Fairfield County Library
🏢 SCLENDS Consortium · Winnsboro, South Carolina
Fairfield County Library
Fairfield County Library has been the cornerstone of public reading in the South Carolina Midlands since the 1930s, when a WPA-funded 'Little Red Bookmobile' first carried books to county farms — and its bookmobile tradition continues today from its Washington Street headquarters in Winnsboro.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 300 W. Washington Street, Winnsboro, SC 29180
Phone: (803) 635-4971
Website: fairfieldcountylibrary.com
Plus Code: 866W9WH6+W4 (Winnsboro, SC)
📱 Scan for directions
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Fairfield County Library
Fairfield County Library traces its roots to a small reading room organized around 1900 and a subsequent library opened by the Winnsboro Women's Club in the 1920s. Its modern form emerged as a WPA project: the famous 'Little Red Bookmobile' made its first run on April 12, 1937, driven by Mrs. Walter Wilson and stocked through community book donations, making library materials accessible to rural Fairfield County for the first time at scale. The county library was formally established by state legislature with an appointed commission, and by 1938 the County Delegation appropriated school district funds to sustain it. A new permanent headquarters on Washington Street was completed and dedicated in May 1977, partially funded by a $50,000 South Carolina State Library grant. Today the library serves Fairfield County from its main branch in Winnsboro plus a bookmobile and branches in Ridgeway and Jenkinsville. It recorded 62,464 visitors and 39,643 circulated items in one recent year. Membership in the SCLENDS consortium links its catalog to South Carolina public libraries statewide.
⭐ What makes this library special
- WPA roots dating to 1937 — the 'Little Red Bookmobile' launched public library access for rural Fairfield County
- Permanent headquarters opened May 1977 with South Carolina State Library grant support
- Bookmobile service continues today, reaching rural communities across the county
- Member of SCLENDS — catalog shared with South Carolina public libraries statewide
- 62,464 annual visitors with programs for children, teens, and adults
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Access eBooks, research databases, and digital magazines 24/7 with your free Fairfield County Library card:
📚 Services
- Free library card (Fairfield County residents)
- Free public computers with Microsoft Office & Wi-Fi
- DVDs, audiobooks, and large print books
- Bookmobile service to rural Fairfield County
- Interlibrary loan via SCLENDS
- Children's, teen, and adult programs
- Branch locations in Ridgeway and Jenkinsville
🎸 Programs
- Children's story time and youth programs
- Teen programming
- Adult reading and community programs
- 24 programs hosted annually (902 attendees)
📍 Nearby Libraries in the SC Midlands
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Winnsboro · Browse all South Carolina libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of the Fairfield County Library's bookmobile?
The library's bookmobile tradition began on April 12, 1937, when the 'Little Red Bookmobile' — a WPA-funded vehicle driven by Mrs. Walter Wilson — made its first run to farms and communities across Fairfield County. It was so popular that the county funded it formally by 1938. Today a modern bookmobile continues to extend library service to rural parts of the county.
What is DISCUS and how do Fairfield County residents access it?
DISCUS (Digital Information for South Carolina Users) is South Carolina's statewide virtual library, managed by the South Carolina State Library. It provides free access to thousands of magazines, newspapers, and reference databases 24 hours a day to all SC residents. Fairfield County Library cardholders can access DISCUS through the library's website at fairfieldcountylibrary.com/publications/.
Does Fairfield County Library have branches outside Winnsboro?
Yes. In addition to the main headquarters at 300 W. Washington Street in Winnsboro, the system operates branches in Ridgeway and Jenkinsville and maintains a bookmobile that serves rural areas of Fairfield County.
How do I get a library card at Fairfield County Library?
Fairfield County residents can obtain a free library card at any Fairfield County Library location by presenting a valid photo ID and proof of county residency. The card provides access to the physical collection, the SCLENDS shared catalog, Jasmine Digital Library eBooks, DISCUS, and all other online databases. Call (803) 635-4971 or email library@fairfieldcountylibrary.com for details.
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