Who We Are

Friends of the Knox County Public Library is a nonprofit organization that supports a vision of an excellent, free, public library available to everyone. We are a group of committed individuals who advocate and raise support for all 18 locations of the library system. Our members contribute funds through annual dues as well as through donations and fundraisers. They also donate time through volunteering. Thousands of people in our community benefit from the library programs we support.

Officers

John Williams, President
Natalie Smith, President-Elect
Sharon Smith, Past President
Rusha Sams, Secretary
Amy Counts, Treasurer

Directors

Lindsay Banda
Jen Cooper
Brewton Couch
Sarah Ford
Bailey Foster
Sara Hobbs
Al Horn
Laurie Pearl
Jane Row

Staff

Eileen Taylor, Coordinator

Committees

Advocacy
Author Events
Board Development and Bylaws
Communications
Investments and Finance
Membership
Nominating
Sales and Distribution

The Ethical Dozen for Friends of the Library

Memberships

Alliance for Better Nonprofits

Friends of Tennessee Libraries (FOTL)

United for Libraries

Volunteer East Tennessee

History

Friends of the Knox County Public Library (KCPL) was founded on September 29, 1970. From a low-key, grassroots group, we have grown into an organization of active participants in a broad spectrum of projects and events. We have held a 501(c)(3) determination since 1972. Find out more about our history here.

Our outreach initiatives and collaborations with dozens of community organizations have brought our love of libraries, books, and reading to all corners of the county. Since 1970 Friends has donated over $1M to KCPL, supporting programs and items not covered by the public budget. Our used book shop and book sales raised nearly $89,000 in FY 2019, and the Friends Annual Used Book Sale is recognized as one of the best in the Southeast. Friends continually welcomes new volunteers who love, use and support the Knox County Public Library.

Photo: Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs proclaimed September 20, 2018, as Mary Utopia Rothrock Day at a special event held at Old Gray Cemetery.

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