Northwestern Regional Library System

History

The Alleghany County Library was organized in 1935 by the Sparta Woman's Club. The Library was housed in one room over Cheek's Cafe. Makeshift furniture was donated by local individuals; books and rent were paid for by the Woman's Club.

In 1940, the library moved to a small room in the courthouse and in March 1941, library was moved again to a room in the new community building. A desk, reading table, chairs, magazine rack, and book shelves were provided by the Woman's Club. At this time, there were 753 books and circulation was 5,872.

In 1958, a new brick facility was built by Mr. Edwin Duncan, Sr. in memory of his parents. The new library opened its doors on February 1, 1959. Also in 1959, Alleghany, Stokes, and Surry counties were organized into the Northwestern Regional Library.

By 1980, the library had completely outgrown its little brick building. On October 28, 1981, movers lifted the building onto a truck and moved it to its present location on Main Street where extensive remodeling was done. Mrs. Bessie Lee Duncan was a major benefactor.

In 1991, another addition funded by the local citizens was completed which allowed expansion for children's services and meeting facilities.
In 1996, a grant was written to install a computer circulation system in all libraries in the Northwestern Regional Library System.

In December 1997, the library began offering Internet for the public. Two terminals were made available with a grant and donations from local businesses.

During 1998-99, the Alleghany County Library Board began the groundwork toward a new building expansion for the library. A consultant was hired to prepare a Building Program, which was prepared from a Space Needs Study, which was prepared by the staff.

In November 2004, the board signed a contract and paid a down payment to purchase the property adjacent from the library, with the help of local donors. A library expansion project is planned sometime in the near future.