Northwestern Regional Library System

History

The Walnut Cove Public Library officially opened November 3, 1970, in a small store front on Main Street as a part of the Northwestern Regional Library system. Plans and hopes for a new library on town property began in 1975.After much hard work, set backs and fund drives, construction started in October 1978. With federal funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission, funds from Stokes County, the town of Walnut Cove, Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, businesses, club and individual contributions, the citizens of Walnut Cove moved into their new facility, a 4692 square foot building on Main Street. The dedication service was held on October 28, 1979. After 25 years of use and growth, the need for an expansion was realized and plans were started. A groundbreaking ceremony was held December 8, 2005. A problem with funding slowed down all plans but with help from Stokes County, the town of Walnut Cove, Paul Fulton, R. J. Reynolds, Duke Energy, USDA Rural Development Department, and many businesses and individual contributions work began and an Open House was held on August 29, 2009 of the newly expanded and renovated 8032 square foot library. The new facility has truly become a community center Many outreach programs are offered to the schools and one school allows their classes to make regular visits. A preschool program is held every Monday at 10:00 am for all 2-5 year olds.