The new Knoxville library… RIP

I’ve been following the saga of the proposed new library, but it’s been a while since I wrote about it. Back in March a new library seemed certain. But by the end of last month, the library was in limbo. The proposed site was shifting, and even how to pay for was in question.

These are questions no longer. At a Knox County commission meeting Monday, August 23rd, the new library idea lost steam and died. The new library’s death is being blamed on a lack of leadership and salesmanship by County Mayor Mike Ragsdale.

An editorial August 25th in the Knoxville News Sentinel has a great quote.

“Even in an age of instant Internet access and e-mail, a public library is more than an ornament; it is central to an enlightened existence.”