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 and 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.
Laura Elliott
Tech Services & Adult Coordinator
Meet Laura, Miss Community Spirit!
Laura was raised in beautiful Unicoi County where she, her amazing husband, and her three wonderful boys currently live. Aside from landing her dream job here at UCPL, Laura divides her time between homeschooling, spending time with her family, reading (of course!), crocheting, painting, and giving back to her community in any way she can. If you ask her why she does what she does, she will reply “It is a blessing to make someone smile, and I love seeing people happy!” Some of Laura’s favorite things are the office supply aisle (it’s true – just ask her husband), watching clean rom-coms, the color blue, and CHRISTMAS!
Casey Groll
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.
Char Peery Ogborn
Homebound Coordinator
Meet Char, Jack of All Trades!
Char has worked as both a medical and academic librarian 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.
Allison Fredricks
Library Clerk
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.
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!
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.