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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!

The Sequoyah Regional Library System is governed by the Regional Library Board of Trustees, composed of nine members from the local county boards. Board of Trustees The Sequoyah Regional Library System is governed by the Regional Library Board of Trustees, composed of nine members from the local county boards. Appointments to the Regional Board includes five members from the Cherokee Board, two members from the Pickens Board and two members from the Gilmer Board. The Regional Board is responsible for overseeing the establishment, management, and maintenance of public libraries in the counties of Cherokee, Pickens and Gilmer. Contact the Board Sequoyah Regional Library System 116 Brown Industrial Pkwy Canton, GA 30114 770-479-3090 Contact Form Sequoyah Regional Library System Board This board meets in January, April, August, and October on the 4th Tuesday of the month. Sequoyah Regional Library Board of Trustees, Personnel Committee, Thursday, February 12, 2026, 4:00 PM at R.T. Jones Memorial Library Board Members Eric Rein -Chair , Cherokee County Mitchell Morgan -Vice Chair , Gilmer County Brad White-Secretary , Pickens County Joy Huddlestun , Cherokee County Carmen Slaughter, Cherokee County Rebecca Johnston , Cherokee County Hugh Beavers , Cherokee County Melissa Lowrie , Pickens County Jerry Johnson , Gilmer County Cherokee County Library Board This board meets in January, April, August, and October on the 2nd Thursday of the month. Cherokee County Library Board of Trustees, Budget and Finance Committee, Thursday, April 23, 2026, 3:00 PM at RT Jones Memorial Library Cherokee County Library Board of Trustees, Nominating Committee, Thursday, February 19, 2026, 4:30 PM at R.T. Jones Memorial Library Board Members Eric Rein-Chair , Cherokee County Carmen Slaughter-Vice Chair , City of Canton Dianna Gunter-Secretary , Cherokee County William O'Neill , City of Holly Springs Luis Flores , City of Woodstock Joy Huddlestun, City of Waleska Sarah Addison , Cherokee County Rebecca Johnston , Cherokee County Pam Carnes , Cherokee County Hugh Beavers , Cherokee County Stefanie Joyner , City of Ball Ground Pam Coppage , City of Nelson Pickens County Library Board This board meets in January, April, August, and October on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Pickens County Library Board of Trustees, Budget and Finance Committee, Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 3:30 PM at Pickens County Public Library Board Members Melanie Pullen-Chair , Pickens County Melissa Lowrie , Vice Chair , Pickens County Caitlan Raffield-Secretary , City of Jasper Christi Hobgood , City of Jasper Sandy Tatum-Pickens County Jim Kirk- Pickens County Janelle Childree , City of Talking Rock Kristie Moss , Pickens County Brad White , Pickens County Gilmer County Library Board This board meets in January, April, August, and October on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Gilmer County Library Board of Trustees, Budget and Finance Committee, Thursday, April 16, 2026, 2:00 PM at Gilmer County Public Library Board Members Jerry Johnson-Chair , Gilmer County Mitchell Morgan-Vice Chair , City of Ellijay Wendy Wells, Secretary , Board of Education Jody Henry , Gilmer County Veronica Kincaid , City of East Ellijay Ashley Ridley , City of East Ellijay Jennifer Painter , Board of Education Reece Sanford , City of Ellijay Anita Summers , Gilmer County BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE MEETING MINUTES

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. SRLS News Hickory Flat Public Library Update Nov 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 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.

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

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. Library of Things Why buy when you can borrow? 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. Abraham Lincoln Kit Abraham Lincoln Kit Assistive tool kit Assistive Tool Kit Wi-Fi HotSpot AWE Learning Tablet Blocks Rock BeeBot Robots Blocks Rock Blocks Rock Board Games Board Games Book Club Bag Book Club Bag Chime Bars Chime Bars Chromebook Chromebook Cubelets Cubelets Cubelets Disc Golf Set Early literacy kit : Alphabet Early Literacy Kit: Alphabet Early literacy kit : Counting Early Literacy Kit: Counting Early literacy kit : Letters Early Literacy Kit: Letters Energy Efficiency Kit Energy Efficiency Kit Musical Kit : Guiro Musical Kit: Guiro Kendama Kendama Launchpad Launchpad Little Bits Little Bits Makey Makey Makey Makey Math Flash Math Flash Musical Kit : Triangle Musical Kit: Triangle Musical Kit : Ukulele Musical Kit: Ukulele Observing pollinators Observing Pollinators Kit Parks discovery backpack Parks Discovery Backpack Picasso Tiles Picasso Tiles Puzzles Puzzles Q-Ba-Maze Q-Ba-Maze Wi-Fi HotSpot Radon Kits Wi-Fi HotSpot Raspberry Pi Starter Kits Sewing Machine Sewing Machine Snap-together blocks Snap-Together Blocks Spirograph® deluxe set Spirograph® Wi-Fi HotSpot Stud Finder Wi-Fi HotSpot Tool Set Wi-Fi HotSpot Wi-Fi HotSpot

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

Sequoyah Regional Library System offers meeting spaces in its branches where groups can gather for cultural, civic, intellectual, and informal educational purposes. Community Spaces Ball Ground Public Library Ball Ground Community Room Ball Ground Community Room Ball Ground Conference Room Ball Ground Community Room 1/4 Reserve Branch Manager: Soleil Voxamare Phone: 706-635-4528 435 Old Canton Road Ball Ground, GA 30107 Community Room Tables: 20 Media: Yes Chairs: 96 Screen: Yes Conference Room Conference Rooms: 2 Tables: 1 Media: Yes Seats: 4 Screen: Yes Gilmer County Library Gilmer Community Room Gilmer Community Room Gilmer Conference Room Gilmer Community Room 1/8 Reserve Branch Manager: Alex Thomerson Phone: 706-635-4528 268 Calvin Jackson Drive Ellijay, GA 30540 Community Room Tables: 15 Media: Yes Chairs: 91 Screen: Yes Basement Tables: 20 Media: Yes Chairs: 96 Screen: Yes Conference Room Conference Rooms: 4 Tables: 1 Media: Yes Seats: 4 Screen: Yes Hickory Flat Public Library Hickory Flat Community Room Hickory Flat Community Room Hickory Flat Small Conference Room Hickory Flat Community Room 1/4 Reserve Branch Manager: Lisa Fowler Phone: 770-345-7565 2740 East Cherokee Drive Canton, GA 30115 Community Room Tables: 27 Media: Yes Chairs: 54 Screen: Yes Large Conference Room Tables: 1 Media: Yes Chairs: 10 Screen: Yes Small Conference Room Small Conference Rooms: 3 Tables: 1 Media: Yes Seats: 4 Screen: Yes Pickens County Library Pickens Community Room Pickens Community Room Pickens Conference Room Pickens Community Room 1/5 Reserve Branch Manager: Katie Dobson Phone: 706-692-5411 100 Library Lane Jasper, GA 30143 Community Room Tables: 16 Media: Yes Chairs: 100 Screen: Yes Conference Room Conference Rooms: 6 Tables: 1 Media: Yes Seats: 2 - 4 Screen: Yes Rose Creek Public Library Rose Creek Community Room Rose Creek Community Room Rose Creek Conference Room Rose Creek Community Room 1/4 Reserve Branch Manager: Debby Gerl Phone: 770-591-1491 4476 Towne Lake Parkway Woodstock, GA 30189 Community Room Tables: 8 Media: Yes Chairs: 55 Screen: Yes Conference Room Conference Rooms: 2 Tables: 1 Media: Yes Seats: 2 Screen: Yes R.T. Jones Memorial Library R.T. Jones Community Room R.T. Jones Community Room R.T. Jones Conference Room R.T. Jones Community Room 1/7 Reserve Branch Manager: Laura Sheehan Phone: 770-479-3090 116 Brown Industrial Parkway Canton, GA 30114 Community Room Tables: 12 Media: Yes Chairs: 106 Screen: Yes Programming Room Tables: 8 Media: Yes Chairs: 61 Screen: Yes Conference Room Conference Rooms: 2 Tables: 1 Media: Yes Seats: 4 Screen: Yes Woodstock Public Library Woodstock Community Room Woodstock Community Room Woodstock Conference Room Woodstock Community Room 1/4 Reserve Branch Manager: Joey Dye Phone: 770-926-5859 7735 Main Street Woodstock, GA 30188 Community Room Tables: 9 Media: Yes Chairs: 110 Screen: Yes Conference Room Conference Rooms: 2 Tables: 1 Media: Yes Seats: 4 Screen: Yes

< Back UGA athletics coming to R.T. Jones Memorial Library Jul 5, 2023 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 . Previous Next

SRLS news Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Support Our Schools Committee Latest SRLS News The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Support Our Schools Committee May 7, 2025 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.

Sequoyah Regional Library System has entered into an agreement with the Cherokee County School District to extend borrowing privileges to all students in Cherokee County Schools. Pickens County: 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 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 .

Sequoyah Regional Library Resources for Teens: Libby, Beanstack, eRead Kids. Teens Resources For Teens Events for Teens Click Here To View Full Calendar Teen Volunteer Opportunities at the Library Are you a student who... is in 6th - 12th grade, or will be in the fall? lives in Cherokee, Pickens, or Gilmer county? wants to volunteer at the library? Whether you are interested in applying to be an appointed member of the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) or would like the flexibility of volunteering when you can, the Sequoyah Regional Library offers volunteer opportunities for all interested 6th - 12th grade students who live in Cherokee, Pickens, and Gilmer counties. The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) application opens every year in mid-April and closes mid-May. Appointed TAB members attend monthly meetings and events, plan and lead library programs, and complete volunteer hours. During this application period, all rising 6th - 12th grade students who reside in Cherokee, Pickens, and Gilmer counties are eligible and encouraged to apply. Teen Advisory Board Application The Auxiliary Teen Advisory Board (TAB) application is open year-round to all interested 6th - 12th grade students who reside in Cherokee, Pickens, and Gilmer counties. Auxiliary TAB is meant to provide a flexible opportunity for a student to volunteer when it fits their schedule and does not include mandatory meetings or a minimum volunteer hour requirement. Auxiliary TAB Application