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SRLS News Mayor’s Reading Club Comes To Pickens County Library September 5, 2024 City of Jasper Mayor Kirk D. Raffield visited the Pickens County Library on August 24 as part of the Mayor’s Reading Club initiative. Mayor Raffield along with City of Jasper Fire Chief John Sherrer read storybooks aloud to community members in attendance. “Reading is critical to a child’s development and as Mayor I’m dedicated to advocating for literacy,” says Mayor Rafield. “The recent event was full of laughter and smiles. Jasper Fire Chief Sherrer read to the kids and then we had time outside with fire trucks and police cars.” The event took place in the Pickens County Library Flex Room, then continued outdoors where community members could interact with fire trucks and police cars. “This event was a success thanks to our partnership with the Pickens County library,” continues Mayor Raffield. “I look forward to additional Mayor’s reading club programs being held at the library. Thanks to the amazing library staff for your help and dedication to our community.” Launched in 2022, the goal of the Mayor’s Reading Club is to improve literacy skills and success with early reading in children and youth in Georgia cities. The program is a part of Georgia City Solutions, a Georgia Municipal Association nonprofit. To learn more about offerings and upcoming events with Sequoyah Regional Library System, please visit our website: SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org .

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

Cherokee County: High 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. Click here to learn more Internet Access Access the internet inside the library or from the parking lot. Parking lot internet access is available 24 hours a day. Click here to learn more Public Computers and Printing Using your student ID, you have access to desktop computers and tablets. Printing is also available. Click here to learn more Seed Libraries Browse our seed libraries at Woodstock Public Library, Rose Creek Public Library, R.T. Jones Memory Library, Ball Ground Public Library, and Gilmer County Library. Our seed libraries are made possible by our partnership with the Cherokee Master Gardeners and Gilmer Master Gardeners. Click here to learn more 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. Click here to learn more Sora GALILEO Georgia Library Learning Online, more commonly known as GALILEO, lets you access a virtual library operated by the University System of Georgia, including numerous databases, abstracts, and full-text. GALILEO Overdr ive/Libby Overdrive/Libby lets you browse popular eAudiobooks, eBooks, and digital magazines available for users to download via the Libby app. Overdrive/Libby A to Z World Culture A to Z World Culture is the most comprehensive country-by-country culture resource. A to Z World Culture eRead Kids eRead Kids lets you browse a collection of ebooks and audiobooks for kids and teens. eRead Kids LearningExpress Library Learning Express 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. LearningExpress Library Mango Mango Languages lets you access language-learning resources to help you learn 70+ languages online and on-the-go. Mango

SRLS News Hickory Flat Public Library Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting July 26, 2024 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

< 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

Kids Resources For Kids 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Reading Challenge "One thousand books? You got this! Your child's reading journey begins here! Use the Beanstack app to participate in our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge. Once you have registered for the challenge on Beanstack , contact your library to receive your Starter Kit. Once you reach 1000 Books, your child will be eligible for our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten graduation! Events for Kids

What you can do with your library card? Check out books, movies, magazines and audiobooks, all for free in both print and digital formats. You can also check out passes to state parks and other attractions, Launchpads, Chromebooks, tablets and even musical kits. Your Library Card Getting a library card at Sequoyah Regional Library is easy! Your library card is your key to the resources and services for the Sequoyah Regional Library System. In addition to borrowing library materials, your card allows you to reserve a computer, download digital media, search hundreds of electronic databases, and more. Who can apply for a library card? Anyone who lives, pays taxes, or owns property in Cherokee, Pickens, or Gilmer County is eligible to receive a free library card for use throughout the Sequoyah Regional Library System. To receive a card, visit your local branch and bring a photo ID or two documents that show a current address. The most common form of ID is a driver’s license, but a utility bill, non-driver ID, or other form that clearly shows an in-county street address will be accepted. If you do not live within the tri-county area (Cherokee, Pickens and Gilmer Counties), but own property here, you are still eligible. Just provide your ID and a tax bill showing the address of your property. You can apply for a card at any of the public libraries that comprise the Sequoyah Regional Library System. If you do not live within the tri-county area (Cherokee, Pickens and Gilmer Counties) OR own property here, you can still apply for a library card for an annual fee of $35.00. Apply for a library card Apply Online Print & Bring In

Community Spaces 1/6 Ball Ground Public Library Capacity: 120 Tables: 8 Chairs: 30 Media: Yes Screen: Yes Laura Sheehan, Manager Phone: 770-735-2025 435 Old Canton Road Ball Ground, GA 30107 Reserve 1/4 R.T. Jones Memorial Library Capacity: 220 Tables: 8 Chairs: 50 Media: Yes Screen: Yes Lisa Fowler, Manager Phone: 770-479-3090 116 Brown Industrial Parkway Canton, GA 30114 Reserve 1/6 R.T. Jones Programming Room Capacity: 30 Tables: 11 Chairs: 20 Media: No Screen: Yes Lisa Fowler, Manager Phone: 770-479-3090 116 Brown Industrial Parkway Canton, GA 30114 Reserve 1/6 Gilmer County Library Capacity: 170 Tables: 17 Chairs: 100 Media: Yes Screen: Yes Alex Thomerson, Manager Phone: 706-635-4528 268 Calvin Jackson Drive Ellijay, GA 30540 Reserve 1/6 Gilmer County Library Basement Capacity: 425 Tables: 20 Chairs: 98 Media: Yes Screen: Yes Alex Thomerson, Manager Phone: 706-635-4528 268 Calvin Jackson Drive Ellijay, GA 30540 Reserve 1/3 Gilmer County Library Basement Conference Rooms Capacity: 5 Tables: 2 Chairs: 5 Media: Yes Screen: Yes Alex Thomerson, Manager Phone: 706-635-4528 268 Calvin Jackson Drive Ellijay, GA 30540 Reserve IMG_3832 1/2 Hickory Flat Public Library Capacity: 100 Tables: 27 Chairs: 100 Media: Yes Screen: Yes Kara Rumble Phone: 770-345-7565 2740 East Cherokee Drive Canton, GA 30115 Reserve IMG_3807 IMG_3809 1/3 Hickory Flat Public Library Large Conference Room Capacity: 10 Tables: 1 Chairs: 10 Media: Yes Screen: Yes Kara Rumble Phone: 770-345-7565 2740 East Cherokee Drive Canton, GA 30115 Reserve Pickens Pickens2 Pickens3 Pickens 1/4 Pickens County Library Capacity: 198 Tables: 12 Chairs: 83 Media: Yes Screen: Yes Katie Dobson, Manager Phone: 706-692-5411 100 Library Lane Jasper, GA 30143 Reserve Rose Creek Rose Creek Rose Creek Rose Creek 1/4 Rose Creek Public Library Capacity: 110 Tables: 8 Chairs: 50 Media: Yes Screen: Yes Jill Green, Manager Phone: 770-591-1491 4476 Towne Lake Parkway Woodstock, GA 30189 Reserve Woodstock woodstock3 woodstock6 Woodstock 1/6 Woodstock Public Library Capacity: 175 Tables: 9 Chairs: 110 Media: Yes Screen: Yes Joey Dye, Manager Phone: 770-926-5859 7735 Main Street Woodstock, GA 30188 Reserve

< 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

Proctoring We offer proctoring services (for a fee) to learners and working professionals at all locations. To schedule an appointment, contact the location of your choice. SRLS is not responsible for mailed, faxed, or emailed exams not received by the college, institution or business. Proctoring Fee: $20.00 per test, payment due before testing, must be cash or card. SRLS Proctors agree to: Verify the student’s identity with a photo ID. Supervise the exam by having the student take the test in a study room or table near their desk. There might not be a private testing area available. Provide space for test-taking. However, there may not be a separate study room available. Sign paperwork and seal the envelope of the finished exam and call for it to be picked up. Staff will not deliver exams to the post office or Fedex/UPS store. Staff will not provide letters or telephone calls to the school to confirm receipt. A reply to an exam received by email will serve as confirmation and receipt. SRLS proctors are not responsible for keeping copies of completed exams. Provide a computer to complete most online testing. SRLS accepts no responsibility for internet connections and outages that may occur. We cannot install any software on our computers. Tests must be completely web-based. The test taker agrees to: Contact the library to schedule an exam with the Public Service Specialist. Appointments should be made at least 24 hours in advance. Proctoring is available only during regular hours when sufficient staff is available. Tests must be completed 30 minutes prior to closing. Verify with library staff that the library and proctor meet the requirements of the school/institution. Verify that the physical environment at the library meets your test-taking needs. Pay proctoring fees in cash or by credit card before the test can be taken. Pay fee for each individual test, including retaking a test. Provide photo identification to verify identity before taking the test. Pay for postage and other expenses incurred, such as photocopying or printing. Copying/printing: $0.15 per page.

National Library Week 2024 Adventure awaits at Sequoyah Regional Library System! From Sunday, April 7 through Saturday, April 13, celebrate National Library Week with Sequoyah Regional Library System. This year, your local public library is celebrating all the different ways your library card can help you choose your own adventure. From beginning your culinary adventure by checking out a cookbook to beginning your musical adventure by checking out a ukulele, your SRLS library card is your ticket to discovery. During National Library Week, see SRLS in your community! Visit our Pop-Up in the Park at Calvin Farmer Park in Ball Ground from 10am to 11am on April 9, our Storytime in the Park at the Downtown Woodstock Playground from 10am to 11am on April 12, and our Pop-Up Library at Woofstock Ellijay from 10:00am to 4:00pm on April 13. Check out books, sign up for a library card , and more at our Pop-Up Libraries and Storytimes. We look forward to seeing you! 1. How does it work? Call or come into any of our libraries during National Library Week (April 7-13, 2024). 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.

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