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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

Sequoyah Regional Library Interlibrary loan service enables patrons of one library to borrow physical materials that are held by another library. Interlibrary Loans Interlibrary loan service enables patrons of one library to borrow physical materials that are held by another library. Request Limit There is a limit of three (3) active ILLs/requests per patron at any given time. Holds on interlibrary loan materials are included in the standard hold limit. Loan Period: Materials are generally loaned for two (2) weeks. The loan period may vary depending on the material and the lending library. All loans should be picked up promptly. Materials Unavailable For Interlibrary Loan Requests Our libraries will do our best to request the books that you request through the Interlibrary Loan system but there are some restrictions. Here is a short list of the items that SRLS is unable to request: Titles published within the current year or not yet published. Titles on current local or national bestseller lists Rare and valuable books as well as reference genealogy titles that are non-circulating. Non-print materials such as CDs, DVDs, cassette tapes and videos, eBooks. Renewals of Interlibrary Loans are granted by the lending library. Renewals are not automatic and must be requested from the Public Services Specialist at your library at least one (1) week before the materials are due. Borrowers may request one (1) renewal. Renewals/Extensions Fees Fees: Patrons are responsible for all charges pertaining to their Interlibrary Loan. Overdue Interlibrary Loans are fined $0.50 per day. If a borrower authorizes the library to obtain material from a library that charges a lending fee, the patron is responsible for paying the fee. Borrowers are responsible for any charges for materials lost or damaged while checked out to the borrower. The lending library determines the cost for any lost or damaged material. Borrowers are responsible for all postage charges for loans. Check-Out & Returns Any Interlibrary Loans currently on your account can be checked-out and returned by visiting your local library. Please do not place your Interlibrary Loans into the outdoor book-return boxes. Request a Interlibrary Loan

Sequoyah Regional Library System: Rose Creek Public Library Rose Creek Public Library Address 4476 Towne Lake Parkway Woodstock, GA 30189 Contact 770-591-1491 Manager: Debby Gerl Opening Hours Monday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM COMMUNITY SPACES UPCOMING EVENTS Friday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday CLOSED

Thank you for your donation Thank you On behalf of Sequoyah Regional Library System, thank you for your donation. Your contribution supports our library system as we strive to serve our community and provide opportunities to explore, learn, and create. Please keep this written acknowledgment of your donation for your personal records. Your potential tax- deduction is based on the value for the goods and services you provided. This letter will serve as your receipt. The Sequoyah Regional Library System operates pursuant to Official Code of Georgia Annotated Sections 20-5-40 through 20-5-59 to provide public library services with costs shared by Cherokee, Pickens, and Gilmer counties and grants from the State of Georgia. As a government entity, Sequoyah Regional Library System is a tax-exempt organization. Charitable contributions to governmental units are tax-deductible under section 170(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code if made for a public purpose. The library’s tax ID number is 58-6011045. Again, we thank you for your support and helping us succeed in our mission of being the community's dynamic destination for discovery. Sincerely, Angela Cortellino | Executive Director Sequoyah Regional Library System Serving Cherokee, Pickens and Gilmer Counties (770) 479-3090 x230, angela@seqlib.org

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!

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 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

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 Mayor’s Reading Club Comes To Pickens County 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 . Previous Next

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.

We are eight locations working together as one library, to serve our growing communities of Cherokee, Picken,s and Gilmer counties. About Your Library Administration CLICK HERE Board of Trustees CLICK HERE Success Measures CLICK HERE Strategic Plan CLICK HERE Guided by Open Access, Service Excellence, Community Engagement, and Continuous Learning, the Sequoyah Regional Library System (SRLS) has a vision to be the community’s dynamic destination for discovery. We are eight locations working together as one library, to serve our growing communities of Cherokee, Pickens and Gilmer counties. Our mission is to connect people with ideas and opportunities to explore, learn, and create. Vendors CLICK HERE History CLICK HERE Contact Us CLICK HERE Fines & Fees CLICK HERE Job Opportunities CLICK HERE Policies CLICK HERE Library News CLICK HERE Support CLICK HERE

< Back Hickory Flat Public Library Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting 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 Previous Next