Clay County Library (Moss Memorial) is one of the treasures of Clay County, offering a wide variety of educational opportunities for all ages. Historically, the Library started with a small collection of books housed in a two-story building on the town square and changed to a small room in the Courthouse. In 1940, the County contracted to share resources, including a Book Mobile, with the newly formed Nantahala Regional Library, which has branches in Murphy, Andrews, and Robbinsville. In 1943, The County hired Ms. Ellen Scroggs as the first Librarian, with a starting salary of $25.00 month. In late 1966 and early 1967, it was possible to construct a new Library on the corner of Main, Anderson, and Sanderson Streets, made possible through federal and state grants, private donations, and a large donation by the Moss Family. In the dedication ceremony, June 24, 1967, representing the Moss Family, Fred A. Moss said, “It should serve as the cultural center and pay dividends for many years to come.” (Ibid., Clay County Heritage Book Committee, Clay County Heritage, North Carolina, Volume I.). The Moss family has made significant contributions over the years the Moss Foundation to help support the Library. Financial support also comes from Clay County Commissioners, the Town of Hayesville, grants, individual contributions, and from special projects of the Friends of the Library.
The Library has an extensive book collection of approximately 30,000 volumes, in addition to its reference books and other materials available for researching family histories as well as local lore and historic events. Also available are video tapes to borrow and a selection of over 70 magazines, newspapers (local, regional, national), and other periodicals to use in the building.
Many programs are offered, ranging from pre-school and kindergarten (story telling and reading) to youth and adults, such as book-signings and poetry readings. The Library has a state-of-the-art high speed Internet-accessible WIFI (wireless) computer center. The computer center has about two dozen computer terminals available at one time for classes, checking E-mail, or “surfing the net.” Throughout the year, regular courses are conducted in the computer program for all ages, including basic computer skills and working with scanners and digital cameras. In addition, available for the visually impaired is a Video-Eye machine and monitor as part of a computer system donated by the Local Lions Club.
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