Fontana Regional Library serving Jackson, Macon and Swain counties with six public libraries in Western North Carolina

Macon County
Public Library
819 Siler Rd.
Franklin. NC 28734

828-524-3600
Fax: 828-524-9550

Librarian: Karen Wallace

Contact us

Employment Opportunities

Privacy Policy

The Patriot Act

Disclaimer

©2005-08 Fontana Regional Library. All rights reserved

The Library employs a staff of 25, including head librarian Karen Wallace (standing, second from right).

The Macon County Public Library counts nearly 22,000 people as registered users. While books remain the heart of the library's holdings, the 62,000-volume collection also includes less traditional materials, such as books on tape and all the videos designated by the American Film Institute as the One Hundred Greatest Movies.

The 158,000 visitors who stop in each year come for a variety of reasons -- to check out books, participate in educational workshops, attend meetings, read current newspapers or magazines, do research, or just want a quiet place for study or reflection.

Through the generosity of the Gates Foundation a computer lab with 11 computers has been installed in the Reference area. Conceived as a training lab, the computers serve as additional Internet stations for public use. Additionally, there are 4 more computers in the reference area, and 4 online catalog stations throughout the library.

More than 3,200 young people (under 16) have their own library cards. And, they use them - checking out some 428,000 juvenile books each year. Children's services go well beyond providing a collection of 24,000 volumes of books and other materials. There are books, magazines, 7 computers for recreation and research, a homework center for students, programs, and a parenting section with books, magazines, and videos.

Our Children's area has mice! Three little girl mice that need nameing. Please come visit and help us name them.

In 2004, some 6,500 youthful participants attended the library's children's programs - ranging from the ever-popular "Snakes Alive" to a variety of storytime programs including the nationwide Tellebration festival of storytelling.

Alongside the programs developed for youth, the Library also offers programs for adults. Book discussions, movies, music programs, special craft programs and art exhibits are offered regularly. Current program topics include coin collection and evaluation, soap making, storytelling and Native American culture. These programs are generally free to the public.

Macon County Public Library Board of Trustees:

Randolph Bulgin, Chairperson*

Avary Doubleday*

Janis Lynch

Iva Ryan

Cindy Trevathan

Vince West*

*Member Fontana Regional Library Board

Preschool Story Time
Monday: 10:30 am.
For ages 3 -5 yrs

Toddler Story Time
Tuesday: 10:30 am.
For ages 18 mos. - 3 yrs

The Reading Rover brings the library to pre-schoolers and day care providers throughout the area.

The Friends of the Macon County Public Library organization raises money for the Library by operating the only full-time, Friends' volunteer-run used bookstore in North Carolina. The bookstore carries a wide range of used books, magazines, records, puzzles, games and other items.

To learn more about the Friends group, click here.

History
 
Public library service in Franklin began in the early 1890’s, when ten young men and women decided that their town needed a library and set out to establish one through voluntary contributions and by fund-raising projects. The Franklin Public Library was soon housed on the South side of Main Street.

Continued

    SITE MAP