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Rossville Public Library

Rossville Public Library, located in Rossville, Georgia. The City, named after its founding father, Chief John Ross, is nestled in the magnificent Tennessee River valley between the historic Chickamauga Battlefield, Missionary Ridge and the world famous Lookout Mountain.

from left to right: Elaine Parkerson, Library Assistant; Carmella Clark, Manager; Brandy Wyatt, Youth Education Coordinator; Carmen Barrett, Library Assistant; Amber Wentworth, Library Assistant

Library History

In January 1944 the Rossville Library opened to the public, housed in one of the front offices of the Rossville City Hall. Mrs. June Miller was hired as librarian. The book collection consisted of about 1000 books. Later that year, the library joined the Cherokee Regional library System becoming their first branch in Walker County. After several moves, the library opened in its present location in May 1987 with over 35,000 materials to circulate.  In 1999 the library became a pilot site for PINES, the state wide Georgia Public Library Service System.

Library Features

Today the Rossville Public Library has approximately 38,800 materials ready for circulation.  Circuiting items not only include books but movies and audio books as well.  There are 23 Internet accessible computers that are available for public use.  Plus, the library offers Wi-Fi.  The library also offers a wide variety of magazines and newspapers for public use:

• Magazines:  Better Homes & Gardens, Consumer Reports, Ebony, ESPN, Good Housekeeping, Ladies Home Journal, Newsweek, Parents, People magazine, Prevention, Southern Living, and Time

• Kids Magazines:  National Geographic Kids, Shonen Jump and Highlights for Children

• Local Newspapers:  Walker County Messenger and Chattanooga Times Free Press

A meeting room (seating capacity: 50) is available for public use by contacting the Library Manager for desired dates.

The Library houses the genealogical collection of the Delta Genealogical Society which meets in the Fleming Room of the library the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. This collection consists of local and regional histories in the states of Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. Collection features include:

Local newspapers on Microfilm:

• Walker County Messenger – 1880 to present

• Rossville Open Gate – 1925 – 1965

• Federal Census on Microfilm:  Walker County Georgia and surrounding TN, GA, & AL counties (all that are available).

The library offers many educational activities for families and children.

• “Ready to R.E.A.D.” Time, formally known as storytime, Offered each Tuesday morning at 10:30 A.M.  Where we listen to books, play games, make crafts and meet friends.  All ages welcome, come join the fun!

• “Hangin with the Homies,” storytime program for home school children, offered each Tuesday afternoon at 1:00 P.M.  Where we listen to stories, make crafts, play games and do experiments.

• Monthly family movie nights.

• An annual summer reading program is offered at the end of the school year with prizes and certificates awarded to participants.

The Friends of the Rossville Public Library was formed in 1986. Members volunteer to work on projects and activities which benefit the library. Annual events include the Fall book sale, semiannual Bake Sale, the Summer Reading Club party, and the Craft exhibit. The Friends also produce their own newsletter which keeps members informed about new projects and events occurring at the library.