Celebrate National Library Week April 19-25, 2026 with the theme, “Find Your Joy”! Libraries play a valuable role in our communities, and here in Knox County, Tennessee, our libraries and library professionals shine.
Do you have a library card?
Library cards are free to Knox County residents and property owners. Fill out an application and bring it along with a name and address verification to any local branch: Library Card
Have you visited a local library branch?
In Knox County, we have the main library, Lawson McGhee, and the Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection and the Knox County Archives at the East Tennessee History Center in downtown Knoxville. In addition, seventeen branches serve communities throughout the county: Hours and Locations.
Why should you visit the library?
The local library offers free access to books, e-books, and all forms of media. Also, each branch has computers, scanners, printers, and high-speed internet in a quiet environment. Story time, book club meetings, and special events occur weekly and monthly.
I have always found joy in libraries. Mrs. Herndon, the Blountville Elementary School librarian, was my favorite person because she walked the stacks, pointing out books she thought I would enjoy. As a child, I visited the small Blountville and Avoca branches in Sullivan County, Tennessee, as often as I could, and at sixteen, my first solo driving trip was to the library.
My children loved library story time, and we visited the Halls and Fountain City branches each week. They left with bags of books to read and could not wait to return. Now I visit the Powell branch at least once a week to pick up a hold or just browse. I always find something of interest to check out.
Currently, I have five books checked out and two more waiting for pick up. Four more physical books are on hold and seventeen digital items are on hold via Libby, the mobile app used to borrow digital ebooks, audiobooks and magazines. Yes, I use the library a lot!
Go! Visit your local branch. Apply for a library card. Check out a book. Take a seat and feel the peace and quiet. Let me know when you do.
Visit the library or an independent bookstore or search the Knox County Online Library for more books.
Linda Sullivan is an avid reader and wants to make you one, too. For more recommendations or just to talk books, reach out to her at thebookwhisperertn@gmail.com. She can also be found @thebookwhisperertn on Instagram.
Look for books at Knox County Online Library or your local independent bookstore each week.
Linda Sullivan is an avid reader and wants to inspire you to become one, too. For more recommendations or to talk books, reach out to her at thebookwhisperertn@gmail.com. She can also be found @thebookwhisperertn on Instagram.
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