Knox County Public Library is very pleased to kick off the New Year with new programming on the weekends. Saturday Stories and Songs is a free series featuring storytelling and children's music for preschool and school-aged children, perfect for patrons who are not able to attend the Library's popular weekday storytimes. This is the first time in its history that the Library has been able to offer regular Saturday programming, which is made possible through grants from the TVA Employee Credit Union, the Tennessee Arts Commission, and the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Greater Knoxville.
"Children are some of the most important people served by our libraries," Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett said. "I am very excited about the fact that families who work during the week will now be able to access these great programs on Saturdays."
In January through April, programs will be offered on the first and third Saturdays at Powell Branch Library and Burlington Branch Library, and on the second and fourth Saturdays at Cedar Bluff Branch Library and Howard Pinkston Branch Library.
"We know that the early years of child development are crucial for preparing children to learn effectively once they enter school," said Dr. Jim McIntyre, Superintendent of the Knox County Schools. "This type of innovative Saturday programming, in addition to expanded hours of operation in our public libraries, will give more children the opportunity to engage in literature in a fun and recreational way, and therefore be better positioned to be successful in school."
Meet the Performers:
Get ready to be mesmerized as Millie Sieber tells Tennessee tales and stories from around the world - stories of ordinary folks who do extraordinary things, make-believe fun and even ghost stories. Storytelling is too much fun to limit it to children when Millie's in front of a crowd!
With his guitar and banjo in hand, Sean McCollough will entertain, educate and tickle your funny bone, all at the same time! Before you know it, you'll be singing along to some of his toe-tapping tunes.
Faye Wooden tells timeless tales powered by the imagination and inspired by her own life. Today, she travels the world, searching for new stories, legends and true tales that will warm your heart and make you laugh.
Dianne Hackworth brings to life Appalachian Tales, musical tales, and folktales from around the world. Her stories ring with wit and wisdom that awaken and mesmerize the listener's sense of wonder. Through her exhilarating tales and teaching, Hackworth encourages everyone to participate in one of the world's oldest art forms.
THE SCHEDULE
At Cedar Bluff Branch Library, 10:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays:
January 8, Millie Sieber
January 22, Sean McCollough
February 12, Faye Wooden
February 26, Dianne Hackworth
March 12, Millie Sieber
March 26, Sean McCollough
April 9, Faye Wooden
At Howard Pinkston Branch Library, 2:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays:
January 8, Millie Sieber
January 22, Sean McCollough
February 12, Faye Wooden
February 26, Dianne Hackworth
March 12, Millie Sieber
March 26, Sean McCollough
April 9, Faye Wooden
At Burlington Branch Library, 2:30 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays:
January 15, Sean McCollough
February 5, Dianne Hackworth
February 19, Faye Wooden
March 5, Millie Sieber
March 19, Faye Wooden
April 2, Dianne Hackworth
April 16, Faye Wooden
At Powell Branch Library, 2:30 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays:
January 15, Millie Sieber
February 5, Sean McCollough
February 19, Dianne Hackworth
March 5, Faye Wooden
March 19, Millie Sieber
April 2, Sean McCollough
April 16, Dianne Hackworth
This project is funded under an agreement with TVA Employee Credit Union, the Tennessee Arts Commission, and the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Greater Knoxville. Further support was given from the Friends of the Knox County Public Library.
For more information, please visit
www.knoxlib.org.