Friends of the Knox County Public Library has fostered a love of libraries, books, and reading in the Knox County area since 1970.
We are a group of library lovers who:
- Value the need for an excellent, free public library available to everyone.
- Advocate and raise support for the 19 locations in our library system.
- Contribute funds through annual membership dues and donations.
- Donate our time through volunteering.
- Share our love of books and reading through outreach initiatives and collaborations with dozens of community organizations.
- Raise funds to sponsor our community outreach and support library programs not funded by the library’s budget.
Since 1970 Friends has donated over $1M to the Knox County Public Library. Our used book shop and book sales raised nearly $123,000 in FY 2026. Some of the library programs currently receiving support from Friends of the Library include the new Storybook Trails program, the Children’s Festival of Reading, Summer Library Club, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Knox County.
By virtue of our charter as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, we serve as the fiscal agent for library grants and sponsorships which require control by a non-governmental agency.
Friends Strategic Plan
Our strategic plan serves as a guiding roadmap for the next three years, outlining the direction of our work and the goals that support our mission to strengthen the Knox County Public Library system and promote a love of reading throughout our community. By setting clear priorities, we can focus our efforts, measure our progress, and ensure we remain aligned with our purpose.
This plan is designed for our entire organization—not just the Board of Directors. It provides a shared vision that connects our programs, volunteer efforts, fundraising, and community partnerships. While thoughtful and intentional, the plan is also flexible, helping us use our energy and resources wisely as we grow communication, collaboration, standardization, and outreach to younger audiences for long-term sustainability.
We encourage you to read through the plan and reflect on how you can be part of these initiatives. If you are interested in volunteering or joining specific efforts within the plan, please reach out to info@knoxfriends.org. Collaboration is at the heart of Friends, and we welcome your involvement in the areas you feel passionate about.
2026-2027 Leadership
Officers
Crystal Sansom, President
Courtney Winters, President-Elect
Bonny Naugher, Past President
Ashley Shaffer, Treasurer
Elizabeth Birdwell, Secretary
Directors
Susan Alexander
Ron Blackburn
Kara Fitzpatrick
Deanna French
Jennifer Johnson
Juliette Kesterson
Diane Peters
Paige Travis
Diane Tuccillo
Staff
Sheryl Hulse, Executive Administrator / Online Sales Manager
Committee Chairs
Advocacy: Bonny Naugher & Jeremy Mills
Author Events: Crystal Sansom & Ashley Shaffer
Budget Committee: Ashley Shaffer
Charter & Bylaws: Kara Fitzpatrick
Communications: Susan Alexander & Jennifer Johnson
Community Sales: Chris Truka
Distribution: Laurie Pearl & Suzanne Lenhart
Member & Donor Engagement: Diane Peters & Courtney Winters
Nominating & Board Development: Bonny Naugher
Online Sales: Sheryl Hulse
Outreach: Crystal Sansom
ROCCCKS: Scott Muir & Kara Fitzpatrick
Rothrock: Julie Langford
Strategic Planning: Crystal Sansom