Northwestern Regional Library System

History

The Lowgap Public Library began operations sharing space in the Lowgap Elementary School Library in August 1990. Through a combination of grant monies and support from the Northwestern Regional Library with a donated collection of 1,000 books, the library shared space with the school library operating two nights a week with Saturday morning hours as well.

In 1995, the Elementary School building was left vacant except for the Lowgap library as the only ongoing occupant of the building. The facility was then called the Lowgap Community Center with a board of directors and a lease on the building through an agreement with the Surry County Commissioners.

In April 1999, the Lowgap Public Library offered an internet computer for public use. This has been received enthusiastically.

In April 2001, the Lowgap Public Library, as a member of the Northwestern Regional Library installed the SIRSI Unicorn online automated system to continue improving services to the public.