Our History

The Lawrence County Public Library began its journey in February 1961 as the Moulton Library, when the Town of Moulton established a public library board. For years, the community had envisioned a place that would enrich lives through accessible library services. With help from the Alabama Public Library Service and the Wheeler Basin Regional Library in Decatur, a modest library took shape in the Alexander Building in downtown Moulton. The first librarian, Mrs. Thelma Pritchett, was hired with a monthly salary of $50, paid by the Town.

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Just a few months later, in May 1961, the library moved to the Courthouse Annex on the square in downtown Moulton, and by October 1963, it found a new home in the Courthouse basement. When Mrs. Pritchett resigned, Allie Harris took over as the second librarian.

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In the early 1970s, the vision for a dedicated library facility gained momentum. Moulton residents, along with others, successfully encouraged the county government to assume responsibility for public library services. This led to the formation of a county library board, replacing the municipal board. The Champion Paper Corporation (now International Paper) generously funded the construction of the first Lawrence County Library building on College Street in Moulton, on land provided by the Lawrence County Board of Education. The new library opened its doors on February 11, 1974, with space for 20,000 items, a staff of three, and a public meeting room.

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Over the years, the library continued to grow and adapt. Mrs. Jane Day became the Library Director, reporting to Wheeler Basin Regional Library. In the 1970s, Wheeler Basin offered bookmobile services to rural Lawrence County residents, a service that continued until the early 1980s. During the 1980s, Wheeler Basin also helped establish a public library in the Town of Courtland. In 1984, the Friends of the Lawrence County Library was formed to provide financial support and advocacy for the library.

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The library embraced technology as early as 1968, with the Moulton Jaycees donating the first stereo system. The 1973 library building was designed to accommodate this and other modern amenities. By the early 1990s, the library had introduced an automated system, linking it with other Wheeler Basin libraries and the State of Alabama for resource sharing. In 2004, to accommodate growing collections, the public meeting room was transformed into a children's room.

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As the library landscape evolved, the Lawrence County Library Board began exploring new ways to provide quality services. In 2003, the library withdrew from the Wheeler Basin Regional Library, following the lead of Athens-Limestone County Public Library. Mrs. Miranda Ball, a Lawrence County native, became the county's first professional library director, followed by Mrs. Regina D. Anderton in 2009, and Mr. Rex Bain in 2013.

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In 2010, the library faced financial challenges due to the ongoing recession. With funding reduced from $43,000 in 2009 to $32,000 in 2010, the library made the difficult decision to close on Saturdays, a cost-saving measure based on low patron turnout.

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Despite these challenges, the library continued to innovate. In 2016, a $50,000 LSTA technology grant allowed for updates to computer systems, network wiring, and the addition of a 3D printer. In 2019, the library received the Bronze Level Standard Award from the Alabama Library Association’s Public Library Division, recognizing excellence in various areas, including facility management, operations, and services.

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In 2022, another LSTA technology grant of $45,000 enabled the library to convert its collection to an RFID system, streamlining the circulation process, reducing inventory time, and enhancing security. The library also embarked on a weeding project that removed around 8,000 items to better serve its patrons.

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In 2023, with the collection downsized, the children’s collection was relocated, and the space was converted into a multi-purpose programming room.

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Today, the Lawrence County Public Library houses a collection of 26,669 physical items, provides public access computers, participates in the Camellia Net eBook consortium powered by OverDrive, and welcomes over 24,000 visitors each year. Our library continues to be a vital resource for the community, adapting to the changing needs of Lawrence County residents while remaining rooted in our rich history.