Community
Our Library is a community cultural center, a place of civic engagement, where people of all backgrounds gather for reflection, discovery, participation and growth.
People of all walks of life gather, do research, get help finding a job, or find help with homework.
People have daily Internet access at our library. For people beginning to explore the wealth of resources on the Internet, we offer free of charge computer basics classes.
In 2014, the American Library Association (ALA) selected the Knox County Public Library as one of 10 public libraries in the U.S. to participate in an intensive 18-month, team-based community engagement training program as part of the Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC) Public Innovators Cohort. The only public library in the State of Indiana selected, this grant, with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the American Library Association is enabling the library’s community engagement team to help local citizens attain their dreams for this community.
The Wheatland Book Station
Through the generosity of Wheatland residents Bill and Connie Robbins, a book station was established in Wheatland, at the intersection of HWYs 50/550 in July, 2012. The Wheatland Book Station offers free Internet access, a variety of books, DVDs, and other items for all ages. Mr. Robbins, in explaining his philanthropy said, “I want to give back to the community.”
With the Knox County Public Library Board’s enthusiastic support, Robbins purchased and placed a small building on an 8,000 square foot piece of property that he owns at 159 E. Old Highway 50. In addition to Internet access, the book station has a browsing collection of popular materials and a meeting space. A Little Free Library is located in front of the book station.
The Wheatland Book Station is open: Tuesdays 6-8pm
Painting Classes
The Library regularly hosts adult painting classes for a fun way to enjoy life long learning. These relaxed classes generally feature easy-to-follow direction from an instructor. Classes fill up quickly, so watch for upcoming events on our Facebook page.
Meeting Rooms
The Library offers lots of rooms available for booking. Check out the spaces below and submit a room use request form.
McGrady-Brockman House
The McGrady-Brockman House is located across Hart Street from the Main Library Building. With a large parking lot and seating capacity of 25, this is a great place for historical research. The name was chosen in honor of Charles P McGrady who built the Carpenter Gothic Style House in 1859 as well as the Brockman Family, who owned the building for more than 60 years.
The Meeting House
Moved to its current location at 6th and Hart Streets in 1854, the meeting house is the oldest building on the library campus. It’s home to the library’s technical services department. A small meeting room with a seating capacity for 20 people may be reserved for use by individuals and groups. Knox County Public Library Board meetings are regularly conducted here on the third Tuesday of each month at 4:30pm. Parking is available at the main Library's lot.
The Fortnightly Building
Located across Seminary Street from the library, the Fortnightly Building, 421 N. 6th Street, is an elegant gathering place. The spacious auditorium in the Fortnightly offers an ideal space for the library’s public events. It’s also a meeting place for Fortnightly Club members, Rotary Club meetings, Knox County Council meetings and more. It has a capacity of 190 for banquets or 112 for auditorium seating.
Main Library Solarium (The Sun Room)
The main Library building boasts the warm and sunny solarium available for booking. Perfect for teaching a class, hosting a research group, or public demonstration, this room is right off the Library's main book room. It has a capacity of 30.