Welcome to Richland County Public Library online! A tremendous variety of materials and services are available at your library, including research tools, book reviews, downloadable audiobooks and much more.

While change is inevitable, nowhere is this more true than in libraries. The variety and format of RCPL resources have changed dramatically with new technologies, but the public library is still the first place most people go for information.

Your public library is working hard to meet the varied needs of all Richland County residents.

In today’s economy, more and more people are depending on RCPL than ever before. In fact, library usage is up 30 percent in recent months. High unemployment and the poor economy mean even more Midlands’ residents have to rely on RCPL for access to computers and the Internet for job searches, as well as the latest books, CDs and movies.

More than 70 percent of Richland County residents have library cards, using RCPL’s resources and services to enhance their lives and prepare for their futures.

On average each day, more than 3,000 people use the Main Library in downtown Columbia, and another 5,000 or more using RCPL’s 10 other locations.

The Summer Reading Clubs for all ages—children, teens and adults—encourage summer reading start in May and continue through the end of August. Based on the interest shown to date, we are sure to see an increase from last year’s more than 30,000 participants.

To maximize resources, particularly in busy times, the library relies on volunteers of all ages for behind-the-scenes jobs as well as helping the public. Last year, volunteer participation increased 17 percent. More than 800 volunteers contributed more than 16,000 hours last year — a value of more than $250,000.

More than 2.2 million people visited RCPL last year and circulation was more than 3.7 million. Inhouse usage surpassed 6.5 million and total units of service exceeded 17.3 million.