Let's Play (September 30–December 9)
Fall together now—creating harmony
Mayor Jacobs has challenged us to read one million hours in 2023 and we've already read over 700,000 hours together! Our third and final challenge of the year begins September 30.
Pre-register in Beanstack now, or pick up your reading log at your favorite library location at the end of September. To participate and earn prizes, read and log at least 36 hours.
There are so many ways to play at the Library! Join us for a program, download a movie or audiobook, check out a vinyl record, or read along with us!
Note-worthy Prizes
Earn a prize when you complete the "Let's Play" reading challenge (36 hours.) One prize per participant. Finishers choose one from assorted styles.
Limited quantities available! We will begin awarding prizes October 15.
Grand prize drawing
Major news! Win a gaming system, iPad, or party with the Mayor!
Participants who complete all three challenges will automatically be entered in a grand prize drawing in one of three categories: Youth, Adult, or Group. Participants must complete all three challenges and be registered in Beanstack. See rules and eligibility requirements.
- One grand prize will be awarded in each category. Youth and Adult prizes are reserved for individual registrants. Group prize is for a registered group with 2 or more active readers.
- Individual grand prize for Youth: Switch or similar (approximate value $300)
- Individual grand prize for Adult: iPad 9th generation or higher (approximate value $350)
- Group grand prize: Celebration with the Mayor tailored to your group for up to 100 individuals (value up to $500)
- Each eligible individual or group will be entered one time. Entry is not based on hours read.
- Participants must have a Beanstack account. Individuals must provide complete name, email, and age. Groups must provide leader's name, email, and average age of participants.
- Participants must have earned the completion badge in all three 2023 Knox County Public Library Beanstack challenges: Find Your Voice, Feel the Beat, and Let's Play.
- Only one grand prize per household.
- Knox County Public Library Staff and immediate family are not eligible for grand prizes.
- Names will be drawn after the last challenge is completed and tallied. Winners will be contacted by December 31, 2023.
Tour schedule
This year, in order to meet our million-hour reading goal, we'll complete three reading challenges.
Challenge #1 - Find Your Voice
Melody & Kindness
Your voice matters, and so does everyone else's. Let's listen to each other.
- Read 36 hours
- January 24–April 30
One Book Read City
Book to be revealed soon!
- Join Knox County Schools this May
Challenge #2 - Feel the Beat
Rhythm & Friendship
What moves you? Kick off the slammin' summer challenge at the Children's Festival of Reading.
- Read 36 hours
- May 20–August 5
Challenge #3 - Let's Play!
Harmony & Unity
Everybody plays a part. Together we can make marvelous music!
- Read 36 hours
- September 30–December 9
Read City USA
Led by Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, READ CITY USA is a collaborative initiative of Knox County Government, Knox County Public Library, Knox County Schools, and other community organizations to help all children learn to read early and well, thereby reaching their full potential in school and in life.
Upcoming events
Saturday Stories & Songs: Knoxville Symphony Orchestra Musical Storytime
Print your own Read City activities
Play your way through the fall reading challenge! Print your own log or pick up at any library location through December 2023.
Roll into summer with this fun coloring sheet. Share your completed pics by tagging @knoxreads on social media!
Can you feel it? Hear the music and feel the rhythm when you color this fun sheet!
Construct a paper boombox, complete with handle to carry a beat wherever you go. It can even be used as a coin bank! (Recommended to print on cardstock.)
Color and assemble a playable paper drum!
Track your reading time in the Feel the Beat summer challenge! (May 20–August 5 2023)