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< Back Hickory Flat Public Library on Schedule to Be Completed in Late Summer 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 space 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 space, 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. Previous Next

< Back Hickory Flat Public Library Update Nov 1, 2023 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. We are excited to share some of the bright and welcoming colors the community will see in the space. Once construction is complete, there will be several weeks installing shelving, furniture, technology, and the collection. Designed by CAS Architecture, the Hickory Flat Library Renovation and Expansion construction is being completed by Hollandsworth Construction. Previous Next

< Back Sequoyah Regional Library System Receives Great Stories Grant Jul 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 . Previous Next

< Back Georgia Department of Human Services Kiosks Now Available at Select SRLS Locations Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) kiosks are now available for community use at R.T. Jones Memorial Library, Pickens County Library, and Gilmer County Library. DHS kiosks provide a convenient way for community members to access the Georgia Gateway portal to renew, change, and review their benefits including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS), Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Support for this program is provided through Food and Nutrition Service grant funds administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Georgia Department of Human Services. Previous Next

< Back Mayor’s Reading Club Comes To Pickens County Library 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 . Previous Next

< Back Sequoyah Regional Library System Receives $1,000 Donation from the Retired Educator Recognition Initiative The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, in partnership with Enjoy Cherokee Magazine and WLJA 101.1 FM, has donated $1,000 to Sequoyah Regional Library System in recognition of retiring educators from the Cherokee County School District. The donation will be used to purchase materials for the library locations in Cherokee county. Previous Next

< Back Discover Sequoyah Regional Library System this National Library Card Sign-Up Month Discover Sequoyah Regional Library System this National Library Card Sign-Up Month This September, discover Sequoyah Regional Library System as we celebrate National Library Card Sign-Up month. We join libraries throughout Georgia, and the country, to encourage our community to discover the valuable resources available with a free public library card. From physical, digital, and audiobooks to puzzles, ukuleles, and sewing machines available for checkout, there’s so much you can discover with a SRLS library card. To celebrate National Library Card Sign-Up Month 2024, Sequoyah Regional Library System has teamed up with multiple local businesses across Cherokee, Pickens, and Gilmer counties to provide new Discovery Passports to community members who sign up for or renew their library card during the month of September. Discovery Passports will include information about SRLS library cards as well as discounts to local businesses through October 31. “At Sequoyah Regional Library System, a library card offers incredible value,” shared Executive Director, Angela Cortellino. “We are continually evaluating the services we offer to be sure we offer the best for our community. A library card means access to technology, entertainment, lifelong learning, and a lot of fun.” Participating organizations include Pie Bar in Woodstock, Nothing Bundt Cakes in Woodstock, Sweetys in Canton, Red Bean Harvest in Jasper, Pappas Pizza House in Jasper, and Hemlock Bazaar in Ellijay. Existing SRLS cardholders can show their library card to front desk staff at any SRLS location to receive a Discovery Passport as well, while supplies last. Discovery Passports are limited to one per cardholder. Each discount can only be used once. During September, the library will host Library Card Sign-up activities such as Sequoyah Story Survey Stations, which provide community members the opportunity to share their positive library experiences for the chance to win one month of reserved study room access. Sequoyah Stories can also be submitted online by visiting www.SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org/Contact To sign up for a library card or to learn more about the library’s resources and programs, please visit www.SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org/Card Previous Next

< Back 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 Previous Next

< Back R. T. Jones Memorial Library Celebrates 100th Birthday Aug 14, 2023 The Sequoyah Regional Library System welcomes all members of the public to attend the 100th Birthday Celebration of the R. T. Jones Memorial Library on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 7:00pm. The celebration will include food, live music, and commemorative remarks from community leaders. “As we have prepared for the celebration, it has been amazing to look back and learn about the evolving role of our library in Canton over the past 100 years,” says Angela Cortellino, Executive Director of SRLS. “The R.T Jones Memorial library has been an integral part of the community and an important necessity. It is exciting to celebrate the past 100 years and begin the next 100 years of service.” Leading up to the 100th Birthday Gala on Saturday, September 9, R. T. Jones Memorial Library will begin celebrating the occasion on Thursday, September 7, by welcoming community members to visit the library and make birthday cards through September 9. On Friday, September 8, join History Cherokee at R. T. Jones Memorial Library for an educational look into the history of Cherokee County. Finally, on Saturday, September 9, R. T. Jones Memorial Library invites young patrons to a Birthday Bash at 10:30am, with games, food, and music before the final celebration that evening at 7:00pm. “I’ve enjoyed learning more about how the library began in Cherokee County and watching the changes unfold through the years through pictures,” says Lisa Fowler, Branch Manager of R. T. Jones Memorial Library. “From its humble beginnings supported by private book donations to becoming an important part of the community, the R.T. Jones Memorial Library has grown with the county.” Previous Next

< Back The Hickory Flat Public Library Grand Opening The Hickory Flat Public Library Grand Opening 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. Previous Next

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!

Georgia Department of Human Services Kiosks Now Available at Select SRLS Locations SRLS News Georgia Department of Human Services Kiosks Now Available at Select SRLS Locations May 15, 2024 Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) kiosks are now available for community use at R.T. Jones Memorial Library, Pickens County Library, and Gilmer County Library. DHS kiosks provide a convenient way for community members to access the Georgia Gateway portal to renew, change, and review their benefits including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS), Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Support for this program is provided through Food and Nutrition Service grant funds administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Georgia Department of Human Services.