2028 AT-LARGE
Alicia Atkins
Peggy Jackson
David McGuire

Dear BCFOL Members,

I am honored to serve as President of the Blount County Friends of the Library.

My husband and I retired to Maryville in 2023, and I quickly found my way to Friends. Since then, I have worked book sales, coordinated the Christian Fiction section, and had the privilege of serving as your Vice President this past year.

Like many of you, I came to Friends to support the Library. I stayed because of the people.

A strong library helps create a stronger community—a place that is welcoming, connected, and a joy to live in. Every child inspired to read, every teen who finds a place to belong, every senior who finds companionship, and every story that begins through the Library strengthens the fabric of our community.

The impact of Friends can be seen throughout the Library. During the fiscal year, the Library offered programs attended by over 13,000 participants. One of the most exciting successes has been the growth of teen programming. Teen participation has grown so dramatically that some events are beginning to outgrow their available space. That is the kind of challenge we are delighted to have.

Friends funding supports all Library programming and marketing. Every donation, membership, and volunteer hour helps make these opportunities possible and extends the Library's reach throughout our community.

I have seen firsthand the dedication, talent, and generosity of our volunteers, Board of Directors, and Library staff. As President, I am committed to being a good steward of the donations entrusted to us and the hard work of our volunteers.

Thank you for all that Friends does for the Library and our community. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside such an extraordinary group of people.

Thank you.

Ann Nixon