The library system consists of seven branches over four counties, Muscogee, Chattahoochee, Marion, and Stewart, Georgia.

Residents of any county covered in the system may apply for a card granting them access to the circulation's 412,000 book collection.

In 1902 Nina Holstead, a Columbus native, petitioned Andrew Carnegie for funds to erect a library downtown.

Carnegie offered $30,000 for the building under the condition the city of Columbus pay for the maintenance costs, which was to be 10% of the initial donation amount.

[5] Due to intense interest and subsequent overcrowding more libraries were made to serve the black community.