"Send me your books, for the children of Gatlinburg have nothing to read."-Anna Porter, 1932
Library Staff
Ask Us Anything
Director
Mandie is beyond thrilled to be living and working in the Smokies. She has been a library professional for almost 20 years. She is an avid home baker, an artist, a children’s book illustrator, and she will read anything as long as it keeps her interest.
IT Services
Sean is a Gatlinburg native who enjoys to travel being as far North-west as Alaska and who
enjoys sci-fi and fantasy novels such as Star Wars or Game of Thrones. He is also an avid board
gamer, Settlers of Catan being one of his favorite.
Smoky Mountain Collection and Notary
Kaila can usually be found reading a classic like To Kill a Mockingbird, or enjoying a TV drama such as Downton Abbey or Stranger Things. She's fond of art and history as well as film studies and photography.
Interlibrary Loans Coordinator
Jennifer loves to be immersed in a good story (regardless of genre), lush green trees, bad puns and especially her husband and four amazing children.
Youth Services
Lisa hails from the planet Earth; via the state of New Jersey, but officially calls Tennessee home. Lisa is enjoying life in the mountains with her boyfriend, her boxer-hound, Princess Leia, and her pug, Teddy E Bear.
Board of Trustees-Officers
Our amazing team is truly the core of Anna Porter Public Library. Their passion and commitment to helping our community creates an environment full of interesting and educational experiences for patrons to enjoy.
Chairperson
An Alumni of Troy State University, A US Navy Veteran, TN State Dept. Women Veteran’s Chairman 2021-23, Board Member of the National Buddy Walk, Member of the American Legion & VFW.
Vice-Chairperson
Karen is an alumnus of UTK and LSU, holds a position on the board for the GSM advisory board, and is a member of the Pi Beta Phi Women's Fraternity.
Treasurer
Born in Cambridge, Mass. Bill lived in Detroit and Arlington Heights. In 2006 Bill and Louise moved to Sevier Co. where shortly after, Bill joined the Bookclub and was involved in raising funds for the new building.
Secretary
Debi retired from the Hillsborough County Public Schools where she served as principal, Director of Administration and Director of Human Resources.
Board of Trustees
Buie is the owner, operator, and artist of Buie's pottery and has been since she opened her doors in 1986. She previously served as President of the GSM Arts and Crafts community.
Sharon K. Mellor, PhD, CAE holds the position of Chairperson. She is part of the innkeeping team at the Buckhorn Inn. She serves on the board of Objective: Veterans Smile, a non-profit organization to ensure dental care for veterans.
Lisa Oakley is Vice President and Curator of Education with the East Tennessee Historical Society. She grew up in Gatlinburg and continues to live in the community. Anna Porter plays a leading role in her hometown memories.
Pam has been an avid reader all of her life. She lived in Michigan for her first 32 years, earning a BA in economics and an MBA in marketing. Since then, she has lived in Gatlinburg, working and raising 3 children who attended the local schools.
Tracy Starker is a native of Gatlinburg, TN and Retired US Navy. She holds a degree in General Studies from Skadgit Valley College and continues a persuit in Art and History. Tracy is an active member of the local community and has been assisting others in need for over a decade.
