Kind of like this, but without the walls. | Photo by Ashley Day
A cool breeze, some vitamin D, and a good book. Does it get much better than that?
If you ask a resident of South Korea’s capital city, Seoul, the answer would probably be a resounding “no.” The city’s innovative Outdoor Library concept recently drew in a million visitors in just three months, and has attracted 6 million since launching in 2022.
What is it?
“The Seoul Outdoor Library is designed as a vibrant space where people can freely read books and engage in cultural activities outside the traditional library setting,” according to the official city website. The space features chairs, rentable books, and multiple seating locations.
Where would one go in Chattanooga?
Our vote?Coolidge Park. There’s plenty of open green space to soak up the sun and lots of trees if you prefer to read in the shade. An added bonus: there are tons of nearby activities to keep children occupied while parents enjoy some reading time.
Asked
Asked
Where would you like to see an outdoor library in Chattanooga?
We’d love to share your ideas in a future newsletter.
Pop-Up Library Tour | 1-4 p.m. | John A. Patten Community Center | Free | We may not have an outdoor library, but we do have this library on wheels for you to check out.
Paths to Pints along the Riverwalk | 6:30 p.m. | The Tap House | Free | Run or walk one, three, or five miles along the Riverwalk and reward yourself with discounted beer from The Tap House.
Swamp Sesh: “Shrek” Party | 7-11:59 p.m. | The Dragon Lounge | Free | Celebrate everyone’s favorite ogre with “Shrek"-themed drinks and a costume contest for adults 21 and up.
Wednesday, Aug. 13
Friends & Fun (50+ Group) | 10-11:30 a.m. | West Room at Collegedale City Hall, Ooltewah | Free | Older adults can gather for weekly activities like chair volleyball, arts + crafts, and field trips.
Italian Cookies | 6-9 p.m. | Sweet & Savory Classroom | $99 | Whisk, roll, and bake your way through Italy in this hands-on cookie class — yes, you get to take them home.
Chris Isaak | 7:30 p.m. | The Walker Theatre | $82+ | Catch this Grammy-nominated artist known for his rockabilly revival sound and impressive vocal range.
Vision + Verse | 6-7 p.m. | Hunter Museum of American Art | Free | Join Sarah Yvonne and Grace Ragland Hyde for an in-gallery dance performance.
Saturday, Sept. 6
From Pain to Performance | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Functional Patterns Chattanooga | $45 | Uncover the root causes of chronic pain and create lasting change through posture correction, fascia-focused training, and guided movement in this 2-hour hands-on workshop.*
Tennessee-based band Diamond Rio is taking the stage at the Hamilton County Fair Friday, Nov. 7 through Sunday, Nov. 9 at McDonald Farm. Aside from the Grammy-winning band, fairgoers can expect Brandon Davis, Amber Carrington, and Jason Crabb to perform country + Christian music hits. Sound good? Grab tickets. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Older Adults
The Chattanooga City Council voted to expand the senior tax freeze program to include older adults making up to $60,000. The bad news: the deadline to lock in 2024 rates has passed. Eligible seniors can apply next year by April to freeze their property taxes. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Plan Ahead
Warm up those vocal cords, because the Chattanooga Market is hosting a karaoke party this Sunday, Aug. 17. Sign up for a time slot or just enjoy the show while browsing food, art, and craft vendors. Me? I’ll be watching brave singers from the sidelines.
Film
The Best Feature Film at this year’s Lookout Wild Film Festival is returning to the big screen this Saturday, Aug. 16. You can catch the multi-award-winning documentary “Champions of the Golden Valley” at 7 p.m. at the Barrelhouse Ballroom — but don’t wait, tickets are going fast.
Health
Hospitals can be stressful places, but Erlanger is trying to make things a little easier with a new app. Patients and visitors can download ErlangerNOW for turn-by-turn directions, provider info, and real-time updates at multiple Erlanger locations.
Pets
Last week, we told you about McKamey Animal Center pausing spay and neuter surgeries due to overcrowding at the shelter. Now, there’s some relief for pet owners. The Humane Educational Society launched a new low-cost spay and neuter clinic, operating Tuesday through Friday by appointment. (The Pulse)
You don’t have to go through the hiring process alone. Through our Job Board, you can now get your job listing in front of thousands of our readers to find your dream hire. See for yourself, it’s free.
Wellness
Apothekary’s Rescue Bloat™ is a fast-acting herbal tincture that eases mild discomfort and heaviness associated with bloating. Get 15% off your first $45+ order with code HERBAL15.‡*
Want to try Chattanooga’s best margarita? The Blackberry Smash from Mezcla Cocina Y Cantina was voted the winner at the sold-out Chattanooga Margarita Festival over the weekend. It’s made with Don Julio Blanco Tequila, lime juice, blackberry liqueur, agave nectar, and fresh blackberries. Swing by the Northshore restaurant to try it for yourself — sounds like it’ll be $12 well spent.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Over the weekend, I attended a “First on the Scene” training class hosted by Hamilton County EMS. I learned how to perform CPR, use an AED, administer Narcan, and control someone’s bleeding. It was a great experience — and who knows? Maybe one day I’ll use those skills to save a life.
If you’re interested, there’s another free class happening this Saturday, Aug. 16. Just click the link to register.
‡These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, and prevent any disease.
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