Rock Hill Public Library

The burgeoning need for a library in the Rock Hill community became apparent in the early 1940s. While the city of Rock Hill operated their own schools, residents were still required to visit neighboring towns to use a public library. On November 19, 1943, representatives from several prominent local organizations, including the Lion’s Club and the Rock Hill Improvement Association, came together at Fairfax House to form the Rock Hill Village Library Association. Through tireless effort and generous donations of time and materials, the Rock Hill Public Library first opened its doors on June 4, 1944. Housed in two second-floor rooms of the historic Fairfax House, the library numbered 1600 books and was open two days a week. During these early years, the library was staffed entirely by volunteers.