Donations are Doubled thanks to the Friends of the Kingsport Public Library!

All donations will be matched by the Friends of the Kingsport Public Library (max $125,000). Donate now to maximize your impact!

Prefer to make a pledge? Visit our website!

Want to offer your own matching grant? Reach out to hello@kptfol.org!

A Century of Community and Learning

In 1919, a dream took shape in the hands of five determined women in Kingsport: Mrs. H.J. Shivell, Mrs. S.P. Platt, Mrs. George MacNaughton, Mrs. L.A. DaShiell, and Mrs. Karl Koeniger. Their vision? To create a hub of knowledge and culture. This vision birthed the Kingsport Public Library, a cornerstone of our community's intellectual and cultural development.

From its humble beginnings in a basement of the YMCA with just 400 books, the library has evolved significantly, mirroring Kingsport's own growth, to touch the lives of nearly every citizen through literacy programs, children's storytime, local genealogical programs, and incredible programming that includes escape rooms, music in the park, and a choreographed dance team with library carts ;)

The Next Chapter

Today, we stand on the cusp of an exciting new chapter. With $7 million already allocated for building and moving expenses, we are poised to refresh and better utilize the existing footprint. But to fully realize the dream of transforming, we need your help to raise the remaining $1.5 million.

Your support goes beyond renovating a building: it allows us to embrace and offer access to more resources, including hands-on modernized technology, more innovative services, all while reinforcing our commitment to education, culture, and community. It's a tribute to the legacy of our founders and a step towards a future where the Kingsport Public Library continues to be a beacon of learning and connection, adapted to the needs of our dynamic and growing community.

Take the Virtual Tour!

Join Us in Shaping the Future

Be a part of this once-in-a-generation opportunity. Your contribution is an investment in Kingsport's future, in the minds and hearts of our citizens, and in the enduring legacy of a library that has been a community treasure for over a century.

Timeline

Dates are subject to change as the renovation progresses

2024

Q3 - Design | Bid out Move to Mall | Renovation of Fort Henry Mall Location

2025

Q1 - Bid out Construction | Move to Mall

Q2 - Library Open at the Mall! (Full Services)

2026

Q2 - Bid out Furnishings Contracts

Q3 - Bid out Move to Library

2027

Q1 - Furnish and Equip Library

Q3 - Library Reopens to the Public!

FAQs

Where do the funds I donate go?

The City of Kingsport is providing the bulk of the funds to cover the core costs of the physical renovation and moving expenses. Public donations will be used to modernize the space, providing technology, new library resources, expanded collection, refreshed furnishing and finishes to truly transform the library.

Can I make a donation pledge now?

Yes! There are opportunities for both individuals and businesses to pledge funds toward the renovation to be paid as the project gets closer to completion. For information on pledging, please visit our website.

Are there sponsorship/naming opportunities?

Yes! Sponsorship & naming opportunities are available at a variety of levels. For details on available naming opportunities, please reach out to hello@kptfol.org

I'd like to help, but I'm not in a position to financially. What can I do to support this effort?

We appreciate your support! Volunteers are key to the success of this campaign. Helping out can be as simple as helping write thank-you notes, helping answer questions at the Farmer's Market, contacting local businesses to put up posters, planning fundraising events with your church group or school, or helping to write grant submissions. If you'd like to volunteer, please visit our website!

Kingsport Library Renovation

Embracing our Past, Changing for our Future