1933
Free public library was extended to all residents of Cumberland County on December 18.
1941
First library bookmobile begun under WPA.
1942
"Negro Branch" of the library organized as the James Walker Hood Library with WPA funding.
1945
County wide library tax passed for a minimum of three cents and a maximum of five cents on a $100 evaluation. Library renamed Cumberland County Public Library.
1951
Ground breaking for Anderson Street Library.
1952
Library moves out of Market House and Anderson Street Library opens in March.
1955
James Walker Hood Branch relocated to its new quarters in November as the Gillespie Street Branch Library.
1956
First full sized walk-in bookmobile begins service.
1957
Stedman Branch opens with federal Library Services Act funding.
1958
Spring Lake Branch opens with federal Library Services Act funding.
1960
Hope Mills Branch opens with federal Library Services Act funding.
1966
Old post office at 301 Hay Street donated for public library use. Bookmobile and business reference collection relocated.
1968
Library bond referendum for $1.05 million to build new library defeated.