The Friends of Pickens Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, meaning your support is fully tax-deductible. Every contribution goes directly toward funding library programs, resources, and community initiatives, helping us promote literacy and education for all.
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Patsy Payne Benson
Friends of Pickens Library Reflection – Memories Too Important to Forget
Have you ever gone back to your childhood hometown only to find it unrecognizable?
Time has a way of altering people and places, sometimes to the point of questioning our memories or concepts of events in the past.
Patsy Payne Benson was born in Whitestone, Georgia and spent her formative years in Pickens County. After graduating from Pickens County High School she received her Business Administration degree from UGA with a major in Aeronautical Administration. She then pursued a masters degree from Ole Miss. Patsy spent her professional career teaching in colleges in Kentucky, Florida and Maryland for 30 years, retiring as an emeritus professor in 1996.
Returning to Whitestone after a 60-year absence, Patsy found the area so changed that she feared the place she had loved during childhood would be lost forever, except in her memory. Patsy began seriously revisiting her childhood memories and researching historical events that had made Whitestone a thriving part of North Georgia.
Join us from 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM on Thursday, May 1, in the Pickens County Library Community Room as we spend an afternoon with local author, Patsy Payne Benson. Her book, “Whitestone, Georgia: History and Memories”, focuses on the impact of the Cherokee nation, the flood of 1938 and other events that shaped the birth and success of the mining industry that brought jobs and families to Gilmer and Pickens counties. Only someone who experienced life during this time period can accurately document the events which transformed this small, quiet community into the thriving, productive mining town it became. Although it has drastically changed, we will learn how Whitestone continues to impact our lives today.
This talk kicks off a series of “Our Own Local History” programs by local authors. Visit our website at friendsofpickenslibrary.org and our Facebook page for more information on FOPL membership, book donations and upcoming events.
Books will be available for purchase and signing by the author..
Light refreshments will be served.
Article By: Brenda Wynn
Friends Of Pickens Library Facebook Page
Turn Your Time Into Support for the Library!
If you volunteer at the Community Thrift Store, be sure to mention that you’re volunteering on behalf of the Friends of the Pickens Library (FOPL). This simple step helps us qualify for the PCCRA Grant, which directly supports our efforts to provide more resources and programs for the Pickens County Library.
Every hour you give makes a difference!
Volunteer here: https://thecommunitythriftstore.com/volunteer/
Thank you for helping us help the library!
Is your TBR pile reaching the ceiling? Do you have a bookshelf crying out for a clear-out session? Here’s your chance to help. All proceeds support the Pickens Library. Here’s a quick reminder about our donation guidelines:
What We Can Accept:
Books in good condition (not soiled or smelly!)
- Fiction: Hardback and paperback Mysteries, thrillers, romances (think good condition, please!) – basically anything that will keep people up late turning pages.
- Non-Fiction: Hardback and paperback History buffs, science enthusiasts, DIY dreamers – send those awesome books our way (but skip the encyclopedias, dictionaries, or thesauruses… they’re readily available online these days).
- Spiritual/Religious Books: Yes, but no Bibles
- Coffee Table Books: Always a welcome addition!
- Children’s and Young Adult Books: Especially needed! (in good condition)
- Picture books for babies and children under 5
- First readers (Grades 1 & 2) and chapter books (for both boys & girls)
- Young adult fiction (fantasy, science fiction, mysteries, etc.)
- Science books for children
- History books for children
- Books about animals and reptiles, etc.
Donation Limits:
- Larger donations are accepted on Tuesdays or Thursdays, from 11 AM to 5 PM.
- Up to 10 items can be donated any day during library hours.
- Special donation request please fill out our contact form and someone will get back in touch with you.
For more information:
- Click the link to send an email via our website
- Simply email info@friendsofpickenslibrary.org
- Or call the Pickens Library 706-692-5411
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2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Sounds like a great time!
I remember reading about the history of the flood that killed some children in Whitestone. It was a sad history.
Mark Your Calendar
for a Special Local Author Event
An Afternoon with Patsy Payne Benson
📅 Thursday, May 1
🕑 2:00–3:30 PM
📍 Pickens County Library Community Room ... See MoreSee Less
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Wise words from Einstein—libraries matter. #NationalLibraryWeek ... See MoreSee Less
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Have your fines forgiven during National Library Week! ✨📚
From April 6 through April 12, call or come into any of our libraries to take advantage of our fine forgiveness program.
Learn more on our website: sequoyahregionallibrary.org/national-library-week
#SeqLib #GeorgiaLibraries #NationalLibraryWeek ... See MoreSee Less
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Next week is National Library Week! 📚❤️
To celebrate, we'll be highlighting all the ways our community is drawn to the library. From our wonderful staff, incredible community, and amazing supporters, we are delighted to be your dynamic destination for discovery.
What draws you to the library? Share your story with us here: bit.ly/ShareYourSequoyahStory
#SeqLib #GeorgiaLibraries #NationalLibraryWeek ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Classics and quality living books. Sadly, the library has purged so many and refuses to purchase books for circulation that are older than two years past publication date. We don't go as often as we used to.
Photos from Sequoyah Regional Library's post ... See MoreSee Less
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Photos from Sequoyah Regional Library's post ... See MoreSee Less
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Photos from Pickens County Library's post ... See MoreSee Less
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