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  • Georgia Department of Human Services Kiosks Now Available at Select SRLS Locations | Sequoyah Regional

    < Back Georgia Department of Human Services Kiosks Now Available at Select SRLS Locations 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. Previous Next

  • Board Of Trustees | Sequoyah Regional Library

    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, Tuesday, January 27, 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, Thursday, January 8, 2026, 4:00 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, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 4:30 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, Thursday, January 15, 2026, 4:00 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 Receives Great Stories Grant | Sequoyah Regional

    < Back Sequoyah Regional Library System Receives Great Stories Grant Jul 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 . Previous Next

  • Hickory Flat Public Library Update | Sequoyah Regional

    < Back Hickory Flat Public Library Update Nov 1, 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 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. Previous Next

  • R.T. Jones | Sequoyah Regional Library

    Sequoyah Regional Library R.T. Jones Memorial Library R.T. Jones Memorial Library Address 116 Brown Industrial Parkway Canton, GA 30114 Contact 770-479-3090 Branch Manager: Laura Sheehan Opening 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 COMMUNITY SPACES UPCOMING EVENTS Friday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

  • Admin | Sequoyah Regional Library

    The Sequoyah Regional Library System Administration About Your Library Administration Team Angela Cortellino Executive Director angela@seqlib.org Paula Hagen Administrative Assistant phagen@seqlib.org Kara Rumble Deputy Director rumblek@seqlib.org Julie Wise Finance Manager wisej@seqlib.org Billy Rathburn Information Technology Director rathburnb@seqlib.org Joan Osborne Collection Services Director osbornej@seqlib.org Rebecca Camp Patron Experience Manager campr@seqlib.org John Rodgers Operations Manager rodgersj@seqlib.org Sarah Childers Marketing Manager childerss@seqlib.org Lisa Mosley Outreach Manager mosleyl@seqlib.org Policies Policies Anchor Privacy and Disclosures View Policy Internet use View Policy Parent & Teachers View Policy Public Service View Policy Collection View Policy

  • Hickory Flat Project | Sequoyah Regional Library

    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. Hickory Flat Public Library Construction Project HOW LONG DID THE PROJECT TAKE? WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM THE RENOVATION AND EXPANSION? The Hickory Flat Public Library began renovating and expanding its facilities in January 2023. The project included a renovation of the Hickory Flat Public Library building, originally built in 1993, and was completed in July 2024. The library’s previous 10,000 sq. ft. was expanded and 7,800 sq. ft. was added. Hollandsworth Construction led the construction project. With an expanded and renovated library facility, the Hickory Flat community now has more space for books and technology; larger areas for programs, meetings, collaboration, and creation; and additional seating for study and quiet reading. HOW DID THE LIBRARY FUND THE RENOVATION AND EXPANSION? The total construction contract for the Hickory Flat Renovation & Addition project was $6,754,039.00. Funding for this project was available from Cherokee County’s SPLOST program. Additional funding includes a $2,000,000 Capital Outlay Grant, administered by the Georgia Public Library Service. These grants are funded by the sale of bonds and must be approved by the state legislature. WHICH LIBRARIES ARE CLOSEST TO THE HICKORY FLAT PUBLIC LIBRARY? Hickory Flat community members may use their Hickory Flat Public Library card at any location within the Sequoyah Regional Library System. The nearest SRLS libraries to the Hickory Flat location are the R.T. Jones Memorial Library at 116 Brown Industrial Parkway in Canton and the Woodstock Public Library at 7735 Main Street. WHERE CAN I GO TO FIND MORE INFORMATION OR ASK QUESTIONS? Please continue to check this page for updates and announcements about the construction project. Contact the library online or via Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram to ask questions and receive information about services and programming. Visit sequoyahregionallibrary.org to access up-to-date information about library hours and locations. For answers to additional questions, please contact SRLS Executive Director Angela Cortellino (angela@seqlib.org, 770-479-3090 Ext. 230). Our Hickory Flat Public Library in Canton, located at 2740 East Cherokee Drive, is open to the public PREVIOUS HICKORY FLAT PROJECT UPDATES 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. The Hickory Flat Public Library Grand Opening 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. Hickory Flat Public Library on Schedule to be Completed in Late Summer 5/1/2024 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 room 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 Spaces , 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.

  • Hickory Flat | Sequoyah Regional Library

    Hickory Flat Library Sequoyah Regional Library System Hickory Flat Library Address 2740 East Cherokee Drive Canton, GA 30115 Contact 770-345-7565 Branch Manager: Lisa Fowler Opening 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 HICKORY FLAT CONSTRUCTION PROJECT Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday CLOSED COMMUNITY SPACES UPCOMING EVENTS

  • 3D Printing | Sequoyah Regional

    3D Printers are available to the public to make three-dimensional objects in plastic using a design that is uploaded from a digital computer file. The Library reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request. 3D Printing Please review the 3D Printer Policy and Guidelines for Use before submitting a request. Reserve to use one of our 3D printers! Hands-on 3D printer use is available to SRLS cardholders ages 18 and older. Policy: 3D Printers are available to the public to make three-dimensional objects in plastic using a design that is uploaded from a digital computer file. The Library reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request. The Library’s 3D printers may be used only for lawful purposes. The public will not be permitted to use the Library’s 3D printers to create material that is: Prohibited by local, state or federal law. Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others. (Such use may violate the terms of use of the manufacturer.) Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the Library environment. In violation of another’s intellectual property rights. For example, the printers will not be used to reproduce material that is subject to copyright, patent or trademark protection. Users must complete a 3D Print Request Form before their print job is accepted. Print jobs must be under three hours, unless approved by library administration. Only Library staff or patrons with a completed user waiver will have hands-on access to the 3D printers. Cost per gram is posted prominently near the machines and is established by the County Library Board of Trustees which may change the fee at any time by action of the Board of Trustees. Guidelines for Use (Library Staff Led 3D Print Request): Complete a 3D Print Request Form before print job is started. Print jobs more than 3 hours may not be available for immediate print. Cost of printing will be 15 cents per gram minimum charge of $3.00 per each print job. You will be notified when your print job is complete. Items printed will be picked up within 7 days during regularly scheduled library hours, after which they will become property of the Library. Items must be picked up by the individual who requested the print job. Print time will be scheduled by library staff. PLEASE NOTE: A “complete” print job does not always mean “successful.” The library will still notify you of completion even if it does not come out perfectly. Reprints will only be available in the event of machine malfunction. Failed prints due to errors within the 3D model (print file submitted) will still be charged for materials used. All print jobs are pending until approved by library staff. Guidelines for Use (Patron Led 3D Printer Reservation Request): Guidelines for Use (Patron Led 3D Printer Reservation Request): Complete a 3D Print Request Form before the print job is started. 3D Printer Reservations are available to library cardholders ages 18 and older. Print jobs must start and end during library operating hours and take no more than 3 hours to complete. You can estimate the print duration for your 3D object using Cura Lulzbot, this 3D printing calculator, or comparing your 3D object to one of our samples shown later in this form. 3D printer users must remain on the library premises until the completion of their 3D print. Cost of printing will be 15 cents per gram minimum charge of $3.00 per print job. 3D printer filament will be provided by the library. Print time will be scheduled by library staff based on your request. Please wait to receive a confirmation of your reservation before coming to the library to print. PLEASE NOTE: A “complete” print job does not always mean “successful.” Reprints will only be available in the event of machine malfunction. Failed prints due to errors within the 3D model (print file submitted) will still be charged for materials used. All patron led 3D printer reservation requests are pending until approved by library staff. 3D Printing Request Form 3D Printing Waiver 3D Printing at SRLS Video

  • Hickory Flat Public Library Grand Open | Sequoyah Regional

    Sequoyah Regional Library System Hickory Flat Public Library Grand Opening SRLS News Hickory Flat Public Library Grand Opening July 11, 2024 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.

  • Reinhardt | Sequoyah Regional

    Sequoyah Regional Library System is excited to offer a Sequoyah Spot at Hill Freeman Library on the Reinhardt University campus. Reinhardt University Sequoyah Spot Address 7300 Reinhardt College Circle, Waleska, GA 30183 Contact 770-720-9120 Library@Reinhardt.edu Opening Hours LOCATION HOURS Sequoyah Regional Library System is excited to offer a Sequoyah Spot at Hill Freeman Library on the Reinhardt University campus. At this Sequoyah Spot, you can: Apply for a SRLS library card Check out Reinhardt library materials Utilize Reinhardt study rooms Pick up your SRLS holds Return SRLS Materials Attend Storytime and other programs Visit the Funk Heritage Center at no cost when you check out the Funk Heritage Center Experience Pass

  • History | Sequoyah Regional Library

    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

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