Director's Welcome

Welcome to the Fayetteville Public Library, Thomson Gale / Library Journal’s 2005 Library of the Year. This year marks our 91st year proudly serving Fayetteville residents. What began in 1916 in two rooms in the basement of the old Washington County Courthouse continues to this day in a $23 million state-of-the-art library, which was designated in 2006 by the U.S. Green Building Council as a LEED® silver-certified building for its environmentally-friendly design and operation.

Three years ago we moved into Blair Library, our beautiful new home on Mountain Street in the heart of downtown. Our close proximity to the Square and Dickson Street is one of many reasons TravelSmart newsletter named us one of "15 Landmark American Libraries".

But more important than our growing national reputation is how Fayetteville residents have embraced and supported their library in record numbers. Circulation has increased from 271,000 checkouts in 1997 to 863,000 in 2006. Having achieved the goals set in 1998, our new vision calls for the library to be powerfully relevant and completely accessible. Therefore, we are implementing remote drop off boxes, more digital resources and outreach services to the underserved at the same time we are exploring additional hours, branch libraries and a books by mail service.

The Blair Library provides many things to many people. Visitors to the library can relax in the cafe or get connected through the building’s wireless access. Since moving to the new facility, we have expanded our popular community programs and begun new ones. Whether you love the classics or want the latest best sellers or access to music, movies, or downloadable audio books, you’re sure to find the right material at the Fayetteville Public Library.

We look forward to serving you.

Louise Schaper,
Executive Director

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