Summer at the library is always hopping, and this year was no different. We hosted hundreds of programs every week – from storytimes and craft programs to reading clubs and genealogy workshops. There was something for everyone.
While programs make the headlines, books and reading are always the main attraction. Readers logged thousands of hours for our Read City million-hour reading challenge. As a community, we’ve now logged a collective 612,000 hours!
With school back in session, you’d think we’d slow down a bit. But that’s not our style. Here are a few programs coming up that you might want to put on your calendar. And there are a lot more events to peruse on the library’s website.
Reading Clubs or Book Talks:
- Aug 14 | All Over the Page: The Mercies | Lawson McGhee Library | 6:30
- Aug 16 | Spooky Teen Book Club | Halls | 4:00
- Aug 17 | Cedar Bluff Book Circle | 1:00
- Aug 19 | Cookbook Club | Norwood | 11:00
- Aug 21 | Evening Reads: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn | Bearden | 6:00
Crafts and Activities:
- Aug 10 | Exploring Rain | Powell | 6:00
- Aug 16 | Early Release – Star Wars! | Lawson McGhee | 2:00
- Aug 22 | Making Music: Ankle Bells | Powell | 6:30
- Aug 24 | Watercolor Kids | Bearden | 3:30
- Aug 24 | The Puzzle Hour | Burlington | 5:00
Next week, the Clarence Brown Film Festival launches with a series of talks, tours, and screenings. We hope you’ll join us.
Meet Clarence Brown:
Clarence Brown
Celebrate the work and legacy of director Clarence Brown, August 15-20, 2023, in downtown Knoxville. The celebrated director of classical Hollywood’s biggest films hailed from Old North Knoxville. Brown attended Knoxville High and graduated from UT’s college of engineering in 1910. Nominated for eight Oscars, he directed the biggest stars of the silver screen including Greta Garbo, Clark Gable and Elizabeth Taylor. His impact was more than glamour. He subtly addressed social issues from women’s roles to racism.
The Festival will screen seven of Brown’s most iconic works, including an outdoor presentation of National Velvet (1944) and a screening of The Yearling (1946). Most notably, the Festival will present a recently restored 35mm film print of The Signal Tower (1924). This restored film has only been shown at two other venues. Our screening will feature live musical accompaniment at the Historic Tennessee Theatre.
All screenings and events are free and open to the public.
Learn more about his gift to endow the Clarence Brown Theatre at UT. Clarence Brown in the Library catalog
Mary Pom Claiborne is assistant director for marketing, communications and development for Knox County Public Library