We’re in the final countdown! There are two weeks left to read, craft, explore and attend programs in the Quest for Knowledge adventure game. The deadline for completion is August 7, but there’s still time to get started. All you need to do is drop by any Knox County Public Library location to pick up a gameboard.
Kids and teens who complete 25 missions in the Library’s summer program will earn loot box prizes plus rewards from area partners, including arcade game play from Main Event, admission to the Tennessee Valley Fair, a rock wall climbing session from Dick’s Sporting Goods, $5 in used book credit from Friends of the Knox County Public Library and more!
Zoo Knoxville shows off some of its scaly residents for library adventurers at the Fountain City Branch
This year’s summer reading program is on target to break all recent participation records with more than 10,000 kids, teens and adults registering for the adventure game. Thanks to support from the Friends of the Library, we’ve had a calendar packed with programs from Zoo Knoxville, The Muse, magician Michael Messing, chemist Dr. Al Hazari, the Hominy Mamas and other special performers. There are always dozens of storytimes, crafternoons, STEAM activities and more every week.
The Library’s summer programs are part of Mayor Jacobs’ Read City USA challenge to help make ours one of the best-read communities in America. We kicked off the 2024 Read City challenge in January at the Bijou Theatre with real-life adventurers and the Daring Deeds challenge. In May, we partnered with Knox County Schools on the One Book Read City program in which all elementary students read the same book – Shelby and Watts: Tidepool Troubles by Ashlyn Anstee. In late September, we will launch the final leg of the 2024 Read City Challenge.
Mary Pom Claiborne is assistant director for marketing, communications and development for Knox County Public Library
