Opening Date Announced for Renovated Hickory Flat Library

The Hickory Flat Public Library will soon be open again after a year and half-long renovation project.

The library’s grand opening and ribbon cutting are set for July 25, the Sequoyah Regional Library System announced.

All community members are invited to the ribbon cutting at 3 p.m. July 25, followed by tours and refreshments. Visitors will have the chance to sign up for library cards.

At 4:30 p.m., the library will hold a Summer Discovery Finale event with a puppet show by That Puppet Guy.

“We are looking forward and ready for the ribbon cutting, not just as a celebration for the opening but an opportunity to say thank you,” said Angela Cortellino, executive director of SRLS. “This renovation and expansion of our library was possible because of community support, and the support of our local and state leaders. The project was funded by SPLOST and a state grant. The ribbon cutting is a celebration of all the things that made the project possible.”

The Hickory Flat Renovation and Expansion Project officially began on Jan. 25, 2023 with a groundbreaking, where library system staff and board members “broke ground” with Cherokee County officials and the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce.

The renovated Hickory Flat Public Library building, originally built in 1993, now includes an additional 7,800 square feet. The library will have more space for books and technology, larger areas for programs and meetings, and additional seating for guests.

“This library is all about people,” Cortellino said. “We have a variety of spaces for groups of all sizes to gather and connect. Places for children to play and adults to discover. Places to learn and places to reflect. I think everyone will find something in this space to connect with.”

The total construction contract for the project is $6.8 million, according to the library system. A little less than $4 million was funded with Cherokee County Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax dollars, and some funding came from impact fees. Additional funding includes a $2 million capital outlay grant.

The building was designed by CAS Architecture and built by Hollandsworth Construction.

“We are incredibly excited to feature our Third Space, a place where anyone can come and get work done, relax, or have a quick meeting,” Cortellino said. “This space is meant to reflect a variety of needs, for everyone.”

The Hickory Flat Public Library is located at 2740 East Cherokee Drive near Canton.

The library’s hours will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

For the library system’s full programming schedule and to register for events, visit https://bit.ly/Calendar-SRLS. For updates and announcements about the project, and to check up-to-date service hours for the Hickory Flat Public Library, visit SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org.