Two members have retired from the Knoxville Public Library Board. Mary Lane ends a 19-year tenure as a board member, and Pat Wilson has retired after 14 years. Lane says one of her proudest accomplishments as a member of the board was the expansion of the library.

“We started with baby steps, as far as inviting the public in and getting input as far as what they wanted in an expanded library. Over a year or two, we got good ideas from the Knoxville public. Then we got contractors to proceed with that expansion. It has been a wonderful experience.”

Wilson says the purchase and preservation of the Dixie Gebhart house was a highlight of her tenure.

“He purchased the Gebhart house next door as a historic marker. We really wanted that to remain as it is. With the library controlling that, we keep it as a memorial site. That, in addition to the expansion, was really good for the community.”

Hear more about Lane and Wilson’s time on the Knoxville Library Board on an upcoming Let’s Talk Knoxville.