Welcome Northwest Regional Library

Civic and Comments

Civic: The Northwest Regional Library has assumed a leadership role in the community and supports educational, civic, and cultural activities of groups and organizations in the region.

Comments: Our patrons of the Books-By-Mail services are complimentary of our book selection and the free service that the Northwest Regional Library provides to them.

History

The Northwest Regional Library grew from the Library Service Act Library Demonstration Program, which was administered by the Alabama Public Library Service between 1960-61. The program was held in Lamar, Marion, Fayette, and Tuscaloosa Counties.

In 1960 these counties made requests for a library demonstration program. A survey was conducted by the state agency that determined that a library demonstration program could be provided. Before the demonstration could be provided the counties had to give evidence of the need for and the desirability of the program and show that support and resources were locally available. Also, interest and willingness on the part of the proposed area to assume future financial responsibility for the program should the demonstration prove practical. Before the demonstration only three public libraries existed in Fayette, Tuscaloosa, and Hamilton. Interest was so great that three additional libraries were established: Winfield, Vernon, and Sulligent.

In 1961, as a result of the demonstration, Marion and Lamar Counties decided that the regional demonstration library should be maintained on a permanent basis. Fayette County was financially unable to join, therefore Tuscaloosa County, separated from the other two counties by Fayette and decided not to become part of the region. In August 1961, Marion and Lamar Counties contracted with each other and with the Alabama Public Library Services to form a regional library known as the Marla Pioneer Regional Library.

This system was so successful that in 1962 Franklin County asked the Alabama Public Library Services and the Marla Pioneer Regional Library for a demonstration. This proved to be the answer to extend the library services and in October 1962 Franklin County joined the region, which was renamed the Northwest Regional Library.

Since circulation had increased so much, more space was needed to meet the needs of the new library program, trade schools, and two-year colleges. A building committee was appointed and an architect was employed to study the problem. A building 11,730 square feet was determined to hold both the Northwest Regional Library and the Winfield Public Library. In 1965, a planning committee was appointed to study the needs and investigate the financing of the building. The city planning department of continental engineering was contracted and recommended that a bond issue be put before the citizens of Winfield for the library, neighborhood facilities building and the park development. With the assurance of local funds, Alabama Public Library Services reviewed the plans and executive board approved a library service and construction act grant. To complete the funding of the building, an application was made to the Appalachian Regional Development Act and with the help of C. C. Segraves and Congressman Tom Bevill the funds were secured.