Friends of the Knox County Public Library

50 Years of Library Love

Since our first meeting on September 29, 1970, the Friends of the Knox County Public Library have been dedicated to finding ways to foster a love of libraries, books, and reading in the Knox County area through community outreach, advocacy, and support of the Knox County Public Library System and staff.

On Wednesday, September 30, a small group of Friends gathered at Lawson McGhee Library to present a check for $50,000 to the library. Our gift will be used to add ebooks and audiobooks to the library’s collection.

Friends President John Williams and KCPL Director Myretta Black talk about the donation and how it will be used.

During the week of September 29, the Knox County Public Library shared six videos on Facebook to help us celebrate our 50th anniversary.

KCPL Director Myretta Black expresses her appreciation to the Friends.

Nelda Hill, assistant director for public services, shares some of the ways the Friends’ support has made the library’s Sights & Sounds Department one of the best in our region.

Farragut Branch staff member Wendy Rogers thanks the Friends for their support on behalf of the library’s Teen Services Committee.

Steve Cotham, manager of the McClung Historical Collections, discusses the ways the Friends have provided financial support for some unique initiatives. 

Mary Pom Claiborne, assistant director of marketing, communications and development, talks about the role Friends played in launching two important programs for children: the Children’s Festival of Reading and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Knox County.

Erin Nguyen, manager of Children’s Services, shares a few of the ways the Friends have supported some of the library’s most popular programs for children.