Tana B.
As a Louisiana native and having called it home for 55 years, my husband received a transfer to Franklin, NC. Although I welcomed the opportunity for growth, the thought of reestablishing myself here, fitting in to new social groups, finding new doctors, etc. was intimidating. This is where my story with Fontana Regional Library begins. Upon arriving and settling in Franklin, I immediately began frequenting the Macon County Public Library and on occasion driving over the mountain to the affiliated libraries. I jokingly claim that I obtained a library card before I even connected our utilities in Franklin. It wasn’t exactly in that order but the two were of almost equal priority. At MCPL, the informational kiosk led me to another patron with whom I shared similar interests. The YS programs were a gift as they supplemented lessons used to homeschooled my daughter. Through staff I learned of community programs such as Smart Start, Parents as Teachers, and a variety of homeschool co-ops. Needless to say, my association with the library was the catapult for windows of opportunity, and connection, as well as feeling welcomed and part of this community. For these reasons, I began to feel at home. Now I no longer call Louisiana home; North Carolina is my home!