Columbus County Public Library, serving an area of 54,000 residents, has a collection of 96,000 books and periodicals; in addition, there are 1,100 CDs, records, cassettes and other audio materials, as well as 2,600 video items, such as DVDs and VHS tapes. Internet terminals are available for use by the general public.
Staffing consists of 25 employees, including one fully accredited librarian, plus volunteers. The system comprises one central library and 5 branch libraries, plus one bookmobile. Annual expenditures on the library collection total $138,000. Patrons make 88,000 visits annually, and check out materials 250,000 times. Thirty-seven percent of all check-outs are children's materials.