The Macon County Public Library counts nearly 22,000 people as registered users. While books remain the heart of the library's holdings, the 62,000-volume collection also includes less traditional materials, such as books on tape and all the videos designated by the American Film Institute as the One Hundred Greatest Movies.

The 158,000 visitors who stop in each year come for a variety of reasons -- to check out books, participate in educational workshops, attend meetings, read current newspapers or magazines, do research, or just want a quiet place for study or reflection.