Pamlico County Public Library History
Until 1964, library service in Pamlico County consisted of bookmobile service provided by the Craven-Pamlico Library Service Bookmobile and deposit stations at the Woman’s Club House in Oriental and a Sadler’s Store in Hobucken.
The Pamlico County Public Library was established on January 23, 1964, when the old law building on the courthouse property in Bayboro was dedicated as the public library. Shelves were built and installed by the Industrial Arts Department of Pamlico County High School. As a memberof the Craven-Pamlico-Carteret Regional Library books, materials and professional supervision were provided through the regional operation.
A part-time librarian, Mildred Carey, was hired and paid by county funds.
Plans to enlarge the courthouse in 1975 forced the moving of the library building to North Street where it opened in October 1973.
In 1978 the library moved into a joint school/public library building, the first library of this type to be built in the state of North Carolina, and was dedicated on October 29, 1978. This project was accomplished through the cooperation of the Pamlico County Board of Education, the Pamlico County Public Library Board of Trustees, the Pamlico County Board of Commissioners and the Craven-Pamlico-Carteret Regional Library Board of Trustees.
In May 2025, the library proudly opened its doors in a newly constructed, standalone building, a culmination of efforts led by the Friends of the Pamlico County Library. After five years of dedicated fundraising, the old Hardee's Restaurant underwent a complete transformation, leading to significant renovations and expansions. The updated facility features a spacious children’s room, a designated area for teens, a large auditorium, a business center, as well as areas for displays and staff.
