We’re in the final stretch of the All Together Now Read City challenge. “Let’s Play!” is the last leg of our 2023 quest to read one million hours as a community.
With Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs leading the way, we explored our individual talents in the “Find your Voice” challenge from January to April. In May, we read “Zoey and Sassafras, Dragons and Marshmallows” by Asia Citro as part of the “One Book, Read City” program at all Knox County elementary schools. This past summer, we explored rhythm and tempo in the “Feel the Beat” challenge. And along the way, we racked up more than 700,000 hours of reading.
Now it’s time to bring it all together with “Let’s Play!” Launching on Saturday, September 30, through December 9, Mayor Jacobs is challenging everyone (kids, teens and adults) to read and log for a total of 36 hours. Everything counts – podcasts, newspapers and of course, books in every format. When everyone reads together as a community, we’re supporting families and schools in improving our third-grade reading rate. It takes all of us.
Isabelle, a library patron, shows other prizes
There are so many ways to be part of the challenge at the library. Join us for programs, read along with us or check out our music collection. You can pre-register in Beanstack or pick up a reading log at your favorite library location. You can even try out one of our printable crafts and make a 3-D Boombox Coin Bank or a Mini Drum Set.
Reading on its own is rewarding enough, but we also have some prizes. Tots will earn a musical straw, kids and teens can earn a building block instrument kit and adults can earn a blanket, perfect for watching a concert on the lawn.
Participants who complete all three challenges will automatically be entered in a grand prize drawing in one of three categories: Youth, Adult or Group. Participants must complete all three challenges and be registered in Beanstack. You could win a gaming system, iPad or party with Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs.
Mary Pom Claiborne is assistant director for marketing, communications and development for Knox County Public Library