Staff
Morgan Olson
Library Director
Meet Morgan, The Idealistic Librarian!
Morgan received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Tennessee and her Master’s in Library Science from Appalachian State University. She now lives with her husband and two dogs, and enjoys reading about things that go bump in the night. Morgan is passionate about the transformative power of public libraries. She is constantly striving to foster a love of reading, nurture curiosity and create inclusive spaces where individuals from all walks of life can feel empowered and connected to the community. She believes in meeting people where they are and working together with the community to bring the best service possible to Unicoi County.
Hannah Garst
Circulation & Children’s Coordinator
Meet Miss Hannah, Little Lady with a Big Personality!
Hannah Garst wears both of the hats of Circulation and Children’s Coordinator and loves doing story times on Tuesdays. Some tidbits about her: she has one daughter, adores music and hiking, reading, board games and making ice cream. She is a part-time youth minister and believes libraries are vital to communities because they serve as bridges, connecting individuals to resources. Libraries provide information, language learning, programs, opportunities, and connection with others. Her favorite part of working at a library is getting (and keeping) children excited about reading.
Casey Groll
Tech Services & Teen Coordinator
Meet Casey, Cat Enthusiast
Casey and her husband are new residents of Erwin and she is living her dream of working at a library in a beautiful mountain town. In her free time, you can find her curled up with her cats, reading books, knitting, playing board games, cooking, scrapbooking, learning French, going to trivia nights, or taking long walks around town with her dog, Senna. As a long-time library lover, she is thrilled to get the opportunity to partner with the community and build relationships with folks. She believes that libraries truly are the jumping point for endless opportunities, resources, connection, and community involvement. Her goal as our Teen Coordinator is to provide young people with the opportunity to fall in love with books and work together to make the library a fun, dynamic place.
Allison Fredericks
Adult Coordinator
Meet Allison, Master of Multitasking!
Allison and her husband are thrilled to be raising their young family in the same town that they both grew up in. Amidst the joyful chaos of raising five children, she has mastered the art of balancing her roles. Allison is not just a mother, but a role model, teaching her kids the magic of reading and the importance of community. An avid reader, Allison finds solace, inspiration, and endless adventure within the pages of books. For her, the library isn’t just a building; it’s a sanctuary where stories come to life and knowledge knows no bounds, a place where dreams are nurtured, curiosity is ignited, and bonds are forged. She strives for the library’s mission every shift: to enrich lives, foster connections, and inspire a love for learning. In her spare time, you will find her playing with her kids, crocheting, cooking or catching up on her book list.
Char Peery Ogborn
Homebound Coordinator
Meet Char, Jack of All Trades!
Char has worked in both a medical and academic libraries and is thrilled to now be working in a public library at a place as charming as Unicoi County. She is new to the area and loves the natural beauty and wonderful community she has found here. Passionate about libraries, Char loves reading, learning anything new, and creating. She also loves baking and spending time with her 3 small dogs. She is excited to continue to connect Unicoi County residents with the amazing resources the library has to offer.
Michele Lamb
Library Clerk
Meet Michele, Library Lover!
Michele is a literary enthusiast dedicated to fostering a love of reading and learning within her community. She enjoys curating creative book displays, connecting patrons with stories that resonate, and promoting a welcoming library environment. Her passion for literature extends beyond the library as she explores new genres and shares her love of books with her family, especially her daughter Caroline. Outside of the library, Michele enjoys experimenting in the kitchen and spending quality time with her family.
Elizabeth Kyker
Homeschool Coordinator
Meet Elizabeth, Miss How Many Books Can I Read At One Time?!
Elizabeth is a grad of the University of SC at Columbia, where she earned her degree in Literature and Italian Language. She is a native of the Lowcountry of South Carolina and is still most happy when listening to crashing waves, sipping on iced tea, and reading a good book. Aside from trying to keep up with her book hoard, she spends her time homeschooling her children, serving in her church and community, and communing with the various livestock on her family farm. She enjoys regional stories, campfires, fresh cut grass, and lots of coffee. It’s been her lifelong dream to work in a library!
Katelyn Jones
Library Clerk
Meet Katelyn, our Sci-Fi and Fantasy aficionado and coffee enthusiast!
Katelyn has worked in many fields over the years and is thrilled to have found a space here a the Library. Katelyn enjoys reading Sci-Fi and Fantasy books while cuddled up with her cats and a cup of coffee. Libraries have always been a safe and nurturing environment for her and she hopes to be able to help create that space for others.
Summer Fleenor
Library Clerk
Meet Summer, the soft-spoken everything reader.
Summer moved to Erwin from Buladean five years ago with her husband of almost 15 years and their children. It’s always been a dream of hers to work in a library and she’s ecstatic to be at UCPL! Libraries, fostering a love of reading, and cultivating imagination have always been very important to her. If you need a recommendation in any genre or age group, she has quite a few up her sleeve. When she’s not at the library, Summer enjoys
Story
Library Royalty
Meet Story, Our Library Cat
Meow, meow meow meow. Meow meow, meowzers. Meow meow meow meow. Meow. Meow, meow meow meow meow meow. Meow meow meow meow. Purr, purr, purr.