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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.

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.

Did you know that you can access digital magazines at no cost with your library card? With digital magazines, community members can access the latest and most popular titles at home or on the go!   Sequoyah Regional Library System patrons are able to browse and read a variety of magazines on the Libby app or a web browser. Titles are always available and don’t count against the library’s borrowing limit. Several titles provide access to past issues; those that do will have an “All Issues” or a “Select Another Issue” option.    From crafting to cooking, entertainment to celebrity, sports to health, and many more, the range of topics covered are seemingly endless! There are magazines for all ages to explore. To get started with your search, check out these staff picks:   Inside Your Cat’s Mind: The Secret Language of Cats (Home & Garden) KPop Demon Hunters - The Ultimate Fan Guide (Movies, TV & Music) The Simple Things (Crafts) The Ultimate Guide to Minecraft - New Updates Revealed! (Tech & Gaming)   Visit our E-Library for more digital library services available with your SRLS library card: SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org/elibrary   Download the Libby app here: bit.ly/SRLS-Libby     For assistance with reading magazines on Libby: https://help.libbyapp.com/en-us/categories/reading-magazines.htm .

It's March once again. The sun is shining and leaves are returning to the trees. You decide to spend the morning outside with a good book, but March brings more than warmth and color. It brings wind. Gale force gusts blow your pages askew and make you lose your place. You're losing a war against a force of nature, and your book is caught in the crossfire. You need an alternative way to meet your literary needs, but how can you still support your local library?   Introducing: The Palace Project!   The Palace Project is a digital library aiming to expand access to digital content. Available on both Android and iOS devices, the Palace Project offers an impressive range of materials, including current best-sellers and professionally-narrated audiobooks. These materials can be accessed with just a few taps on your phone or tablet and can even be downloaded for offline reading and listening.   The Sequoyah Regional Library System is dedicated to making learning and exploration more accessible, and the Palace Project allows us to do just that through digital books and downloadable audiobooks. Download the Palace Project from your device's app store and access the app with your SRLS library card number and PIN.   Visit the Palace Project here: thepalaceproject.org ​ Learn more about the SRLS E-Library here: SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org/elibrary

Suit up for SequoyahCon: Superheroes at R.T. Jones Memorial Library on March 14th with marvelous stories of dynamic do-gooders at the library! Check out the following recommendations from SRLS staff members and discover worlds where soaring through the sky isn’t just a fantasy. Learn more about SequoyahCon, our no-cost convention celebrating fandom and fun, on our website: SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org/con For Kids Good Morning, Superman by Michael Dahl & Omar Lozano Follow along as this aspiring superhero completes his morning routine in an incredibly super way, including leaping from tall buildings (his bed) to facing his greatest weakness (kryptonite-colored toothpaste). Perfect For: Early Readers, at Home Storytimes Even Superheroes Make Mistakes by Shelly Becker What do superheroes do when they make mistakes? Read along as this group of heroes learn about the importance of accountability, friendship, and forgiveness. Perfect For: Elementary Readers Miles Morales: Shock Waves by Justin A. Reynolds & Pablo Leon Miles Morales is truly super: when he’s not studying in school, he’s swinging through the streets of Brooklyn, helping his community, and investigating the disappearance of a classmate’s father.  Perfect For: Older Elementary / Early Middle School Readers For Teens Jungle Juice, Vol. 1 by Eun Hyeong Popular student Suchan Jang has a secret: underneath his cool clothes hides a pair of dragonfly wings! When he has to expose his wings to save his crush, Suchan falls to the bottom of the popularity food chain. When he’s introduced to a hidden society of fellow human-insect hybrids, Suchan decides to make a new start for himself.  Perfect For: Older Middle School Readers Faith: Taking Flight by Julie Murphy Faith Herbert is a typical high school student- she loves spending time with her friends, volunteering at the animal shelter, and obsessing over her favorite TV show. Life begins to get complicated for Faith as her favorite show begins filming in her hometown, supposed criminal activity takes place in her school, and she discovers that she has the ability to fly. Perfect For: High School Readers Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Vol. 1 by Naoko Takeuchi Usagi has never been the most athletic teenager. When she meets a magical talking cat and becomes Sailor Moon, she learns that true strength comes from the heart.  Perfect For: High School Readers For Adults All-Star Superman by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely An exciting re-imagining of Superman lore, longtime fans and newcomers alike will enjoy this Superman tale of unlikely twins, new characters, and a final face-off with Lex Luthor. Perfect For: Comic Book Fans Watchmen By Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons In this alternate 1980s American timeline, the Cold War rages on and super heroes have been outlawed. When a group of heroes come together again to mourn a fallen friend, they discover a larger plot to spread chaos throughout the world. Perfect For: Graphic Novel Fans Mary Tyler MooreHawk By Dave Baker Part mystery, part graphic novel, 100% captivating. Discover who Mary Tyler MooreHawk is, how she saved the world, and who exactly created the Mary Tyler MooreHawk comic. Perfect For: Mystery Fans Want more book recommendations from SRLS staff members? Fill out our What to Read Next form for personalized book recommendations tailored to your tastes: bit.ly/SRLS-WhatToReadNext

Get excited for SequoyahCon: Under the Sea at Woodstock Public Library on March 14 with wonderful ocean-themed books at the library! Check out the following recommendations from SRLS staff members and discover something new about the great big blue. Learn more about SequoyahCon, our no-cost convention celebrating fandom and fun, on our website: SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org/con   For Kids How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long & David Shannon Follow along with Jeremy Jacob as he learns all there is to know about being a pirate- from buried treasure to sea shanties.    Perfect For: Early Elementary Readers Turtle Walk by Matt Phelan Go on a walk through all four seasons with this charming turtle family! Perfect For: Early Readers, at Home Storytimes Manatee's Best Friend by Sylvia Liu Learn more about manatees, ocean wildlife, and what makes a great friend as Becca Wong fights to protect the wildlife in her backyard. Perfect For: Older Elementary / Early Middle School Readers For Teens The Black Pearl by Scott O’Dell When Ramon Salazar finds a black pearl in the depths of the Vermilion Sea, his father is sure it’s the legendary Pearl of Heaven. When a terrible tragedy strikes Ramon’s village, he worries there may be a price to pay for a treasure so great.   Perfect For: Older Middle School Readers, Mystery Fans One Piece Volume 1 by Eiichirō Oda ​Monkey D. Luffy dreams of becoming King of the Pirates. Tag along as he and his crew set sail to find the greatest treasure in the world: the legendary “One Piece.”   Perfect For: High School Readers, Manga & Anime Fans Part of Your World  by Liz Braswel Have you ever wondered what would have happened if Ariel hadn’t defeated Ursula and saved her kingdom? Taking place 5 years after Ursula’s victory, Ariel, now the voiceless queen of Atlantica, must fight for her stolen happily ever after.   Perfect For: High School Readers, Disney Fans For Adults Sing Like Fish: How Sound Rules Life Under Water by Amorina Kingdon While it may be imperceivable to human ears, the ocean is filled with sounds of life. ​ Award-winning science journalist Amorina Kingdon discusses the latest scientific discoveries surrounding the vital role that sound plays in oceanic life.   Perfect For: Nonfiction Readers, Science Fans Moby Dick by Herman Melville Read the classic tale of obsession and vengeance at sea as Captain Ahab commands his crew to join his hunt for the elusive white whale- Moby Dick.   Perfect For: Classic Literature Readers, Fans of American Literature Summer Island by Kristin Hannah Ruby, a struggling comedian, resents her mother for abandoning her and her sisters when she divorced their father. Even worse, her mother has since become a famous radio talk-show host known for her moral advice. When her mother is injured in an accident, Ruby is offered a fortune to write a tell-all about a scandalous secret of her mother’s. Will Ruby reveal her secret, or will she learn to forgive her mother as she cares for her?     Perfect For: Contemporary Fiction Readers, Fans of Character Growth Stories Want more book recommendations from SRLS staff members? Fill out our What to Read Next form for personalized book recommendations tailored to your tastes: bit.ly/SRLS-WhatToReadNext

Sequoyah Regional Library System is excited to announce two new additions to our Library Of Things: Craftsman Tool Kits & Franklin Sensors Stud Finders! With these new items available for check out, patrons can complete projects and work on maintenance around the home without spending extra on tools.    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. View all of our items available for check out from Library of Things on our website: SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org/library-of-things

Local artist Katie May recently donated her time and talents to paint a mural on Hickory Flat Public Library’s retaining wall. Featuring colorful books and vibrant plants, Katie May says the inspiration for the color palette came directly from the library’s interior colors.    “The color scheme is exactly mirrored from the indoor space of this library,” says Katie. “I really wanted to reflect the same sort of modern, clean-line feel.”   The mural was completed over the summer and was inspired by Katie May’s love for reading and desire to give back to the library in her community. The mural also features a few hidden personal touches, such as a blue ribbon honoring a friend of the artist’s who passed and a heart at the request of her youngest daughter.    “It is wonderful to see the library reflected in a creative way outside of our four walls,” says Angela Cortellino, Executive Director of Sequoyah Regional Library System. “We really appreciate the time and talent of Katie and are so glad she was willing to share this with the community.”   Hickory Flat Public Library is one of seven library locations for Sequoyah Regional Library System. To learn more about SRLS and see a full list of locations, please visit our website: SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org .

Sequoyah Regional Library System is excited to announce a new partnership with the Funk Heritage Center offering an Experience Pass to their museum. Including free admission for up to four guests, the new Experience Pass gives visitors the opportunity to learn more about the lives and history of early Appalachians and those who lived in north Georgia throughout the centuries.   The Funk Heritage Center is a certified National Park Service Trail of Tears Interpretive Site. Visitors can explore their numerous informative exhibits that will immerse them in narratives reaching far into the region’s ancient past. More information about the Funk Heritage Center can be found on their website: FunkHeritageCenter.org   Visit our website to learn more about Experience Passes at SRLS and how community members can sign up for a library card. Anyone who lives or owns property in Cherokee, Pickens, or Gilmer counties is able to sign up for a free SRLS library card.

Pictured (L to R): Katie Bowling, Business Development Officer, Coosa Valley Credit Union; Neil Blackman, Principal, Corblu Ecology Group, LLC, and 2025 Chamber Board Chair; Angela Cortellino, Executive Director, Sequoyah Regional Library System. The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Support Our Schools Committee, in partnership with Coosa Valley Credit Union, is recognizing retiring educators from the Cherokee County School District by donating funds to the Sequoyah Regional Library System. The funds will be used to purchase books for the library branches located in Cherokee County. The books will include a label recognizing all faculty, staff, and administrators who retired during the 2024-2025 school year. Each retiree will receive notification that a book is being donated in their honor.

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.

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!