The Macon County Public Library Board of Trustees voted to form a committee to address misinformation and public comments. The unanimous vote followed a discussion during the Aug. 5 board meeting about whether to respond to public comments.
Trustee Kathy Smith said she had feedback to offer in response to public comments received by the board. Refuting misinformation in the comments, she said no books have been banned and no libraries are closing.
“As far as concerns about library closings, I can tell you with confidence that there’s no conversations that I know of about any libraries in the [Fontana Regional Library System] — that’s three counties — closing,” Smith said. “They’ve each been fully funded by their counties. And the staff and salaries and the operations are 97% to 98% funded by the county. So, it’s in-house. We don’t really depend on federal and state.”
“In June, Jackson County, one of the other FRL counties, did vote to discontinue contracting with the FRL for the operation of the libraries,” Smith added, noting that it will continue to operate as an independent county library beginning in July 2026.
“I truly hope that answers these concerns, because that’s a pretty serious concern if people believe that our libraries are about to be closed,” she said.
Further discussion dispelled confusion about whether Jackson County Library patrons would lose interlibrary loan privileges. Patrons can still request books at their local library through the NC Cardinal statewide interlibrary loan system. However, service may be slower because the books will be sent by mail instead of via a courier service.
Macon County Librarian Abby Hardison cautioned against individual board members responding to public comments.
“When you respond to public comment, there is the possibility that it could be taken as a statement from the board itself,” Hardison said. “Generally, you don’t want to speak on behalf of the board unless it’s something that you all decide on.”
The board then voted to form a committee to draft a statement responding to those three areas of concern and misinformation in public comments received by the board. Kathy Smith, Diann Catlin and Debbie Franken will serve on the committee.
Discussion then turned to an ongoing controversy regarding the placement of books on sexuality for young readers and whether the number of books described as promoting “traditional family values” is declining in comparison.
In response to a direct question from Macon County Library board member Philip Curcuru, Hardison said books on spirituality and Christian values have always been purchased since she’s been overseeing book collection development.
“I can’t speak to saying whether that has declined or increased,” she said. “I know we have them. I’ve been here two and a half years now, and that’s always been a priority, to make sure that those are always represented.”
According to the librarian’s report compiled by Hardison for each board meeting, all three libraries in the Fontana Regional Library system are now equipped with Automated External Defibrillators, thanks to a donation from the American Heart Association.
Upcoming events highlighted in the report include an “Emotional Recovery from Disaster” program on Aug. 12, a summer book club for youth, an art program for youth on Aug. 14, a music program on Aug. 24, and monthly art classes for homeschooling teens. Visit or contact your local public library for more information about programs.
The next meeting of the Macon County Board of Trustees will be held Oct. 7 at 4 p.m. at the Hudson Library in Highlands.
- Lorelei Goff
editor@highlandsnews.com