Northwestern Regional Library System

History

In July of 1984, the East Bend Extension Homemakers and Ruritans met to discuss the possibility of a public library. A committee conducted a survey with the guidance of the Northwestern Regional Library and the Yadkin County Public Library during the fall of 1984. The survey revealed a real need for a library in the community.

The library committee went before the Yadkin County Library Board on May 4, 1985 and was given final approval for a library in East Bend. With this go ahead and funds from the Extension Homemakers and Ruritans, overhaul of the former Joyner's Grocery Store began on May 15, 1985. One month later, on June 15, 1985, the East Bend Library opened in the renovated building.

The library operated for one year with volunteer staffers. In July 1986, East Bend became a member of the Northwestern Regional Library system. Earlene Speas was hired as the first permanent librarian.

The library obtained an automated circulation system in 1997 and public internet access became available to the East Bend community in 1998.