Every summer public libraries have proven themselves to be a pillar in the community. During these warm months, school is finally out, and parents are looking for somewhere to take their kids. Knox County Public Libraries are the perfect place to keep your kid active whether it be reading or socializing with other children their age. They have numerous upcoming events for kids whether it be toddler story time or creating your own diary.
Erin Nguyen, Children’s Service Manager at Lawson McGhee Library, works to ensure that the children’s events run smoothly and best suit the community’s needs. Nguyen talks about the importance of these events and how they offer children a place to stay active. She says, “It [summer events] is a way for them to connect with their friends when they’re not in school and keep those social interactions happening over the summer.”
They don’t just host craft events and story times though, they collaborate with businesses within the area to maximize what kids can learn for free. Nguyen discusses that the libraries are focusing on science more than ever this summer with events that partner with the Smoky Mountain Astronomical Society and American Museum of Science and Energy. She says, “They’ve become a tradition. The zoo for example brings their animals and then Michael Messing Magic, who comes every year, performs for the kids.”
Not only do they have events for kids, but they also have ones for adults as well. It ranges from help regarding obtaining a job to learning how to best use different forms of technology. Nguyen describes the purpose of having events for all ages when it comes to remaining an educational and free place for all. She says, “There are craft programs and book clubs as well as a film series that is happening here at our downtown library [Lawson McGhee Library]. We’re just trying to find different ways to bring people together.”
These spaces are a place that provide educational resources like learning more about the Imagination Library. Once a month, free of charge, children receive a free book until their fifth birthday. In Knox County alone over 3 million books have been sent out since 2005. Knox County Libraries are able to assist with telling the community about this program and even help setting it up.
At the core of Knox County Public Libraries, the events are in effort to bring the community together in a beneficial and affordable way. It provides access to learning for all ages whether it be about zoo animals, or a film series meant to educate viewers on a different perspective. This is a great place to especially take your kids when schools are closed in order to maintain their education as well as being social.
It is important to note that Knox County Public Libraries host events all throughout the year. This gives those living in Knox County a chance to learn and participate in these beneficial activities year-round. All upcoming events are listed on Knox County Public Libraries website.
Comments are closed.