Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the library hours?
Where does the money come from to fund the library?
How does the library system obtain books, Books on CD, magazines, etc?
Why build new libraries when those funds could be used to purchase needed materials or improve other buildings?
Where does the money for salaries come from?
Are we a county library?
How does someone become a member of the board of trustees?
Why do we charge out of county fees?
When book donations are given to the library, what happens to them, and can I give boxes and boxes of them after I do spring cleaning?
Why is law enforcment called when a child is left at the library after hours?
What is my PIN number for online services, or how do I get a PIN?

•  Where does the money come from to fund the library?

Funding for the library comes from tax dollars through the state, county, cities, and in Gilmer County the Board of Education. Small amounts of money are obtained through fines, donations, and the Friends of the Library.
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•  How does the library system obtain books, Books on CD, magazines, etc.?

The state sends some funds for the purpose of purchasing materials. Additionally, in Pickens and Gilmer Counties funds for materials come from county tax dollars contained in their operating accounts. In Cherokee County there are no funds in the operating account for any materials. All materials in Cherokee County are funded by Impact fees, so if the impact fees are reduced, then the amount of materials purchased is also reduced. Donations and some small grants are also used to purchase materials. [Back to Top]

•  Why build new libraries when those funds could be used to purchase needed materials or improve other buildings?

Funds for constructing libraries or renovating libraries can only be used for the project that was placed on the application for state funds. These funds cannot legally be used to purchase books and materials and can only be used for the specific purpose stated on the funding grant. [Back to Top]

Where does the money for salaries come from?

There are six employees in the system whose salaries are paid by the state. All other employees are paid with local tax dollars – either counties, cities, or the Gilmer Board of Education. [Back to Top]

Are we a county library?

In some states and some systems in Georgia, the public library is a county library. In the Sequoyah Regional Library System, funds do come from the county, but the library is run completely separate from county agencies. There are boards of trustees for each county and then a regional library board that is composed of representatives from each county. Administration of the library system deals with the everyday operation of all libraries.
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How does someone become a member of the Board of Trustees?

All Library Board of Trustees members are appointed by the funding agencies. For example, Cherokee County is funded by the county, the cities of Canton, Ball Ground, Waleska, and Woodstock. Consequently, each of these entities appoints members to the Board of Trustees. Terms are staggered for continuity. The Regional Library Board of Trustees is the governing body for all decisions concerning the Sequoyah Regional Library System.
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Why do we charge out of county fees?

Since the libraries are funded predominately by county and city funds and these funds come from local taxes, free library cards are given to those that pay local taxes. If an individual lives or owns a business in one of our three counties (in other words pays county or city taxes), then they can receive a free library card upon producing acceptable identification. All others must pay out-of-county fees to receive a library card. [Back to Top]

When book donations are given to the library, what happens to them, and can I give boxes and boxes of them after I do spring cleaning?

When book donations are given, the collection development department looks at each item and decides if any library in the system can use it on their shelves. If the book is a duplicate, out dated, or not in good shape, then the item goes on the sale shelf for the public to purchase. Because of the amount of staff in our libraries, we are not able to handle more than twelve boxes of donated items, and we request that items that are extremely dirty and mildewed not be brought to any library. [Back to Top]

Why is law enforcement called when a child is left at the library after hours?

A child left alone at the library is a very serious concern for all staff. In the past, staff members have waited for over an hour for someone to come and pick up a child. We cannot ask staff to stay long past their work hours to wait for an adult, when the staff member has no idea how long before this person will arrive. Consequently, underage youth are left in the custody of law enforcement when left at the library after closing. [Back to Top]

What is my PIN number for online services or how do I get a PIN?

Your PIN number is set up when you obtain your library card, or at your request later if you do not set it up when you first recieved the card. You can call the circulation desk at your home branch to set itup. You will need to know your card number to set up your PIN. If you forget and need to reset your PIN, you will need to bring your library card and a photo ID in to your home branch to have it changed for you. [Back to Top]