News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Friends of the Art Circle Public Library celebrating its 40th anniversary assisting the library and its staff.
The organization features more than 200 members and works directly with the library with donations. Friends of The Art Circle Public Library President Linda Weis said the dedicated members have allowed the organization to assist for 40 years.
“Every year we get dozens of new members who become just as active,” Weis said. “Our whole organization is built on volunteers and donors. Nobody gets paid of course.”
The organization started when a group of women wanted to help the library expand and provide more opportunities for the community. Weis said the organization assists as the library plays a huge role in the community.
“I think all you have to do is walk in the door sometimes and you will see everybody from children to people in their 90s,” Weis said. “The books are definitely important. Online access to computing for people that don’t have it is very important. People come in to use the internet on a daily basis, but they also come in for learning. I have never seen such an engaged library. They provide so many free services.”
Weis said the organization is working with the library and school system to create a bookmobile that is set to launch in 2025.
“This is a very exciting thing to have an actual bookmobile that can go out to some of the areas,” Weis said. “A little remote perhaps in Cumberland County to provide easier access to some of the services that the library can offer.”
Weis said the bookmobile would provide books and potentially provide computer access for those who might not be able to visit the library. Weis said the organization will continue to assist the library and has events planned like a wine tasting and a book sale to raise funds.
