Tucked between the central elevator bays on the Main Floor of the City County building is a bushel-sized box with two little doors that open onto another world – the land of imagination.
The idea to install the little library originated in discussions with the Mayor Youth Council and community partners, says Youth Engagement Coordinator Emily Norris.
She’s excited to see the library become a reality.
“It has been something in the works for so long, and I am enjoying seeing it become tangible,” she said. “I can’t wait to walk by it every morning and think about the intern group that worked so hard this summer to build it.”
During her remarks to the group gathered for the ribbon cutting, Mayor Kincannon noted that books can provide a safe place for children and young people – especially when they are visiting this labyrinthine public space for one of many reasons – court dates, voting, public meetings.
Kincannon said that her father frequently said, “If you have a book, you always have a friend.”
Johnson and Swamy -- interns with Public Service and the Office of Neighborhood Empowerment, respectively – spoke about the project’s value to the community as catalysts of literacy and democracy.
“Hopefully the library will make it easier for families with children to visit the city county building,” said Antonia, who interned with the Communications Department. “The library is a great way for families to read together and learn about the government since the library will have books about it.”
Mayor Kincannon led an impromptu storytime, reading the illustrated book for young readers,
What Can a Citizen Do? by Dave Eggars and Shawn Harris.
This title should be a big hit during election season. 
Special thanks to all the parents and kids and City staff who attended the ribbon cutting event, and to East Tennessee Freedom Schools for donating the library's first books!