The East Asheville Library, newly built in 2021 / Photo courtesy of buncombecounty.org
Nestled in the picturesque mountains of Western North Carolina, libraries serve as more than just quiet places to read—they are vibrant community hubs, rich in history and culture, where learning, creativity, and connection thrive. From bustling city branches to rural outposts, libraries cater to a diverse range of needs and interests. Whether you’re a local resident, a student, or just passing through, Western North Carolina’s libraries are a treasure trove of resources, events, and programs that reflect the region’s spirit and heritage.
A Central Hub in Asheville: The Buncombe County Public Library System
Serving the city of Asheville as well as surrounding areas throughout Buncombe County are the Buncombe County Public Libraries. The centerpiece of the system is the Pack Memorial Library, located in the heart of downtown Asheville. This library is a hub for both locals and tourists, offering everything from an extensive book collection to historical archives that detail Asheville’s rich past. Their North Carolina Room includes an incredible archive of local history, with rare books, maps, and photographs
Buncombe County Public Libraries pride themselves on community. Did you know this library system includes a law library located in the County courthouse, which serves the needs of both the public and the legal community? For families, the North Asheville Library offers fantastic children’s programming, while the LEED certified East Asheville Library has a fun playground and study rooms for small groups projects. The Skyland/South Buncombe Library offers the longest running monthly book club in the County library system. Meeting the needs of the community’s recreational activities, The Black Mountain Library loans out fishing rods, makes piano reservations on their in-house instrument, and has a seed library. In Leicester, The Leicester Library planted a Giving Garden, which, according to their website, “aims to connect and strengthen our community through growing and sharing food.” You can also explore locations in Enka-Candler, Fairview, Oakley/South Asheville, Swannanoa, Weaverville, and West Asheville. No matter where you are in Buncombe County, you can find programs that highlight local artists, cultural events that bring the region’s history to life, and expansive community resources.
Henderson County: A Library System with Heart
The Henderson County Public Libraries play a central role in connecting people to lifelong learning and community activities. The Henderson County Public Library Main Branch, located in downtown Hendersonville, offers some unique features, such as an art wall that hosts rotating exhibits from local artists as well as their North Carolina Room, which contains over 500 volumes of local and North Carolina materials for genealogy and local history research. Their Kaplan Auditorium hosts everything from story hours for young children to educational seminars for adults. The library’s focus on fostering local connections makes it a true community cornerstone.
If you have kids and are seeking an afternoon of entertainment, the Fletcher and Mills River Libraries both have fun play spaces adjacent to their buildings in addition to their children’s areas and Lego clubs. For those looking for a more localized experience, the Edneyville, Flat Rock, Green River and Etowah branches provide services across the county, ensuring that every resident has access to library resources no matter where they live.
Fontana Regional Library System: Small Town Libraries with a Lot to Offer
Beginning in 1944 with a vision of “provid(ing) the public of Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties with excellent service and convenient access to resources for their educational, informational, and recreational needs,” the Fontana Regional Libraries bring extensive services to the rural communities of Western North Carolina
The Jackson County Public Library, located in Sylva, serves as a true gem for residents of this picturesque mountain community. The library is located in the Historic Jackson County Courthouse, offering over 26,000 square feet of books, resources, a commercial kitchen, and a large second-floor community room on the second floor that’s available for presentations and lectures. The library often hosts events that celebrate the community’s traditions, from folk music performances to storytelling nights that capture the essence of Appalachian life.
In Bryson City, the Marianna Black Library is another stellar example of how libraries in WNC are more than just places to check out books. This library provides access to a variety of community-centered programs, from reading groups to educational workshops. Their $6.8 million expansion project will add dedicated spaces for essential community services, such as an area for teens, an Appalachian studies room, as well as a career and technology center.
Macon County includes the Hudson Library in Highlands, the Nantahala Community Library in Topton, and the main Macon County Public Library branch in Franklin. Here, community members can utilize free internet access, check out the latest best-sellers, movies and music, or cozy up next to the fireplace in the reading room at the Highlands location.
The Jackson County Public Library, located within the history Jackson County Courthouse / Photo courtesy of McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture
Transylvania County: The Library as a Creative Outlet
Transylvania County, known as the “Land of Waterfalls,” is home to the Transylvania County Library in downtown Brevard. This library not only offers books but also serves as a creative space for the community. With its focus on the arts, it often hosts workshops, performances, and events designed to inspire creativity. For those interested in the Appalachian region’s artistic traditions, the library offers resources that delve into the history of mountain music, crafts, and folklore.
Additionally, the Transylvania County Library provides a variety of educational programs for children and adults, including StoryWalks, making it a vibrant part of the local community.
Madison County Public Libraries: A Quiet Refuge
Madison County Public Libraries include the main branch in Marshall, the Mars Hill Library, and the Hot Springs Library. Their vision statement, “We will be the welcoming heart of our community where everyone can come to learn, discover, create, and connect,” is evident through all of the programs they have to offer to the community. Their calendar is filled with enriching and diverse programs, like Pre-K story time, chair yoga, programs presented by AMOS, chess and book clubs, senior resources and family caregiving support, and so much more.
The Hot Springs Library sustained damage from Hurricane Helene and is currently seeking donations as well as opportunities to adopt a lost library book to help restore their collection.
Appalachian Regional Library System: Nurturing Individual and Community Growth
The Appalachian Regional Library is a network of libraries in Ashe, Watauga, and Wilkes Counties, including the three main branches as well as the Traphill Branch and the Western Watauga Branch. Their mission is to offer free and equal access to resources for reading, thinking, learning, and living in order to nurture growth. Watauga hopes to “make a measurable difference in the lives of community members” with a proposed expansion project. In the meantime, the libraries continue to serve their community by offering toddler time, sensory play, and messy art for the younger crowd, Lego club and STEM activities for tweens and teens, and book and yarn clubs, author livestreams, and senior Zumba for adults.
Pack Memorial Library’s North Carolina Room / Photo courtesy of buncombecounty.org
You’ll find more than just books waiting for you in the libraries of Western North Carolina; they are essential cultural hubs that reflect the uniqueness of its communities. From Zoom Passes that allow local residents to explore community spaces for free, to welcoming indoor spaces, each library system offers unique access to local history, connect with others, and explore the rich cultural tapestry of this remarkable region.
