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This Winter Literacy, our libraries have been filled with laughter, joy, and cheer as we welcomed the community to our Holiday Open Houses. This festive tradition has allowed us to celebrate the holiday season with new friends, long-time friends, and special guests from the North Pole. We are incredibly grateful to all those who helped us make this holiday season one of our best yet. Across our seven locations, we celebrated with over 1,300 community members. Our Holiday Open Houses included performances from Oak Grove Elementary School, Etowah High School, Hickory Flat Elementary School, Ellijay Elementary School, Mountain View Elementary School, harpist Cathy Dobson and her piano students, Flutist Melissa Little, pianist and Gilmer County Branch Manager Alex Thomerson, and the Woodstock Ukulele Players. Multiple local organizations added to the holiday cheer as well, including the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Southeast Outdoor Solutions, and the CCWSA. Our Friends of the Library organizations across all three counties assisted in serving refreshments, helping with crafts, and greeting visitors. For more information on upcoming holiday and winter events, please visit our calendar: sequoyahregionallibrary.org/events Happy Holidays from 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!

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 .

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

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.

Originally Posted July 26, 2024 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 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.

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.

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.

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 early 2024.“The next steps include framing, exterior walls, and windows,” says Angela Cortellino, Executive Director of SRLS. “With the work that has been completed in the past few weeks, the building is really starting to take shape.”A majority of the site work has been completed, including utility lines and new building pads that will extend the square footage of the building for expanded youth, programming, and teen spaces. 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. Designed by CAS Architecture, the Hickory Flat Library Renovation and Expansion construction is being completed by Hollandsworth Construction.

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.”

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 .