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< 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

< 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

< Back Pickens County Library Receives Book Donation from Pickens County Farm Bureau Pickens County Library Receives Book Donation from Pickens County Farm Bureau 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. Previous Next

< 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

< Back Hickory Flat Public Library on Schedule to Be Completed in Late Summer 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. 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

History 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

Pickens Library 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 Wednesday 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM COMMUNITY SPACES UPCOMING EVENTS Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Service Associate Join Our Team! Service Associate (Full-Time) - Woodstock About the Role This position is central to customer service, providing timely assistance to the public, shelving of materials, and responding to a variety of requests. This frontline position anticipates and meets the needs of users in the most visible way. This position also aids in maintaining the materials collection. Fully supported by all of the other sectors and departments, they work to provide quality customer service to the library community. Individuals in this position can expect to spend 50% of their time assisting the public from a library service point and 50% of their time assisting with circulation/collection maintenance. Closing Date: 4/16/2025 Start Date & Location: June 2, 2025 / Woodstock Public Library, 7735 Main St, Woodstock, GA 30188 Salary & Benefits: $31,844.88 Annually, Paid Annual Leave, Sick Leave & Holidays. State Health Benefit Plan, Flexible Benefits and Teacher Retirement System. Schedule: Full-Time, 40 hours per week. The schedule includes a combination of daytime, evening, and weekend hours. This library is open 6 days a week. Work schedule will vary, and flexibility is required. Responsibilities: Deliver quality customer service, greeting the public in a welcoming, professional manner. Assist at the service desk and provide staff support as needed. Assist the public in the use of technology and library tools. Demonstrate general knowledge of the library automation system in use and specific knowledge of the operations that apply to circulation procedures. Understand and perform circulation operations for all library materials (including but not limited to check-in, check-out, renew, place holds, process holds, financial transactions, recordkeeping, etc.) Access the OPAC (online catalog) and library automation system, using a variety of tactics to locate items in the collection (via subject heading, author, title, keyword searches, etc.) Understand and perform collection maintenance procedures (including but not limited to shelving, shifting, shelf reading, etc.). Assist the public in locating, selecting, and using resources. Proactively interact with the public to ascertain what they need and ensure they find it. Ensure proper order of books, and neat orderly appearance of public areas. Maintain condition of books and other items through repair and light maintenance. Enter data in the library automation system or other software, maintaining confidential records and circulation databases. Handle financial transactions, count money and make change accurately. Provide supervision and guidance for part-time staff as needed and serve in an ‘in-charge’ role as needed. Engage in continuing education. Understand and adhere to the mission, values, and vision of the library organization and maintain current knowledge, trends and development through continuing education. Qualifications: Requires High School Diploma or equivalent. 1 year job related experience; preferably working with the public in a customer service or retail field. Bilingual ability is a plus in serving a diverse community. Skills & Abilities: Basic computer skills, including the ability to type, operate a computer and navigate the internet. Ability to perform basic math; understand and follow written and oral instructions. Ability to work with others in a variety of circumstances; to deal tactfully with staff and the public; to communicate effectively with supervisor, staff and the public. Ability to understand and perform library procedure. Physical Requirements: Must be able to stand and/or sit for prolonged periods of time; lift boxes and crates of no more than 30 lbs.; move and manipulate inventory; frequent stooping, kneeling and crouching. Apply Here

SRLS News R.T. Jones Memorial Library Celebrates 100th Birthday August 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.”

Join Our Team! Service Associate– Cherokee County About the Role This position is central to customer service, providing timely assistance to the public and responding to a variety of requests. This frontline position anticipates and meets the needs of users in the most visible way. This position also aids in maintaining the materials collection. Fully supported by all of the other sectors and departments, they work to provide quality customer service to the library community. This position reports to the branch manager. Location: Multiple positions are available in various branch locations in Cherokee County. Salary & Benefits: $11.00 per hour Schedule: Part-Time, 17 hours per week. Work schedule will vary and flexibility is required. Schedule will include a combination of day, evening and weekend hours. Responsibilities: Deliver quality customer service, greeting the public in a welcoming, professional manner. Assist at the service desk and provide staff support as needed. Use of library automation system and implementing circulation procedures. Understand and perform circulation operations for all library materials. Understand and perform procedures for shelving, shifting and shelf reading. Assist the public in locating, selecting, and using resources. Proactively interact with the public to ascertain what they need and ensure they find it. Ensure proper order of books, and neat orderly appearance of public areas. Enter data in library automation system or other software, maintaining confidential records and circulation databases. Handle financial transactions, count money and make change accurately. Qualifications: Requires High School Diploma or equivalent. 1 year job related experience; preferably working with the public in a customer service or retail field. Bilingual ability is a plus in serving a diverse community. Skills & Abilities: Basic computer skills including the ability to type, operate a computer and navigate the internet. Ability to perform basic math; understand and follow written and oral instructions. Ability to work with others in a variety of circumstances; to deal tactfully with staff and the public; to communicate effectively with supervisor, staff and the public. Ability to understand and perform library procedures. Physical Requirements: Must be able to stand and/or sit for prolonged periods of time; lift boxes and crates of no more than 30 lbs.; move and manipulate inventory; frequent stooping, kneeling and crouching. Apply Here

Celebrate National Library Week with Sequoyah Regional Library System. Fine Forgiveness National Library Week 2025 Adventure awaits at Sequoyah Regional Library System! From Sunday, April 6 through Saturday, April 12, celebrate National Library Week with Sequoyah Regional Library System. This year, your local public library is celebrating all the different ways our community is drawn to the library. From our wonderful staff, incredible community, and amazing supporters, we are delighted to be your dynamic destination for discovery. Sequoyah Regional Library System is going fine free during National Library Week! From April 6 through April 12, call or come into any of our libraries to take advantage of our fine forgiveness program. See below for details. 1. How does it work? Call or come into any of our libraries during National Library Week (April 6-12, 2025). Notify the staff member that you wish to take advantage of fine forgiveness and they will waive up to $15 from your account. Some fees may be excluded from this offer. 2. Who is eligible? All cardholders are eligible to have up to $15 of their overdue fines forgiven. 3. Can I have fines forgiven for others? Yes, if you have that person’s materials in-hand, or if you are a responsible party on that person’s library account. 4. Can I call the library and ask to have my past fines cleared? Yes, you can call any of our branches, but make sure you have your card number handy when you call! 5. Which fines will be forgiven? New and existing overdue fines. 6. What items and fees are not eligible? Overdue materials that have not been returned Fees from Unique National Collections (This fee cannot be forgiven because it is assessed by another agency.) Lost items Damaged and unusable items Items from other library systems/ institutions 7. Can I replace lost materials? Unfortunately, we will not be able to forgive charges on your account for a lost or damaged item or accept a replacement in lieu of payment. If there are any overdue fees associated with an item you can have them waived during the fine forgiveness program. 8. What if I paid my fine last month? Can I get a refund? Unfortunately the library is unable to issue refunds for fines previously paid.