Elba Public Library
🏢 Alabama Public Library Service · Elba, Alabama
Elba Public Library
Serving Coffee County from the heart of Elba — 'The City of Flowing Wells' — the Elba Public Library has been a cornerstone of community learning in the county seat, a town shaped by the Pea River and the legacy of Governor James 'Big Jim' Folsom.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | Call to confirm |
| Tuesday | Call to confirm |
| Wednesday | Call to confirm |
| Thursday | Call to confirm |
| Friday | Call to confirm |
| Saturday | Call to confirm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 406 SIMMONS STREET, ELBA, AL 36323
Phone: +1 334-897-6921
Plus Code: 863MCW7M+RF (ELBA, AL)
📱 Scan for directions
Point your phone camera at the code to open turn-by-turn directions in Google Maps.
👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Elba Public Library
The Elba Public Library serves Elba, the county seat of Coffee County, from its location on Simmons Street. Elba occupies a storied place in Alabama history: the town was named in 1851 by lottery, with a resident drawing inspiration from Napoleon Bonaparte's island of exile, and it has long been the civic and governmental hub of Coffee County in southeastern Alabama's Wiregrass region. The Pea River runs through the community, and the town has weathered significant floods over the decades, including the historic 1990 flood when the river crested at 48 feet. Coffee County's most celebrated native son, Governor James E. 'Big Jim' Folsom — a two-term Alabama governor — called Elba home. The library provides Coffee County residents with public computers and internet access, a lending collection, and free statewide digital resources through the Alabama Virtual Library.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Located in Elba, the Coffee County seat — named in 1851 by lottery, inspired by Napoleon's isle of exile
- Free Alabama Virtual Library (AVL) access for every Coffee County and Alabama resident
- Public computers and Wi-Fi for job searching, homework, and online services
- Lending collection serving Elba's community in the Wiregrass region of southeastern Alabama
- Home county of Governor James 'Big Jim' Folsom, the only Coffee County native to serve as Alabama governor
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Your free Elba library card opens these statewide digital resources at no charge:
📚 Services
- Public computers and free Wi-Fi
- Print lending and interlibrary loan
- Library card registration
- Alabama Virtual Library database access
- Reference assistance
🎸 Programs
- Summer Reading Program
- Children's storytimes and youth programming
- Community programming and events
📍 Nearby Libraries in Coffee County & Southeast Alabama
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How did Elba, Alabama get its unusual name?
In 1851, the town's residents held a lottery to rename their community (originally called Bridgeville). One resident, inspired by a biography of Napoleon Bonaparte he was reading, suggested 'Elba' — the Mediterranean island to which Napoleon was exiled. The name was drawn from a hat and has stuck ever since, giving the Coffee County seat one of Alabama's more distinctive origin stories.
What is the Elba Public Library's role in the community?
As the public library of Elba, the Coffee County seat, the library provides free access to books, public computers, internet, and the Alabama Virtual Library's statewide databases and eBooks. It is the primary public library resource for Elba residents and serves as a community hub for learning, job searching, and access to digital resources.
Does the library offer access to eBooks and digital resources?
Yes. Any Alabama resident — including all Coffee County cardholders — can access the Alabama Virtual Library (AVL) at avl.lib.al.us free of charge, 24 hours a day. AVL includes databases, academic journals, digital newspapers, and eBook collections. Library cardholders can also borrow eBooks through Libby.
What is the best way to confirm current hours?
Hours for small public libraries can change seasonally or due to local holidays. Calling the library directly at (334) 897-6921 before your visit is the most reliable way to confirm current opening times.
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