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Director reports new grants, fundraising and stronger programming; regional library notes staff change
Summary
UCPL Director Morgan Olson announced a $5,000 RISE Erwin grant for flood recovery, a $1,000 East Tennessee Foundation contribution (additional to earlier support), Storybook Trail funding, and an application to Dollar General for up to $3,000. The Board also heard fundraising and program attendance updates and learned that an assistant director left the regional system.
Erwin, Tenn. — UCPL Director Morgan Olson told trustees on March 27 that the library has secured several grants and is pursuing additional funding to support recovery and programming.
Olson said RISE Erwin awarded $5,000 to assist with Helene flood recovery efforts. She also reported that the 2024 Storybook Trail 'Plot Twist' grant will fund an updated story titled "When the Storm Comes," and that the East Tennessee Foundation recently sent $1,000 in addition to $10,000 previously received this year. Olson said she has applied for the Dollar General Summer Reading Grant, which could be worth up to $3,000, with notification expected in May.
Fundraising for the library building's 100th anniversary is underway: about 35 shirts have been sold at $15–$20 each, and commemorative bricks are available for $100 (raising roughly $82 net per brick sold). Olson said programming has been "very busy," citing attendance numbers: 22 at Take Your Child to the Library Day, 46 at the Mad Hatter Tea Party, homeschool programs with 33 and 81 attendees at two recent sessions, and teen programs averaging about 13 participants.
Holston River Regional Library Director Jennifer Breuer told trustees about upcoming trustee training (online Trustee Orientation on April 10, youth services summit on March 31, and leadership development beginning April 24 with follow-ups). Breuer also reported that Assistant Director Selena Harmon has stepped down and taken a new position at JCPL; the region will seek a replacement.
Olson noted upcoming events and training, including an Everyday Herbs class on March 29, a library closure for Good Friday on April 18, and a half-day staff training on April 25 after which the library will open at 1:30 p.m. for public service. The Board discussed a scheduled Code of Conduct review and an image survey for trustees and regular patrons; the Code of Conduct item was tabled until the next meeting.
