Washington County Public Library
🏢 Washington County Public Library System · Chatom, Alabama
Washington County Public Library
Serving the longleaf pine country of southwestern Alabama for more than five decades, the Washington County Public Library anchors Chatom's downtown with free books, internet access, children's programs, genealogy resources, and a bookmobile that reaches every corner of the county.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9:30am–12pm, 1pm–4pm |
| Tuesday | 9:30am–12pm, 1pm–4pm |
| Wednesday | 9:30am–12pm |
| Thursday | 9:30am–12pm, 1pm–4pm |
| Friday | 9:30am–12pm, 1pm–4pm |
| Saturday | 9:30am–11am |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 14102 St. Stephens Ave., Chatom, AL 36518
Phone: (251) 847-2097
Website: wcpls.net
Plus Code: 863HFQ54+VJ (Chatom, 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 Washington County Public Library
Washington County Public Library is the county seat library for one of Alabama's most rural and historically rich counties, serving roughly 17,500 residents from its home on St. Stephens Avenue in Chatom — the county seat founded at the crossroads of Highways 56 and 17 in 1904. The library maintains a collection of approximately 82,500 volumes and circulates more than 16,000 items annually under the support of the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS). Its two-branch system — the main library in Chatom and the McIntosh Public Library (83 Olin Rd., McIntosh; Mon/Wed/Thu 10 AM–4 PM) — together with a county-wide bookmobile carrying roughly 4,000 items (70% juvenile, 30% adult), ensures library services reach residents across a sprawling landscape of longleaf pines and Black Belt transition terrain. The library coordinates genealogy workshops with the Washington County Historical and Genealogical Society, formed in 1999 from the merger of separate Historical (1978) and Genealogical (1996) societies based in Chatom.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Two-location system: Chatom main branch + McIntosh Public Library (83 Olin Rd., McIntosh, AL 36553; 251-944-2047)
- County-wide bookmobile carrying ~4,000 items — 70% children's, 30% adult — with monthly stops throughout Washington County
- Collection of ~82,500 volumes serving roughly 17,500 Washington County residents
- Genealogy workshops in partnership with the Washington County Historical and Genealogical Society (est. 1999)
- Free public internet access and online catalog (Atriuum at wcpls.booksys.net)
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Washington County library cardholders can research and learn free through Alabama's statewide digital resources:
📚 Services
- Circulation of books, large print, DVDs, and audiobooks
- County-wide bookmobile (~4,000 items; monthly route stops — call for your nearest stop)
- McIntosh Public Library branch (83 Olin Rd., McIntosh; 251-944-2047; Mon/Wed/Thu 10 AM–4 PM)
- Public internet and computer access
- Alabama Virtual Library (AVL) statewide database access
- Genealogy workshops (in partnership with the Washington County Historical and Genealogical Society)
- Adult literacy and education classes
- Movie screenings and community events
🎸 Programs
- Children's reading programs
- Annual Summer Reading Program
- Genealogy workshops (in partnership with the Washington County Historical and Genealogical Society)
- Adult education classes
- Community movie screenings
📍 Nearby Libraries in Southwest Alabama
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Washington County Public Library have a bookmobile, and how can I find out when it visits my area?
Yes. The library operates a bookmobile that travels throughout Washington County on a monthly schedule, carrying roughly 4,000 items — about 70% children's materials and 30% adult books, large print, DVDs, and audiobooks. Borrowed items are checked out until the following month's visit. Call the library at (251) 847-2097 to find your nearest stop and the current route schedule.
Is there a branch closer to the southern part of Washington County?
Yes. The McIntosh Public Library (83 Olin Road, McIntosh, AL 36553; 251-944-2047) is a branch of the Washington County Public Library System and is open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Can I research genealogy and local history through the library?
Yes. The library offers genealogy workshops and coordinates with the Washington County Historical and Genealogical Society — formed in 1999 from the merger of the county's separate Historical Society (founded 1978) and Genealogical Society (founded 1996), both headquartered in Chatom. The Alabama Virtual Library (AVL) databases also include genealogy tools such as U.S. Census records and historical newspaper archives, accessible free to all Alabama residents.
What free online resources does my Washington County library card unlock?
All Alabama residents — including Washington County cardholders — receive free 24/7 access to the Alabama Virtual Library (avl.lib.al.us), a statewide consortium of professional databases covering periodicals, encyclopedias, historical newspapers, and e-books. You can also search and manage holds through the online catalog at wcpls.booksys.net.
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