Community Room Read-In And Memorial

Thanks to everyone who joined us at the Community Room Read-In and Memorial during Sylva Pride weekend in September. Approximately 40 people brought books and memories of the times they have enjoyed community access to the Jackson County Public Library's Community Room. The room is no longer open for public use due to a recent policy change made by the Jackson County Commissioners that limits its use to government and library-sponsored events only. In the past, the room has been available for myriad uses including weddings, memorial services, birthday and anniversary parties, Pride events, theatrical and musical productions, and much more.

The Read-In was an opportunity to peacefully protest the loss of this space as well as the community room in the Albert Carlton Cashiers Community Library in Cashiers affected by the same policy change. Participants read books in quiet protest and signed tombstones with their memories of events they had attended in the past. Especially significant was the loss of its use by the Jackson Appalachian Musicians (JAM) program which used the space for instruction and performance. The group helps keep Appalachian musical heritage alive by teaching young people with an interest to play traditional instruments from the region. JAM has had to find another location to continue its work. Not only did the space provide an affordable location for family and community events, those events drew people in to the library who may not have been aware of this singular and beautiful community building and the services it provides.

We are especially grateful to members of Sylva Pride who co-sponsored the event with the JCPL Allies.