Bettering Lexington Through Literacy and Play
Brittany Gladden was born and raised in Lexington, SC. She attended White Knoll High School before being selected to attend the Governor’s School of Arts and Humanities in Greenville, SC. Gladden then returned to pursue her Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of South Carolina. She has been the Director of the Friends of the Lexington Main Library for three years, following seven years in their Youth Services Department. Additionally, she serves as a substitute teacher in Lexington District One schools. Brittany has also held roles as a library assistant, pottery instructor, and summer camp organizer.
The Friends of Lexington Main Library is a non-profit organization supported by an extraordinary group of volunteers dedicated to enhancing the Lexington Library system and the local community. This vital organization offers enriching programs for residents, including children’s activities that encourage imagination and play, father-daughter dances that foster meaningful moments between parents and children, college scholarships to help students pursue further academics, and much more.
The organization plays a pivotal role in the community, notably its annual Summer Reading Kickoff Party. The celebration welcomes over 1,300 participants, including children, teens, and adults. This event not only sparks excitement for reading but also plays a crucial role in combating the “summer slide,” helping to ensure that students in the Lexington District One area remain academically engaged during their summer break. The organization is also deeply committed to improving literacy rates in the community. Their innovative program, “Book by Book,” connects struggling readers to the public library in partnership with elementary school intervention programs to promote a love of reading starting at a young age.
The Friends of the Lexington Main Library strives to expand and provide more educational activities and community events for all ages by raising funds and awareness for the Lexington Main Library.
“As for where the Friends of the Library is headed in the coming years, I can tell you we have plans to grow along with Lexington, but I can’t be any more specific than that,” said Gladden.
“The Friends of Lexington will continue to work to provide support for literacy programs and for building community throughout the Town of Lexington. You will have to wait and see what’s coming next!”
In her free time, Gladden enjoys spending time with her eight-year-old son, Griffin. They love paddleboarding, playing board games, and geocaching.