There’s nothing quite like escaping into a good movie in a cool room on a hot summer afternoon. Even better? Discovering an offbeat documentary you can’t easily find anywhere else.
Knox County Public Library’s Daytime Docs series delivers on both. Every second Sunday of the month, the Lawson McGhee Library (500 W. Church Ave.) hosts a curated documentary screening in the meeting room, selected by reference librarian and film enthusiast Blake Walhert. These aren’t your typical titles—each one offers a fresh perspective or untold story.
On Sunday, June 14, at 2 p.m., Walhert presents Dogtown and Z-Boys (2001), the award-winning film that chronicles the rise of the Zephyr skateboarding team in Venice, California. Their rebellious style transformed skate culture in the 1970s, and the film captures the energy of that defining moment with old skool skating footage, exclusive interviews, and a blistering rock soundtrack.
A festival favorite—including honors for Best Director and the Audience Award at Sundance—it also features narration by Sean Penn. Stay after the screening for a lively group discussion.
Looking ahead, on July 19, The Badwater 135 (2025) follows 10 ultramarathon runners as they take on one of the world’s most grueling races—covering 135 miles from Death Valley to Mount Whitney in temperatures topping 120 degrees, all within 48 hours.
Cool off, settle in, and experience something unexpected.
Mary Pom Claiborne is assistant director for marketing, communications and development for Knox County Public Library.
Follow KnoxTNToday on Facebook and Instagram. Get all KnoxTNToday articles in one place with our Free Newsletter.
