Ex Libris Wins State Honor

On May 14, 2010, Friends of Tennessee Libraries held their Annual Meeting at the newly dedicated Art Circle Public Library in Crossville,Tennessee. At that meeting Blount County’s Ex Libris Library Extension Program received an Award for Outstanding Library Volunteer Service.

 Ex Libris, a community outreach program supported by the Blount County Friends of the Library, has been in existence since February of 2004. What began as one volunteer reading to residents at the Morningview Transitional Care Center once a month has now evolved into Ex Libris or Friends From the Library; a team of seven volunteers delivering bi-monthy programs at six area facilities including Asbury Place, Asbury Health Center, Liberty Assisted Living, Morningview Transitional Care Center, Sterling House and Wellington Place.

Since its inception more than 300 programs have been delivered and 2,500 persons have attended sessions.  This represents well over 1,000 hours of volunteer service.

Ex Libris is not a traditional “reading” effort.  Programs, created by the volunteers, are dynamic and interactive incorporating stories, poetry, personal anecdote, song, music, humor and occasional “show and tell”. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their passions to their programs.

Members of Ex Libris include Linda Arnold, Janetta Baker, Suzanne Ensslin, Alice LaFoy, Dolores Philpot, Joan Worley and Barbara Zurl, Coordinator.

A public demonstration of Ex Libris will be held in the Board Room of the Blount County Public Library, 508 N. Cusick Street, Maryville, Tn. 37804 (865-982-0981) on Monday, June 28, 2010 beginning at 10:30 a.m.  All are welcome to attend. For additional information about Ex Libris call:
Barbara Zurl, Coordinator Ex Libris Library Extension Program at 865-977-5034 or e-mail at exlibris@bcfol.org.