About Lawson McGhee Library

Lawson McGhee Library holds the proud distinction of being the oldest continuously operating public library in Tennessee. Founded in 1885 with a $50,000 donation from businessman Charles McClung McGhee — named in honor of his late daughter, May Lawson McGhee — the library opened with a collection of 4,000–6,000 volumes. The current building in downtown Knoxville was completed in 1917 and remains the flagship branch of Knox County Public Library. Its Brutalist architecture, designed by architect Bruce McCarty, is a landmark of the Knoxville skyline.

Today, Lawson McGhee Library offers a vast collection of physical and digital materials, along with the renowned McClung Historical Collection for local and genealogical research. Patrons enjoy free eBooks and audiobooks through the Libby app, streaming films via Kanopy, community meeting rooms, storytimes for children, and technology assistance. The library also validates parking for one hour free in the nearby Locust Street and Market Square garages.