Beginning in early April, Hudson Library in Highlands is offering notary services during library open hours, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday. The library is offering this free service to benefit the community, said Carlyn Morenus, Hudson librarian. Anyone can use the service; no library card is required.
“There have been notaries public for some years at some of the larger libraries in our system and I could see there was a big need for it in Highlands,” said Morenus. “We also offer this service on Saturdays, there’s currently no place that does it then.”
The library has three staff members trained and certified to be notaries public, which entails taking a six and half hour course and receiving approval by the state. Once approved, the notaries public have to take the oath of office, as it is a public position.
Morenus added that she has needed documents notarized and run into problems up in this area finding the service available.
“It can be difficult,” she said. “I have experienced it myself so I know how hard it can be. I’m just pleased to offer this service to the community.”
Notaries public are state-appointed public officials whose main services are to witness and authenticate signatures, administer oaths, verify signatures, and take affidavits.
Dylan Brandon, of Greenville, S.C., said his father was certified as a notary public, but when he was unavailable it was difficult to find somewhere that could do it.
“I think it’s really good they offer that service up here, especially since real estate is a big thing up here,” said Brandon. “It’s something you never think about until you realize you need something notarized. If you’re not from here, then you’re left scrambling.”
Hudson Library joins the other libraries of the Fontana Regional Library system in offering free notary services. Notary services are available at all six Fontana libraries, including nearby Albert Carleton Cashiers Community Library and Macon County Public Library. For more information, please call the library at 828-526-3031.
Pictured at the top of the article is one of the first customers to utilize Hudson Library’s notary services. Submitted photo.
By Brian O’Shea
plateau.daily@gmail.com