Surging book demand leaves NC libraries struggling with long waitlists, pricey content

By: Kate Denning, Carolina Public Press

Outlets: North Carolina Newsline

Published: August 21, 2026

Words: 1,817

Last Updated: 1 month, 2 weeks ago

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If you’re someone who frequents a North Carolina public library — especially in an urban area like Raleigh or Charlotte — you might be all too familiar with searching the catalog for a buzzy book, only to find the waitlist is hundreds, if not thousands, of people long.

Local library employees say the entire country faces this issue, but North Carolina’s booming population and the growing number of library patrons in the state make it …

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