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Sequoyah Regional Library System Receives 2025 Agricultural Book of the Year Donation SRLS News Sequoyah Regional Library System Receives 2025 Agricultural Book of the Year Donation March 21, 2025 The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture, Georgia Farm Bureau and Georgia Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) are jointly promoting agricultural literacy by donating copies of the children’s book “The Soil in Jackie’s Garden” to Sequoyah Regional Library System. The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) and Georgia EMC have given each county Farm Bureau in Georgia enough books for every public library in the county. The Cherokee County Farm Bureau, Pickens County Farm Bureau, and Gilmer County Farm Bureau each delivered a copy of the book to Sequoyah Regional Library System. Denise Forward, Program Coordinator for Cherokee County Farm Bureau, presented the book to Kersting Shaw, R.T. Jones Memorial Library Assistant Branch Manager. Rachel Hoffbauer, Pickens County Farm Bureau Office Manager, and Kadie Shaw, Public Relations of Amicalola EMC, presented the book to Katie Dobson, Pickens County Library Branch Manager. Candra Frady, Gilmer County Farm Bureau Office Manager, presented the book to Alex Thomerson, Gilmer County Library Branch Manager. “The Soil in Jackie’s Garden,” written by Peggy Thomas and illustrated by Neely Daggett, follows Jackie and her garden friends as they discover the wonders of gardening, soil secrets and the magic of composting. They embrace the joys of planting a garden, nurturing and harvesting their own food, and recycling scraps to compost, ensuring that the “magical cycle of growth and sustainability continues anew.” The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture selected the book as its 2025 Book of the Year for its accurate and positive portrayal of agriculture. The GFA began donating accurate books about agriculture to each public library in Georgia in 2016. Georgia EMC joined the foundation as a sponsor of this endeavor in 2018.

Strategic Plan Goal 1: Increase our outreach efforts to link the library and the community it serves, by forming strong connections with organizations and increasing visibility at local activities Strategic Plan 2022-2026 Goal 1: Increase our outreach efforts to link the library and the community it serves, by forming strong connections with organizations and increasing visibility at local activities. Strategies: Establish the position of an Outreach Manager. Identify opportunities for exposure of library resources and services through outreach activities. Increase off-site programming. Maximize and increase outreach tools. Goal 2: Reach community members who do not use the library and increase library card holders in our service population. Strategies: Increase external marketing efforts, identifying new ways to reach non-card holders. Identify services which appeal to non-card holders. Increase library card holders to 40% of our service population. Goal 3: Establish the library as a community gathering place for all community members. Strategies: Invite entities to join us in our spaces through programming and partnership. Streamline the process for outside entities to utilize library space. Create library spaces that invite and encourage collaboration and gathering. Goal 4: Leverage library stories. Strategies: Refine patron library story feedback process to provide more useful information that can be used in marketing. Highlight user stories to stakeholders and the community in creative and impactful ways. Work with public-facing staff to evaluate strategies to gather impactful patron stories. Goal 5: Align the Library’s efforts with the ongoing growth and progress of our community. Strategies: Develop tools to gather feedback from the community. Work with professionals to identify growth and potential. Establish a personnel plan that supports the dynamic community growth. Establish a long term plan, forecasting at least 10 years. Goal 6: Foster active and open communications with local leaders. Strategies: Improve relationships with local funding agencies. Maintain an awareness of city and county efforts and programs through establishing regular communication. Actively look to identify ways in which the Library could play a role in promoting or facilitating city and county efforts and programs. Invite local officials to library events and programming.

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!

The Pickens County Library 100 Library Lane Jasper, GA 30143 Pickens County Library Address 100 Library Lane Jasper, GA 30143 Contact 706-692-5411 Manager: Katie Dobson Opening Hours Monday 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM VIEW BRANCH VIRTUAL TOUR COMMUNITY SPACES UPCOMING EVENTS Wednesday 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Sequoyah Regional Library Georgia Cyber Academy High Georgia Cyber Academy: High School From the Library The Library of Things is a collection of non-traditional library items that complement the Sequoyah Regional Library System ’s mission to connect people with ideas and opportunities to explore, learn and create. The purpose of the Library of Things is to provide diverse opportunities for learning and engagement. Click here to learn more Internet Access Access the internet inside the library or from the parking lot. Parking lot internet access is available 24 hours a day. Click here to learn more Public Computers and Printing Using your student ID, you have access to desktop computers and tablets. Printing is also available. Click here to learn more Seed Libraries Browse our seed libraries at Woodstock Public Library, Rose Creek Public Library, R.T. Jones Memory Library, Ball Ground Public Library, and Gilmer County Library. Our seed libraries are made possible by our partnership with the Cherokee Master Gardeners and Gilmer Master Gardeners. Click here to learn more From Home or School 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. GALILEO Overdr ive/Libby Overdrive/Libby lets you browse popular eAudiobooks, eBooks, and digital magazines available for users to download via the Libby app. Overdrive/Libby 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. The Palace Project LearningExpress Library Learning Express 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. LearningExpress Library Mango Mango Languages lets you access language-learning resources to help you learn 70+ languages online and on-the-go. Mango

Sequoyah Regional Library Digitizing Equipment: Gilmer County Library (made possible in part by a grant awarded by Faith Hope and Charity) Rose Creek Public Library (made possible in part by a grant awarded by Cobb EMC) Digitizing Equipment The following branches offer free use of digitizing equipment: Gilmer County Library (made possible in part by a grant awarded by Faith Hope and Charity) Rose Creek Public Library (made possible in part by a grant awarded by Cobb EMC) Guidelines for Use: A library account in good standing is required to use digitizing equipment. Accepted formats include images of any size up to 12”x17” (including drawings, maps, or large books), standard photographic slides, negative films, DVD/VHS recordings, cassettes, and CDs/DVDs (Rose Creek Public Library ONLY). Users should be 18 years of age or older to use the digitizing equipment and must have a valid SRLS library card. Completion of the Digitizing Equipment Request Form by a parent/guardian is required for users under 18 years old. Appointments can be scheduled for a maximum of 3 hours. If equipment is not reserved by another user, a maximum of 2 appointments can be scheduled per day. Users who schedule appointments are responsible for any misuse or damage to library equipment. If equipment is damaged beyond repair, users will be charged full replacement cost as assessed by SRLS. Food and drink are not permitted when using the equipment. User agrees that the library will be held harmless and is not liable for any damage or injury to user or user’s personal property as a result of using the library digitizing equipment. Items with excessive damage, including but not limited to mold or mildew, are ineligible for digitizing. Library staff will inspect items for damage. Library staff can provide assistance on using equipment but may be unavailable to offer extensive help during appointments. Please note, appointments are not scheduled until confirmed by library staff. At the first appointment, staff will provide a brief overview of the equipment. For any questions about this new service, please contact Gilmer County Library at 706-635-4528 or Rose Creek Library at 770-591-1491. Digitizing Equipment Request Form

SRLS News Hickory Flat Public Library Renovation Update SRLS News Hickory Flat Public Library Update Feb 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 summer/early fall of 2024. Weather concerns and material delays with steel have prevented progress on the metal roof of the building. These delays have added a few more months to wait for completion. “We have had a few delays,” shares Angela Cortellino, Executive Director of SRLS. “We are looking at just a few extra months before we will be able to open this fantastic facility. I know once we open our doors, everyone will be excited and ready to celebrate with us.” Once construction is complete, there will be several weeks installing shelving, furniture, and technology, as well as moving in the collection. Designed by CAS Architecture, the Hickory Flat Library Renovation and Expansion construction is being completed by Hollandsworth Construction. The finished renovation will include an addition of 7,800 square feet to the building. With an expanded and renovated library facility, the SRLS 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 Hickory Flat Public Library building will be closed to the public for the entirety of the construction. During the construction, community members can still access SRLS programs and services by visiting any of the neighboring libraries in Cherokee, Pickens, and Gilmer counties.

Pickens Elementary EZ Student Access Sequoyah Regional Library System has entered into an agreement with the Pickens County School District to extend borrowing privileges to all students in Pickens County Schools. Pickens County: Elementary School From the Library 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. ABC Mouse The Library of Things is a collection of non-traditional library items that complement the Sequoyah Regional Library System ’s mission to connect people with ideas and opportunities to explore, learn and create. The purpose of the Library of Things is to provide diverse opportunities for learning and engagement. Click here to learn more Internet Access Access the internet inside the library or from the parking lot. Parking lot internet access is available 24 hours a day. Click here to learn more Public Computers and Printing Using your student ID, you have access to desktop computers and tablets. Printing is also available. Click here to learn more Seed Libraries Browse our seed libraries at Woodstock Public Library, Rose Creek Public Library, R.T. Jones Memory Library, Ball Ground Public Library, and Gilmer County Library. Our seed libraries are made possible by our partnership with the Cherokee Master Gardeners and Gilmer Master Gardeners. Click here to learn more From Home or School 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. GALILEO Overdr ive/Libby Overdrive/Libby lets you browse popular eAudiobooks, eBooks, and digital magazines available for users to download via the Libby app. Overdrive/Libby 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. The Palace Project Explora Elementary Explora for Elementary is EBSCO’s interface designed for elementary students. Students can browse topics of interest or search for a topic of their choice. Search results can be limited to source type (e.g., magazines, news, biographies, etc.) or by Lexile range. Explora Elemetary

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Now Available for checkout. Looking for a new hobby to explore in the new year? Check out one of our new Disc Golf Sets from our Library of Things! Latest SRLS News Now Available: Disc Golf Sets! January 13, 2025 Looking for a new hobby to explore in the new year? Check out one of our new Disc Golf Sets from our Library of Things! Available for check out at all SRLS locations, Disc Golf sets include: a putter disc, a midrange disc, a driver disc, and a bag for carrying them. Each disc golf set also includes a brochure with more information regarding how and where to play. The Library of Things is a collection of non-traditional library items that complement the Sequoyah Regional Library System’s mission to connect people with ideas and opportunities to explore, learn and create. The purpose of the Library of Things is to provide diverse opportunities for learning and engagement. Visit our Library of Things page to learn more about our Disc Golf sets and other items available for check out!

Hickory Flat Public Library on Schedule to Be Completed in Late Summer SRLS News Hickory Flat Public Library on Schedule to Be Completed in Late Summer May 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 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.

The Pickens County Library has received a donation of four “Books of the Month” from the Pickens County Farm Bureau. SRLS News Pickens County Library Receives Book Donation from Pickens County Farm Bureau August 15, 2024 The Pickens County Library has received a donation of four “Books of the Month” from the Pickens County Farm Bureau. Donated books include “The Garden Next Door” by Collin Pine, “Lucy Meets a Logger” by Stephanie Fuller, and “Jayden’s Impossible Garden” and “Jayden’s Secret Ingredient” by Mélina Mangal. Pictured is Rachel Hoffbauer, Office Manager of Pickens County Farm Bureau, presenting four of the Georgia Farm Bureau's "Books of the Month" to Katie Dobson, Pickens County Library Branch Manager, and Suzanne Helton, Pickens County Library Youth Services Specialist.