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Sequoyah Regional Library System Receives Great Stories Grant SRLS News Sequoyah Regional Library System Receives Great Stories Grant July 5, 2023 The Sequoyah Regional Library System has been selected by the American Library Association (ALA), with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as one of 58 libraries to receive implementation grants for the Great Stories Club, a thematic reading and discussion program for underserved teens. The two awarded grants include “Deeper Than Our Skins: The Present Is a Conversation with the Past” and “Finding Your Voice: Speaking Truth to Power”. As part of the Great Stories Club, staff from SRLS will work with a small group of teens to read and discuss stories that explore questions of race, equity, identity and history. The titles were selected to inspire young people — especially those facing difficult circumstances or challenges — to consider “big questions” about the world around them and their place in it. SRLS will receive two $500 programming stipends, one per theme, and 11 copies of each of the selected books. The books will be gifted to the book club participants. Since 2006, ALA’s Great Stories Club has helped libraries engage young adults with accessible, thought-provoking literature. To learn more about the Great Stories Club, please visit ala.org/greatstories .

A traveling exhibit of University of Georgia athletics materials and memorabilia. SRLS News UGA athletics coming to R.T. Jones Memorial Library July 5, 2023 A traveling exhibit of University of Georgia athletics materials and memorabilia will be on display at the R. T. Jones Memorial Library on July 14, from 11:00am until 3:00pm. The exhibit is sponsored by The University of Georgia’s Hargrett Rare Book & Manuscript Library and will feature memorabilia from the UGA Athletic Association Archive. Jason Hasty, the UGA Athletics History Specialist for the Hargrett Library, will be touring public libraries around the state during the summer with the exhibit. “We have such a rich athletics history at UGA,” Hasty said. “This traveling exhibit is a great way to take some of the most interesting artifacts we have in the UGA Athletic Association archives out of storage to public libraries around the state for a fun, family friendly event.” These traveling exhibits are free and open to the public. The Hargrett Library, which is located in the Richard B. Russell Special Collections Libraries Building on the University of Georgia campus, is one of three special collections libraries that are part of the University of Georgia Libraries. For more information about these traveling exhibits, please contact Jason Hasty at hasty@uga.edu .

This winter, visit your library, curl up with a good book, and win special prizes along the way by participating with Beanstack. SRLS News Winter Literacy and Holiday Happenings at SRLS November 21, 2024 Holiday Happenings at Sequoyah Regional Library System Sequoyah Regional Library System is excited to announce Winter Literacy 2024: Snow Place Like the Library. Each year, the SRLS Winter Literacy initiative encourages continued reading and community engagement throughout the winter break. From December 1 through January31, community members can participate in an all-ages reading challenge for the chance to win prizes. SRLS will be hosting multiple holiday events and programs at each of its libraries for community members to attend at no cost, including the annual Holiday Open Houses. Holiday Open Houses feature a meet and greet with Santa, local performances and visits, and more. View our Holiday Open House schedule here: - Gilmer County Library | December 2, 5:00 PM - Pickens County Library | December 3, 5:30 PM - Woodstock Public Library | December 5, 5:30 PM - Ball Ground Public Library | December 5, 5:30 PM - Hickory Flat Public Library | December 9, 5:00 PM - Rose Creek Public Library | December 10, 6:00 PM - R.T. Jones Memorial Library | December 11, 5:30 PM To learn more about Winter Literacy and the holiday happenings at SRLS, please visit our Winter Literacy webpage: SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org/Winter-Literacy. Library cards are always available at no cost to community members in Cherokee, Pickens, and Gilmer counties. We look forward to seeing you at the library!

Start exploring Browse, borrow and read ebooks and audiobooks from your library E-Library These services are available to all of our patrons who hold a library card in good standing. Click on an image to go to the database homepage. GALILEO Georgia Library Learning Online, more commonly known as GALILEO, lets you access a virtual library operated by the University System of Georgia, including numerous databases, abstracts, and full-text. Libby / Overdrive Overdrive/Libby lets you browse popular eAudiobooks, eBooks, and digital magazines available for users to download via the Libby app. The Palace Project The Palace Project App lets you access popular eAudiobooks and eBooks via the Palace Project app - available on Android and Apple iOS. ABC Mouse ABC Mouse lets you explore lessons in early literacy, math, social studies, art, music, and much more for children. ABC Mouse is available for use at any of our library locations. Ancestry Library Edition Ancestry Library Edition lets you discover your family’s story through a wide variety of historical records, including including census records, immigration records, periodicals, photos, and more. Ancestry Library Edition is available for use at any of our library locations. AJC Full Digital Access AJC Text-Only Access A daily newspaper in the metropolitan area of Atlanta, Georgia. Full digital access of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution is available for use at any of our library locations. Text-only digital access of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution is available anywhere. Beanstack Beanstack lets you track your reading and earn badges by participating in reading challenges via their website or app. Digital Learn If you are new to computers, haven't used them for a while, are a little unsure and uncomfortable, or just need a bit of a refresher, we have the tools to help you tackle technology at your own pace and gain the confidence you need to succeed. EBSCO eBooks The eBook Public Library Collection lets you browse a collection of titles for all ages. Explora Explora is EBSCO’s platform designed for elementary students that lets you browse topics of interest or search for a topic of your choice, with search tools that can limit results by source type (e.g., magazines, news, biographies, etc.) or by Lexile range. FamilySearch FamilySearch lets you discover your family’s story through a wide variety of historical records. Financial Fit FinancialFit offers a curriculum of personal financial literacy lessons, videos, and interactive tools. To access within LearningExpress Library, click on the "Product Hub" found at the top-right of the LearningExpress Library home page. GALE Legal Forms Gale Legal Forms lets you access thousands of legal forms covering hundreds of legal subjects and issues at no cost. Grow With Google Grow with Google lets you explore training and tools to learn digital skills to grow your career and qualify for in-demand jobs. LearningExpress LearningExpress Library Complete is an interactive online learning platform featuring over 770 practice tests, tutorials, and eBooks related to job search and workplace skills improvement, career certification and licensing exam preparation, college entrance and graduate school admissions exam preparation. Mango Mango Languages lets you access language-learning resources to help you learn 70+ languages online and on-the-go. MyHeritage MyHeritage offers a collection of over 20 billion genealogical and historical records that can help people find their ancestors and discover a place's past. Niche Academy The Sequoyah Regional Library offers free access to a wide range of videos on many topics through Niche Academy. NoveList NoveList Plus is the premiere database of reading recommendations. Reference Solutions Reference Solutions lets you access business and residential information for reference and research. SizeUp Cherokee SizeUp Cherokee makes powerful, industry-specific market research and business intelligence available to you to help your business succeed. Explore big data for small business and size up your venture against others. A library card is not required to access this resource. The Wall Street Journal A daily newspaper with a focus on business and finance.

Sequoyah Regional Library System: Woodstock Branch Woodstock Public Library Address 7735 Main Street Woodstock, GA 30188 Contact 770-926-5859 Manager: Joey Dye Opening Hours Monday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM COMMUNITY SPACES UPCOMING EVENTS Friday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday CLOSED

Sequoyah Regional Library Interlibrary loan service enables patrons of one library to borrow physical materials that are held by another library. Interlibrary Loans Interlibrary loan service enables patrons of one library to borrow physical materials that are held by another library. Request Limit There is a limit of three (3) active ILLs/requests per patron at any given time. Holds on interlibrary loan materials are included in the standard hold limit. Loan Period: Materials are generally loaned for two (2) weeks. The loan period may vary depending on the material and the lending library. All loans should be picked up promptly. Materials Unavailable For Interlibrary Loan Requests Our libraries will do our best to request the books that you request through the Interlibrary Loan system but there are some restrictions. Here is a short list of the items that SRLS is unable to request: Titles published within the current year or not yet published. Titles on current local or national bestseller lists Rare and valuable books as well as reference genealogy titles that are non-circulating. Non-print materials such as CDs, DVDs, cassette tapes and videos, eBooks. Renewals of Interlibrary Loans are granted by the lending library. Renewals are not automatic and must be requested from the Public Services Specialist at your library at least one (1) week before the materials are due. Borrowers may request one (1) renewal. Renewals/Extensions Fees Fees: Patrons are responsible for all charges pertaining to their Interlibrary Loan. Overdue Interlibrary Loans are fined $0.50 per day. If a borrower authorizes the library to obtain material from a library that charges a lending fee, the patron is responsible for paying the fee. Borrowers are responsible for any charges for materials lost or damaged while checked out to the borrower. The lending library determines the cost for any lost or damaged material. Borrowers are responsible for all postage charges for loans. Check-Out & Returns Any Interlibrary Loans currently on your account can be checked-out and returned by visiting your local library. Please do not place your Interlibrary Loans into the outdoor book-return boxes. Request a Interlibrary Loan

Sequoyah Regional Library System Hickory Flat Public Library Grand Opening SRLS News Hickory Flat Public Library Grand Opening July 11, 2024 The Hickory Flat Public Library Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting will be held on July 25 at 3 PM. Sequoyah Regional Library System invites all members of the community to join them at 2740 East Cherokee Drive as they open their doors for the first time to celebrate the official Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of the renovated Hickory Flat Public Library on July 25. Following the 3 PM ribbon cutting ceremony there will be tours, refreshments, and an opportunity to sign up for library cards. An additional Summer Discovery Finale will be held at 4:30 PM with a fun puppet show with That Puppet Guy. "We are looking forward and ready for the ribbon cutting, not just as a celebration for the opening but an opportunity to say thank you,” says Angela Cortellino, Executive Director of SRLS. “This renovation and expansion of our library was possible because of community support, and the support of our local and state leaders. The project was funded by SPLOST and a state grant. The ribbon cutting is a celebration of all the things that made the project possible." The Hickory Flat Renovation and Expansion Project officially began on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 with a celebratory groundbreaking featuring Sequoyah Regional Library System staff and board members turning the soil with Cherokee County officials and the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce. "This library is all about people,” says Cortellino. “We have a variety of spaces for groups of all sizes to gather and connect. Places for children to play and adults to discover. Places to learn and places to reflect. I think everyone will find something in this space to connect with." The finished renovation of the Hickory Flat Public Library building, originally built in 1993, includes an addition of 7,800 square feet to the building. The building was designed by CAS Architecture and built by Hollandsworth Construction. With an expanded and renovated library facility, the Sequoyah Regional Library System community will have more space for books and technology; larger areas for programs, meetings, collaboration, and creation; and additional seating for study and quiet reading. "We are incredibly excited to feature our Third Space, a place where anyone can come and get work done, relax, or have a quick meeting,” says Cortellino. “This space is meant to reflect a variety of needs, for everyone." Hickory Flat Public Library Full Service Hours: Monday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM To view the library system’s full programming schedule and register for events, visit https://bit.ly/Calendar-SRLS . Please continue to visit our website, SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org , for updates and announcements about the project, as well as up-to-date service hours for the Hickory Flat Public Library.

Policies for the Sequoyah Regional Library System. About Your Library Policies Privacy and Disclosures View Policy Collection View Policy Internet use View Policy Public Service View Policy

Your library card is your key to the resources and services for the Sequoyah Regional Library System. In addition to borrowing library materials, your card allows you to reserve a computer, download digital media, search hundreds of electronic databases, and more What you can do with your library card? Check out books, movies, magazines and audiobooks, all for free in both print and digital formats. You can also check out passes to state parks and other attractions, Launchpads, Chromebooks, tablets and even musical kits. Your Library Card Getting a library card at Sequoyah Regional Library is easy! Your library card is your key to the resources and services for the Sequoyah Regional Library System. In addition to borrowing library materials, your card allows you to reserve a computer, download digital media, search hundreds of electronic databases, and more. Who can apply for a library card? Anyone who lives, pays taxes, or owns property in Cherokee, Pickens, or Gilmer County is eligible to receive a free library card for use throughout the Sequoyah Regional Library System. To receive a card, visit your local branch and bring a photo ID showing current local address, OR a photo ID with a prior address plus one address verification document that shows a current address. The most common form of ID is a driver’s license, but a utility bill, non-driver ID, or other form that clearly shows an in-county street address will be accepted. If you do not live within the tri-county area (Cherokee, Pickens and Gilmer Counties), but own property here, you are still eligible. Just provide your ID and a tax bill showing the address of your property. You can apply for a card at any of the public libraries that comprise the Sequoyah Regional Library System. If you do not live within the tri-county area (Cherokee, Pickens and Gilmer Counties) OR own property here, you can still apply for a library card for an annual fee of $35.00. Apply for a library card Apply Online Print & Bring In

Why should summer get all the fun? Reading is entertaining all year long! This winter, visit your library, curl up with a good book, and win special prizes along the way by participating with Beanstack. There is snow place like your local library in December and January to participate in awesome wintery programs at no cost for all ages (kids, teens, and adults), and much more! Winter Literacy 2025 Why should summer get all the fun? Reading is entertaining all year long! This winter, visit your library, curl up with a good book, and win special prizes along the way by participating with Beanstack. There is snow place like your local library in December and January to participate in awesome wintery programs at no cost for all ages (kids, teens, and adults), and much more! Check out our calendar to see all we have planned – you won’t want to miss a thing! HOW DOES IT WORK? Log your reading and complete fun activities to earn digital badges and tickets for end-of-challenge raffle prizes through winter with the free Beanstack app . Beanstack includes tools to help you and your family discover books, keep track of your reading, and set reading goals. Beanstack can be accessed by visiting our official SRLS webpage or downloading the app available for iOS and Android . Our Winter Literacy Challenge will begin December 1st and pre-registration opens on November 15th! JOIN THE WINTER LITERACY READING CHALLENGE Register on Beanstack to join the Winter Literacy Challenge. Read winter-themed titles and complete fun activities to earn Beanstack badges and tickets for end-of-winter prizes. JOIN THE WINTER LITERACY CHALLENGE CHECK OUT OUR WINTER PROGRAMS GETTING STARTED WITH BEANSTACK Downloads the Beanstack App Select “Get Started” Select “Yup!” Search for SRLS WINTER LITERACY INFORMATION GUIDE BECOME A WINTER LITERACY PARTNER MONETARY DONATIONS PHYSICAL DONATIONS We welcome and are incredibly grateful for Winter Literacy partners in all formats! To give monetary donations for Winter Literacy, please select either the Library Programming or Reading Challenges options using our monetary donation link. For physical donations such as gift cards or books, please fill out the form using the physical donations link. HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSES Join us for our annual Holiday Open Houses at each of our library locations to celebrate winter! Each location will have unique programs, a Santa meet and greet, and other fun activities for the whole family. Check out our calendar to find a Holiday Open House near you. Gilmer County Library: December 1st, 5:00 PM - 7:30PM Ball Ground Public Library: December 4th, 6:00PM - 7:30PM R.T. Jones Memorial Library: December 8th, 5:00PM - 7:00PM Pickens County Library, December 9th, 5:00PM - 7:00PM Rose Creek Public Library: December 9th, 6:00PM - 7:30PM Hickory Flat Public Library: December 10th, 5:00PM - 7:00PM Woodstock Public Library: December 11th, 5:30PM - 7:30PM Thank you to all of our Winter Literacy partners. This program would not have been possible without your help!

Sequoyah Regional Library System has announced that construction of the Hickory Flat Public Library Renovation and Expansion project, which broke ground in January of 2023, is currently scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2024. Hickory Flat Public Library Construction Project HOW LONG DID THE PROJECT TAKE? WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM THE RENOVATION AND EXPANSION? The Hickory Flat Public Library began renovating and expanding its facilities in January 2023. The project included a renovation of the Hickory Flat Public Library building, originally built in 1993, and was completed in July 2024. The library’s previous 10,000 sq. ft. was expanded and 7,800 sq. ft. was added. Hollandsworth Construction led the construction project. With an expanded and renovated library facility, the Hickory Flat community now has more space for books and technology; larger areas for programs, meetings, collaboration, and creation; and additional seating for study and quiet reading. HOW DID THE LIBRARY FUND THE RENOVATION AND EXPANSION? The total construction contract for the Hickory Flat Renovation & Addition project was $6,754,039.00. Funding for this project was available from Cherokee County’s SPLOST program. Additional funding includes a $2,000,000 Capital Outlay Grant, administered by the Georgia Public Library Service. These grants are funded by the sale of bonds and must be approved by the state legislature. WHICH LIBRARIES ARE CLOSEST TO THE HICKORY FLAT PUBLIC LIBRARY? Hickory Flat community members may use their Hickory Flat Public Library card at any location within the Sequoyah Regional Library System. The nearest SRLS libraries to the Hickory Flat location are the R.T. Jones Memorial Library at 116 Brown Industrial Parkway in Canton and the Woodstock Public Library at 7735 Main Street. WHERE CAN I GO TO FIND MORE INFORMATION OR ASK QUESTIONS? Please continue to check this page for updates and announcements about the construction project. Contact the library online or via Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram to ask questions and receive information about services and programming. Visit sequoyahregionallibrary.org to access up-to-date information about library hours and locations. For answers to additional questions, please contact SRLS Executive Director Angela Cortellino (angela@seqlib.org, 770-479-3090 Ext. 230). Our Hickory Flat Public Library in Canton, located at 2740 East Cherokee Drive, is open to the public PREVIOUS HICKORY FLAT PROJECT UPDATES Hickory Flat Public Library Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Sequoyah Regional Library System (SRLS) celebrated the official opening of the Hickory Flat Public Library on Thursday, July 25, with a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony hosted by the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce. “This library is all about people and spaces,” says Angela Cortellino, Executive Director of SRLS. “We still have books, with better browsing. We still have technology. But what you will find in here are some unique spaces. These spaces are meant for people to gather. For people to meet. For people to connect, explore, discover.” Speakers in attendance included Pam Carnes, Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, and Library Trustee, Eric Rein, Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Chair, and Library Trustee, Tom Hill, Chair of the Cherokee County Library Board and Sequoyah Regional Library System Board, and Commissioner Richard Weatherby. The Hickory Flat Renovation and Expansion Project officially began on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 with a celebratory groundbreaking featuring Sequoyah Regional Library System staff and board members turning the soil with Cherokee County officials and the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce. The finished renovation of the Hickory Flat Public Library building, originally built in 1993, includes an addition of 7,800 square feet to the building. The building was designed by CAS Architecture and built by Hollandsworth Construction. With an expanded and renovated library facility, the Sequoyah Regional Library System community will have more space for books and technology; larger areas for programs, meetings, collaboration, and creation; and additional seating for study and quiet reading. Hickory Flat Public Library Full Service Hours: Monday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM To view the library system’s full programming schedule and register for events, visit https://bit.ly/Calendar-SRLS. Please continue to visit our website, SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org, for updates and announcements about the project, as well as up- to-date service hours for the Hickory Flat Public Library. The Hickory Flat Public Library Grand Opening Sequoyah Regional Library System invites all members of the community to join them at 2740 East Cherokee Drive as they open their doors for the first time to celebrate the official Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of the renovated Hickory Flat Public Library on July 25. Following the 3 PM ribbon cutting ceremony there will be tours, refreshments, and an opportunity to sign up for library cards. An additional Summer Discovery Finale will be held at 4:30 PM with a fun puppet show with That Puppet Guy. "We are looking forward and ready for the ribbon cutting, not just as a celebration for the opening but an opportunity to say thank you,” says Angela Cortellino, Executive Director of SRLS. “This renovation and expansion of our library was possible because of community support, and the support of our local and state leaders. The project was funded by SPLOST and a state grant. The ribbon cutting is a celebration of all the things that made the project possible." The Hickory Flat Renovation and Expansion Project officially began on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 with a celebratory groundbreaking featuring Sequoyah Regional Library System staff and board members turning the soil with Cherokee County officials and the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce. "This library is all about people,” says Cortellino. “We have a variety of spaces for groups of all sizes to gather and connect. Places for children to play and adults to discover. Places to learn and places to reflect. I think everyone will find something in this space to connect with." The finished renovation of the Hickory Flat Public Library building, originally built in 1993, includes an addition of 7,800 square feet to the building. The building was designed by CAS Architecture and built by Hollandsworth Construction. With an expanded and renovated library facility, the Sequoyah Regional Library System community will have more space for books and technology; larger areas for programs, meetings, collaboration, and creation; and additional seating for study and quiet reading. "We are incredibly excited to feature our Third Space, a place where anyone can come and get work done, relax, or have a quick meeting,” says Cortellino. “This space is meant to reflect a variety of needs, for everyone." Hickory Flat Public Library Full Service Hours: Monday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM To view the library system’s full programming schedule and register for events, visit https://bit.ly/Calendar-SRLS. Please continue to visit our website, SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org, for updates and announcements about the project, as well as up-to-date service hours for the Hickory Flat Public Library. Hickory Flat Public Library on Schedule to be Completed in Late Summer 5/1/2024 Sequoyah Regional Library System has announced that construction of the Hickory Flat Public Library Renovation and Expansion project, which broke ground in January of 2023, is currently scheduled to be completed in late July of 2024. The majority of construction on the building has been completed. The next phase of the project consists of shelving installation, furniture installation, collection reshelving, equipment and technology installation, as well as staff placement and training. This phase is expected to take up to 12 weeks to complete. Updates to the design of the Hickory Flat Public Library include three conference rooms, a larger community room with updated technology, an outdoor courtyard with an exciting play design for children, and a unique roof with elevated roof stacks. “Our architect got creative, working within the confines of the existing roof line and revolving roof conditions, without adding additional unnecessary cost to the budget,” says Angela Cortellino, Executive Director of SRLS. “The entire building was painted to update the appearance and match the overall aesthetic of the renovated space, which includes existing exterior brick.” The design also reflects a building meant for community use. “In addition to the conference rooms and Community Spaces , this design features a space we are calling ‘the third space.’ It is a space someone can work in, meet others in, or just casually gather,” added Cortellino. The third space design at the Hickory Flat Library features multiple access points to power, flexible furniture, unique seating, and even access to a kitchenette. “We want the community to feel like this is where they can come and spend time, and accomplish what is important to them.” With an expanded and renovated library facility, the community will have more space for books and technology; larger areas for programs, meetings, collaboration, and creation; and additional seating for study and quiet reading. The project includes a renovation of the Hickory Flat Public Library building, originally built in 1993. The library’s original 10,000 sq. ft. will be expanded and 7,800 sq. ft. will be added. Designed by CAS Architecture, the Hickory Flat Library Renovation and Expansion construction is being completed by Hollandsworth Construction. Please continue to visit SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org/hickory-flat-project for updates and announcements about this project.

City of Jasper Mayor Kirk D. Raffield visited the Pickens County Library on August 24 as part of the Mayor’s Reading Club initiative. SRLS News Mayor’s Reading Club Comes To Pickens County Library September 5, 2024 City of Jasper Mayor Kirk D. Raffield visited the Pickens County Library on August 24 as part of the Mayor’s Reading Club initiative. Mayor Raffield along with City of Jasper Fire Chief John Sherrer read storybooks aloud to community members in attendance. “Reading is critical to a child’s development and as Mayor I’m dedicated to advocating for literacy,” says Mayor Rafield. “The recent event was full of laughter and smiles. Jasper Fire Chief Sherrer read to the kids and then we had time outside with fire trucks and police cars.” The event took place in the Pickens County Library Flex Room, then continued outdoors where community members could interact with fire trucks and police cars. “This event was a success thanks to our partnership with the Pickens County library,” continues Mayor Raffield. “I look forward to additional Mayor’s reading club programs being held at the library. Thanks to the amazing library staff for your help and dedication to our community.” Launched in 2022, the goal of the Mayor’s Reading Club is to improve literacy skills and success with early reading in children and youth in Georgia cities. The program is a part of Georgia City Solutions, a Georgia Municipal Association nonprofit. To learn more about offerings and upcoming events with Sequoyah Regional Library System, please visit our website: SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org .