During the June 4 Macon County Public Library Trustee meeting, Fontana Regional Library (FRL) Executive Director Tracy Fitzmaurice read a draft of 12 rules regarding public comment at library meetings. With about two dozen attendees present, the FRL board met at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin on July 9 and voted unanimously to change the FRL bylaws in order to add public comment to the agenda.
(For a list of the public comment rules, read the article online that appeared in the June 20, 2424, edition of Macon Sense: https://maconsense.org/2024/06/20/library-board-trustees-review-frl-procedure-changes/.)
Directives for public comment will be in place at all future FRL and trustee meetings.
Also at the July 9 meeting, the same FRL officers were reinstated for another year: Margaret Carton, chairman, Jackson County; Cynthia Womble, vice-chairman, Swain County; and, Debbie Tallent, secretary, Macon County.
Finally, Wood Lovell was recognized with a certificate of appreciation for his six years of service on the MCPLT.
Technology grant awarded
The FRL system comprises six public library branches in Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties, and these libraries will benefit from a $300,000 award through the Digital Champion Grant. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, the Digital Champion Grant assists North Carolinians in accessing high-speed internet as well as increasing digital literacy throughout the state.
A previous technology grant provided patrons access to technology assistance from Digital Navigators, working within the libraries. The Digital Champion Grant will expand on this service by adding four-week workshop sessions, held in various locations, with interpreters available for Spanish speakers and sign language if needed.
Attendees will learn to use Chromebooks or tablets, manage digital organization, navigate online education, evaluate online information, and practice internet safety. After completing all four of the classes, attendees will receive their own Chromebook and accessories.
Once funding is available, information about classes and other activities will be available at www.fontanalib.org.
Nantahala Community Library’s new location
On July 22, the library is opening at its newly renovated site at 36B White Oak Lane in Topton. Nantahala Community Library is part of the FRL system. The library will operate with the same hours as the current location, Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The new location will offer all the same services and resources, including Wi-Fi, computer access, print and copy services, and access to print and digital materials for all ages.
A celebration for the new library location and Fontana Regional Library’s 80th anniversary is via an open house reception with refreshments on Aug. 6, from 2-4 p.m. This open-to-the-public event will be followed by the Macon County Public Library’s Board of Trustees meeting at 4 p.m.
For more information or driving directions to the new library, call (828) 321-3020, or visit www.fontanalib.org.