Our Initiatives
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.
Shelby & Watts: Tide Pool Troubles
31,500 books distributed to students
$80,000 business sponsorships
65 community partners
Zoey Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows
30,000 books distributed to students
$50,000 business sponsorships
40 community partners
The Chocolate Touch
29,500 books distributed to students
$30,000 business sponsorships
30 community partners
2024 book data
BOOKS DISTRIBUTED TO STUDENTS
BUSINESS SPONSORSHIPS
SCAVENGER HUNT PARTICIPANTS
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Founding Partners
2024 Sponsors
Platinum Partner
$10,000+
Gold Partner
$5,000+
Silver Partner
$2,500+
Bronze Partner
$1,000+
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.
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.
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?