Jacksonville Public Library
🏢 City of Jacksonville · Jacksonville, Alabama
Jacksonville Public Library
Housed in a stately 1940 white-Alabama-marble federal building that once served as Jacksonville's post office, the Jacksonville Public Library has grown from an 8-by-17-foot storefront room in 1957 into the cultural and research anchor of Calhoun County's college town.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 8am–5:45pm |
| Wednesday | 8am–5:45pm |
| Thursday | 8am–5:45pm |
| Friday | 8am–5:45pm |
| Saturday | 8am–3:45pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 200 Pelham Rd S, Jacksonville, AL 36265
Phone: (256) 435-6332
Website: jacksonvillepubliclibrary.org
Plus Code: 865PR68Q+26 (Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville Public Library
The Jacksonville Public Library opened in 1957 when the Town and Realty Company donated a small storefront space and the Jacksonville Book Club paid the first librarian's salary. Over the following years the library outgrew City Hall and then the recreation center before relocating in 1983–84 to the former Jacksonville Federal Post Office — a structure clad in white Alabama marble, built in 1940 with Treasury Department funds. A 2011 annex expanded capacity further. Today the library serves Jacksonville's roughly 14,000 residents, including a large Jacksonville State University community, with a collection of approximately 57,700 volumes and annual circulation topping 90,000 items. Two unique on-site heritage attractions set it apart: the History Room with its Pelham Papers, and the adjacent Dr. J. C. Francis Medical Museum.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Landmark 1940 white-Alabama-marble building — the former Jacksonville Federal Post Office, built with Treasury Department funds and serving as the library since 1983–84
- Dr. J. C. Francis Medical Museum: a c. 1840 Greek Revival physician's office on Gayle Avenue preserving 19th-century apothecary jars, surgical instruments, plantation first-aid kits, and Dr. Francis's Kentucky medical-school notes — open by appointment
- History Room with Pelham Papers: original documents on Major John 'The Gallant Pelham' (born 1838 in Calhoun County, celebrated Civil War artillerist), donated by the John Pelham Historical Association
- 57,700-volume collection with Ancestry Library Edition and Heritage Quest Online for in-library genealogy research
- Koha ILS (ByWater Solutions, since 2019) powering an online catalog plus OverDrive, hoopla, and TumbleBooks for children
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Jacksonville cardholders can borrow, stream, and research free through these digital collections:
📚 Services
- Books, audiobooks, DVDs and e-media checkout (57,700+ item collection)
- Free public computers with internet access and Microsoft Office
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the building
- Mobile/remote printing via Princh (10¢ B&W / 50¢ color per page)
- Photocopying and faxing
- Notary public services (by appointment)
- Meeting room rental (community groups, nonprofits, city agencies)
- In-library genealogy research (Ancestry Library Edition, Heritage Quest Online)
- History Room & Pelham Papers (local and Alabama history reference)
- Dr. J. C. Francis Medical Museum (open by appointment during library hours)
- Interlibrary loan (ILL)
🎸 Programs
- Summer Reading Program (youth and adult tracks)
- Youth storytimes and children's programming
- Adult literacy and community classes
- Genealogy programs with FamilySearch-trained specialists (periodic)
- Teen and STEM workshops
- Art and craft programs
📍 Nearby Libraries in Calhoun County & Northeast Alabama
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Jacksonville · Browse all Alabama libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Dr. J. C. Francis Medical Museum and how do I visit it?
The Dr. J. C. Francis Medical Museum occupies a c. 1840 Greek Revival physician's office on Gayle Avenue, adjacent to the library, where Dr. James Carrington Francis practiced medicine for over 50 years after settling in Jacksonville in 1837. Its two rooms preserve apothecary jars, 19th-century surgical instruments, a plantation first-aid kit, medicine bottles, period furnishings, and Dr. Francis's own Kentucky medical-school notes. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday during regular library hours but only by appointment — call (256) 435-6332 or email library@jacksonvillepubliclibrary.org.
What are the Pelham Papers and can I access them at the library?
The Pelham Papers are original documents, books, pamphlets, and periodical photocopies focused on Major John Pelham (1838–1863), the 'Gallant Pelham,' who was born in Calhoun County and became one of the Civil War's most celebrated artillery officers. Donated by the John Pelham Historical Association, the papers are housed in the History Room and require staff assistance to access. Digitized Pelham family photographs are also freely searchable through Jacksonville State University's Digital Commons at digitalcommons.jsu.edu.
The library is closed on Mondays — are there other closures I should know about?
Yes. The library is closed every Sunday and Monday, and on standard city holidays. Note that the Youth Department and Library Annex close 15 minutes before the main building each open day (5:30 PM Tue–Fri; 3:30 PM Saturday). Check the website calendar or call (256) 435-6332 before visiting on or around a holiday.
Does the library have local newspaper archives for Jacksonville, Alabama?
Yes. The History Room holds The Jacksonville News on microfilm beginning November 1936, plus hard-copy issues for more recent years. Microfilm reader assistance is available from staff during open hours. Researchers who cannot visit in person may submit a remote research request through the form on the library's website.
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