McIver's awarded $500 grant during 2024 Friends of Tennessee Libraries Conference

Pictured above, Patsye Jones accepts a $500 grant awarded to McIver's Grant Public Library during the 2024 Friends of Tennessee Libraries Conference.

Photo/ provided

SPECIAL TO THE STATE GAZETTE

McIver's Grant Friends of the Library Pat Jones and Patsye Jones attended the 2024 Friends of Tennessee Libraries Conference at John P. Holt Brentwood (TN) Library on Saturday, October 5, 2024.

After a brief business meeting, led by FOTL President Kathy Dooley-Smith, Recognition Awards were presented. Gail Adkins (Spring Hill Library) and the Lauderdale County Friends of the Library were recognized as Friends of the Year in Tennessee. $500 grants were awarded to the libraries of Danridge, Kodak, Middleton, Stewart County (Dover), and Dyersburg/Dyer County (McIver's Grant). Grants are to be used to fund significant projects for the libraries receiving them.

Sessions were held to aid friend groups in engaging the business community to extend their reach, tailoring fundraising to your community, using online auctions to maximize fundraising profits, and recruiting, retaining, and revitalizing Friends of the Library membership.

The conference attendees were introduced to young writer Avery Cunningham (Memphis), author of The Mayor of Maxwell Street. The meeting adjourned after tours of the Brentwood Library, Cunningham's book signing, door prizes, and closing remarks.