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EZ-STUDENT ACCESS Students can access physical and digital materials. Read More > E-LIBRARY Enjoy free digital and online library resources. Read More > LIBRARY OF THINGS Why buy When you can borrow? Read More > EXPERIENCE PASSES The Sequoyah Regional Library System is pleased to offer passes at no cost. Read More > Hickory Flat Public Library Construction Project GET INVOLVED Friends of the Library Teen Advisory Board Events Beanstack

Seed Libraries The Sequoyah Regional Library System in partnership with the Master Gardeners in Cherokee & Gilmer Counties offer seed libraries. Seed libraries are at the following locations: Rose Creek Public Library R.T. Jones Memorial Ball Ground Public Library Gilmer County Library Woodstock Public Library The seed libraries are free to the public and allows borrowers to “check out” vegetable, herb and flower seeds. When seeds are checked out from the seed library, a form is completed. The seed libraries were started in order to encourage the community’s interest in home gardening. Seed saving is a tradition that allows for the selection and perpetuation of plants that have a particular value to a gardener. Saving the seeds of favorite plants for further use contributes to the biodiversity of local communities and connects family generations.

Ask Us! Sessions Sessions allow you to receive one-on-one help by reserving time with a staff member at any of our locations. By scheduling a session, we can ensure you will have up to 30 minutes of uninterrupted, one-on-one help on a topic of your choice. We’re available in person, by phone, email, and virtual meeting. This is a great way to book a librarian! Our staff members can help you: Learn and use technology, like the 3D Printer or Digital Equipment ​ Locate quality resources for research projects ​ Access eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, and more from our eLibrary ​ Explore our online catalog and browse databases Learn basic computer skills, email, and social media To request a session, please use the contact us form and select Ask Us! Sessions. ​ Share as much detail about your request as possible. A staff member will contact you within 3 business days, and a session will be scheduled within one week of contact (unless a later date is desired). Sessions are not available on weekends. You can also contact the library location of your choice directly. Please note that this is not a research service. We do not provide medical, legal, financial, tax, or business advice or opinions.

< 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 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 room, 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

Interlibrary Loans Interlibrary loan service enables patrons of one library to borrow physical materials that are held by another library. Request Limit There is a limit of three (3) requests per patron, per day. Loan Period: Materials are generally loaned for two (2) weeks. The loan period may vary depending on the material and the lending library. All loans should be picked up promptly. Materials Unavailable For Interlibrary Loan Requests Our libraries will do our best to request the books that you request through the Interlibrary Loan system but there are some restrictions. Here is a short list of the items that SRLS is unable to request: Titles published within the current year or not yet published. Titles on current local or national bestseller lists Rare and valuable books as well as reference genealogy titles that are non-circulating. Non-print materials such as CDs, DVDs, cassette tapes and videos, eBooks. ​ ​ Renewals of Interlibrary Loans are granted by the lending library. Renewals are not automatic and must be requested from the Public Services Specialist at your library at least one (1) week before the materials are due. Borrowers may request one (1) renewal. Renewals/Extensions Fees Fees: Patrons are responsible for all charges pertaining to their Interlibrary Loan. Overdue Interlibrary Loans are fined $0.50 per day. If a borrower authorizes the library to obtain material from a library that charges a lending fee, the patron is responsible for paying the fee. Borrowers are responsible for any charges for materials lost or damaged while checked out to the borrower. The lending library determines the cost for any lost or damaged material. Borrowers are responsible for all postage charges for loans. Check-Out & Returns Any Interlibrary Loans currently on your account can be checked-out and returned by visiting your local library. Please do not place your Interlibrary Loans into the outdoor book-return boxes. ​ Request a Interlibrary Loan

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. In 1923, this dedicated group 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; it was 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. The Foundation also provided 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. The Pickens County Library had its birth in 1932. It was then that a group of 4-H girls and Home Demonstration Clubs expressed a desire for something to read. Their little spark of interest was fanned into a flame by a Home Demonstration Agent, Henrietta White Darnell, who thought that it was better to “light a candle than to curse the darkness.” In the beginning she borrowed fifty books at a time from the Georgia State Library Commission and checked them out to her club members. As the books were read, they were returned and fifty more were obtained. While the present courthouse was under construction, the County Library was housed in the Pickens County High School (now Jasper Elementary). This situation existed until the new courthouse was finished in 1949. At that time, the library was given a small room in the basement of the newly constructed courthouse. At this time a Board of Trustees was formed to set operational procedures, policies, and so forth. The library was fortunate to have had a dedicated group to give of their time and ability in getting the library off to a sound start. Those persons serving as charter members of the Pickens County Library Board were: Ruth Adams, Marjorie Floyd Butchart, and Henrietta Darnell. As community interest grew, it was only natural that more people would become involved in the growth of the library. The city of Jasper started contributing to the salary of the librarian while Sherman Gartrell was mayor, and the city still continues this practice. In 1958, the Pickens County Library became affiliated with the Sequoyah Regional Library. The Gilmer County Library was founded on June 26, 1940, and opened to the public on July 1, 1940. The library began in a small room inside the Gilmer County Courthouse. Started as a federal W.P.A. project, the library also had some local support which included J & C Bedspread Company, the City of Ellijay, and the Ellijay Women’s Club. There were 200 books on the opening date. This number grew to 342 during the first year, and by the end of 1941 totaled 913 books. The first library board consisted of Mrs. E. T. Hudson, Chairman; Mrs. R. W. Smith, Co-Chairman; Mayor Willard Holden; L. N. Foster, School Superintendent; C. F. Owen, Editor; 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 in an effort to strengthen library services in the county. In 1948, the Library Board adopted a constitution and by-laws, establishing a consistency for the board. During the summer of 1956 the library moved into the building, which was 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). The new location gave more space and better lighting, and at the same time gave the public better access to the facility. It 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. The committee’s report was favorable if finances could be worked out. At that time, the library was funded by the 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 worked out to join the regional system with Cherokee and Pickens counties. Commissioner Harold Hefner and Superintendent Everett Weeks agreed to increase their offices’ contributions, which made it possible for the library to join the regional library. In 1961, the Cherokee-Pickens-Gilmer Regional Library adopted the name “Sequoyah Regional Library.” On March 25, 1957, a contract was signed with Pickens County to form the Cherokee-Pickens Regional Library (1958). This union upgraded our local library, because it put us under the guidance of a regional director and made many services available to the county, including a bookmobile. Gilmer County became part of the system in 1959 forming the Cherokee-Pickens-Gilmer Regional Library. The system’s name became Sequoyah Regional Library on July 1, 1961. R. T. Jones Library at 400 East Main Street was feeling the effects of the increase in population. The 8,000 square foot building was no longer sufficient. Mr. Denney began the search for a site to locate a new facility and on July 20, 1989 a transaction was completed that would provide three acres for a new 30,000 square foot building. The county purchased the building on Main Street and this made the site on Highway 20 near I575 available. Groundbreaking was held March 8, 1990 and construction began. After packing books, furniture, memories, and many trips between the two buildings, books were on shelves once again, offices in order, and circulation desk was ready for patrons. On May 1, 1991 the building was ready for the public and the public was ready for their new library! Dedication of the R. T. Jones Memorial Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway, was held June 12, 1991 at eleven o’clock. Chairman W. W. Denney gave a warm welcome to all of the special and honored guests. Senator Bill Hasty introduced the Speaker, Lt. Governor Pierre Howard. In 2000, the Sequoyah Regional Library System greeted the new millennium with a vision for continual growth and prosperity. The explosion in the quantity of digital resources that have become available on the World Wide Web has impacted libraries in unprecedented ways. The library has strived to provide new resources and programs to keep up with the community’s demand for more services.

Strategic Plan Goal 1: Increase our outreach efforts to link the library and the community it serves, by forming strong connections with organizations and increasing visibility at local activities. Strategies: Establish the position of an Outreach Manager. Identify opportunities for exposure of library resources and services through outreach activities. Increase off-site programming. Maximize and increase outreach tools. Goal 2: Reach community members who do not use the library and increase library card holders in our service population. Strategies: Increase external marketing efforts, identifying new ways to reach non-card holders. Identify services which appeal to non-card holders. Increase library card holders to 40% of our service population. Goal 3: Establish the library as a community gathering place for all community members. Strategies: Invite entities to join us in our spaces through programming and partnership. Streamline the process for outside entities to utilize library space. Create library spaces that invite and encourage collaboration and gathering. Goal 4: Leverage library stories. Strategies: Refine patron library story feedback process to provide more useful information that can be used in marketing. Highlight user stories to stakeholders and the community in creative and impactful ways. Work with public-facing staff to evaluate strategies to gather impactful patron stories. Goal 5: Align the Library’s efforts with the ongoing growth and progress of our community. Strategies: Develop tools to gather feedback from the community. Work with professionals to identify growth and potential. Establish a personnel plan that supports the dynamic community growth. Establish a long term plan, forecasting at least 10 years. Goal 6: Foster active and open communications with local leaders. Strategies: Improve relationships with local funding agencies. Maintain an awareness of city and county efforts and programs through establishing regular communication. Actively look to identify ways in which the Library could play a role in promoting or facilitating city and county efforts and programs. Invite local officials to library events and programming. Please open the Strategic Plan PDF file below if you wish to print it. Strategic Plan PDF

Latest SRLS News May 1, 2024 HICKORY FLAT PUBLIC LIBRARY ON SCHEDULE TO BE COMPLETED IN LATE SUMMER Read More Feb 1, 2024 HICKORY FLAT PUBLIC LIBRARY UPDATE Read More Nov 1, 2023 HICKORY FLAT PUBLIC LIBRARY UPDATE Read More Aug 30, 2023 THE HICKORY FLAT PUBLIC LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION IS ON SCHEDULE Read More Aug 14, 2023 R. T. JONES MEMORIAL LIBRARY CELEBRATES 100TH BIRTHDAY Read More Jul 5, 2023 UGA ATHLETICS COMING TO R. T. JONES MEMORIAL LIBRARY Read More Jul 5, 2023 SEQUOYAH REGIONAL LIBRARY SYSTEM RECEIVES GREAT STORIES GRANT Read More

Pickens County Middle School From the Library The Library of Things is a collection of non-traditional library items that complement the Sequoyah Regional Library System ’s mission to connect people with ideas and opportunities to explore, learn and create. The purpose of the Library of Things is to provide diverse opportunities for learning and engagement. Public Computers and Printing Using your student ID, you have access to desktop computers and tablets. Printing is also available. Seed Libraries The Sequoyah Regional Library System in partnership with the Master Gardeners in Cherokee & Gilmer Counties offer seed libraries at the following branches: Rose Creek Public Library, Hickory Flat Public Library, Ball Ground Public Library and Gilmer County Library. Wireless Access (Free Wi-Fi) Internet access is available in all of our buildings and can be accessed from the parking lot. No password needed. From Home or School Sora - The Student Reading App Use Sora to access digital content from your school and the public library. Check out this guide on adding our contents to your Sora account. This link is only for Cherokee County Public School Students. A to Z World Culture A to Z World Culture is the most comprehensive country-by-country culture resource database available on the educational market today. Galileo Galileo Georgia Library Learning Online, more commonly known as GALILEO, is a virtual library operated by the University System of Georgia. There are numerous databases available, including abstracts and full-text. The Digital Library of Georgia is also part of the GALILEO system. Galileo-will need Galileo Password. Contact your local library branch to get your Galileo Password. Overdr ive Provides popular audiobooks, eBooks, music, and videos available for users to download. Overdrive Help Mango Mango Language Learn how Mango Languages‘ language-learning resources help patrons, students, employees, and individuals learn 60+ languages online and on-the-go. (Mango will need Galileo Password. Contact your local library branch to get your Galileo Password.) HeritageQuest HeritageQuest Online offers a collection of genealogical and historical sources – with coverage dating back to the 1700s – that can help people find their ancestors and discover a place’s past. It offers primary sources, local and family histories, and finding aids. (HeritageQuest Online will need Galileo Password. Contact your local library branch to get your Galileo Password.) History Reference Cente r History Reference Center History Reference Center is the world’s most extensive full-text history reference database, featuring full text for reference books, encyclopedias, non-fiction books, periodicals and many other historical sources from leading history publishers. History Reference Center-Galileo-will need Galileo Password. Contact your local library branch to get your Galileo Password. Learning Express Library Learning Express Library is an interactive online learning platform featuring over 770 practice tests, tutorials, and eBooks related to job search and workplace skills improvement, career certification and licensing exam preparation, college entrance and graduate school admissions exam preparation. Learning Express Library-Galileo-will need Galileo Password. Contact your local library branch to get your Galileo Password.

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R.T. Jones Memorial Library Address 116 Brown Industrial Parkway Canton, GA 30114 Contact 770-479-3090 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 COMMUNITY ROOMS UPCOMING EVENTS Friday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Library Closings 2024 Holiday Closing Schedule ​ Friday, March 29 Good Friday Sunday, March 31 Easter Wednesday, May 1 Closed to the Public for Staff Development Day Sunday, May 12 Mother’s Day Monday, May 27 Memorial Day Sunday, June 16 Father’s Day Thursday, July 4 Independence Day Monday, September 2 Labor Day Monday, November 11 Closed to the Public for Staff Development Day Wednesday, November 27 Close at 5:00 PM Thursday – Saturday, November 28-30 Thanksgiving Holidays Monday – Thursday, December 23-26 Christmas Holidays Tuesday, December 31 Close at 5:00 PM