An outreach initiative is looking to grow the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library’s grasp to more than just downtown Elizabethton.
Maryann Owen, who works with outreach and adult services at the facility, announced the library’s inaugural Friendly Visitor program, now available to the public Tuesday afternoon.
“This will allow us to go out and serve as mobile libraries for the homebound,” Owen said.
Folks that are avid readers that love the library, but have trouble with transportation. This is a chance for people to be still involved with the services provided at the library. We’re hoping this partnership will encourage someone, maybe someone who is retired or has time to spend with someone, to provide an outreach to the community.”
Citizens wanting to participate can fill out an application located in the breezeway entrance to the library. Owen added the library is hoping to find patrons that can work within a six-month window and that background checks will be performed on possible applicants.
Owen said the project struck a chord with library staff following the news of a woman’s struggle to receive books. During the week, Owen stated an older gentleman would stop by the library and load up on books for the woman, and continued to do so until he passed away.
The program will roughly serve five to six homebound patrons, Owen said but added the library would look to compile a sizeable pool of volunteers to be utilized for other potential projects.
“I’ve already got some applicants from yesterday’s volunteer fair,” she added. “There was a lot of excitement.”
And the excitement has carried over to the outreach of the library. ECCPL staff recently unveiled mobile libraries at rehab facilities within the county and have other ideas coming through the pipeline.
“I think the outreach program can explode into something great,” Owen said. “We’re just looking for the people that want to help see it grow.”
Adult Services being offered at the library during the month include:
• Wednesday, Oct 4 at 2 p.m. – Understanding Your Credit Score with Kathy Campbell from Northeast Community Credit Union.
• Friday, Oct. 13, at 2 p.m. – Essential Oils with Kelli Bray.
Monthly events include:
• Crochet Club every Monday at 6 p.m.
• Adult Coloring at noon.
• Genealogy Club every second Thursday of the month at 6 p.m.
• LitWit Book Club every third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m.
For more information on activities offered at the facility, visit the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library Facebook page online or call (423) 547-6360.