branch buddies
The Friends have found a way to share their enthusiasm for books, reading and libraries with neighborhoods throughout Knox County. The Branch Buddies are teams of Friends who live in the communities near each of the seventeen branches. Branch buddies assist the branch staff in identifying and initiating new programs and ideas for that branch. They represent the Friends at branch functions and promote the vision and goals of the Friends. In addition, they are called upon to assist with major Friends programs such as the book sales and reading programs.
Knox Countians use the library more and more every year. A stream of exciting new programs and services challenge an already-stretched library budget and the skills of our dedicated library staff. The Branch Buddies add a level of volunteer support to extend the excellent work of these professionals. As well, these volunteers bring to the Friends a host of fresh perspectives from Knox County’s diverse neighborhoods.
Branch Buddies volunteer an average four-six hours per month for a term of one year. The only qualifications required are a love of the library and reading; enthusiasm for and support of the library system and its branches; and a tactful, empathetic personality.
Many branches need additional Buddies. Contact us at 215-8775 or info@friendsoftheknoxcolib.org if you are interested in working with a branch near you.
news from the branch buddies
LIBRARY TOP TEN LIST: April 2008
You can never have too many of a hot best-seller. The Library wait-list for the following titles is long, and the circulation department would love to have many more copies to lend. If you have bought and read any of these books, don’t just let them become dust-collectors! Drop them off at any of the branches to be shared with other readers.
Please check this site frequently. The list will be updated as these needs are met and new ones arise. Thank you!
Ten Most Wanted:
Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult
Compulsion: An Alex Delaware Novel by Jonathan Kellerman
Dead Heat by Joel Rosenberg
Escape by Carolyn Jessop
Home: A Memoir of My Early Years by Julie Andrews
Hope's Boy by Andrew Bridge
How Not To Look Old: Fast and Effortless Ways to Look 10 Years Younger, 10 Pounds Lighter, 10 Times Better by Charla Krupp
How Starbucks Saved My Life: A Son of Privilege Learns to Live Like Everyone Else by Michael Gates Gill
A Prisoner of Birth by Jeffrey Archer
7th Heaven by James Patterson
West Knox Branch Buddies Get Rocking
West Knox Library's Baby Bookworms program is a little more comfortable thanks to the addition of a new rocking chair for the program leader.
Donation of the chair was arranged by West Knox Branch Buddies for use at library events including the Baby Bookworms program.
In this photo Ashley Little of the West Knox Library introduces the Baby Bookworms to the planet with readings, songs, and other activities, including a plant greeting the morning.
I would not eat them in a house...
Burlington Branch Buddies helped their library celebrate Dr. Suess' Birthday and Read Across America Day on March 2 with a birthday party featuring readings of Dr. Suess classics by several local celebrities including WBIR anchor Bill Williams and former UT chancellor Bill Snyder.
Branch Buddy Karen Dhyanchand even dressed as the Cat in the Hat.
Children who attended got to participate in several activities including making their own Suess hats. They were also entered in a drawing for a Dr. Suess prize package and got to take home activity bags. Pink Lemonade (Pink Ink) and Goldfish crackers ( One Fish, Two Fish, Redfish, Bluefish ) were served as refreshments.
Branch Buddies pictured (click photo to enlarge) left to right include Julie Piller, Mary Rogers, little Asha Warren, Brett Burdick, and Karen Dhyanchand.
On Friday, March 23, author Sharyn McCrumb came to the Burlington Branch and spoke to a crowd of 75 people. Her latest book series has a NASCAR theme and she entertained the audience with her stories of meeting NASCAR drivers such as Ward Burton. Branch Buddies Pat Donaldson and Mary Rogers, along with FOL members Suzanne Freeman, Kelley Segars, Bonny Naugher and Martha Gill helped organize the evening as well as provided refreshments for this enjoyable evening.
North Knox Branch Buddies Reach Out to ESL Students to Provide Information, Encourage Library Use
North Knox Branch Buddies Linda Meier and Dottie Stamper, along with Michael Carini, (fluent Spanish speaker and son of Branch Buddy chair Maggie Carini), made presentations at three separate Adult School English (ESL) evening classes at Knox High School in mid-February. The classes included several non-English and limited-English language students and their families.
The branch buddies handed out library card applications and maps identifying branch library locations. The leaders described in detail the services and multimedia materials available at these locations and encouraged the participants to visit their local library --emphasizing that the library is a free (not always the case in their native countries) and welcoming environment! [4/07]
Powell Branch Buddies Help Facilitate Slideshow and Iditarod Lecture
Powell Branch Buddies helped organize a slideshow and lecture at the Powell Branch Library on March 12 by Dr. James C. Sternberg, a nature photographer and veterinarian at Powell Animal Hospital who traveled to Alaska to observe the famous Iditarod dog sled race.