Mcdowell County Public Library, serving an area of 28,000 residents, has a collection of 69,000 books and periodicals; in addition, there are 2,600 CDs, records, cassettes and other audio materials, as well as 880 video items, such as DVDs and VHS tapes. Internet terminals are available for use by the general public.
Staffing consists of 13 employees, including one fully accredited librarian, plus volunteers. The system comprises one central library and 3 branch libraries. Annual expenditures on the library collection total $17,600. Patrons make 63,000 visits annually, and check out materials 105,000 times. Thirty-four percent of all check-outs are children's materials.