Jackson County Public Library’s Children’s Librarian Elizabeth Jenkins created the “Happy Box” as a way to collect comments from the library’s users about the state of the library and its staff. Comment forms read: “Are you happy with the library staff of the Jackson County Public Library? We are tired of being talked about as creating an atmosphere that is ‘cheerless.’ If you can stand up for us please write your comments below ...” The following is a sample of what came in.

“I (and more importantly, my kids!) love coming to the library! It’s a warm, cozy place to do homework, read stories, etc. and the staff is very kind and helpful.”

— Josie Ellis

“Cheerless, cheerless?! How could anyone call you cheerless!? There is only one person cheerless and it’s me Haley Creaseman! I am cheerless because people call you cheerless!!!!!!”

— Haley Creaseman

“I’ve been a resident of Sylva for almost six years. My very first encounter with making new friends was at the Sylva library. At that time Gail and Mary were there. They welcomed me to the community and were my support system for many months recommending doctors, dentists, electricians, etc. Their smiles whenever I came through the door made me feel a part of Sylva. Today, there are many new faces at the library. One person stands out in my mind and that is Tony – always happy, professional and eager to help out in any way he can. Elizabeth is also a wonderful person – providing outstanding programs for Sylva’s children. Thanks to all who work or volunteer at the Sylva library, you all are to be congratulated for your efforts in providing outstanding library services for out small town.”

— Beverly Husselbee

“We support the ‘employees,’ but not what has become a strict organizational atmosphere.”

— Marie Leatherwood

“I have used the library for 30 years and the staff have always gone beyond my expectations to help me. When I have been in the hospital they have always sent my favorite books to me by my husband. P.S. We need a new library here in town.”

— Vicki Dillard

“All of the library staff have always been helpful, cheerful and gone beyond ‘library’ duty – even helping to find a legal way for a 10 year old boy to fish for a day without purchasing an expensive license. Even though I’ve only been here a couple of ‘part-time’ years, most of them call me by name. They are a great group of people. Sometimes we get back what we give – what do the complainers give?”

— Betty White