The Marianna Black Library primarily serves the 13,000 residents of Swain County. This number swells in the summertime with the arrival of seasonal workers and part-time residents to the Bryson City area.
The Marianna Black Library collection offers materials for all ages, from birth to adult. And free internet access is available on nine public access computers.
In the Youth Services area, there are books, tapes and CDs for all interests and reading levels as well as four computers with educational games and a good selection of materials for parents and teachers.
There's also a Thomas the Tank Table donated by the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Children play with the trains, cars and tracks for hours at a time, so parents love it too. "Anything that gets my child loving the library is a good thing," said one area parent.
In the adult selection, there is a large collection of fiction and non-fiction books in the traditional print format, books on tape and CD, videos and DVDs as well as large print books, a wide selection of magazines and a genealogy area.
There are several areas inside with comfortable seating as well as a large study room with adult reference materials and homework resources. There is a front porch with benches and an inviting gazebo with a trickling fountain tucked away in the garden.
A meeting room is available for public use during library hours and after hours use by special arrangement with staff.
The library display area in the front hallway showcases the talent and interests of local resident artists. In early 2008, we added lighting to the display and it's made quite a difference to our artisan presentations. Stop by to see inspiring creations (pictured Bee Global).
A beautiful community flower garden graces the front of the library, maintained solely by staff and volunteers. You are encouraged to come and help keep the garden looking its best. Contact a staff member if you are interested in giving your time to help beautify our library.
Through a program called Project Involved, funded through a Learn and Serve America grant, the Swain High School student cadets in the Air Force Junior ROTC cadets planted flowers, landscaped the front lawn and painted the library sign and outdoor benches.
Library Programs
Chidren's Programs for all ages are presented throughout the year. There is no Story Time in May or August.
Children's Programs During School Year
Wednesdays at 10:30 – Preschool story time, ages 3-5. Storytime focuses on early learning skills such as rhyming, matching, counting and more. After a book or two is read, the children participate in games, songs, fingerplays, puppet play and more. The children will also enjoy a make and take craft activity each week. Any and all special programs are scheduled for Tuesdays at 10:30 am. Please call 488-3030, ext. 30 for further details. Parents and childcare providers are asked to please sign-up when arriving.
