When it comes to libraries, let’s keep the faith

Growing up as an educator’s daughter, I spent afternoons running the halls of my mom’s school with the other teachers’ kids, waiting on our parents to finish grading papers, attend faculty meetings or otherwise close out their duties. My mom was a public school librarian.

Library employees are a dedicated lot

When I worked at our Macon County library, I saw its many uses. Library workers are a special breed that come in many stripes but what unites them is that they all consider the provision of knowledge and research materials to be an over-arching goal. 

Shine the light on backdoor dealings

Editor's note: The following letter to the editor erroneously claims that the email referenced was sent by Fontana Regional Library board member Leah Gaston. Through its own independent reporting, The Smoky Mountain News  had previously confirmed that Leah's husband, Jim, sent that email from Leah's account. 

To the Editor:

Thank you to Smoky Mountain News staff writer Hannah McLeod for the informative article about the leaked email from a library board member who requested a behind-the-scenes discussion with the Macon County commissioners.

Should I stay or should I go?: Leaked email urges covert FRL dissolution

Just months after Jackson, Macon and Swain counties reached an agreement to approve a new version of the Fontana Regional Library interlocal agreement following more than two years of controversy, an email originating from the account of a Macon County Library Board member plots a path for dissolution. 

Overdue: library board takes on late fees

The Macon County Library Board has signed an overture in opposition to the Fontana Regional Library System going fine-free, a topic that came up most recently during a November meeting of the Fontana Regional Library Board but may not be raised again. 

Swain secures funding for library expansion

Marianna Black Library is set for a major expansion and renovation thanks to funding from several parties, including a large allotment in the state budget. 

What libraries do is so important

To the Editor:

Libraries are an important part of any community. In addition to books, they provide numerous other resources such as access to computers and Wi-Fi, puzzles, newspapers, and programs for the public.

Changes for FRL: Jackson looks at Macon’s recommendations for library system

After Macon County proposed several changes to the Fontana Regional Library system agreement, Jackson County commissioners are taking a look at the recommendations to determine what will work, and what won’t. 

What would a library be without ‘outside influences’?

At the June 27 meeting of the Macon County Board of Commissioners, Chairman Bill Dyar was asked by Leah Gaston and the other two new board members for the opportunity to fully introduce themselves. Chairman Dyar agreed. 

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