Commerce Public Library

The Commerce Public Library was created by a grassroots effort more than 55 years ago. It began as a room in City Hall, supported by the Study Club of Commerce and run by Miss Claire Alexander. Then the Woman's Club disbanded and gave its home to the city, to be used as the location for a library. A new building was opened on this site in 1968, with Paden Hendrick as director. Its size was more than doubled by an addition in 1987, funded by a state grant under Governor Joe Frank Harris and by matching funds from generous donors throughout the community.

Supported locally, and serving an area population of about 19,000 people, the Commerce Public Library is now a branch of the Piedmont Regional Library system. Patrons have access to all circulating titles in Georgia's statewide PINES circulation system. Meetings of civic organizations take place here, along with art exhibits, author readings, classes, concerts, story hours, and programs for lifelong learners of all ages. The Wallace Nelson Memorial Garden, dedicated in July 2000, brightens our entrance and offers visitors a comfortable place to enjoy north Georgia flora.

The library is assisted in its daily operations by a network of dedicated volunteers, led by the Library Board and the Commerce Friends of the Library. You are cordially invited to become part of our volunteer team