This summer, Knox County children and teens are invited to travel to the 19th century, visit ancient Egypt, walk in the footsteps of John Sevier, and discover hidden treasures. It’s all part of the new Summer Library Club Passport Program. 

Knox County Public Library is pleased to partner with 15 area museums and cultural attractions to offer enrichment activities that complement the Library’s summer reading programs. The goal for both teens and children aged 5-11 is to read for 20 hours between May 20 and July 31.  Once they’ve completed their reading goals, they can return their logs to the Library for a reward. 

This year, through the Passport Program, participants can substitute up to 5 hours of reading with select enrichment activities such as visiting area historic homes, attending a keeper chat at Zoo Knoxville, identifying trees at the Knoxville Botanical Gardens and Arboretum, or building a structure at The Muse Knoxville.  Entry fees may apply.

Research shows that struggling readers often lose academic gains over the summer, which can compound into a two-year deficit. By reading regularly over the summer and by participating in educational activities such as museum visits and tours of historic sites, students can maintain their academic standing. The Summer Library Club seeks to provide resources and support to all students to prevent this “summer slide.”

The Summer Library Club kicks off on May 20 at the Children’s Festival of Reading in World’s Fair Park.  Participants may pick up their Passport at the Festival, at any Knox County Public Library or participating organization. They can also choose to track their progress online at knoxlib.org/slc.  

“We are honored to partner with these great local organizations as part of our Summer Library Club," said Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett. "Programs like this make learning more fun and encourage kids to read over the summer break.”

ENTER TO WIN 

Passport Program members can continue to explore Knoxville’s museums and historic homes and be entered to win a basket of goodies from Visit Knoxville. All it takes is 10 stamps from program participants. 

Participating organizations and activities include: 

Historical Homes
• Blount Mansion - Onsite Scavenger Hunt
• Historic Ramsey House – Then and Now Comparison
• Historic Westwood – Adelia’s Treasure Hunt
• James White Fort – Get to know Hugh Lawson White
• Mabry-Hazen House – Evelyn Hazen Cat Hunt
• Marble Springs State Historic Site - Walk in John Sevier’s footsteps at his final home place

Science and Nature
• Ijams Nature Center – Various Programs
• Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum – Little Library Quest or Three Tree I.D.
• The Muse Knoxville – Build your own creation
• Zoo Knoxville – Participate in a keeper chat or animal encounter or other educational activity

Arts and Culture
• Knoxville Museum of Art - 20/20 Scavenger Hunt
• McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture – Tools through time scavenger hunt
• Museum of East Tennessee History  – Super Summer Scavenger Hunt
• Visit Knoxville - a quiz in Kids' Corner
• Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame – Dribble, dribble, search and find

For more information on the Summer Library Club Passport Program or the Children’s Festival of Reading, please visit knoxlib.org/slc.