Martin Memorial Library strives to serve every patron that walks through our doors with the upmost care and service, our facilities provide many opportunities for young and old patrons alike.
The main area has a large collection of books including research materials, best sellers, new releases, general reading, books on CD, and DVDs. There is an area for laptop for study use. There is also a “Trading Post” for travelers who need a paperback that does not have to be returned. The children’s area has two dedicated computers with educational programs donated by the Beaufort County Partnership for Children. The area also has games, puzzles and multi-level reading material. In the center of the library is a corral of computers wired for Internet and general use. The upper mezzanine has a table and chairs for work space and a computer for word processing. The Civil War book collection of the late Edwin O’Neal is housed on this level. The Friends of the Library have an ongoing book sale area at the library. Services include: free Internet access including Wi-Fi, photocopying, reference, Inter-library loan, tax form distribution, and two meeting rooms.
Regular story times are usually held the first Wednesday, Thursday and first Friday of each month at 10:00 a.m. The Pre-K programs are planned in coordination with the school calendars. Story times begin in October and continue through April. Schedules are posted. Toddler programs are held the third Thursday of each month at 10:00 a.m. The new facility was completed in November 2001. The building has 4000 square feet of multi-use space including a teen area and a closed in porch with rocking chairs for leisure periodical reading. There is a small community room used for programs and small group meetings. This area has been named the Pearl Potter Room to honor her memory and to show appreciation for her generosity to the library. There is a portrait of Fannie Mebane Ralph displayed in the main library area to honor the Ralph family for their early dedication to establishing a permanent library site and for their continued support.
