Hank Garner, a 1989 SHS Graduate, made a much needed donation to his former library today...BOXES OF BOOKS! As an author, podcaster, and avid reader, Garner interviews authors for his podcast "Author Stories," which can be found at www.hankgarner.com . He loves to read and write himself, and is a student of the craft. He compares it to Inside the Actor's Studio, but for writers. He searched for a similar show for his enjoyment and education, and since he couldn't find one, he started his own! Since then he has interviewed many famous contemporary authors, including Anne Rice of Interview With a Vampire fame and conducted writers' workshops on his podcast. He receives advance copies of books from authors and publishers and often invites the authors to talk about their works on his podcast. He has obviously created quite a collection. As the books cannot be sold, he decided donation to his alma mater's library was a great choice. He and his wife were proud to deliver nine boxes of books today to help the SHS Library.
SHS Librarian Kim Davis was so happy to receive the help. "We are only given around $2000 for all books, periodicals, and online content for the year in the library budget, so donations are always welcomed. We appreciate Mr. Garner so much for thinking of us, and can't wait to sort, inventory, and prepare his donated books for circulation. We will, of course, also be sure that the content is suitable for teen reading, and then get the word out that new books are available to the students."
Davis is also a Student Council advisor, along with History Instructor Caleb Jones, and says that in addition to books, canned food goods are also being donated during the month of October for Meridian's "Fill the Mayflower" Annual Canned Food Drive. "I'm collecting books AND cans right now," says Davis, "and I could not be happier about it. I love to encourage reading and eating, as I think both are equally vitally important," says Davis, tongue in cheek.
If you have something to read or eat and would like to donate it to SHS, call the office today at 601-483-5501 and get plugged in to help your community!