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Board of Trustees The Sequoyah Regional Library System is governed by the Regional Library Board of Trustees, composed of nine members from the local county boards. Appointments to the Regional Board includes five members from the Cherokee Board, two members from the Pickens Board and two members from the Gilmer Board. The Regional Board is responsible for overseeing the establishment, management, and maintenance of public libraries in the counties of Cherokee, Pickens and Gilmer. Contact the Board Sequoyah Regional Library System 116 Brown Industrial Pkwy Canton, GA 30114 770-479-3090 Contact Form Sequoyah Regional Library System Board This board meets in January, April, August, and October on the 4th Tuesday of the month. Tuesday, August 27, 2024, 4:00pm at R.T. Jones Memorial Library Board Members Tom Hill -Chair , Cherokee County Mitchell Morgan -Vice Chair , Gilmer County Brad White-Secretary , Pickens County Randy Gravley , Cherokee County Eric Rein, Cherokee County Rebecca Johnston , Cherokee County Hugh Beavers , Cherokee County Melissa Lowrie , Pickens County Jerry Johnson , Gilmer County Cherokee County Library Board This board meets in January, April, August, and October on the 2nd Thursday of the month. Thursday, August 8, 2024, 4:00pm at R.T. Jones Memorial Library Board Members Tom Hill-Chair , Cherokee County Eric Rein-Vice Chair , Cherokee County Carmen Slaughter-Secretary , City of Canton Janet Wesley , City of Holly Springs Luis Flores , City of Woodstock Randy Gravley , Cherokee County Rebecca Johnston , Cherokee County Pam Carnes , Cherokee County Hugh Beavers , Cherokee County Joy Huddlestun , City of Waleska Elisa Marathis , City of Nelson Stefanie Joyner , City of Ball Ground Pickens County Library Board This board meets in January, April, August, and October on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Tuesday, August 13, 2024, 4:30pm at Pickens County Public Library Board Members Melanie Pullen-Chair , Pickens County Rhonda Stancil-Vice Chair , Pickens County Caitlan Raffield-Secretary , City of Jasper Melissa Lowrie , Pickens County Jim Kirk , Pickens County Christi Hobgood , City of Jasper Kristie Moss , Pickens County Brad White , Pickens County Janelle Childree , City of Talking Rock Gilmer County Library Board This board meets in January, April, August, and October on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Thursday, August 15, 2024, 4:00pm at Gilmer County Public Library Board Members Jerry Johnson-Chair , Gilmer County Mitchell Morgan-Vice Chair , City of Ellijay Wendy Wells-Secretary , Board of Education Veronica Kincaid , City of East Ellijay Linda Wright , City of East Ellijay Reece Sanford , City of Ellijay Jennifer Painter , Board of Education Anita Summers , Gilmer County Jody Henry , Gilmer County BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE MEETING MINUTES

Click here to learn more Click here to learn more 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

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

Experience Passes Through partnerships with organizations across the state, you can check out passes for free and reduced-cost entry to local museums, parks, theatres, and more. Museums Cherokee History Center Check Availability More Information The Breman Museum Check Availability More Information Atlanta History Center Check Availability More Information Michael C. Carlos Museum Check Availability More Information Macon Museums More Info On Georgia Sports Hall of Fame More Info On Tubman Museum More Info On Museum of Arts and Sciences Check Availability Computer Museum of America Check Availability More Information Nature Go Fish Center Pass Check Availability More Information Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites Check Availability More Information Chattahoochee Nature Center Check Availability More Information Zoo Atlanta Check Availability More Information Arts Shakespeare Tavern Pass Check Availability More Information Alliance Theatre Check Availability More Information Woodstock Arts Pass Check Availability More Information Discounts Center for Puppetry Arts Receive 25% off a family show theatre performance Check Availability More Information Georgia Aquarium Receive a $5.00 discount More Information

About Your Library Fines & Fees Replacement Fees for Print Materials Full replacement cost will be charged for any periodicals or cataloged materials that are overdue for 30 days or damaged to an extent that they have to be replaced. The borrower may keep any damaged materials for which full replacement cost has been paid. If a lost item is found and returned to the Library within 180 days from the due date, in a similar condition as when borrowed, the replacement charge will be voided and the maximum late charge reinstated. The Library does not accept materials the patron has purchased in lieu of payment. Late fees, most items $0.20 per day, per item. Late fees, GA State Parks and Historic Sites Pass $1.00 per day. Late fees, Zoo Pass, Go Fish Pass, and Passport to Puppetry $3.00 per day. Non-resident use fee $35.00 per year. Books hardcover, Adult, replacement $30.00 each. Books hardcover, Easy and Juvenile, replacement $25.00 each. “Trade” Paperbacks (these are higher quality, often over-sized paper bound titles), replacement $15.00 each. Paperbacks (relatively inexpensive “beach read” sized books), replacement $5.00 each. Magazines, replacement $5.00 each. Board Books, replacement $5.00 each. Maps $2.00 each. Audio Books, replacement $8.00 per disc or cassette, up to $45.00. DVDs, replacement $10.00 per title. Video / Audio case, replacement $3.00 per item . Kit, replacement charges vary according to contents of kit. Chromebook $5.00 per day with a maximum of $20. Technology Devices, including Chromebooks, that are not returned or damaged beyond repair will be charged the full replacement cost of $500. If components are damaged and able to be repaired or replaced, staff will assess the possibility of a charge up to but not to exceed $500. $20 replacement fee for laptop bag. Fines and General Replacement Fees GA State Parks and Historic Sites Pass $100.00 ($50.00 Georgia State Park Pass, $50.00 Georgia Historic Sites Pass) GA State Parks Backpack Replacement Fee: $75 Full replacement; $35 Backpack; $15 Binoculars; $8 Birds pamphlet Wildlife pamphlet; $8.00 Trees/Flowers pamphlet $8.00. GA Public Libraries Passport to Puppetry $32.00. Chattahoochee Nature center $45.00. Zoo Pass $50.00. William Breman Museum $50.00. Go Fish pass $20.00. Macon Museum $100.00. Michael C. Carlos Museum $50.00. History Cherokee Pass $40.00. Alliance Theatre Pass $75.00. Replacement Fees for lost or irreparably Damaged Passes ​ Photocopies, Black and white $0.15 per printed side. Photocopies, Color $0.75 per printed side. 3D Printing $0.15 per gram; minimum charge of $3.00 per print. Proctoring $20.00 per test, cash or card. Service Fees ​ For S ale at select locations SRLS Shirt: $15.00 SRLS Tote: $12.00 Earbuds: $2.00 Flash Drive: $6.00 Items For Sale

Cherokee County: Elementary School From the Library ABC Mouse ABC Mouse lets you explore lessons in early literacy, math, social studies, art, music, and much more for children. ABC Mouse is available for use at any of our library locations. ABC Mouse 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. Sora Click here to learn more 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 Explora Elementary Explora for Elementary is EBSCO’s interface designed for elementary students. Students can browse topics of interest or search for a topic of their choice. Search results can be limited to source type (e.g., magazines, news, biographies, etc.) or by Lexile range. ​ Explora Elemetary

Library Closings ​ 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 ​ January 1, New Years Day January 20, Martin Luther King Jr. Day April 18, Good Friday April 20, Easter May 7, Closed to the Public for Staff Development Day May 11, Mother’s Day May 26, Memorial Day June 15, Father’s Day July 4, Independence Day September 1, Labor Day November 11, Closed to the Public for Staff Development Day November 26, Close at 5:00 PM November 27-29, Thanksgiving Holidays December 23-26, Christmas Holidays December 31, Close at 5:00 PM 2024 Closing Schedule 2025 Closing Schedule

Hickory Flat Library Address 2740 East Cherokee Drive Canton, GA 30115 Contact 770-345-7565 Manager: Laurie Darrow This location is temporarily closed to the public to prepare for an upcoming renovation and expansion of its facilities. HICKORY FLAT CONSTRUCTION PROJECT Opening Hours Monday CLOSED Tuesday CLOSED ​Wednesday CLOSED Thursday CLOSED Friday CLOSED Saturday CLOSED Sunday CLOSED COMMUNITY ROOMS UPCOMING EVENTS

< 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

About Your Library Administration Team Angela Cortellino Executive Director angela@seqlib.org Paula Hagen Administrative Assistant phagen@seqlib.org Kara Rumble Deputy Director rumblek@seqlib.org Julie Wise Finance Manager wisej@seqlib.org Donna Ferguson Information Technology Director fergusod@seqlib.org Joan Osborne Collection Services Director osbornej@seqlib.org Rebecca Camp Patron Experience Manager campr@seqlib.org John Rodgers Operations Manager rodgersj@seqlib.org Sarah Childers Marketing Manager childerss@seqlib.org Marley Trahan Programming Manager trahanm@seqlib.org Lisa Mosley Outreach Manager mosleyl@seqlib.org Policies Policies Anchor Privacy and Disclosures View Policy Internet use View Policy Parent & Teachers View Policy Public Service View Policy Collection View Policy

Digitizing Equipment The following branches offer free use of digitizing equipment: Gilmer County Library (made possible in part by a grant awarded by Faith Hope and Charity) Rose Creek Public Library (made possible in part by a grant awarded by Cobb EMC) Guidelines for Use: A library account in good standing is required to use digitizing equipment. Accepted formats include images of any size up to 12”x17” (including drawings, maps, or large books), standard photographic slides, negative films, DVD/VHS recordings, and CDs/DVDs (Rose Creek Public Library ONLY). Users should be 18 years of age or older to use the digitizing equipment and must have a valid SRLS library card. Completion of the Digitizing Equipment Request Form by a parent/guardian is required for users under 18 years old. Appointments can be scheduled for a maximum of 3 hours. If equipment is not reserved by another user, a maximum of 2 appointments can be scheduled per day. Users who schedule appointments are responsible for any misuse or damage to library equipment. If equipment is damaged beyond repair, users will be charged full replacement cost as assessed by SRLS. Food and drink are not permitted when using the equipment. User agrees that the library will be held harmless and is not liable for any damage or injury to user or user’s personal property as a result of using the library digitizing equipment. Items with excessive damage, including but not limited to mold or mildew, are ineligible for digitizing. Library staff will inspect items for damage. Library staff can provide assistance on using equipment but may be unavailable to offer extensive help during appointments. Please note, appointments are not scheduled until confirmed by library staff. At the first appointment, staff will provide a brief overview of the equipment. For any questions about this new service, please contact Gilmer County Library at 706-635-4528 or Rose Creek Library at 770-591-1491. ​ ​ ​ Digitizing Equipment Request Form