bag. The Book Club Kits are sponsored by Friends of the Alamance County Public Libraries.

Book Clubs for Adults: