Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library offering more than books

BY IVAN SANDERS

CITY OF ELIZABETHTON PIO

When it comes to books, the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library has a large variety of offerings for its patrons, and now those visiting the library have the opportunity to take fresh produce home as well.

The library has introduced a produce pantry just inside the lobby entrance where fresh fruits and vegetables along with other items can be taken as needed.

To keep the pantry stocked, the garden which has been grown behind the library has supplied much of the produce but those individuals who have gardens, fresh eggs, or bread can bring those in and place it in the pantry for those who are in need.

The idea for the pantry came from a pair of different sources as Rebecca Dugger, who works in the catalog library, attended a webinar on the subject of doing a library of things. While the pantry wasn’t necessarily things dealing with the library circulation, Dugger knew of the gardens which had been growing in the back for a few years and thought adding something like this would be a really helpful thing to do.

The other part of the equation came from outside sources according to Library Director Bernadette Weese.

“We have had a lot of local churches and organizations that have also brought us blessing bags and snack bags, so everyone in our community knows they can come in here and pick those up,” said Weese. “Usually they are non-perishable items and in the summer we usually have sunscreen and water brought in while in the winter they bring gloves and hats. We have been a place where those could be obtained for several years.”

Weese said anyone can bring items inside to them or just leave them in the refrigerator. Permission doesn’t have to be given either to remove items if someone is in need.

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