UT Libraries

06/19/2026

Happy Juneteenth! 🎉

Juneteenth (June 19) commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and recognizes the day in 1865 when enslaved Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally received word of their freedom. UT Libraries will be closed in observance of the holiday.

🔗 Learn more about Juneteenth: tiny.utk.edu/Lib-Juneteenth.

06/18/2026

Pendergrass AgVet Library is currently closed as renovations begin. While we work to create an improved space that better serves Vols, you can still access library resources and study spaces at Hodges Library and DeVine Music Library.

🔗 Check our hours and plan your next visit: lib.utk.edu/hours

06/17/2026

What does it take to preserve collections for generations to come? 📚

The latest edition of Speaking Volumes explores the new Library Storage Annex and the work taking place behind the scenes as UT Libraries staff prepare for the relocation of special collections materials into the new climate-controlled space.

The story highlights how the annex addresses two essential and sometimes competing needs: preserving the past and serving the present. It also offers a closer look at the care and coordination involved in preparing collections to move into a facility engineered specifically for preservation.

🔗 Read the story: tiny.utk.edu/Noteworthy-Collections

06/16/2026

06/15/2026

Big news for young readers! 🎉

For the first time in more than 10 years, UT Press is publishing books for kids, featuring an inspiring chapter book about Tennessee’s champion trees and a feel-good Big Orange story!

Coming this September, "Nora T and the Champion Tree" follows 11-year-old Nora as she discovers a massive tulip poplar on her grandparents’ property and works to nominate it for the Tennessee Champion Tree program, learning about nature, activism, and patience along the way. 🌳

And coming in July, "My Magic Tux: A Big Orange Story of Courage and Confidence" tells the true story of the Big Orange Tux Guy, whose unforgettable orange suit and bold spirit became part of Vols history, inspiring courage and confidence in the next generation. 🧡🤍

🔗 Read more: tiny.utk.edu/Coming-Soon

06/12/2026

As a reminder, Pendergrass AgVet Library will be closed for renovations starting tomorrow, June 13. 🚧

While the branch library is closed, you can continue using study spaces, materials, and services at Hodges and DeVine Libraries. The Pendergrass team will still be available to support you every step of the way. Email [email protected] for agriculture or veterinary medicine research assistance.

🔗 Check updated hours: lib.utk.edu/hours

06/11/2026

What does a lifetime of service to UT Libraries inspire? 🧡

The latest edition of Speaking Volumes highlights the career and legacy of Aubrey Mitchell, who began working at UT Libraries as a student assistant and later served as associate dean and interim dean of the Libraries.

The story reflects on Mitchell’s role in helping create the Tennessee Electronic Library, supporting the relationship between Cormac McCarthy and UT’s Special Collections, and increasing access to information for the campus community and Tennesseans across the state. It also shares how family members surprised Mitchell with an endowment created in his honor to support UT Libraries.

🔗 Read the story: tiny.utk.edu/Aubrey-Mitchell

06/10/2026

Happy National Iced Tea Day! ☀️

From Appalachian cookbooks filled with classic sweet tea to all-American recipe collections featuring refreshing peach tea, UT Libraries offers a wide variety of recipe books to inspire your next delicious beverage.

06/09/2026

Happy Pub Day to "Land of Dreams: An Immigrant’s Journey from War-Torn Vietnam to America"! Inspired by the discovery of a box of old letters and faded photographs from when he first moved to the US from Saigon, author C.L. Hoang transforms these mementos into a moving meditation on what it means to lose one’s home and find another.

Reviewed by Publishers Weekly, and blurbed by several decorated authors and scholars, Hoang's prose has caught the attention and admiration of many and remains a voice that we cannot do without. Pick up your copy today!

06/08/2026

What’s the most unusual thing in your refrigerator? 👀

The latest edition of Speaking Volumes introduces the new associate deans of UT Libraries through a fun and thoughtful Q&A with Jennie Mezick and Jen Bartlett. Through conversations about librarianship and leadership, the two share personal favorites, hobbies, career journeys, and more.

🔗 Read the Q&A: tiny.utk.edu/Associate-Deans-QA