About the Friends of the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library
- committed to help fund and improve the Library and its services to the public
- a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) membership organization started in 1995
- members share a common vision of a superior free public library accessible by all
- funds virtually all of the library's books, electronic media (DVDs, CDs, computer programs), periodicals and other materials, as well as programs
- your donation to the Friends is tax deductible
History of the Library
Humble Beginnings...
The story of the Cashiers Community Library begins at the Village Lending Library on Route 64, a small clapboard house. Moya Johannsen filled the tiny structure with books, mostly novels. When Moya died in 1967, the collection was moved to the basement of the Community Center, under the auspices of Rita Bond who tended and loaned the books. There it remained until Barbara Carlton made a donation to purchase the land at the current location.
The story of the Cashiers Community Library begins at the Village Lending Library on Route 64, a small clapboard house. Moya Johannsen filled the tiny structure with books, mostly novels. When Moya died in 1967, the collection was moved to the basement of the Community Center, under the auspices of Rita Bond who tended and loaned the books. There it remained until Barbara Carlton made a donation to purchase the land at the current location.
Dedication...
The Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library opened its doors on July 15, 1994. Building the library was truly a community endeavor. Contributions from local residents poured in for building the structure, with residents making nearly 1,000 financial contributions totaling $250,000, and the State of North Carolina and Jackson County Government each contributing $200,000 to build the library on land donated by the Albert Carlton family.
The library is named for Albert Carlton. The dedication features a plaque with several copies of the
Crossroads Chronicle and Albert Carlton’s personal Bible behind the plaque at the front entrance to the library.
The Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library opened its doors on July 15, 1994. Building the library was truly a community endeavor. Contributions from local residents poured in for building the structure, with residents making nearly 1,000 financial contributions totaling $250,000, and the State of North Carolina and Jackson County Government each contributing $200,000 to build the library on land donated by the Albert Carlton family.
The library is named for Albert Carlton. The dedication features a plaque with several copies of the
Crossroads Chronicle and Albert Carlton’s personal Bible behind the plaque at the front entrance to the library.

Growing to Meet the Community Need...
When it opened, the library boasted 6,400 square feet but is over double that size today after multiple expansions.
In 2005 ground was broken for a major expansion. In 2008 the “Friendship Garden” was added, funded by and dedicated to lifelong friends Dr. Barbara Carlton and Deen Day Sanders. A 2015 expansion added 500 square feet to the Friends of the Library Book Store.
Today, patrons enjoy the Library’s space and services, including the children’s room, Friends of the Library Book Store, computer area, sitting room with fireplace, conference room and elevated stage complete with a dressing room.
When it opened, the library boasted 6,400 square feet but is over double that size today after multiple expansions.
In 2005 ground was broken for a major expansion. In 2008 the “Friendship Garden” was added, funded by and dedicated to lifelong friends Dr. Barbara Carlton and Deen Day Sanders. A 2015 expansion added 500 square feet to the Friends of the Library Book Store.
Today, patrons enjoy the Library’s space and services, including the children’s room, Friends of the Library Book Store, computer area, sitting room with fireplace, conference room and elevated stage complete with a dressing room.
Our Larger Library Community
More about Fontana Regional Library System and the United For Libraries (the national Friends of the Library network).