Update: Tues, Nov 9, 2021
The Town of Highlands has rescinded their mask mandate. While not required, Hudson Library staff recommends the use of masks when visiting inside the library.
Update: Wed, Sept 22, 2021
The Fontana Regional Library Board approved the Resolution in Support of Local Mask Guidelines. The Town of Highlands has instituted a mask requirement in all commercial districts inside and outside until the CDC positivity rate is below 10%. Jackson County has declared a State of Emergency and mandated the use of masks inside all county facilities, including the Jackson County Public Library and Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library.
Update: Tue, May 4, 2021
All Fontana Regional Library locations in Macon, Jackson, and Swain Counties are now open for walk-in browsing without an appointment. Because of high demand and limited capacity, some special sections may still require a reservation, such as computer labs and study rooms. These reservations can be made in advance or on a walk-in/as available basis.
Visitors who come into the library starting in May will find that things look more like they did before the pandemic, even as masks are still required for everyone ages 3 and up, and additional cleaning measures are in place. Following CDC and NCDHHS recommendations, there will no longer be a quarantine of returned library items, and some of the upholstered chairs and furniture will again be usable, as social distancing allows. Curbside pickup will continue as an option at all library locations.
A new service that is now available is wireless printing. Anyone can now send a print job to a library printer from anywhere using any device, and then come to the library to pick up and pay for their printout. Print jobs are stored for up to 72 hours, so a user needs to visit a Library Print Release Station to release/retrieve and pay for the print job before it is automatically deleted. This maintains privacy, as only the sender can release the job when they come to the Library. This project has been several years in the making, and Fontana Regional Library is grateful to have received the funding to accomplish it through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (IMLS grant number LS-246155-OLS-20).
Update: Sat, May 30
Beginning June 1, members of the public can make an appointment to visit any Fontana Regional Library location in Macon, Jackson, and Swain Counties starting June 8. Curbside service to pickup reserved items will remain in place for those who prefer that option. All people entering library buildings will be required to wear a mask or other face covering. Safety of the public and library workers is the most important consideration, so social distancing and sanitizing procedures will be observed. For more information or to make an appointment, please call your local library.
Update: Fri, May 15
Curbside service will resume the week of May 18th. Buildings are still closed to the public and library programs are canceled until further notice. Please contact your local library for more information, including how to reserve / order items for pickup, how to receieve your items, and for local operating hours during this time.
Here is a summary of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act: CARES Act Highlights.
NC 2-1-1 is now available 24/7 as a resource for assistance related to COVID-19. Dial 2-1-1 to get connected to resources in your community and text COVIDNC to 898211 to get alerts on the North Carolina’s COVID-19 updates.
For up-to-date information on the virus and how to protect yourself, call the Statewide North Carolina Coronavirus Helpline at 1-866-462-3821. The helpline is staffed by North Carolina Poison Control officials 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Nurses and pharmacists handling the calls can help people know:
North Carolina Poison Control is partnering with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to monitor coronavirus concerns in our state. You can find additional information at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus (COVID-19) website at www.cdc.gov/COVID19
Jackson County Department of Public Health COVID-19 Response in Jackson County -
"If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or believe that you have been exposed to COVID-19, you may need to seek medical attention. Call the Health Department or your primary care provider. Describe your symptoms and how you may have been exposed to the virus. The Health Department or your primary care provider will tell you what steps to take next. In the event of an emergency, call 911." You can also follow Jackson County Department of Public Health on Facebook for updates.
Macon County Public Health 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) -
"If you think you may have COVID-19, please call the Macon County COVID-19 Call Center at (828) 349-2517. The call center is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you would like more information regarding COVID-19 or it is after call center hours, please call the state call center at (866) 462-3821." You can also follow Macon County Public Health on Facebook for updates.
Swain County Health Department -
"If you are not feeling well please avoid going out in public unless you need to seek medical attention. If you do need medical attention Call your primary care provider and describe your symptoms and how you may have been exposed to the virus. Your primary care provider will tell you what steps to take next. In the event of an emergency, call 911." You can also follow Swain County Health Department on Facebook for updates.
COVID-19 Resource Guide - from the Soutwestern Commission
Using Your library barcode or your student's student ID/lunch number, you can access eResources from the comfort of your own home!
You can download Libby to access both of our OverDrive libraries. For readers of all ages, try e-iNC Digital Library for eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines. For readers PreK to grade 4, try NC Kids Digital library for eBooks, eAudiobooks, Streaming Videos, and read-alongs. TumbleWeed has provided access to eBooks through August: K-6 children's, K-6 math, Grade 7-12, All ages audio book, Romance novels.
Fontana Regional Library patrons can access our Kanopy Streaming Video Library which contains over 30,000 movies and documentaries, including must-see indie films and classic cinema, that you can stream on your computer or device using the Kanopy app. You also have access to Kanopy Kids - Enriching Kids Content, featuring parental controls and content ratings and providing developmentally appropriate children's content. Find the free Kanopy app in the App Store on your device and login.
Thousands of high quality videos on business & economics, health & medicine, humanities & social sciences, and science & mathematics, as well as travel and fitness programming, home and how-to videos, indie films, and popular music performances. Includes Oscar, Emmy and Peabody award winning documentaries, interviews, instructional and vocational training videos, historical speeches and newsreels. Also includes content formerly in the NC LIVE Video Collection.
You can find additional eResources, including Mango Language Learning, Home Study Resources, Universal Class online education, and more on our online resources and online databases pages.
A new website designed to gather online content and educational resources into one place for teachers, students, parents, and anyone needing enriching experiences, regardless of their location.
