Local Library of the Month, September 2026 | Unicoi County Public Library

Tucked along Nolichucky Avenue in the small Appalachian town of  Erwin, Tennessee, the Unicoi County Public Library is a quietly  remarkable community hub with a fascinating backstory. Described by  visitors as a small, historic building filled with charm, it offers a  range of programs including homeschool groups and beloved children's  book bundles, making it a genuine gathering place for families.
 

The library also embraces the digital age, providing access to resources  like the Tennessee Electronic Library and Libby for e-books and digital  lending, and even maintains an Amazon book wishlist for community  donations. One of its more endearing features? A seed library  that  speaks to the rural, gardening roots of the region. The library is also  occupied by a cat named Story, who has risen to become a sort of local  icon in the community.
 

An unusual history sits beneath the Unicoi County Public Library, which  is located in an old train station. Before the age of refrigeration,  bodies were kept in the basement so that they would stay cool in  transit. Local legend says the building is now haunted.
 

Whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through the  Nolichucky River valley, stop by the Unicoi Valley Public Library. This  little haven offers a warm reminder of the many ways a small-town  library can serve its community.