Grace Powell will become Jackson County’s new library director as the county transitions out of the Fontana Regional Library system.
Powell was appointed in a 4-1 vote during a closed session at the Feb. 17 Jackson County commissioners meeting, following an almost two-month search.
The announcement comes after the former library director, Tracy Fitzmaurice, unexpectedly tendered her resignation letter to the county and the FRL system in late January, according to the Smoky Mountain News.
In 2025, Jackson County commissioners voted to leave the regional library system, which includes six libraries in Swain, Jackson and Macon counties. Commissioners expressed frustration with LGBTQ library displays, sex education books and some of the library policies.
“I am excited for this opportunity to serve the people of Jackson County,” Powell said in a press release. “Meeting the varying needs of library patrons and encouraging the love of reading are passions of mine, and I sincerely appreciate the support of the commissioners to help our community.”
Powell will start with the county library system on a part-time basis next month before transitioning to the director position full time on June 1, according to county commissioner chairman Mark Letson. She will succeed Fitzmaurice, who has worked as a librarian in the county since 1992.
“ She's not just engaged with the kids, but with the community,” Letson said. ”She's very thorough in her planning process and extracurricular activities with children and hopefully that transitions into programming for adults as well. It just really just sets her apart with how she's going to manage this library and lead us into the future.”
Powell holds a master’s degree in library science from Eastern Carolina University and is the current librarian at Scotts Creek School in Sylva.
