Selma Public Library - Chamber Member of the Week

Congratulations, Selma and Dallas County Public Library!  You are our Chamber Member of the Week!

Becky Nichols (pictured left), Children's Librarian and Director of the Selma and Dallas County Public Library, has worked at the library for more than 36 years.  She is passionate about her job and enthusiastic about the programs and services they provide for the community.  Some of the programs they offer are a GED program, adult programs, children's program, Sensational Selma, and Courtyard Cafe.  To learn more about their programs and services, visit their website here.  

The Selma and Dallas County Public Library is over 100 years old.  It began in 1904 with a $10,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie, who wanted to provide libraries to small communities.  The city gave Carnegie the land and Carnegie paid for the building, which was located in the current Centre for Commerce building.  It was not integrated at the time.  In 1976 the library expanded to its current location in the downtown complex and became fully integrated.  Then in 1995, the library expanded again, but this time it more than doubled its size from 10,000 square feet to 25,000 square feet.   

Library before expansion in 1976

Library after expansion in 1995

The next step for the library is working toward going digital.  They received a $28,000 grant to upgrade their server, which will hopefully allow patrons to access materials online.  They plan to have efficient patron use and educational tools that are offered “free to the people” just as Andrew Carnegie wanted.  Their goal is to provide resources for jobs and education.

“Be sure to read to someone today” – Becky Nichols

Selma and Dallas County Public Library

1103 Selma Avenue

Selma, Alabama 36703

334-874-1725

www.selmalibrary.org

“I can’t imagine not supporting the Chamber... We need each other.” - Becky Nichols

If you would like to become a member of the Chamber of Commerce, please call 334-875-7241 for more information.