Jackson County Public Library

History

Library service began in Jackson County in the 1920s due to the efforts of Lillian Buchanan, Mr. C. J. Harris, and the 20th Century Club. It was sustained in the 1950s through the work of Grace Beck and the Sylva Women's Club.

In 1967 Jackson County voters approved a $20,000 bond issue for a permanent building. With the aid of state and federal grants a library building was constructed. It opened in October of 1970. The first professional librarian was Margaret Sheeran, who directed the library in 1973. Jeannette Newsom replaced Sheeran in 1975 and served until December of 2000. Michael Cartwright became County Librarian in August of 2001. Dottie Brunette, formerly Cashiers Librarian, became County Librarian in May 2007.