Our Initiatives

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KEF facilitates One Book Read City, a community-wide literacy initiative that engages all Knox County elementary school students through two weeks of captivating events and activities centered around a thoughtfully selected book. One Book aims to enhance reading success and strengthen students' sense of community identity.

One Book Read City is a true collaborative effort that unites businesses, nonprofits, and schools. In partnership with Knox County Schools and Knox County Government, One Book Read City creates a unified dialogue surrounding literacy and increases students’ exposure to books. From school and community leaders to librarians and parents and from organizations to valued sponsors – getting the same book into the hands of nearly 30,000 kids in all Knox County Elementary Schools happens with great support to make it a success!

Knox Education Foundation serves many important roles in making the two weeks of activities and events successful, including convening the steering committee, planning events, leading the selection process for each year’s book, soliciting sponsors and partners, creating instructional resources, and helping fund the initiative.

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2024 Book

Shelby & Watts: Tide Pool Troubles

31,500 books distributed to students

$80,000 business sponsorships

65 community partners

2023 Book

Zoey Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows

30,000 books distributed to students

$50,000 business sponsorships

40 community partners

2022 Book

The Chocolate Touch

29,500 books distributed to students

$30,000 business sponsorships

30 community partners

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2024 book data

0

BOOKS DISTRIBUTED TO STUDENTS

$0

BUSINESS SPONSORSHIPS

0

SCAVENGER HUNT PARTICIPANTS

0

COMMUNITY PARTNERS


Founding Partners


Knox County Tennessee Logo
Knox County Schools Logo
Knoxville Education Foundation Logo

2024 Sponsors Coming Soon

2024 Sponsors

Platinum Partner

$10,000+

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Gold Partner

$5,000+

ImageImageTRANE LogoImageImageImageImage

Silver Partner

$2,500+

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Bronze Partner

$1,000+

PBPA Business Community LogoFountain City Business & Professional Association, Inc.Image

Become A Partner


One Book Read City is successful through community support. We welcome individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to volunteer, provide in-kind contributions, donate prizes, and give financial support.

Support

Presenting Sponsor: $25,000+

  • Organization logo will be on a sticker placed on the inside of the 33,000 books distributed to each student and teacher, on all printed marketing materials, and on social media platforms.
  • Member of the organization can serve as a celebrity reader.
  • Invitation to attend kick-off event at a school with the mayor.
  • Invitation to attend student wrap-up party.
  • Member of your team can be included in book reveal video.
  • Organization will be included in press release as presenting sponsor.

Platinum Book Sponsor: $10,000

  • Organization logo will be on a sticker placed on the inside of the 33,000 books distributed to each student and teacher, on all printed marketing materials, and on social media platforms.
  • Invitation to attend kick-off event at a school.
  • Invitation to attend student wrap-up party.
  • Organization will be included in press release as platinum sponsor.

Gold Book Sponsor: $5,000

  • Organization logo will be on a sticker placed on the inside of the 33,000 books distributed to each student and teacher, on all printed marketing materials, and on social media platforms.
  • Organization will be included in press release as a gold sponsor.

Silver Book Sponsor: $2,500

  • Organization logo will be on a sticker placed on the inside of the 33,000 books distributed to each student and teacher, on all printed marketing materials, and on social media platforms.

Support your favorite school and become a school sponsor!
Bronze Book School Sponsor:

  • Amount varies based on student population. If amount reaches a higher sponsorship level you will receive additional benefits.
  • Organization logo placed on all social media accounts for the mayor’s office, Knox County Schools, and the Knox Education Foundation.
Who participates in One Book Read City?

All students K-5th grade in Knox County Elementary Schools. Books are also provided for all school staff as well so they can join in the book discussions with students. 

What is needed to provide the books?

Approximately 33,000 books are purchased and distributed annually to support One Book Read City. The cost per book is around $2.50, which means approximately $75,000 is spent on books alone. Additional donations of funds, prizes, or in-kind gifts also are necessary to enrich this literacy initiative through the two-week period.

How will teachers be involved?

This fun-filled community-wide event will not add to the teacher workload. It provides engaging activities that support classroom reading. Teachers from each school participate in a quarterly information meeting where they share ideas and resources for the district. All teachers are provided with a website of lessons, videos, and activities for their students.

How can students engage in One Book Read City activities?

Multiple community events happen during the two-week period of One Book Read City festivities including celebrity guest videos, education activities, career exploration videos, and a community-wide scavenger hunt. It all culminates at Knox County Public Library’s Children’s Festival of Reading.

How can I get involved with One Book Read City?

One Book Read City is only successful through community support. We welcome individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to volunteer, provide in-kind contributions, donate prizes, and give financial support. Visit our invest page or contact us to discuss sponsorship and partnership opportunities.