About Us

By providing free and equitable access to materials and resources, the Library encourages and supports an informed citizenry.  As part of Washington County Cooperative Library Services, the Sherwood Library provides access to over 1.3 million items from our County libraries as well as many regional, national, and international sources.

Our continually growing collection of over 40,000 items offers more than just books – the Library also has DVDs, CDs, magazines, newspapers, audio books on tape and CD, videos, many electronic databases and public Internet access.  Through Sherwood Broadband the Library provides free wireless access to our patrons.

The Sherwood Library offers full reference services and provides interlibrary loan access to libraries around the world.  No question or request is too large or too small.

Programs for citizens of all ages are ongoing.  Toddler Times and Pre-school story times are scheduled multiple times a week, year-round.  The popular Summer Reading Program engages hundreds of local children in summer reading activities and fun and educational programs.

The enthusiastic and skilled staff at the Sherwood Library is dedicated to excellent public service and is eager to serve you.

The Friends of the Sherwood Library offer generous support to the Library’s programs and activities.  The Friends are community members who believe that a good library is essential to the cultural and economic well-being of a community.

History

The Sherwood Public Library began as a dedicated shelf of books in the local drugstore in 1935. The collection was later moved to a rented house. By 1969, the City of Sherwood elected to support the Library and it was moved to the basement of a historic building which also served as City Hall. The local “Friends of the Library” group was formed in 1976 and began fund-raising which, combined with matching Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) funds, built a 3,000 square foot building in 1986.

In December 2005, the Sherwood Public Library & City Hall was opened, funded primarily through Urban Renewal funds and sales of city-owned properties. The new Library features 14,000 square feet of space with more desks, Internet PCs, shelves and library materials. An added feature is the gas fireplace surrounded by comfortable seating in the inviting newspaper and magazine area.

Mission

“The Sherwood Library will provide the highest level of customer service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources, equitable service policies and equitable access. The Library will provide information resources to the public in the most effective and efficient manner possible and continuously seek to improve and expand service. This service includes the assistance of skilled and courteous staff members and the provision of programs designed to promote the use of the library and respond to community needs.”