Blount County Public Library introduces new director, announces ribbon-cutting and summer events

The Blount County Public Library Board of Trustees and county commissioners welcomed Dustin Goforth as the library’s new director during the Board of County Commissioners’ May 15 meeting.

Stephanie Thompson, vice chair of the library board, introduced Goforth and praised interim director Anjanae Brueland for stepping in during a seven-month transition after the previous director left in November. Thompson said the new director’s official start date is Monday, May 19, and thanked county staff in HR, maintenance and custodial services for their support of the library.

Goforth addressed the commission and attendees, saying he was ‘‘so excited to be here’’ and described the county and library as welcoming. He invited residents to upcoming library events: a "Touch a Truck" summer program scheduled for June 7 and a ribbon-cutting for a new library feature on May 27. Goforth encouraged families to participate in summer reading programs.

The commission thanked Thompson for her service as a trustee and welcomed Goforth to his new position.

Clarifying details

- Official start date for Dustin Goforth (new director): May 19, 2025 (introduced at the May 15 commission meeting). - Interim director during the search: Anjanae Brueland, deputy director and finance lead for the library. - Upcoming events mentioned: Ribbon-cutting May 27; "Touch a Truck" on June 7; summer reading programs during the summer season.

Ending

Commissioners noted upcoming appointments to the library board that were on the agenda; two trustee appointments were postponed to the June meeting for further vetting.