[ May 08, 2021 ] The Pickens County Library in Jasper, located at 100 Library Lane, will be renovating and expanding its facilities in 2021 through 2022. The project, which is scheduled to last approximately 10-12 months, includes a renovation of the Pickens County Library, built in 1996, and the addition of 8,200 square feet to the building. With an expanded and renovated library facility, the Pickens 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. Construction is projected to begin this June.

Partial funding of $1,800,000 for this project is available from Pickens County?s SPLOST program. To fund the remaining portion, the Sequoyah Regional Library System (SRLS) applied to the State for a $2,000,000 Capital Outlay Grant, administered by the Georgia Public Library Service. These grants are funded by the sale of bonds and must be approved by the state legislature. The Capital Outlay Grant for the Pickens County Library?s renovation and expansion was approved for the fiscal year of 2021.

The Pickens County Library building will be closed to the public, beginning May 17, for the entirety of the construction. After the library closes, a temporary, limited-service library location called "Pickens Grab & Go" will be available inside the Mountain Education Charter High School building, located at 339 West Church Street.

The Grab & Go location is anticipated to open to the public in early June 2021, where library patrons will be able to check out and return materials, place and pick up library holds, request interlibrary loans, pay fines, and browse a selection of items from the library?s collection. Express computer stations will also be available for users to access Wi-Fi, print, and make copies. Free Wi-Fi will still be available in the parking lot of the Pickens County Library until construction begins in June.

Library programming, such as storytimes and painting events, will continue and take place at Roper Park. To view the library?s full programming schedule and register for events, visit calendarwiz.com/sequoyahreglib

"During the Pickens County Library renovation, our community can still maintain library access by using their library card at the Pickens Grab & Go service location or any of our neighboring libraries in Sequoyah Regional Library System", says Anita Summers, Executive Director of SRLS. "We encourage Pickens County Library residents to visit these locations, which offer the full range of library services they are accustomed to." The nearest SRLS libraries to Pickens County are the Ball Ground Public Library at 435 Old Canton Road and the Gilmer County Library at 268 Calvin Jackson Drive in Ellijay.

Pickens County residents may continue to contact the library online or via social media to receive assistance and information about services and programming. Residents are encouraged to visit sequoyahregionallibrary.org to access up-to-date information about library services, hours, and locations.

A special Pickens County Library Project webpage is featured on the SRLS website where the community may check frequently for updates and announcements about the renovation project, as well as the opening date and service hours of the Pickens Grab & Go temporary service location.

SURPLUS SALE on Saturday, May 22nd from 9:30 am -5:30 pm at 100 Library Lane, Jasper. Cash only sale. All sales are final.
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