Rocky Top Library pauses two programs
The Rocky Top Public Library has suspended its Friday Sensory Play and Family Storytime programs for November following the retirement of Director Kelly Harris and the resignation of interim Director Gina Long. Other library programs will continue as scheduled. (photo:Ben Pounds )
The library’s Sensory Play activity, held at 11 a.m. Fridays, and Family Storytime will not be offered this month.
Although the library did not issue an official statement to The Courier News, it provided its November calendar in response to questions.
Other activities, including Coffee and Crochet, Adult Bingo, Adult Craft, Adult Book Club, Charge and Chill, and Full STEAM Ahead, will continue in November.
The library is at 226 N. Main St. in Rocky Top. For more information about its programs, call 865-426-6762 or visit www.rockytoppubliclibrary.org.
Rocky Top Public Library Director Kelly Harris retired this year following a retirement party Aug. 31. Gina Long took over as interim director but resigned effective Oct. 27.
In comments to The Courier News, Long cited disagreements with the majority of the Anderson County Library Board, which oversees aspects of library operations throughout the county.
The two departures left the Rocky Top Public Library with two staff vacancies and no director.
The Anderson County Library Board is responsible for hiring directors for the system’s libraries, including Rocky Top’s. However, with six vacancies, the board currently lacks a quorum.
The Anderson County Commission is scheduled to appoint new board members at its Smeeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, in Room 312 of the Anderson County Courthouse in Clinton.
The Library Board is scheduled to meet at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23, in the same room.