Columbiana Public Library
🏢 Public Libraries of Shelby County · Columbiana, Alabama
Columbiana Public Library
Columbiana's community library — open since 1969 in the heart of Shelby County's seat — gives every resident a single card that works at all 13 Public Libraries of Shelby County branches, with nearly 29,000 items, evening hours Tuesday and Thursday, and Saturday morning access.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9am–4:50pm |
| Tuesday | 9am–6:50pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–4:50pm |
| Thursday | 9am–6:50pm |
| Friday | 9am–4:50pm |
| Saturday | 9am–12:50pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 50 Lester Street, Columbiana, AL 35051
Phone: (205) 669-5812
Website: columbianapubliclibrary.com
Plus Code: 865M59HR+V9 (Columbiana, AL)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Columbiana Public Library
The Columbiana Public Library has served the residents of Columbiana and Shelby County since 1969, sharing the 50 Lester Street building with the county system's administrative headquarters. A member of the Public Libraries of Shelby County cooperative, it gives cardholders borrowing privileges at all 13 member branches on a single countywide card, backed by a shared Polaris catalog of hundreds of thousands of titles. The library's own collection spans nearly 29,000 volumes — books, audiobooks, music CDs, DVDs, and magazines — alongside public computers, free Wi-Fi, and Microsoft Office. Programs run year-round for every age: weekly storytime for toddlers and preschoolers, a summer reading program for children and teens, The Rebel Readers adult book club, author visits, and hands-on crafting programs (Loose Stitches, Curious Crafters). The library is governed by a five-member board appointed by the mayor and city council.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Part of the 13-library Public Libraries of Shelby County network — one card works at every branch countywide, from Alabaster and Pelham to Montevallo and Wilsonville
- Collection of nearly 29,000 volumes spanning books, audiobooks, DVDs, music CDs, and digital resources
- Free public computers with internet access and Microsoft Office software, plus Wi-Fi throughout
- Weekly storytime for toddlers and preschoolers every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:00 AM
- Evening hours until 6:50 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, plus Saturday morning access
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Columbiana cardholders can read, research, and learn free through Alabama's shared digital collections:
📚 Services
- Free library cards for Columbiana and Shelby County residents
- Borrowing privileges at all 13 Public Libraries of Shelby County branches on one card
- Physical collection: books, audiobooks, music CDs, DVDs, and magazines
- Free public computers with internet and Microsoft Office
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the building
- Books-by-Mail for homebound Shelby County residents (coordinated through county headquarters)
🎸 Programs
- Storytime — Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 AM for toddlers and preschoolers
- Summer Reading Program — free for children and teens, June–July each year
- The Rebel Readers adult book club
- Author visits and community speaker programs
- Tech Hour — digital skills workshops
- Loose Stitches and Curious Crafters — hands-on crafting programs
- Programs for senior citizens
📍 Nearby Libraries in Shelby County
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Columbiana · Browse all Alabama libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does my Columbiana library card work at other Shelby County libraries?
Yes. The Columbiana Public Library is a member of Public Libraries of Shelby County, a cooperative of 13 libraries across the county. One card lets you borrow from — and return items to — any member branch, from Alabaster and Pelham to Montevallo and Wilsonville. Items can also be transferred between branches through the system's daily delivery service.
What are the library's evening and weekend hours?
The library stays open until 6:50 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays — the latest hours of the week. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday hours are 9:00 AM to 4:50 PM. Saturday morning access runs from 9:00 AM to 12:50 PM. The library is closed on Sundays.
When does children's storytime meet, and who can attend?
Storytime is held every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:00 AM for toddlers and preschool-age children. It is free to attend. For current seasonal schedules or special events, call (205) 669-5812 or visit columbianapubliclibrary.com.
Can I access the Alabama Virtual Library (AVL) from home without a library card?
Yes — the Alabama Virtual Library is free for every Alabama resident and does not require a library card. Visit avl.lib.al.us from any internet connection in Alabama for 24/7 access to research databases, magazine archives, and more. Shelby County cardholders also unlock additional resources including Heritage Quest Online, NoveList Plus, LearningExpress, and Homework Alabama live tutoring.
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