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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. Latest SRLS News Mural Donation at Hickory Flat Public Library September 4 , 2025 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.

Hickory Flat Public Library on Schedule to Be Completed in Late Summer SRLS News Hickory Flat Public Library on Schedule to Be Completed in Late Summer May 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 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.

< 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 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

< Back Hickory Flat Public Library Update Feb 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 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. Previous Next

Georgia Department of Human Services Kiosks Now Available at Select SRLS Locations SRLS News Georgia Department of Human Services Kiosks Now Available at Select SRLS Locations May 15, 2024 Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) kiosks are now available for community use at R.T. Jones Memorial Library, Pickens County Library, and Gilmer County Library. DHS kiosks provide a convenient way for community members to access the Georgia Gateway portal to renew, change, and review their benefits including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS), Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Support for this program is provided through Food and Nutrition Service grant funds administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Georgia Department of Human Services.

Sequoyah Regional Library Digitizing Equipment: Gilmer County Library (made possible in part by a grant awarded by Faith Hope and Charity) Rose Creek Public Library (made possible in part by a grant awarded by Cobb EMC) Digitizing Equipment The following branches offer free use of digitizing equipment: Gilmer County Library (made possible in part by a grant awarded by Faith Hope and Charity) Rose Creek Public Library (made possible in part by a grant awarded by Cobb EMC) Guidelines for Use: A library account in good standing is required to use digitizing equipment. Accepted formats include images of any size up to 12”x17” (including drawings, maps, or large books), standard photographic slides, negative films, DVD/VHS recordings, cassettes, and CDs/DVDs (Rose Creek Public Library ONLY). Users should be 18 years of age or older to use the digitizing equipment and must have a valid SRLS library card. Completion of the Digitizing Equipment Request Form by a parent/guardian is required for users under 18 years old. Appointments can be scheduled for a maximum of 3 hours. If equipment is not reserved by another user, a maximum of 2 appointments can be scheduled per day. Users who schedule appointments are responsible for any misuse or damage to library equipment. If equipment is damaged beyond repair, users will be charged full replacement cost as assessed by SRLS. Food and drink are not permitted when using the equipment. User agrees that the library will be held harmless and is not liable for any damage or injury to user or user’s personal property as a result of using the library digitizing equipment. Items with excessive damage, including but not limited to mold or mildew, are ineligible for digitizing. Library staff will inspect items for damage. Library staff can provide assistance on using equipment but may be unavailable to offer extensive help during appointments. Please note, appointments are not scheduled until confirmed by library staff. At the first appointment, staff will provide a brief overview of the equipment. For any questions about this new service, please contact Gilmer County Library at 706-635-4528 or Rose Creek Library at 770-591-1491. Digitizing Equipment Request Form

Sequoyah Regional Library System Receives 2025 Agricultural Book of the Year Donation SRLS News Sequoyah Regional Library System Receives 2025 Agricultural Book of the Year Donation March 21, 2025 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.

EZ Student Access: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. EZ Student Access Cherokee County Schools Pickens County School Georgia Cyber Academy Cherokee County School District 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. Students that opt-in to the program are added to the SRLS cardholder database. Students can use their lunch number as their ID and the first 4 digits of the lunch number as a PIN number to access physical and digital materials. Elementary Middle High Pickens County Schools Sequoyah Regional Library System has entered into an agreement with the Pickens County School District to extend borrowing privileges to all students in Pickens County Schools. Students that opt-in to the program are added to the SRLS cardholder database. Students can use their lunch number as their ID and the first 4 digits of the lunch number as a PIN number to access physical and digital materials. Elementary Middle High Georgia Cyber Academy Sequoyah Regional Library System has entered into an agreement with the Georgia Cyber Academy to extend borrowing privileges to all GCA students in Cherokee, Pickens and Gilmer county. Students can use their Student ID as their ID and the first 4 digits of their Student ID as a PIN number to access physical and digital materials. Elementary Middle High Cherokee FAQ's Pickens FAQ's GCA FAQ's Contact Us

The Pickens County Library has received a donation of four “Books of the Month” from the Pickens County Farm Bureau. SRLS News Pickens County Library Receives Book Donation from Pickens County Farm Bureau August 15, 2024 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.

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