Library Staff
Ask Us Anything
Kelsey Jones
Library Director
Outside of work, Kelsey enjoys fantasy novels like A Court of Thorns and Roses and sitcoms such as Parks and Recreation, hiking and cardio.
Logan Tippitt
Assistant Director
Logan enjoys sci-fi and fantasy novels such as Thrawn and Frankenstein, as well as video or board games like The Last of Us or Axis and Allies.
Kaila Clark
Smoky Mountain History and Media Specialist
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.
Hayden Miller
Library Assistant and Cataloger
Hayden typically enjoys fantasy novels like The Wheel of Time series, comedies like Rick & Morty or Psych, or board/video games.
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
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.
Vice-Chairperson
Buie currently occupies the Vice-Chair position for the APPL Board of Trustees. She's 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.
Treasurer
Graduate of Christian Brothers University with a BS in accounting. Ken is married with three sons and eight grandchildren. Ken Enjoys traveling, family time with his grandchildren, and UT Vols! Go Big O!
Secretary
Born in Kentucky, Lauren attended High School in the Chicagoland area, Minnesota State Technical School, and later attended Troy State University. A US Navy veteran, she is an involved member of the American Legion and serves on the National Buddy Walk committee.
Board of Trustees
Debi retired from the Hillsborough County Public Schools where she served as principal, Director of Administration and Director of Human Resources.
Edna is married and mother to three children. She offers her services at the Gatlinburg First United Methodist Church as their Associate Pastor working directly with the Hispanic community.
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.
Laurel is the CEO of the Great Smoky Mountain Association. Outside of volunteering for APPL, she enjoys walking in the woods, yoga, and dark chocolate.
Sharon K. Mellor, PhD, CAE. 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.