The Annual Meeting was hosted by The Hardin County Friends of the Library. The location was the Historic Brown-Pusey House in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. 60 members were in attendance. Our sponsors were Codell Construction, KPC Architectural Products Company, and Baird Company.

Louise Canter, President, welcomed everyone to the meeting. She thanked the Friends of the Hardin County Public Library for hosting this event and their support. Nancy Shores, President of the Friends of the Hardin County Public Library was introduced along with other members of the Hardin County Friends attending the meeting. Louise introduced Jim Weiss, former State Board member and officer, member of the Hardin County Friends and the generous host of our use of the Brown-Pusey House.

Jay McChord did a fantastic job of educating us on how to deal with politicians and elected officials in our counties as we advocate for our libraries. He also identified five age groups and how to approach each with their particular wants, needs and interests: Traditional, Baby Boomers, Gen-X, Millennials and Gen-Z . Some highlights from Jay’s speech: Ask yourself these three questions before interacting with anyone: Who is your audience? What is important to them? How do you want them to see you at the end of your conversation?

Presentation of Annual Awards followed with Paula Franklin announcing the grants and awards that were given this year.

There were six $500 grants given to the following Friends groups: McCreary County – plans to order four Penworthy Stay Sharp Kits to encourage family learning and help with improvement in many areas; Grayson County – plans to implement the “Read to Your Bump” activity to encourage a love of reading before birth; Caldwell County (George Coon Library) – plans to hold a Story Walk in Fredonia, a local community that lost their local library in the past; Taylor County, Christian County – plans to hold a community scavenger hunt to boost their profile in the community; Casey County – plans to host the Big Foot Hunters Program, run by the Ohio Night Stalkers, to draw attention to the Friends group and the library; Hopkinsville Christian County – plans to hold a membership drive and inform current members on vision for future activities.

Paula Franklin then presented the Outstanding Chapter Awards to: Group with more than 100 members: Warren County Friends; Group with less than 100 members: Grayson County Friends; Outstanding Friend Awards: Group with more than 100 members: John Louden, Friends of Lexington Public Library; John runs the Amazon store front, volunteers 3 days a week/four hours a day and lists and repairs books for sale; Groups with less than 100 members: Sally Lackner, Friends of Oldham County Public Library. President for 10 years, Sally maintains their Facebook page, arranges treats for staff, runs the Christmas Tree Hat Program and heads the Friends contribution collection for gift baskets for Summer Reading program.

Marylynn Collins reported that four new Friends Chapters have been formed this year: Bullitt County, Clark County, Clark County and Lincoln County. A chapter in Wayne County is set to come on board as well. Louise said that she will be visiting Trimble County next week as they move forward with their chapter organization. The Friends of Kentucky Libraries is growing in the Commonwealth!

Louise announced that the colorful stickers everyone received with their packet today would be available to Friends Chapters to purchase for their members. The cost will be $1.25 each and you can contact Louise directly to make a purchase.