Library Services

The Gadsden County Public Library System serves the informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs of residents, providing quality resources and services in a comfortable environment. There is a main library in Quincy, two branches in Havana and Chattahoochee, plus a county-wide bookmobile. Materials available to borrow include a variety of print books and media, including DVDs, audio books on CDs and in MP3 format. More than 100 magazines and newspapers are available for browsing. Self-serve copy machines are accessible to the public for a small printing charge. Meeting rooms can be reserved in advance for use by large or small groups. There are 70 computers available in the libraries for public access. All library locations offer free Wi-Fi, wireless Internet.

The libraries sponsor programs of interest to diverse groups of all ages, including sign language workshops, genealogy research instruction, book talks, seminars, lectures, special performances, and a series of adult computer classes taught at each library location. Youth services staff offer year-round programs suitable for toddlers to teens. Outreach services extend library resources and services to community day cares, senior centers, schools, camps, residential neighborhoods, and local events. The adult literacy program provides opportunities to learn basic literacy skills, receive one-to-one tutoring and language assistance.

Gadsden County libraries link to the Florida Electronic Library, a gateway to select Internet resources offering comprehensive, accurate, and reliable information. It contains over 50 different collections of books, newspapers, magazine articles, current events, historical documents, business, education, health, and technology information for readers of all ages. The Florida Electronic Library is free to all Florida residents without a library card.

The Gadsden County Public Library Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the Board of County Commissioner in respect to all matters pertaining to the public libraries and their cultural activities. Friends of the Gadsden County Public Library and Friends of the Cowen Public Library are concerned citizens who lend financial support, act as liaisons, host and promote activities of interest to the community.

• Gadsden County Library Website