Myretta Black, Senior Director of the Knox County Public Library, opened the event with a brief welcome, “Today is a special day for Knox County Public Library as we celebrate the 140th anniversary of Lawson McGhee Library and recognize the generations of staff, supporters, and community members who have sustained and strengthened library service in Knox County.” Black continued, “It is a chance to recognize the enduring value of libraries and the role they continue to play in connecting people with knowledge, resources, and one another.”

Knox County Mayor Betsy Henderson followed with a presentation of the proclamation naming today Lawson McGhee Library Day in Knox County

Adam Alfrey, Assistant Director for Historical Services, concluded the program by discussing the importance of preserving history and highlighting Citizen Historian, a current project of the East Tennessee History Center. Through this initiative, the Center is partnering with Knox County communities to document, preserve, and share the stories of today for future generations.