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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

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.

< Back The Hickory Flat Public Library Construction Is on Schedule Aug 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. Previous Next

< Back R. T. Jones Memorial Library Celebrates 100th Birthday Aug 14, 2023 The Sequoyah Regional Library System welcomes all members of the public to attend the 100th Birthday Celebration of the R. T. Jones Memorial Library on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 7:00pm. The celebration will include food, live music, and commemorative remarks from community leaders. “As we have prepared for the celebration, it has been amazing to look back and learn about the evolving role of our library in Canton over the past 100 years,” says Angela Cortellino, Executive Director of SRLS. “The R.T Jones Memorial library has been an integral part of the community and an important necessity. It is exciting to celebrate the past 100 years and begin the next 100 years of service.” Leading up to the 100th Birthday Gala on Saturday, September 9, R. T. Jones Memorial Library will begin celebrating the occasion on Thursday, September 7, by welcoming community members to visit the library and make birthday cards through September 9. On Friday, September 8, join History Cherokee at R. T. Jones Memorial Library for an educational look into the history of Cherokee County. Finally, on Saturday, September 9, R. T. Jones Memorial Library invites young patrons to a Birthday Bash at 10:30am, with games, food, and music before the final celebration that evening at 7:00pm. “I’ve enjoyed learning more about how the library began in Cherokee County and watching the changes unfold through the years through pictures,” says Lisa Fowler, Branch Manager of R. T. Jones Memorial Library. “From its humble beginnings supported by private book donations to becoming an important part of the community, the R.T. Jones Memorial Library has grown with the county.” Previous Next

< 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

Sequoyah Regional Library System: Gilmer County Library Gilmer County Library Address 268 Calvin Jackson Drive Ellijay, GA 30540 Contact 706-635-4528 Manager: Alex Thomerson Opening Hours Monday 9:00 am – 8:00 pm Tuesday 9:00 am – 8:00 pm Wednesday 9:00 am – 8:00 pm Thursday 9:00 am – 8:00 pm COMMUNITY SPACES UPCOMING EVENTS Friday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Sunday CLOSED

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

< 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

Resources for adults. Libby, The Place Project, A to Z the World. Adults Resources For Adults Events for Adults Click Here To View Full Calendar

Computers, Printers, Wi-Fi , Copy and scanning: Your dynamic destination for discovery Computers & Printers Computers All Sequoyah Regional Library locations have computers for public use. All public computers have Internet access and a office suite of programs installed. Internet Access Access the internet inside the library or from the parking lot. Parking lot internet access is available 24 hours a day. Printing You can print your documents at the library using one of our public computers, or from your own device. Black-and-white prints cost $0.15 per printed side. Color prints cost $0.75 per printed side. Print From Anywhere Online Printing (Printing from Home or Your Own Device) SmartAlec allows you to upload documents from your own device for printing on any SRLS printer. From a web browser: visit https://smartalecplus.smartalecprint.com/?ID=SequoyahGA From a mobile device: download the SmartALEC App from Google Play or the Apple Store Log in using your library card number and PIN (If you do not have a library card, you can log in as a Guest User.) and upload your documents. Visit a Print Release station at any SRLS location and sign in using your library card number and PIN. Copy and Scanning Service Black-and-white prints cost $0.15 per printed side. Color prints cost $0.75 per printed side. Scanning is available at all locations. About SAM ( Smart Access Manager ) SRLS uses a computer management system called “SAM” (Smart Access Manager™) that allows all computer users access time at each location. Using your Library card number and PIN (Personal Identification Number), SAM keeps track of the amount of time each user is on the computer, and limits users to three (3) total hours of use per day systemwide. Activate Your Card For Computer Use and Printing Log in to a public computer at any SRLS branch using your Library card number and PIN. (This is the same PIN you use to log in to the SRLS catalog.) Forgot your PIN? Visit a Service Desk and a library staff can help you. Out-of-town visitors should see library staff for a 24-hour Visitor’s pass.

< Back Discover Sequoyah Regional Library System this National Library Card Sign-Up Month Discover Sequoyah Regional Library System this National Library Card Sign-Up Month This September, discover Sequoyah Regional Library System as we celebrate National Library Card Sign-Up month. We join libraries throughout Georgia, and the country, to encourage our community to discover the valuable resources available with a free public library card. From physical, digital, and audiobooks to puzzles, ukuleles, and sewing machines available for checkout, there’s so much you can discover with a SRLS library card. To celebrate National Library Card Sign-Up Month 2024, Sequoyah Regional Library System has teamed up with multiple local businesses across Cherokee, Pickens, and Gilmer counties to provide new Discovery Passports to community members who sign up for or renew their library card during the month of September. Discovery Passports will include information about SRLS library cards as well as discounts to local businesses through October 31. “At Sequoyah Regional Library System, a library card offers incredible value,” shared Executive Director, Angela Cortellino. “We are continually evaluating the services we offer to be sure we offer the best for our community. A library card means access to technology, entertainment, lifelong learning, and a lot of fun.” Participating organizations include Pie Bar in Woodstock, Nothing Bundt Cakes in Woodstock, Sweetys in Canton, Red Bean Harvest in Jasper, Pappas Pizza House in Jasper, and Hemlock Bazaar in Ellijay. Existing SRLS cardholders can show their library card to front desk staff at any SRLS location to receive a Discovery Passport as well, while supplies last. Discovery Passports are limited to one per cardholder. Each discount can only be used once. During September, the library will host Library Card Sign-up activities such as Sequoyah Story Survey Stations, which provide community members the opportunity to share their positive library experiences for the chance to win one month of reserved study room access. Sequoyah Stories can also be submitted online by visiting www.SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org/Contact To sign up for a library card or to learn more about the library’s resources and programs, please visit www.SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org/Card Previous Next

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.