Q: Where will the new library be located?
A: The new Jackson County Public Library Complex will be located in the renovated historic courthouse and in a new 20,000 square foot addition to be built behind the courthouse.

Q: Why was the historic courthouse site chosen?
A: There was strong public sentiment to keep the new library in downtown Sylva. The courthouse provides both historic ambiance and a splendid gateway for a new library complex. It attracts public attention as the most photographed courthouse in North Carolina. The new library complex will have a positive economic impact on Jackson County by drawing more people to our area.

Q: When will the new library be ready?
A: Construction is currently underway. Target date for opening is December 2010.

Q: What will be in the historic courthouse?
A: The ground floor will contain the Genealogical Society, a museum featuring collections from the Historical Association, a large conference room, a vending area and built-in display cabinets. The upper level will feature the former courtroom as a community room with seating for 175, the Arts Council office and a catering kitchen.

Q: How many parking spaces will be available at the new complex?
A: The design calls for approximately 70 parking spaces in the immediate area of the new library complex. This is a significant increase from the 16 spaces at the current library. There are overflow parking spaces in the immediate vicinity along Keener Street adjacent to Bicentennial Park. Once the facility has been completed it is expected to be included on the regular route of Jackson County Transit.

Q: What happens when we outgrow the 26,000 square foot library? Is there room to expand at the courthouse site?
A: The Jackson County Public Library Service Priorities and Facilities Plan recommended building two branch libraries of 5,000 square feet each by 2015.

Q: How will the new library complex be paid for?
A: Jackson County is paying for the costs of design and engineering, site preparation, construction and renovation, and any contingencies. The Jackson County Commissioners have asked the community, in partnership with the Friends of the Jackson County Main Library, to raise $1.5 million to cover the costs associated with the furniture, fixtures and equipment for the complex. In addition, the Friends and private donors have committed $100,000 to cover the costs associated with fundraising campaign.

Q: How many new jobs will be created at the new library complex?
A: The staffing plan for the new complex calls for 18 positions. In addition, there will be a need for a number of volunteers to assist with the library move, book covering, shelving, programming details, and numerous other jobs at the library.

Q: Has Jackson County committed to increasing the library’s yearly appropriation to account for the additional staff and operating costs that will result from the larger building?
A: County officials are aware that there will be additional costs associated with operating an expanded facility. This will be a budget consideration in the future.

Q: Who will be responsible for maintaining and scheduling rooms in the courthouse?
A: Scheduling of all conference and meeting rooms in the new library complex will be done by the library staff. Maintenance of the facility will be provided by Jackson County.

Q: What were the major findings of the 2007 Dubberly Garcia Associates, Inc. study?

A: Meeting participants were asked to rank a list of 18 service priorities published by the American Library Association. The top four services the community wants the Jackson County Public Library to provide are:

1) Satisfy Curiosity: Lifelong Learning: Patrons will have the resources they need to explore topics of personal interest and continue to learn throughout their lives. Our collection will increase from approximately 35,000 to over 100,000. There will be 32 public Internet access computers throughout the facility. The new library complex will offer expanded programming for children, teens and adults. The Genealogical Society will have its offices and resources at the new complex and the Historical Association will have a small museum. There will be two tutor rooms, three study rooms, a sizeable conference room, a large outdoor terrace, a spacious entry atrium and a large community room. And there will be comfortable seating and good lighting throughout the complex.
2) Create Young Readers: Early Literacy: Children from birth to five will have programs and services designed to help ensure that they will enter school ready to learn to read, write and listen. The Children’s Area will be alive with materials, colors, displays, and programs focusing on early learning skills. This area will be the largest public space on the first floor of the new building. There will be a spacious storytime room with a big screen TV and a colorful mural. The storytime room is adjacent to an exterior courtyard where weather permitting crafts and other activities can take place. The area will provide space and materials for older children as well. Eight of the 32 computers will be located in this area. There will be adequate seating for adults who accompany their children to the library.
3) Visit a Comfortable Space: Physical and Virtual Spaces: Library users will have safe and welcoming physical spaces to meet and interact with others or to sit quietly and read. The facility will offer open and accessible virtual spaces that support networking. The new complex will provide meeting rooms of various sizes, areas for people to collaborate on projects, comfortable seating in busy and quiet areas, ergonomic workstations and chairs for computer use, accessible electrical outlets for personal computers, gallery space, exhibit space and performance space. Outdoor spaces will also be available to the public – the large terrace and the courtyard will offer breathtaking views and comfortable seating to read, talk and enjoy a cup of tea.
4) Stimulate Imagination: Reading, Viewing and Listening for Pleasure: Visitors of all ages will find larger and more diverse collections of books, magazines and movies which will enhance their leisure time and encourage intellectual pursuits and imagination. Storytimes for children, book discussion groups for adults, gaming for teens, concerts, lectures and movies are just a few of the expanded programs that the new library complex will be able to offer. Library staff is committed to providing materials and programs that respond to the community’s current interests. People visiting the new library will have the help they need to make the best possible choices from among the many options open to them.

Q: How can I help? …
A: Your financial support is essential for the successful completion of the new Jackson County Public Library Complex. For information on how you can contribute please contact Mary Otto Selzer at 828-507-0476 or click here for more information about the new complex.