Friends of Calhoun-Gordon County Library

05/29/2026

Please join us on Tuesday, June 9th, at our annual meeting. Our guest speaker will be Atlanta author Ann Hite. In addition, you will learn how our group supports the Calhoun-Gordon County Library. We would love to have more people join our organization!

05/26/2026

Summer reading fun has begun. Make sure to register for the summer reading program. Over the next few weeks, there will be lots of fun programs offered through the library!

04/24/2026

Seth is a library assistant, and he is also responsible for providing "IT Help" (technical support) to the community. He says, "I love so many things about working here! If he HAD to choose one--it would be the feeling that I am making a positive impact on our community. Not everyone gets the opportunity to do something they love and also feel like they are making others' lives better. I am very, very lucky in that regard."

When he isn't working at the library, he loves reading and playing video games. He also has a pretty deep obsession with listening to music and visiting coffee shops.

His favorite book is Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier. He says it was the novel that made him realize literature could profoundly shape how you view the world... and ultimately led him down the path of pursuing an English degree. He adds, "The environmental storytelling in that book was superb." He will always reach for novels! He loves immersing himself in an author's writing style and characterization. He is also a big fan of nature writing and travel narratives.

He believes that libraries are an important resource for providing access to myriad resources at no cost to the individual. He believes that they are the ONLY space in our modern society where folks can gather without being expected to pay. In addition, he says, "We need libraries to be available in order for people's right to information to be fulfilled."

04/24/2026

Alyssa does a variety of different things at the library. She assists patrons with checking out books and printing. She also answers any questions patrons may have. She also covers all new books and creates the monthly calendar. Her favorite things about working at the library are discovering new books that interest her, covering the new books, and getting opportunities to meet people she otherwise wouldn't. When she isn't at the library, she enjoys reading, playing video games, creating art, and doing puzzles while watching long YouTube videos. When she can, she also has a lot of fun horseback riding!

She says, "My favorite book, like a favorite song, changes constantly! I do, however, have a soft spot for horse books, so I would say my current favorite books are Black Beauty by Anna Sewell and Smoky the Cowhorse by Will James." In addition, she greatly enjoys nonfiction books about nature or a specific animal, as well as fiction genres such as fantasy, light romance, and playful Children's/Young Adult chapter books that are told from an animal's point of view. She has also started to greatly enjoy T. Kingfisher's works.

She believes libraries are a vital part of the community because they offer a safe space for families to read, relax, and play. They offer a wide range of services, resources, and free, family-friendly programs.

04/24/2026

Moe is the Young Adult Coordinator. She handles all programming for tweens and teens. In addition, she works with community partners and participates in outreach opportunities. She says, "My favorite part of working at the library is getting to know the families and patrons who visit and helping them explore activities or topics that they might not have been exposed to otherwise, through programming. Outside of the library, she loves spending time with her pets, singing, writing, and playing video games.

She feels like it's impossible to choose an all-time favorite book, but these are some of her favorites:

RECENT READ: Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult for its coverage of LGBTQ+ experiences, reproductive health, and its artful music throughout.

RESONATING BOOK: Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? by Jeanette Winterson (LGBTQ+ Memoir)

GRAPHIC NOVEL: Lissa by Sherine Hamdy & Coleman Nye (based on research, featuring beautiful dual perspectives and art styles)

She adores graphic novels and picture books, primarily those for juvenile or young adult audiences. She says, "I adore the mix of meaningful stories and captivating art of all styles."

She believes that libraries are integral parts of a community because they are one of the last remaining spaces of true community. Libraries are for everyone, and the services are free. The staff is genuinely there to help in any reasonable way they can, and they couldn't do any of it without every person who walks through the doors. Our library is a place where people can rest and find shelter from the world's heavy realities, and where they can create and thrive through the programs. She adds, "We are a place where people can find connections to resources when navigating life's lows, and where they can find connection, routine, and accountability among friends."

04/24/2026

Zach is an ESOL Instructor and Library Assistant. His favorite thing about working at the library is teaching students and hosting trivia. When he isn't working at the library, he enjoys fishing and having Nerf battles with his son.

His all-time favorite book is Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer. He says, "It captures the American spirit of adventure in a way I had not seen before or since." His favorite author is Paul Theroux, who writes about travel. His favorite genre is Science Fiction.

He feels that libraries are an important part of a community because they foster lifelong learning.

04/23/2026

Ashley is a local history library assistant. Not only is she a part of the library, but she is also involved in other groups in the community. One of her favorite things about working at the library is coming up with programs and classes that our community will enjoy and they are all FREE! When she isn't working, she loves to play tennis and spend time with her husband and cats.

The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman will always be one of her favorite books. She says, " I feel like it is a book and series that you can enjoy no matter what your age. It's a wonderful combination of magic, adventure, and animals." Her favorite genres are fantasy and science fiction. She would want to read the Lord of the Rings and Star Wars over and over, just in different fonts.

She feels that libraries are an important part of communities because they not only provide free access to knowledge and resources, but also program and events that are purely for fun. She adds, "We're also a much needed third space. We love to serve our community!"

04/23/2026

Elizabeth is the Assistant Branch Manager and the Children's Coordinator. Many parents and children know her for all the fun things she does with kids. Her favorite part of working at the library is interacting with children and encouraging their love of reading. She says, " I feel I have a very important role in ensuring a positive experience for the children, as this experience will go with them through life. What sorrow if their experience was negative!"

When she isn't at the library, she enjoys--READING! She has several books going at once--two physical books and one on her phone in case she is out and about and has to wait in line somewhere. Her all-time favorite is Grandpa's Teeth by Rod Clement. Grandpa loses his teeth, and the whole town joins in to hunt for them. He thinks someone stole his teeth, and you will be surprised where they are found. She likes the book's storyline, humor, and artwork. The book is good for all ages and is best when read aloud, spoken as if you had "mithing teeth!"

Her favorite genre is anything related to the Appalachians. She likes Rick Bragg, Sean Dietrich, and Celestine Sibley. In addition, she loves a "good novel" and memoirs.

She feels that libraries are an integral part of communities because they are an informational hub of the community. She adds that newcomers often stop to ask questions about the community, and the staff directs them to available local resources. Libraries are places to research, relax, and meet new and old friends. The best part is that access is free for everyone!

04/23/2026

Today and tomorrow, we will be highlighting the staff at Calhoun-Gordon County Library. Today, we begin with our Branch Manager, Jillian. She is new to our library, and she is a wonderful addition, so here is a little something about Jillian:

Jillian is the branch manager at the library. Her favorite thing about working at the library is helping patrons find the information they are looking for. Even if she doesn't have the immediate answer, the staff can usually point the patron in the right direction.

When she isn't in the library, she loves spending time reading on the couch with her dogs. She says her all-time favorite book is probably Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine. It's her favorite because not only is it an interesting take on the Cinderella tale, but it also kept her company while recovering from her tonsillectomy as a kid. Her favorite genre is romance. She says, "I'm a romance reader through and through." Her current favorite author is BK Borison.

She believes that libraries are an important part of communities because they offer unfettered access. Whether someone is looking for information, down time, space, safety, or enjoyment...the library can either offer it or point the person in the right direction.

04/20/2026

This week is National Library week. Libraries are an important part of our communities. This week we will be posting things in honor of our own community library.

Make sure to stop in and show your support to the staff this week! In the meantime, check out this article that illustrates the importance of libraries in every community!

Visit your local library during National Library Week! Libraries are foundational to our communities and responsive to each community’s individual needs. No matter your age, education, or background, libraries welcome you and strive to support you in your pursuits and goals. Check out what's happe...