Recent Articles

On October 26^th, Asheville based architect, Keith Hargrove, and Marianna Black Library Board Chair, Ellen Snodgrass presented to a series of renderings of a new library to the Swain County Commissioners.  The presentation began with Snodgrass running down a brief history and timeline of the new library project, including new information regarding a reduction in size to save on building costs and ongoing operational costs.  H

In keeping with the Long Range Plan, the Library continually strives to provide the infrastructure and resources to provide excellent service and convenient access for the community.
 
Through a generous contribution by the Macon County Public Library Friends, the Nantahala Community Library has been able to replace their TV. The funding provided
for the purchase of a new 65 inch curved 4K UHD TV for the public to use in programs and activities at the community room.
 

On September 9^th, 2017, Macon County Public Library held its 4^th annual Read Local Book Fair.
 
The big change over last year was moving the date from November to early September.  This was done to try and capture more of the “seasonal” population, as it was pointed out that most of this potential audience is gone in early November.
 
Approximately 345 attended the fair (about 150 more than last year); we will probably continue with the earlier date, due to this increase. 
 

Did you know that the Library offers Notary services in each of our counties? We currently have 9 Notaries on staff, with at least 1 Notary in most of our branches. We recognize that this is one of those services that no one thinks about until you need it. And when you need it, you really need it. So we are striving to have this service conveniently available to our patrons. The cherry on top of this hidden service sundae is that we provide this service completely free of charge. For more information on Notary services provided by the Library, call your local branch.
 

Libraries throughout Fontana had displays to promote Mental Health Awareness Week during October.  These were done in partnership with the local chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health), NAMI Appalachian South. Displays combined resources such as informational pamphlets from NAMI and local mental health providers, with items from our collection, such as books, DVDs, and audiobooks.

Need assistance with your taxes? Look no further! All the libraries in Fontana Regional Library system provide basic Federal tax forms and instructions as a service to our customers.  Although we do not carry paper forms for State taxes we do have access through the Internet to forms for the State of North Carolina and the IRS at a cost of 25 cents a side.
 

Libraries Offering Tax Assistance Near You:

 AARP Tax Preparation Assistance at both JCPL and MCPL are by appointment only. Please call 586-2016 (JCPL) or 524-3600 (MCPL) for assistance.
 

Matthew Bateman is a personal fitness instructor at the Franklin Health and Fitness Center. He tagged MCPL in a Facebook post stating how grateful he was for a study room at the Macon County Public Library to help get organized for his clients at the fitness center.

Have you been seeing libraries popping up on every corner?  Little Free Libraries are a growing phenomenon!  As of 2017, there are over 60,000 registered Little Free Libraries in all 50 states and 80 countries. 
 

FRL is growing their partnership with the Southwestern Commission in advocating for broadband in our region by promoting their ‘Regional Broadband Assessment’ survey. The data from this survey will be used in their broadband and Economic Development planning for the region.