Athens Public Library was organized around 1890 and was originally housed in a former bakery. Then in 1911 after being closed for a few years was reopened by the Women's Institute and was housed in the lower Town Hall building on Main Street. In 1973 the
Lanark Highlands Public Library's mission is to provide information and materials for recreational and leisure use; for educational purposes; for personal self-development, enrichment and lifelong learning; to offer access to information to all individuals; to respond to the needs of the community and to adapt to changing technology.