MCT-2024-08-01

20 —Marion County’s Finest 2024 T he Carolyn Stewart Public Li- brary, under the leadership of Director Ann Gray, has recently ex- perienced notable success. Ann Gray, who holds undergraduate degrees in sociology and history and a master’s degree in history with a focus on his- toric preservation, brings a wealth of knowledge in urban planning, com- munity development, and city man- agement to her role. The library’s 2024 Summer Read- ing Program saw a remarkable 30% increase in attendance compared to 2023, with over 700 participants engaging in the six-week program. This growth is particularly encourag- ing given the library’s current space limitations. The program’s success reflects the library’s commitment to fostering a love of reading among young readers. Additionally, the li- brary hosts Senior Activities every Tuesday throughout the year, pro- viding a space for seniors to socialize, play games, and occasionally enjoy meals together. These activities con- tribute to maintaining healthy life- styles and strengthen community bonds. The Carolyn Stewart Public Li- brary is honored to be named the “Finest Library” in Marion County, a title it has proudly held for many consecutive years. The library’s staff works diligently to understand and meet the needs of their patrons by offering a range of reading materi- als, educational resources, children’s programming, general reference guidance, and tech support. The rec- ognition of their hard work is deeply appreciated. Daily operations at the library in- clude assisting patrons with business needs such as copying and faxing, managing the check-in and check-out of materials including books, mov- ies, and audio tapes, and schedul- ing community room meetings. The library serves as a community hub, hosting numerous external meetings and providing access to digital re- sources through programs like TEL (Tennessee Electronic Library) and READS. Library cardholders can ac- cess these digital programs, ensuring that reading remains accessible to everyone. Looking ahead, the library will hold its annual Book Sale with the Friends of the Library in October. Story Hour and HomeSchool pro- gramming will resume in September and continue throughout the aca- demic year, while Senior Activities will also continue. The Carolyn Stew- art Public Library remains dedicated to serving as a vital community re- source and center for learning. Carolyn Stewart Public Library is finest of 2024