Chidester to share 50 years of stories at MV library

The Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County invites you to a very special local history presentation on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 6:30 p.m.

Fifty years ago, a young librarian came to work at the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County.

He never left.

That librarian was John K. Chidester.

Join us to commemorate Chidester’s first five decades at the library as he reflects on his time as its director, shares anecdotes about his life and career, and considers how the institution and our community have changed over time.

Chidester, known to many as an entertaining and informative storyteller, obviously has a good deal of material to present but we are also interested in inviting those with their own anecdotes about his life and time in the community to share them. Everyone else is welcome to just listen, learn, and enjoy the evening.

This presentation and discussion will occur at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18, in the Multipurpose Room at the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County, 201 N. Mulberry Street, in Mount Vernon.

If you, or anyone you know, wants to share their own work, research, or experience — especially as it relates to history, people, and events in Mount Vernon and Knox County — as part of the library’s Local History Speaker Series in the coming months, please contact the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County, at (740) 392-2665 or via email at mvknoxpubliclibrary@gmail.com. We would love to hear your story.