News Summary
Knox County is set to launch the 2025 Read City Challenge on February 1, featuring a hands-on science fair, engaging organizations, and a focus on early literacy. Families can enjoy science demonstrations, story time with the Mayor, and expert presentations throughout the event. This year’s theme, ‘Curious Minds,’ encourages children to explore knowledge while promoting a reading goal of one million hours. The event takes place at Bridgewater Place from 10 AM to 2 PM.
Exciting Launch of the 2025 Read City Challenge in Knox County!
Get ready for an incredible day filled with fun, exploration, and a sprinkle of science! Knox County is gearing up to unveil the much-anticipated 2025 Read City Challenge on Saturday, February 1. The event will take place from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the lovely Bridgewater Place, located at 205 Bridgewater Road. This kick-off event promises to be a fantastic opportunity for families and children of all ages to dive headfirst into the wonders of science.
What to Expect: A Hands-On Science Fair!
Mark your calendars because the centerpiece of this exciting event is the lively Library Laboratory. This hands-on science fair features an array of captivating demonstrations, experiments, crafts, and much more! Children will have the chance to get their hands dirty as they operate a robotic arm, dig up fossils like a real paleontologist, and even journey into the cosmos with a planetarium experience. Think of it as a mini adventure in the world of science!
Organizations Joining the Fun
A delightful mix of about a dozen organizations will join forces to make this day truly special. Participants can look forward to engaging with representatives from places like The Muse, the American Museum of Science and Energy, the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, Oak Ridge National Lab, the University of Tennessee Knoxville, and Zoo Knoxville. It’s a unique chance for kids to connect with various science and educational organizations, sparking their curiosity and passion for learning!
Story Time and Expert Presentations
The day will take off with an adorable story time session hosted by Mayor Glenn Jacobs on the main stage. Following that, attendees can enjoy a lineup of presentations from fascinating experts, including Dr. Al Hazari, the Owl Raptor Center, and the Hands-on Discovery Center. It’s the perfect mix of entertainment and education that aims to engage every young mind.
Support for Early Literacy
This event marks the seventh year of the Read City challenge, which was initiated by Mayor Jacobs to bolster the efforts of Knox County Schools in promoting early literacy among children. What started in 2019 as a community goal of reading 250,000 hours has evolved into an ambitious aim of hitting one million reading hours!
Playing to Learn: The Challenge Continues
Last year’s challenge introduced a thrilling game-like format for completing various literary activities, making reading a competitive and fun task for everyone involved. This year, the theme for the challenge is “Curious Minds,” which invites inquisitive youngsters to explore the boundless world of knowledge.
Join the Journey from February to March!
The first round of this year’s reading adventure runs from February 1 to March 16. Attendees will also have the opportunity to grab a “Scientists Among Us” game board, available at the event or at any Knox County library location. This board will guide kids through science challenges and reading goals throughout the challenge duration.
Thank You to Our Supporters!
The unforgettable Library Laboratory event has been made possible thanks to a thoughtful grant from the Jane L. Pettway Foundation. With community support and enthusiastic participation, the 2025 Read City Challenge promises to be another extraordinary chapter in promoting literacy and scientific curiosity in Knox County.
So, gather up the family, bring your friends, and prepare for a fantastic day on February 1! Let’s join forces to fuel the imaginations of our children and cultivate a love for reading and learning that will last a lifetime!
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Additional Resources
- KnoxTNToday: 2025 Read City Challenge
- Knox News: Dolly Parton Imagination Library Celebrates
- WBIR: Santa to Visit the Library
- WTHI: Free Tax Assistance in Knox County
- Google Search: 2025 Read City Challenge
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
