Libraries are a valuable resource that transform lives and strengthen communities.

Each year, National Library Week highlights the valuable role that libraries, library directors, library staff and volunteers play in implementing programs and services for the local patrons.

This year, National Library Week will be observed April 6-12.


FIVE PUBLIC LIBRARIES PROVIDE BOOKS, MORE

Loudon County has five public libraries located in Lenoir City, Loudon, Greenback, Philadelphia and Tellico Village.

The County is part of the State and Regional Library System that is operated through the Office of the Secretary of State. Funding is provided by the County, the municipalities where the libraries are located, and the State.

Thomas Jefferson once said, “I cannot live without books.” However, today libraries provide books and so much more.

In addition to books (hard-copy, e-books and audio books) libraries provide internet, Wi-Fi, Inter-library loan service, and information and technology assistance. Library staff provide individual and group educational assistance that contributes to literacy, education, knowledge and job opportunities.

In the library, one will encounter patrons of all ages, ethnicities and economic levels. Whether it is research for a school assignment, historical research or genealogy, assistance is available at the library.

INTERESTING STORIES FROM LOCAL LIBRARIES

No two days are the same at any library. Recent interesting stories from local libraries include:

• Philadelphia Public Library — On a recent Friday afternoon, two couples entered the Philadelphia Public Library and announced that they were from Philadelphia, PA. They were on a travel adventure, visiting all of the Philadelphias in the USA. Library director Mark Williams shared with them a brief history of Loudon County’s “Philly” and showed them some of the history materials in the library collection. They left with a copy of the Philadelphia Bicentennial Coloring Book that was produced by the Committee that Williams chaired, to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of Philadelphia in 2022.

• Greenback Public Library — Longtime library member Jan Cope can attest to the library’s usefulness. She and library director Martha Guldan were discussing how much Jan’s elderly mother missed reading. Due to vision limitations, Jan’s mother was no longer able to read even large-print materials. Guldan had recently had training in Accessible Books and Media through the state … and she knew the solution. They enrolled Jan’s mother in the program for the visually impaired. She received an audio player and is now able to listen to her favorite authors and subjects. Cope says, “Mom is thrilled. It has allowed her to once again enjoy a favorite pastime. We could not be happier with the service.”

• The Public Library at Tellico Village — Imagine a gentle knock on the door, and a friendly face beaming with a bag full of stories. That is the magic that library volunteers bring to homebound neighbors and residents of local assisted-living facilities, according to library director Gina Mucci Geremia. These literary angels deliver to The Neighborhood at Tellico Village, Morning Pointe in Lenoir City, River Oaks Place and Lakewood in Loudon, Premier Independent Living Residences and to individual homes. More than just books, they deliver smiles, conversations, and a comforting sense of connection. Free of charge … thanks in part to the support of the Jane Pettway Foundation … they are able to wrap the community in the warm embrace of stories — one doorstep at a time.

• Loudon Public Library — One day in July of 2023, Bob and Carol Noll from Roane County appeared at the Loudon Public Library to visit with library director Kate Brewster. They had with them a diary written by Lizzie Anderson. The diary entries begin on January 1, 1860, and run through December 10, 1865. Lizzie lived in Loudon on the north side of Huff’s Ferry in Hackberry Bend. Kate, using her extensive writing skills together with her husband Jim’s research talent, produced a book of historical significance, “Cabbages and Caissons” with the subtitle The Hackberry Diary: A Record of Daily Life and the Civil War at Huff’s Ferry. This book has added greatly to the historical knowledge of Loudon County during a difficult time in history. It has also brought numerous people to the library and to the various historical presentations that Kate and Jim have given around East Tennessee.

• Lenoir City Public Library — Located in one of the fastest growing areas of Loudon County, library director Susan Dorsey is expanding programs, activities and resources to meet the needs of a growing population. The library has received regional and national recognition for a program, led by a volunteer intern, to incorporate more Spanish language resources into the library collection. Last year, the library averaged 19 new patrons per week. Several of the libraries, including Lenoir City, have exciting Summer Reading Programs. At Lenoir City, the grand finalé before school starts includes a visit from the miniature donkeys from STAR (Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding) in Lenoir CIty.

EDITORS NOTE: If you aren’t familiar with your local Library stop in for a visit and sign up for a library card. The services are free. … “The only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.”