This month Fontana Regional Library celebrates the season with an attitude of gratitude! We want to take time to express our thanks to the folks who make our public libraries possible.
A Big “Thank You” to our Patrons
Thank YOU for everything that you do to support your public libraries!
You Advocated for Your Libraries
When you heard that Macon County libraries weren't receiving the increased funding they needed, you called the county commissioners and voiced your support. You came out to the Macon County Budget Hearing (the room was packed!) and took the time to speak on behalf of the people who need public libraries in your community.You contacted your government representatives and told them "I love my library!"
You spread the word and tell other people about all the wonderful programs and resources available at your library. You talk about how the library serves you and others whenever you get a chance. You used your platforms (newspapers, blogs, social media) to share library news and your love of the library with others.
You Donated to Your Libraries
You donated books- over 350 donated books have been added to our collections. Countless other donations are used in other library projects: Little Libraries (which have circulated over 2,400 books throughout the community in the past year!), Waiting Room Libraries, Detention Center Libraries, and more. Your donations supply our Friends of the Library Used Book stores, whose proceeds benefit your libraries.Last fiscal year, you donated over $25,000 (combined restricted and unrestricted donations) to support your libraries. The Macon Aero Modelers hosted a fundraiser donating $500 to the Macon County Friends of the Library.
In May 2014, Don and Toni Davidson donated 9 acres of land to Swain County to be used exclusively for a new Marianna Black Library and an additional gift of $50,000 to initiate fundraising for a new library.
You Shared Your Knowledge
You contributed to the libraries' display and exhibits, sharing your crafts, collections, and art with your community. You offer tutoring for students. You lead a program or presentation in the library, sharing your wealth of knowledge with others- on nearly any topic including local history and nature, 3D printing, paper crafting, computer classes, and English as a second language classes. Even our furry patrons lead programs (along with their owners!)Our Teen patrons regularly volunteer throughout the community and provide entertaining programs and shows, such as their Theater Bizarro and Mini Comic Con.
The Nantahala Hiking Club and Asheville Astronomy Club regularly host community education programs and were vital in launching Macon County Public Library's backpack lending and telescope lending programs.
The local AARP provides free tax assistance at the library every year. Local authors came out to our Read Local Book Fair to share their books and stories with the community and local storytellers from the NC Storytelling Guild shared their stories.
You Support our Staff
You let staff know that they're doing a great job! If you see someone going above and beyond, you let them know or you leave a feedback form letting their supervisors know. You bring in snacks and treats or fresh flowers for the circulation desks.You help train our staff. SoloSoutheast annually donates their time and knowledge to train all library staff members in CPR and First Aid. Many library supporters have assisted with our staff trainings, most recently Tom Johnson from WCU who led staff security training, Barbara McRae who instructed staff on how to improve their writing, Drew Campbell who taught staff how to take better photographs, Cynthia Gallinger who guided staff training in using Microsoft Publisher to create promotional materials, and Candy Noltensmeyer who facilitated training on public speaking and storytelling. Many local businesses, organizations, and individuals donated materials and gifts for our staff trainings.
Thank you all for everything that you do! Without your support, our libraries would not be possible.
If you're interested in finding out more about any of our library projects or how you can help support your library, please contact us.