Catawba County News
Library Celebrates 90 Years!
Published: March 01, 2026
The story of the Catawba County Library began with the dedication and vision of community members who understood what a public library could mean for the future of our county. Leading the way was the library’s first librarian, Miss Challie Brandon Hall, along with Newton’s Unit 16 of the American Legion Auxiliary. After four years of determined fundraising, and a countywide book drive, the library officially opened its doors on March 20, 1936. The rest, as they say, is history.
Over the past 90 years, the library has grown in size, collections, and services. Today, we proudly serve the community through seven locations and one Library to Go mobile unit. Last year, patrons visited more than 260,000 times and checked out materials over 617,000 times, from novels and eBooks to cornhole sets.
This month, we are celebrating 90 years of building community, and you are invited to join the celebration. Please see our calendar of events for details about birthday events taking place at each of our locations. We can't wait to celebrate with you.
As we honor our history, we also look to the future with the same foresight and vision shown by Miss Hall and the American Legion Auxiliary. To help ensure vibrant library services and welcoming spaces for generations to come, we invite you to support the Catawba County Library Endowment Fund, managed by the North Carolina Community Foundation. For more information, please visit catawbacountync.gov/county-services/library/about/contribute
With a donation of $19.36 or more, you will receive a commemorative 90th Birthday tote bag. With a donation of $90 or more, you will receive a commemorative tote bag filled with library goodies. Thank you for being part of our story, and our future.
CELEBRATE WITH US!
Children
• March 10 at 1 pm Southwest Branch
• March 26 at 4 pm Main Library in Newton
• March 28 from 11 am - 2 pm Claremont Branch
Adults
• March 3 at 6 pm Conover Branch
• March 7 at 1 pm Main Library in Newton
• March 17 at 2 pm Southwest Branch
• March 17 at 5 pm Maiden Branch
• March 23 at 6 pm Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch
• March 30 from 12 - 8 pm St. Stephens Branch
