MOUNT VERNON – Visitors of the Main Library in Mount Vernon will soon see significant improvements to the children’s floor, thanks to a major grant of $25,000 from the Knox County Foundation.
“We feel incredibly blessed and grateful to have the cordial and productive relationship we’ve enjoyed with the Knox County Foundation,” Library Director John K. Chidester said. “It has generously supported many of our most successful programs and activities, allowing us to provide top quality materials, resources, services and programming to the citizens of Knox County.”
The Children’s Floor is a bustling gathering place that offers storytimes, crafting and STEAM activities to young patrons from infancy to age 12. It houses thousands of books, CDs and educational toys to support growth and development. According to the library’s annual report, Main Library visitors checked out 42,926 circulating children’s materials in 2022 alone. The children’s floor was last renovated in 2012, and over a decade of enthusiastic use has taken its toll on carpeting and furniture. Matching funds from The Knox County Foundation grant will provide the library with just over half the estimated $45,000 renovation costs, and assist the library in expediting repairs this fiscal year.
"Thanks to the Knox County Foundation's generosity, we are able to re-envision our children's floor as a bright and lively space that strives to strengthen the imagination and encourage a love of reading for children of all ages," Assistant Library Director Cassandra Peters said.
Children’s Librarian Erica Newton said renovations will start in August.
"During this time, the children's floor will be closed to the public," Newton said. "It is our goal to still fulfill holds patrons placed on materials during the closure, and we are working out a plan."
The renovations will take approximately two to three weeks. Closure dates for the children’s floor will be announced via the library website and local media once contracts are in place.
For more information on children’s floor activities and resources, visit knox.net, call 740-392-BOOK or stop by the Main Library at 201 N. Mulberry St., Mount Vernon during library hours.
