Public Library service began in Columbus County in 1921 when the city of Whiteville formed the Whiteville Library Association. Columbus County Library developed from bookmobile service which began in 1946. Whiteville City Library and Columbus County Library shared quarters until 1958 when the county built what is now the Senior Center. In 1966 Whiteville built what is now the Police Department, for their library. The two libraries merged in 1978 to become Columbus County Library System combining their operations in the Whiteville City building. In 1986, the County traded buildings with Production Credit Association/Federal Land Bank. This building was dedicated as a library in January 1987. A federal Library Services and Construction Act Grant paid for fifty percent of the building costs.
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