Library Services

The Burke County Public Library strives to improve lives through reading, learning, connecting, and creating.

Contact Us

Available in the Library

  • Books, Magazines, and Newspapers
  • WiFi and Public Computer Access
  • Study Rooms
  • DVD/Blu-Ray Collection at VPL and CBH
  • North Carolina Room (Genealogy and Local History) at MPL
  • Scanning (to a USB drive)
  • Copying* (black & white and color)
  • Printing* (black & white and color)
  • Faxing* (sending and receiving)
  • Programs for All Ages:
    • Library programs happen at all three locations and are listed on our website and our monthly calendar, as well as advertised in the library, local papers, on social media, and in different locations around the county.
    • Some programs require pre-registration, which will be stated.
    • Programs are free, unless otherwise noted.
    • For more information, please call or visit your library or visit the specific program pages for Adults, Young Adults, and Kids.

*Items marked require a fee. Please see Fee List below.


Checking out Items from the Library

Most items in the library check out for 21 days, with the exception of new adult fiction and DVDs/Blu-Rays (these have a 7 day check out).

Items MAY auto-renew. Find out by signing up for email alerts from our system. You can also log-in to your NC Cardinal Catalog Account on any browser and check. Our system allows you to enroll in text notifications for holds alerts and due date reminders. Email alerts are available for holds alerts, due date reminders, auto-renew alerts, overdue notices, and check-out receipts.


Fees Policy

Note: Items that are marked with “DO NOT PLACE IN BOOK BOX” will be assessed if found damaged in book box.

Library Card Fees
Replace a lost card – $5.00

Copier, Printer, and Fax Fees
Copier and printer fees – .25 per page
To transmit fax $1.00 – per page
To receive fax $1.00 – per page

Item Fees
Lost Item Charge varies – see staff
Damaged Item Charge varies – see staff
Deposit Item (Items for which a refundable deposit must be paid before item can be checked out) – Charge varies – see staff

Patrons with 2 or more overdue items and/or more than $5 in fines cannot check out more items.

Patrons owing more than $5.00 to the library may not use public computers with the exception of the library catalog.

Available Online

Online Catalog for print items

eMedia through Overdrive (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and EMagazines)

NCLIVE: Online Databases and Resources

Wowbrary: a weekly email newsletter of all the newest items

Online Resources

Social Media: Join us on Facebook and Instagram


Available in the Community

Storywalk at Catawba Meadows

The Library has a Storywalk located at Catawba Meadows Park in Morganton. Changed quarterly, this installation allow kids and adults alike to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Stroll down the Greenway and read the story as you go.
Thanks to the Library Foundation of Burke County, the City of Morganton, and Burke Women’s Fund for helping support this storywalk.

Little Free Libraries

The Library Foundation of Burke County has installed four Little Free Libraries in our county. They can be found in Drexel, Catawba Meadows, Mountain View, and Valdese. For more information on the Little Free Libraries, or locations, please visit the Library Foundation website.

Outreach Opportunities

Opportunities for outreach to community groups and schools are available for all ages. Please contact the library for more information.