The Knoxville Public Library received funding from Humanities Iowa, a private, non-profit state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, to host a presentation called Josiah Bushnell Grinnell and the Iowa Underground Railroad on Thursday at 1:30pm.

The speaker at the event will be David Connon, and tells the story of how Josiah Bushnell Grinnell and other Iowans worked to aid at least 37 escaped slaves, John Brown’s visit to Grinnell, and the fallout of the abolitionists’ efforts. The Library will also return to their normal schedule despite residing in their temporary location at East Elementary in Knoxville, and is hosting programs such as an open house on April 12th, the celebration of National Library Week April 8th-14th, and a scavenger hunt running through April 13th.

Director of the Knoxville Library Roslin Thompson tells KNIA/KRLS News she is grateful for all the support they have received from the community, corporations, and the government. She went on to say that if you still want to donate, you can send it to the library or give online at the Knoxville Heritage Foundation website. The Library is also continuing old programs such as Stories & Craft Hour, Open Book Club, Study Hall, and more. For more information, go to the library website at http://www.knoxville.lib.ia.us