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About the history of Sequoyah Regional Library System About Your Library History of SRLS In September of 1922, the Canton Woman’s Club put forth the initial plans for a public library in Canton, and in 1923, the club gave a collection of books which established Canton’s first public library. The collection was housed in rent-free space behind Higgins Jewelry Store on Main Street and presided over by the late Miss Malinda Roberts who volunteered to keep it open two days a week. In 1957, the R.T. Jones Foundation bought the old McAfee home on Main Street to house the library, also providing the $25,000 needed to remodel the home for library use. At this time, the library became qualified for State aid which enabled the library to expand its collection. The State also loaned the library a bookmobile in 1957 until the library purchased its own in 1958. In 1932, Pickens County Library had its beginnings when a group of 4-H girls and Home Demonstration Clubs expressed a desire for something to read. Henrietta White Darnell, a Home Demonstration agent, borrowed fifty books at a time from the Georgia State Library Commission and checked them out to her club members. While the present Pickens County courthouse was under construction, the library was housed in the Pickens County High School (now Jasper Middle) until 1949, when the library was given a room in the basement of the newly constructed courthouse. Charter members of the Pickens County Library Board of Trustees were Ruth Adams, Marjorie Floyd Butchart, and Henrietta Darnell. In 1958, the Pickens County Library became affiliated with R.T. Jones Library, creating the Cherokee-Pickens Regional Library. Gilmer County Library was founded in the summer of 1940 as a room inside the Gilmer County Courthouse. Started as a federal W.P.A. project, the library also had local support from J & C Bedspread Company, the City of Ellijay, and the Ellijay Women’s Club. Charter members of the Gilmer County Library Board of Trustees were Mrs. E.T. Hudson, Chairman; Mrs. R.W. Smith, Co-Chairman; Mayor Willard Holden; L.N. Foster, School Superintendent; C.F. Owen, Editor; and Mrs. Joe McCutchen, J & C Bedspread Company representative. The Gilmer County Board of Education and the Library Board of Trustees began to share responsibility and expenses, and during the summer of 1956 the library moved into a building located behind the old Ellijay Elementary School gymnasium and which also housed the old cannery (across from the present location of the First United Methodist Church). This location continued to serve as both a public and elementary school library until the current library building was constructed in 1977, and the two collections were separated. In 1957, a committee was appointed to contact Pickens and Cherokee counties with the idea of joining their regional library, with their report returning favorable if finances could be achieved. At that time, Gilmer County library was funded by a combination of State and County matching funds based on the number of students, money from the State Library Commission, and miscellaneous local donations. In 1959, plans were formalized to join the regional system with the Cherokee and Pickens counties. Commissioner Harold Hefner and Superintendent Everett Weeks agreed to increase their offices’ contributions, making it possible for Gilmer County Library to join the regional library. On July 1, 1961 the Cherokee-Pickens-Gilmer Regional Library was renamed as the Sequoyah Regional Library System. In the late 1980s, the 8,000 square foot R.T. Jones Library at 400 East Main Street was no longer sufficient for the growing population. Chairman of the Board of Trustees W.W. Denney began the search for a site to house a larger facility, and on July 20, 1989 a transaction was completed that would provide three acres for a new 30,000 square foot building. Cherokee County purchased the building on Main Street, making the site on Highway 20 near I-575 available. Groundbreaking was held March 8, 1990, and on May 1, 1991 the building opened to the public. Dedication of the R.T. Jones Memorial Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway, was held June 12, 1991 with Chairman Denney giving a warm welcome and Senator Bill Hasty introducing the speaker, Lt. Governor Pierre Howard. In 1964, the Woodstock Public Library was established and as the community’s population grew, additional library space was needed to keep pace with growth. In Cherokee County, three new libraries were added as a response to the exponential growth that was taking place in the 1980s and 1990s: Rose Creek Public Library in 1991, Hickory Flat Public Library in 1993, and Ball Ground Public Library in 1997. In 1996, the Sequoyah Regional Library System signed a contract with the Cherokee County Law Library Board to administer the Law Library located in the Justice Center. More than 100 years after the beginning of R.T. Jones Library in Canton, Sequoyah Regional Library System strives to continue offering new resources, programs, and spaces to keep pace with the community’s need for more services. Pickens County Library, D.B Carrol Street location, 1980-1994 Gilmer County Library, Dalton Street Location, 1977-2007

Calendar of Events at the Sequoyah Regional Library System SRLS Events

The Sequoyah Regional Library System Success Measures Success Measures TITLE 1000+ TITLE 1000+ TITLE 1000+ TITLE 1000+ Events & Programs Cardholders Visitors Total Check Outs 2023-2024 Annual Report 2022-2023 Annual Report 2021-2022 Annual Report 2020-2021 Annual Report 2019-2020 Annual Report

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

SRLS News Hickory Flat Public Library Update August 30, 2023 HF Construction Is on Schedule.pdf 20230804_103637-scaled.jpg 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. SRLS News Hickory Flat Public Library Update August 30, 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 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.

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

The Sequoyah Regional Library System's Outreach team represents the library at community events, hosts Pop-Up Libraries, and offers Shelf Direct Service to Cherokee, Pickens, and Gilmer counties to create awareness about the library, to educate the community about library services, and to bring in new users to SRLS with a focus on underserved communities. Outreach Services The Sequoyah Regional Library System's Outreach team represents the library at community events, hosts Pop-Up Libraries, and offers Shelf Direct Service to Cherokee, Pickens, and Gilmer counties to create awareness about the library, to educate the community about library services, and to bring in new users to SRLS with a focus on underserved communities. Get to know our Discovery Outreach Transport, DOT! Bringing SRLS services to you in style, DOT carries our Outreach Team to local community events for Pop-Up Libraries, Storytimes, and more. Sign up for a library card and check out a book on the go! To request an Outreach visit, visit our Contact Us Form and select “Outreach” from the topics dropdown. Request Outreach Request Shelf Direct Services Outreach FAQs Where does the library do outreach? SRLS outreach serves the community throughout Cherokee, Pickens, and Gilmer Counties. The library prioritizes events such as festivals, farmers markets, large scale school events, and events that are unique to SRLS communities. How can I request Outreach? Outreach can be requested by completing the online form . What is Shelf Direct Services? The Sequoyah Regional Library System can mail materials directly to your home if you are unable to visit the library. The Shelf-Direct Service offers you the convenience of receiving and returning materials in a postage-paid mail pouch What is a Pop-Up Library? Pop-Up Libraries are our way of bringing the library to you! Designed to be engaging and accessible for everyone, Pop-Up Libraries have library materials available for check out and includes activities such as arts and crafts, games, and programming for the community. We can be found in parks and community centers to schools and senior living facilities. If you see us out in the community, make sure to say hello, check out a book, and learn more about the library! Can I check out books with outreach? Books are available for check out at Pop-Up Library events which are posted on our event calendar . Can I get a library card at an outreach event? Yes. All outreach events provide an opportunity to get a library card and to register to vote. Please check here for eligibility requirements.

< 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

Join Our Team! Service Associate (PT) – Cherokee County About the Role This position is central to customer service, providing timely assistance to the public and responding to a variety of requests. This frontline position anticipates and meets the needs of users in the most visible way. Join Our Team! Service Associate (PT) – Cherokee County About the Role This position is central to customer service, providing timely assistance to the public and responding to a variety of requests. This frontline position anticipates and meets the needs of users in the most visible way. This position also aids in maintaining the materials collection. Fully supported by all of the other sectors and departments, they work to provide quality customer service to the library community. This position reports to the branch manager. Location: Multiple positions are available in various library locations in Cherokee County. Salary & Benefits: $11.22 per hour Schedule: Part-Time, 17 hours per week. Work schedule will vary and flexibility is required. Schedule will include a combination of day, evening and weekend hours. Responsibilities: Deliver quality customer service, greeting the public in a welcoming, professional manner. Assist at the service desk and provide staff support as needed. Use of library automation system and implementing circulation procedures. Understand and perform circulation operations for all library materials. Understand and perform procedures for shelving, shifting and shelf reading. Assist the public in locating, selecting, and using resources. Proactively interact with the public to ascertain what they need and ensure they find it. Ensure proper order of books, and neat orderly appearance of public areas. Enter data in library automation system or other software, maintaining confidential records and circulation databases. Handle financial transactions, count money and make change accurately. Qualifications: Requires High School Diploma or equivalent. 1 year job related experience; preferably working with the public in a customer service or retail field. Bilingual ability is a plus in serving a diverse community. Skills & Abilities: Basic computer skills including the ability to type, operate a computer and navigate the internet. Ability to perform basic math; understand and follow written and oral instructions. Ability to work with others in a variety of circumstances; to deal tactfully with staff and the public; to communicate effectively with supervisor, staff and the public. Ability to understand and perform library procedures. Physical Requirements: Must be able to stand and/or sit for prolonged periods of time; lift boxes and crates of no more than 30 lbs.; move and manipulate inventory; frequent stooping, kneeling and crouching. Apply Here

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 .

The Sequoyah Regional Library System in partnership with the Master Gardeners in Cherokee & Gilmer Counties offer seed libraries. Seed Libraries The Sequoyah Regional Library System in partnership with the Master Gardeners in Cherokee & Gilmer Counties offer seed libraries. Seed libraries are at the following locations: Rose Creek Public Library Hickory Flat Library Ball Ground Public Library Gilmer County Library Woodstock Public Library The seed libraries are free to the public and allows borrowers to “check out” vegetable, herb and flower seeds. When seeds are checked out from the seed library, a form is completed. The seed libraries were started in order to encourage the community’s interest in home gardening. Seed saving is a tradition that allows for the selection and perpetuation of plants that have a particular value to a gardener. Saving the seeds of favorite plants for further use contributes to the biodiversity of local communities and connects family generations.

2024 Latest SRLS News Holiday Open Houses Wrapped Latest SRLS News Holiday Open Houses Wrapped December 30, 2024 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!