About Us

The Library is one of the most widely used cultural institutions in the region.  Operating hours vary among the branches based on location and community need.

Mission Statement:  The mission of the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries is to be a vital and dynamic community resource that promotes universal literacy, encourages open access to ideas and facilitates the enrichment of cultural experiences.

Vision Statement:  The Chattahoochee Valley Libraries is a vital and dynamic community resource that nurtures the quest for lifelong learning, cultivates intellectual enrichment, encourages the enjoyment of reading and opens the doors of imagination for all citizens.

The Chattahoochee Valley Libraries, under various names, has served the community for more than 100 years.  What began in 1828 as a collection of books in the back room of a drug store owned by Robert Carter, a local druggist and gentleman from Virginia, has grown to eight branches that serves more than 250,000 people in four counties, Muscogee, Chattahoochee, Marion and Stewart.  It is among the top five Georgia libraries in providing high speed Internet access to the community with over 429 computers, of which 319 are public access computers.  Our Library branches are centers for literacy development and intellectual growth that teach and encourage their customers to access, evaluate and use print, electronic and other informational sources so they can transform information and ideas into usable knowledge.   

The main branch, the Columbus Public Library, opened in January 2005 in midtown Columbus, Georgia, on a major bus route with its own stop.  In recent years the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries has engaged in a number of initiatives to increase both its number of users and its service to the community.  Specific demographic information on our community is available online at http://www.thevalleypartnership.com.  (The Valley partnership is an economic development partnership of our multi-county area via the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce.)

The Chattahoochee Valley Libraries is owned and operated by the Muscogee County School System, but has its own board of directors, with the members appointed by the School District Board.

Text “LIBRARY” to 82672 to receive advance notice of your favorite Library programming and events.  Standard message rates apply.