Chattanooga State librarian gets ‘Making a Difference’ award

Dwight Hunter, an assistant librarian in the Kolwyck Library and Information Commons at Chattanooga State Community College, was awarded the 2019-20 “Making a Difference” award by the Tennessee Library Association.

Hunter was recognized for his commitment to volunteering and serving the community, including the creation of the “300 Hours of Literacy Program” through the Tennessee Parent Teacher Association. Hunter is also president-elect of the organization.

“He created a 300 Hours of Literacy program for more than 35,000 members in PTA units across Tennessee. The program encouraged members to hold meetings about the importance of reading and information literacy, hold family reading nights, and to have book clubs,” Lori Warren, the fellow librarian who nominated Hunter, said in a statement.

Hunter — who is the Kolwyck Library’s policy writer, heads the library’s social media team and sits on the Tennessee Board of Regents Library Accessibility Task Force — has previously been recognized for his service. In 2006, he was awarded the Corporation for National and Community Service President’s Volunteer Service Award — an award that honors individuals whose service positively affects communities and inspires those around them to take action too.

“I did not think about volunteering as a passion until my children were in school, but when volunteering took off as a passion, I’ve been involved in decision-making, learning information, and most of all, helping make a difference,” reads a statement by Hunter. “What I like most about volunteering – it’s not for the glory nor the pat on the back — it’s about serving others, helping others.”