
ABOUT THE LIBRARY
We are proud of our history and heritage and would love to share it with you! Take a journey with us through time.
History:
In 1972, Dr. W.G. Rhea donated the corner lot at Washington and Caldwell Streets across from the City Hall. The library board decided that a new library could be built on the site at the cost of about $350,000.
In 1977 the floor plan for the proposed new library was published. The library had 7300 sq. ft. and was built for $250,000.
On Sunday, April 8, 1979, the new W.G. Rhea Public Library was opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that included Mrs. Georgia Krider Boice, who was the oldest living former librarian at the time.
In 1991, the library was expanded to include the Franklyn Thompson Room and the W.O. Inman Room.
Present:
Today, W.G. Rhea Public library boasts over 50,000 books and other materials free to the public.
-
Local, State and National newspapers
-
Free Wi-Fi and public-use computers with printer access.
-
Xbox 360 and Teen computers in our Young Adult Room.
-
We offer copying, scanning, printing and faxing for a small fee.
We're the only library in the region with a dedicated Access to Justice computer, as well as a computer for wheelchair access and the visually impaired.
Our staff is dedicated to serving and bettering our community. We strive to transform and empower.
Come visit us today!
Become a Volunteer!
We have many opportunities for you to volunteer and give back to your community. From volunteering to help us with a specific event to joining Friends of the Library, we have the perfect volunteer opportunity for you!
Library Staff

![]() Kathy CollinsDirector | ![]() Jackie MannAssistant Director | ![]() Janet HuberCirculation Manager |
---|---|---|
![]() Calvin StaffordCataloger | ![]() Christa MitchellI.T. Coordinator | ![]() Kayla NationYouth Librarian |
![]() Stephanie HartCirculation Librarian | ![]() Scott CollinsCirculation Librarian | ![]() DaRcy LouerCirculation Librarian |
Our Board
Our Board of Trustees is responsible for guiding the mission and vision of the library, determining the policies the library implements and uses, and overseeing the general management of the library. We are grateful to those in our community who have volunteered to serve on our Board.
Chairperson- Norma Gerrell
Vice-Chair- Susan Pemberton
Treasurer- Troy Barrow
Secretary- Lisa Fitzsimmons
Director- Sally McCall
Director- Cindy Snyder
Director- Stacy Hayes
City Commissioner- Sam Tharpe
County Commissioner- James Copeland