It's Kickoff Time with Friends of the Library!

Issue #631

04 Sep

In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Scattered Thunderstorms with a High of 79

🗓️ Today - Visit the Opening of the Seeds of Regionalism at the Knoxville Museum of Art

📰 Pavilion Farmer’s Market Today!

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Newsletter cut short in your email? If so,

Today’s Record High: 101 in 1954 — Record Low: 51 in 1952

It’s Kickoff Time with Friends of the Library!

Fall means football, friends, and… the kickoff of our Annual Membership Campaign!
We’re calling on all current members and new recruits—come join our champion FOL team and help us cheer on libraries all season long!

Membership Levels & Perks

Individual – $20
- Early admission to members’ Preview sales
- Invitation to Annual Membership Meeting (July)
- Friends Heart KCPL monthly e-newsletter
- 20% discount at Union Ave Books (one-time)
- $5 birthday coupon (usable at branch sales or Rothrock Used Book Shop)
- Discounts at East TN Historical Society Museum Shop

Family – $35
- All Individual benefits
- Plus a 2nd $5 birthday coupon

Supporter – $50
- All Family benefits
- Plus a collectible FOL magnetic bookmark

Patron – $100
- All Supporter benefits
- Plus a $10 book sale coupon (usable at branch sales or Rothrock Used Book Shop)

Bibliophile – $250
- All Patron benefits
- Plus a personal note from the FOL President
- Recognition in our Annual Report

Circle of Friends – $500
- All Bibliophile benefits
- Plus a book donated to KCPL in your honor, with a personalized bookplate

All memberships run through December 31, 2026.

Why Join the Team?

Your membership isn’t just a card—it’s an investment in readers of all ages, our local culture, and the joy of community learning. Together, we fund library programs, spark curiosity, and make sure Knox County libraries stay strong and thriving.

Ready to Join the Winning Team? Become a Member Today. Let’s make this season unforgettable—with YOU on the FOL team!

-contributed by Diane P.

Visit the Opening of the Seeds of Regionalism at the Knoxville Museum of Art

The Knoxville Museum of Art invites you to the opening reception for its newest exhibition, Seeds of Regionalism – The Clauss Legacy: Early Modernism in the South. This exhibition excavates the unheralded legacy of Alfred and Jane West Clauss, who, in 1939, created the first modern deed-restricted subdivision in America—known colloquially as “Little Switzerland” in South Knoxville. In the process, the Clausses laid the groundwork for what we now recognize as regional modernism. 

When:
TODAY - Thursday, September 4th
5:30 pm – KMA Members Only Hour
6:30 pm – Reception Opens to Non-Members

Where:
Knoxville Museum of Art
1050 World’s Fair Park Drive, Knoxville, TN 37916
*Free parking is available in the museum’s north lot 

Attendees will enjoy an exclusive first look at a landmark exhibition, insights from guest curator John L. Sanders, FAIA, and a lively evening of art, music, and community at the Knoxville Museum of Art. The event is free, open to the public, and includes light refreshments and a cash bar. More Info

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

Get ready for ten days of family-friendly excitement—the Tennessee Valley Fair is back from September 5th–14th, at Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center in Knoxville. Celebrating over a century of tradition, this beloved annual event highlights East Tennessee’s rich heritage, agriculture, and creativity. More Info

Looking for a thrilling night out? The Dinner Detective brings its interactive, true‑crime murder mystery dinner show to Knoxville, merging captivating storytelling with a delectable meal. On select weekend nights throughout 2025 - guests are invited to the Hilton Knoxville Hotel (501 West Church Avenue) to step into a real-time, suspenseful world full of intrigue and laughs. More Info & Tickets

Boating Safety Course - The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will host the BOAT AMERICA boating safety course on Saturday, September 6th, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. at Carson-Newman University, 1645 Russell Avenue, Jefferson City. Register by September 3rd by emailing [email protected]. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org.

Step back in time and celebrate the rich traditions of the Cherokee people at the Cherokee Fall Festival, happening September 6th–7th at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, TN. More Info

Creative Writing Series - The UT Creative Writing Program is hosting a special evening celebrating the debut short story collections of two of its accomplished alumnae: Samantha Edmonds and Mariah Rigg. The reading will take place on Monday, September 8th, at 7:00 pm in the Lindsay Young Auditorium of John C. Hodges Library, Room 101 on the UT campus at 1015 Volunteer Blvd. Admission is free and open to the public. More Info

Network & Learn - Break the Stuck: Mastering Momentum to Breakthrough - Are you a professional woman feeling stuck in your business or personal growth? On Tuesday, September 9th at 11:00 AM, eWomenNetwork Knoxville is hosting “Break the Stuck: Mastering Momentum to Breakthrough to an Unprecedented Level of Success” presented by Felicia Searcy. Led by Abigail Tiefenthaler, this in-person event will give you tools to overcome procrastination, beat self-doubt, and finally gain the momentum you’ve been missing. More Info & Register

Step into a world of ancient wisdom and earth-based traditions at Ancient Lore Village on Saturday, September 13th, at 11:00 AM. The Village invites you to a hands-on workshop, Healing Arts of the Ancients: An Herbal Medicine Workshop, where nature, folklore, and wellness come together in an immersive experience. More Info & Tickets

On Tuesday, September 16th, Knoxville’s premier entrepreneurial event, 865 Fest, returns with a full day of inspiration, networking, and innovation at Bridgewater Place. Formerly known as Startup Day, this annual celebration brings together founders, investors, executives, and business leaders to spotlight the region’s growing startup ecosystem. More Info

Get ready for... Camp GalFunction: A 2-Year Celebration! Grab your marshmallow roasting sticks for the ultimate end-of-summer camp-themed celebration! Join us on Tuesday, September 16th at 7 PM as we celebrate two incredible years at The Hub Pro Studio with a night full of cozy, camp-inspired fun. More Info

Ever wondered what truly makes a tea a “tea”? On Wednesday, September 17th, from 6:00–8:00 PM, The Kraken’s Cup Tearoom invites you to “What is Tea?”—a guided tea tasting workshop designed to introduce participants to the six distinct types of true tea. More Info & Tickets

Grab your clubs and join the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation (ETKF) for an afternoon of fun, fellowship, and fundraising at Golfing for Kidneys on Thursday, September 18th, from 2:00–5:00 PM. The event will be held at Topgolf Knoxville (11400 Outlet Drive, Farragut). More Info

On Wednesday, September 24th, from 6:00–8:00 PM, Volunteer Cookie Co. return to the Kraken’s Cup to host a hands-on Fall Cookie Decorating Class. More Info & Tickets

On Friday, September 26th, the Knoxville Technology Council’s Women in Tech presents the fourth annual Women in Tech Expo: Grow Better Together, a full day dedicated to connection, empowerment, and professional growth. This year’s expo will bring together a diverse group of women from across industries to share inspiration, strategies, and opportunities to thrive both personally and professionally. More Info & Tickets

A Night Out with New Friends | Dinner with Strangers - Looking to expand your social circle and enjoy a memorable evening in great company? A Night Out with New Friends: Knoxville | Dinner with Strangers 2025 offers just that—a unique dining experience designed for mingling, connection, and making new friends over a delicious meal. These events turn the usual dinner out into something far more exciting and meaningful. More Info

Networking:

Veterans:

Free Veterans’ Breakfast: The United Veterans Council of East Tennessee presents 14 free breakfasts for Veterans and guests on four Saturdays, monthly. Coffee line starts at 8am, Chow line starts at 8:30am. Locations and Dates

Master Gardners September Events

Several events by Knox County Master Gardeners are coming up this month, including sessions on photography, native plant walk, how to create a “smart yard,” and other topics. All events are free.

Ask A Master Gardener tables will be at the Tennessee Valley Fair at both the Jacob Building and the Kerr Building from September 5th-14th. Master Gardeners will be available to  answer questions or discuss garden issues.

On September 6th at 9 a.m. master gardeners will lead a one-hour guided nature walk at Collier Preserve, a native plant garden and birding area. Meet at the Powell Branch Library next to Collier Preserve, which is located at 316 W. Emory Road.

On September 11th Knoxville photographer and Master Gardener Elle Colquitt will share tips on taking garden photographs. The free seminar will be held at the University of Tennessee Eastern Region Office at 1801 Downtown West Blvd. from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

The Tennessee Smart Yard Workshop will be held September 27th from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the University of Tennessee Gardens. Participants will learn ways to create a sustainable landscape that benefits the environment. Door prizes will include a rain barrel, composter, native plants, bat box and wildflower seeds. Participants may also drop off household pesticides to dispose of. Pesticides must be in original containers.

Master Gardener Cid Letsinger will answer garden and plant questions at the Norwood Branch Library on September 13th from 10 a.m. - noon. The library is located at 1110 Merchant Dr. Other master gardeners will be at community farmer’s markets in September, including those at Dixie Lee at Renaissance, Ebenezer Road, Tellico Village, New Harvest Park and Market Square. For more information or to ask a question online, go to https://www.knoxcountymastergardener.org/ask-a-master-gardener/

On September 24th from 11 a.m.-noon a Zoom presentation on how to become a Knox County Master Gardener volunteer will be held from 11 a.m. - noon. A sessions is also scheduled for Oct. 29. To register, email extension agent Rylan Thompson at [email protected] or call 865-215-2340.

For more information on garden events, go to https://www.knoxcountymastergardener.org/events-news/

KCMG, a Tennessee non-profit 501 (c) (3), is a joint program of the University of Tennessee and Tennessee State University Cooperative Extension Services.

-contributed by Nancy H.

Pavilion Farmers Market

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