Activism

The Friend's through fund raising efforts and membership dues provide substantial financial aid to the Library for programs, equipment and logistics not available through County budgeting or Library Foundation capital improvement funding.

Because of the generous support of our members and donors, as well as the success of our fundraising activities such as the book sales, the Friends of the Library are in sound financial condition.

Where does the money come from?

Where does the money go?

Authority & Serial Control Projects

Updating online catalog and periodical systems as well as to purchase new computers for the library computer training center.

Library Programs and Supplies

Sponsor special events such as:

Edible Book Contest – The Friends provide prize money to the winners who construct the most innovative and clever edible books representing book titles.

Hot Summer Nights – The Friends donate refreshments and provide volunteers to help with this popular series of summer concerts.

Children’s Summer Reading Program – Provides books, craft supplies, and many other items for the popular children’s program.

Adult Summer reading program – Purchasing books and supplies to encourage reading in the adult community.

Shakespeare on the Lawn - The friends provide volunteers and financial assistance to help with productions from the Knoxville Shakespeare Company.

Veterans History Project – Documents the service and experiences of retired military personnel living in Blount County.

Native American Festival – This year the festival featured Mr. Mcdonald, one of the Navajo code talkers from World War II. The festival also honored all war veterans and featured native American crafts, songs, and dances.

Employee and volunteer appreciation programs – Just a small way we can thank everyone for their dedication and hard work.

Library programs and supplies – The friends have helped purchase everything from book carts and bike racks to matching funds for grants to upgrade electronic catalog systems and improve online access to library programs.

Children's Library

Sponsor special events for children including the Summer Reading Program and Craft Times.

Young Adult Programs and Supplies

Sponsor special events for Young Adults including the Summer Reading Program. Supplies included furniture to update the "Young Adult" area in the Library.

Volunteer Support

The Friends Volunteers provide support to the following programs; they are always looking for volunteers to help!

- Reading program for local nursing homes
- Books on wheels for home-bound persons
- Books for Soldiers – packages for our troops overseas
- Books for correctional facility residents
- Books for the Everett Senior Center Adult Education Program
- Maintenance of the Friends of the Library web site
- Collecting, sorting, shelving books for Book Sales
- Holding quarterly book sales
- Young Adult programs
- Summer reading programs and craft times for children
- Special events for children
- Contests such as the “Edible Books Contest”
- Special speakers
- Musical events
- Events such as Foundation Gala
- Meals and book donations to honor volunteers, staff, and retirees
- Courthouse Christmas Tree event