About Us | Greenville (SC) County Library System

Mission:

To champion literacy, inspire learning, and foster community connection

Vision:

To be Greenville County's first choice for exploration, discovery, and information.

Fiscal Year 2018 Statistics

1.59 million visits recorded.
We added over 1,300 items to the collection each week.
3.28 million items borrowed.
GCLS offered programs & events at all locations.
68,562 new books and 17,162 audiovisual materials were added to our collection.
Approximately 1.55 million website visits occurred at www.greenvillelibrary.org.

More About the Library

There are 718,693 books and 165,064 audiovisual materials system-wide.
252,878 individuals are registered borrowers.
The system offers 318 public computers with free internet access.

History

1 / 13 Greer branch, 1925.

2 / 13 Simpsonville branch, 1930s.

3 / 13 Main location, Brawley Garage Building, 1937.

4 / 13 Augusta Library called "So Big", 1941.

5 / 13 Mauldin Langdon Cheeves branch, 1960s.

6 / 13 Simpsonville branch, WPA Building, 1967.

7 / 13 Main Library, College Street, 1970.

8 / 13 Main Library, College Street, 1970s.

9 / 13 Simpsonville branch, 1978.

10 / 13 Travelers Rest branch, 315 Main St., 1980s.

11 / 13 Taylors branch, Wade Hampton, 1980.

12 / 13 Pelham Rd. branch, 1990.

13 / 13 Mauldin Langdon Cheeves branch, 1991.

The Greenville County Library System traces its beginnings to 1921 when the library consisted of some 500 volumes in a vacant store room on East Coffee Street. Thomas F. Parker, a local businessman and philanthropist who initially garnered community support for this public institution, served as Chairman of the Board. In 1923, Mr. Parker purchased a three-quarter-ton truck, and had it fitted with glass doors, thus introducing the first ever Bookmobile in the South to meet the needs of Greenville County's mill communities.

Today, the Library System has grown to twelve locations. And the Bookmobile still makes weekly stops delivering books and fond memories. The Library remains dedicated to providing free access to materials, experiences, and resources to communities throughout Greenville County.