Fayetteville Public Library Foundation

06/18/2026

Let's talk about audiobooks.

In 2025, digital checkouts accounted for more than 35 percent of the 1.18 million items patrons borrowed from Fayetteville Public Library. Those 420,340 digital checkouts represented a jump of almost 17 percent over 2024.

Libraries are working to add more e-books and audiobooks to their collection, but it's not easy. E-books and audiobooks very often cost more than physical books, and while a libraries own their physical book for however long those books hold up, they're forced to regularly renew their licenses for e-books and audiobooks.

Why are e-books and audiobooks more expensive? One reason is growing demand: These items are increasingly popular. In the case of audiobooks, they can also cost quite a bit to produce: You need a narrator, you need a recording studio, you need software to edit the final product. And while audiobooks are growing in popularity, they're still a relatively small market compared to the market for physical books. This means their are fewer consumers to cover those high production costs.

Your favorite local library will continue to work to grow its collection of digital items. If you find a title isn't available, or you find yourself at the end of a long waitlist, consider making a small gift to Fayetteville Public Library Foundation.

You can make a gift at supportfpl.org/donate.

06/17/2026

Fayetteville Public Library marked 110 years on June 16. When it first opened its doors, the Library offered 1,050 items in its collection, most of which citizens had donated.

Originally housed in two basement rooms of the old county courthouse (then the new county courthouse), the library offered 1,050 items in its collection, roughly 700 of which citizens had donated.

06/16/2026

Fayetteville's first public library opened on this day in 1916.

Housed in two basement rooms of the old county courthouse (then the new county courthouse), the library opened with 1,050 items in its collection, most of which citizens had donated. Since there was no public funding, the library raised money in part through charging for access: To borrow materials, patrons had to be members of the Library Association, the cost of which to join was one dollar annually—about $30.55 today.

We're thrilled Fayetteville Public Library is free and open to all today, and we'll work to continue to make sure its programs and resources remain free.

Happy birthday, FPL.

06/16/2026

When you support the Fayetteville Public Library Foundation, you not only support your favorite local library, you get to know a few things before anybody else—like the name of the 2026 Blair Distinguished Author, to be announced later this summer.

Want to be among the first to know? Sign up for the Foundation's email list.

Join the Fayetteville Public Library Foundation email list for news and updates from the Foundation. It's a great way to learn how you can support Fayetteville Public Library.

06/16/2026

Want to help shape the future of your favorite local library? Take a few minutes to complete Fayetteville Public Library's survey.

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

06/15/2026

Did you make it to this year's Summer Reading Kickoff at Fayetteville Public Library?

The event, which features free food, performers, giveaways, and more, marks the start of the Library’s annual Summer Reading Program.

06/05/2026

Blair Library’s in bloom. And since the bees came back, they’ve been busy all across campus. Have you seen the hives outside the southeast windows on the third floor?

06/02/2026

Smithsonian Nature Guide: Birds. Burnie, David. Pub. 2012. Adult (4th Floor) - Adult Nonfiction. 598 Bur.

05/29/2026

Summer Reading Kickoff 2026 is almost here! Are you going to be part of the fun at Fayetteville Public Library on Saturday, May 30?

05/27/2026

We're ready for Fayetteville Public Library's Summer Reading Kickoff. Are you?

The annual event marks the start of the Fayetteville Public Library’s Summer Reading Program. The program features categories for all ages, including adults, and participants can earn points to earn prizes.