History

Following the construction of a new Jackson County Public Library in 1970, a small group of volunteers began organizing used book sales to benefit the library. Since that time, a growing group has continued to raise money for items not covered by the library’s budget.

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In 1986, the county purchased the Hooper House (which current houses the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce) with the intent of demolishing it to make room for library expansion. Throughout the end of the 1980s and 90s. The Hooper House was used for extra storage spage and provided a venue of book sales, which took place a few hours a week.

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Jackson County had a change of plans and in December of 1999 the Jackson County Commissioners put the library expansion on hold and deeded the Hooper House to the Hooper House Preservation Foundation, Inc. This left the Friends without a place to sell books and raise money for the library.

 

Following its incorporation in 1997 and receipt of its 501(c)(3) tax exempt status the following year, The Friends of the Jackson County Public Library rented its current storefront in downtown Sylva in 2000/2001. This allowed the acceptance of donations of books and other media from the community as well as from the library.

 

In 2008, The Friends became the designated fiscal agent for the New Jackson County Public Library Complex Fundraising Campaign. Volunteers undertook the monumental task of raising funds through contributions from its membership, profits from book fairs, grants from foundations, and gifts from individuals throughout our community. Additionally, a children’s reading challenge was held and monetary donations were collected at the bookstore and the library.

 

Our new library is a beautiful building located adjacent to the historic courthouse at the far end of Main Street in downtown Sylva. Our volunteers operate a bookstore seven days a week. Profits allow the library to purchase public access computers, new computers and educational software for the children’s area, children’s books, shelving, an outdoor book drop, digital media, reference materials, and seating, in addition to providing sponsorship of a wide variety programming.