Library readies summer-reading kickoff and community garden but seeks sponsors and volunteers

Director Morgan Olson told the Unicoi County Public Library Board on May 28 that the Summer Reading Program will begin Monday with a community kickoff; 125 people were registered at the time of the meeting. Olson said the library is planning digging-themed events and expects ongoing activities tied to the kickoff.

Olson reported the community garden began this month and that the library received a $1,000 grant from the Appalachian RC & D Council, which helped purchase soil, fertilizer, tools and plants. The library will host community watering and weeding events on Wednesdays.

The director said the library needs volunteers to staff Summer Reading Program events and run the regular basement book sales. Olson also said the library did not receive the Dollar General grant it has secured in prior years (historically about $2,000–$3,000) and is seeking additional sponsors. She noted the library needs a sponsor to cover the $1,000 cost of the Beanstack reading-logging software; the board plans to cancel the Wowbrary new-book subscription, which costs $500 annually, because of limited funding.

Also discussed was regional support: Lisa Livesay of Holston River Regional Library Services handed out the May newsletter, announced trustee orientation on June 11 and a trustee workshop on Sept. 23 at Jefferson City, and said a technology grant application will be available soon. Livesay agreed to investigate automated sign-ups for LAMP events after Olson flagged unwanted automatic registrations.

The board discussed fundraising options and trustee support for outreach but took no formal fundraising action at the meeting.