In our household, which includes a kindergartener, we burn through at least 14 library books a week (because my squirrelbrain can’t stand reading any bedtime book more than once). Let’s lowball it and say each book costs 10 bucks. That’s $7,840 worth of books we get to read each year FOR FREE.
Thanks, Knox County Public Library!
The mothership of the library system, which includes 19 locations across Knox County, is Lawson McGhee Library. It was founded in 1886 thanks to a generous gift from Col. Charles M. McGhee, a man who bore striking resemblance to Old Man Marley in Home Alone:
Originally located on Gay Street with some bouncing around since, its history is both dramatic (exhibit A: that time it burned down in 1904) and incredibly progressive (feminism! desegregation!). If you, too, are obsessed with books and Bill Landry in no particular order, check out this library documentary.
Lawson McGhee’s current home at 500 W. Church Ave. was built in 1971. Features of the new space included a fine arts department where patrons could rent framed reproduction prints, and, in the Children’s Room, a pet rabbit named Velvet.
The architecture is brutalist or at least brutalist-esque (local architecture nerds, argue among yourselves), referencing a style characterized by stark concrete and geometric forms. UT’s Art & Architecture Building, also designed by Bruce McCarty, is a textbook example. But however imposing the exterior, the inside feels warm, airy and very bellbottom-core. There are great big windows. The tallest, happiest, most ancient fiddle leaf fig tree I’ve ever met lives on the second floor, just basking all day every day in sun puddles, as well as a vaguely menacing monster split-leaf philodendron.
A library card is, hands down, the best deal in town. You think it’s just about books? Oh no, my friend. Knox County Public Library has so much going on. The resources, the experiences, the perks, not to mention the literal books—it’s all there, just waiting to be discovered.
Since Inside of Knoxville is all about downtown life, I reached out to Mary Pom Claiborne, assistant director for marketing, communications and development for Knox County Public Library, for help with my list of best-kept Lawson McGhee Library secrets.
“Lawson McGhee Library is one of the jewels in downtown Knoxville and serves as the hub of the entire library system,” she says. “It’s one of the few places where people of all ages and all walks of life are welcome.”
“The Children’s Room has a huge selection of books, movies, tablets and video players for checkout, along with great storytimes and programming. The Sights and Sounds collection brings in movie and music buffs. Monthly book clubs appeal to our literary neighbors, and the reference librarians help with everything from job searches to business planning. There’s so much here for every age and interest!”
Here’s a top 10 of things you didn’t even realize you could do at the library.
Lawson McGhee’s Sights & Sounds Department has an impressive collection of 1,314 vinyl records—and counting! You can check out up to 15 at a time (for free, for 21 days). With the price of vinyl these days, that’s an absolute steal. They also have CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays, so go ahead and make it a whole throwback night.
Ever wished you could turn that box of old VHS tapes or stacks of family photos into something you could actually share? The Memory Lab has everything you need to digitize, edit and store your old home movies, cassette tapes and photos—saving them from the slow death of obsolescence. The project was launched with a grant from the State of Tennessee, making this high-tech service completely free to use.
Want an excuse to discuss books with other humans? All Over the Page is a monthly book discussion group for adults, featuring guest facilitators. The next edition features Denton Loving, poet and recent honoree of Humanities Tennessee’s inaugural Tennessee Book Award for Poetry for his most recent collection, Tamp. Join the discussion at Lawson McGhee on Monday, April 14 at 6:30 p.m.
Looking for a free spot for your next big brainstorm session, community event or Twilight marathon? The lower-level room at Lawson McGhee accommodates up to 69 people and offers amenities like a projection screen, lectern, microphone, refrigerator and sink.
5. The Reference Desk
Not all heroes wear capes. Need help with research, job applications or finding that one obscure book you only remember by its cover color? These wizards have you covered.
Preschool educators and caregivers, take note: these kits are packed with books, music, puppets, puzzles and flannelboards—all designed to make storytime a magical experience. Our family has checked out nearly all of them, and I can confirm they are 10/10 delightful.
A free documentary screening, once a month, on Sundays at 2 p.m. Next up on April 6: Margreth Olin’s poetic and immersive Songs of Earth (2023), “majestic visual symphony with the filmmaker’s father as our guide, bringing us through a breathtaking journey of Norway’s most scenic valley.” My kind of escapism.
8. Children’s Room Farm and Schoolhouse Play Areas
Small human parents and caretakers: When it’s cold, raining or you just need a break, the basement of Lawson McGhee has you covered. While your kids explore the play spaces or try a craft, you can enjoy a few sips of lukewarm coffee from your comically oversized Hydro Flask in peace. Also, the library has an amazing selection of Launchpad learning tablets, which I’ve found to be an excellent screen-time negotiating tool.
For reasons unknown, printers hate me. But thanks to the library, I can send print jobs from my phone, laptop or tablet and pick them up without wrestling with jammed paper trays.
Sometimes you just want to keep a book forever, and the Rothrock Used Book Store lets you do just that—on a budget. Plus, Friends of the Library hosts regular used book sales at various branches, making it even easier to grow your personal collection.
Bonus! Read City Explorer Pass
Not specific to Lawson McGhee, but still too good not to mention—your library card gets you free or discounted admission to local museums and cultural institutions, including:
- Clarence Brown Theatre
- Historic House Museums of Knoxville
- Knoxville Children’s Theatre
- Knoxville Opera
- Knoxville Symphony Orchestra
- Muse Knoxville
- Museum of Appalachia
- Museum of East Tennessee History
- Sunsphere
- Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame
- Zoo Knoxville
From community resources to local history, there is SO MUCH MORE. Seriously, if you don’t have a library card yet, what are you waiting for? Learn more at knoxcountylibrary.org.