Lewis County Public Library and Archives
15 Kyle Ave.
Hohenwald, TN 38462
Hours:
Tues., Wed.: 9 to 5
Thurs.: 11 to 7
Fri., Sat.: 9 to 5
Sun., Mon. : CLOSED
About
The Lewis County Public Library and Archives is a vital part of our community. More than just books, the library is a gathering place for the community and is dedicated to helping Lewis County learn, accomplish, and be inspired.
Mission
The mission of the Lewis County Public Library and Archives is to provide all residents with quality resources which will satisfy educational, occupational, cultural, and leisure time needs and interests.
Our Priorities
To reach our mission we are guided by the following priorities:
• Being a center of lifelong learning
• Services to children
• Recreational reading
• Bridging the technology gap
• The library as a community center
• Preserving and sharing local history
Governance
The Library Board of Trustees is the governing organization of the library. The Board represents the citizens of Lewis County--the citizens own the library. The Board sets policy for the operation of the library and ensures that the library is responsive to the public's needs. They are also legally responsible for ensuring the library receives adequate funding from the local government. The Library Board is composed of county residents appointed by the Lewis County Commission. Library Trustees serve on a volunteer basis and receive no pay for their service. Board meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month in February, April, June, August, October, and December at 6 p.m.
Members of the Library Board of Trustees
Glena Sikes, Chair
Pat Barrett
Austin Carroll
Blake Farr
Kathryn Kozlinski
Cissy Riley
Joan Talley
Regional Library Board Representatives
Judy Bryson
Patsy Griner
The Lewis County Commission appoints two county residents to serve on the board of the Buffalo River Regional Library. Regional Library Board Representatives serve as ex officio members of the Lewis County Public Library and Archives Board of Trustees. Regional Representatives serve on a volunteer basis and receive no pay for their service.
Board Minutes
In adherence to the Tennessee Standards for Public Libraries in the Regional Library System (2018 Revision) which states "current minutes are publicly posted online," links to the following minutes posted below as a matter of public information:
August 2020 June 2020 April 2020 February 2020
Library Staff
Lewis County Public Library and Archives has a friendly and knowledgeable staff dedicated towards helping our community. Whether you need help finding a good book to read, want to learn about our county's unique past, need an answer to a reference question, or to just want get to know the area-- we can help!
Crystal Nash, Director and Archivist
Jaimee Troutt, Assistant and Youth Services
Kelly Medford, Assistant and Outreach
Rosey Depriest, Archival Assistant
Judith Lindquist, Aide
Laura Taylor, Aide
Friends of the Library
Friends of the Lewis County Public Library is a 501(c)3 non-profit, volunteer group dedicated to fostering a love of books, reading, and cultural activities in Lewis County while reaching out to the community to advocate and grow support for the Lewis County Public Library and Archives. Friends meet at 9 a.m. on the last Friday of each month at the library. Meetings are open to all.
Friends of the Library hold booksales and other fundraising events throughout the year to fund library improvements. Past projects have included painting murals in the children’s and storytime areas, installing baby changing tables in restrooms, purchasing security cameras and new chairs for the library, an exterior facelift, and the installation of a park bench near the front entrance.
Friends of the Library has a positive impact on the library, which in turn, allows the library to better serve Lewis County. Our Friends group extends the library’s capacity through monetary gifts, volunteers and program support, and through advocacy.
To find out more about Friends, contact the library at 931-796-5365. Or visit their Facebook page at: http://facebook.com/lewiscountyfotl.
Services offered by Lewis County Library
Library Cards
Library cards are available to all Lewis County residents. To obtain a library card, simply present your valid ID with proof of local mailing address and fill out a short application. Parents must sign as the responsible party for children under the age of 16.
Non-residents may pay a $15 annual fee or provide a Tennessee Library Card (TLC) from a qualifying library along with a valid ID to receive a card.
Technology Services
We offer public computers with Internet access, as well as color printing, free Wi-Fi, photocopying and fax services, and a variety of other technology services and classes. To access computers, you must present your Lewis County Public Library card or a valid photo ID and agree to our Computer Use Policy.
Accessible Computer Workstation
Because 14.7% of Lewis County residents under the age of 65 have a disability, the library has installed an accessible computer workstation. The table raises to accommodate wheelchairs, and the workstation also includes a choice of a large print (white text on black keys) or low vision keyboard (black text on yellow keys), and an optical trackball mouse.
Outreach
Through outreach programs and book deliveries, the Lewis County Public Library provides books, materials, story times, and other library services throughout our community including daycares, after-school groups, and nursing home residents.
Interlibrary Loan
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is used to borrow materials Lewis County Public Library does not own from other libraries. This service is available by request and subject to certain restrictions.
Meeting & Study Spaces
The library's multi-purpose room may be reserved by eligible organizations. Any usage of library space must be within the context of local, state, or federal laws and regulations. Interested organizations must fill out an application for use of the multi-purpose room which is available at the circulation desk. The meeting space is not reserved until the application is received and confirmed by the Library Director. Please Note: Priority is given to library programming first; all others on a first come first serve basis. As many groups are using the room we may not be able to honor your request of a specific time/date.
Test Proctoring
On an appointment basis only, the Lewis County Public Library and Archives offers test proctoring for both written and online exams for students enrolled in distance education. A valid photo ID is required to verify identity. Please contact library for more information.
Voter Registration
NEW! You can now register to vote online!
Paper registration forms are still available at the library. Show your ID and fill out the form at the Circulation Desk. We'll even mail it in for you!
For the Visually and Physically Disabled
The library has large-print books and audio books. We are also a referral site for those wishing to receive service from The Tennessee Library for Accessible Books and Media which offers 150,000 recorded, large print, and braille materials available to residents of Tennessee who are not able to use standard print materials due to a visual or physical disability.
