The Knoxville Public Library has been selected by the American Library Association to participate in the program Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries. The library will receive a $3,000 grant which will be used to promote a county-wide read. Director Roslin Thompson tells KNIA/KRLS News that library staff are proud to be chosen for the opportunity, and that the grant will allow the library to get to know residents better and help build a happier and healthier community.

Library staff will take online courses on how to lead conversations, which will be a vital skill to be used for this program.