The following services by the Authors Guild of Tennessee are intended to foster a greater appreciation of learning, writing and literature by the citizens of Tennessee so they may be better informed and inspired.

1.   Through this website, AGT provides a good way to find and buy original novels and other works by Tennessee authors. AGT strives to publicize contemporary Tennessee authors who aspire to follow in the tradition of literary giants such as James Agee and Cormac McCarthy and is a good way to get to know their writing. Scan the pages on this website that are devoted to our authors; you may find a book that pleases you.

2.   AGT provides a way to find, connect with and get to know Tennessee authors so the public can discover authors they like and support them. The collaboration between reader and author can promote a symbiotic relationship that nourishes both intellectually. This website informs the public about events in which AGT’s authors are participating.

3.   AGT encourages learning about famous Tennessee authors who will inspire and entertain us by providing a list of resources for learning about them. Click on Famous Authors in the main menu at the top of the Home Page to learn more about them.

4.   AGT intends to promote the art of creative writing―and thinking―through a biennial contest that will select and recognize the best work of fiction and non-fiction by an aspiring new author from Tennessee. The “Agee”, the James Agee Award for Literary Achievement, will be awarded for the best fictional novel and the “Children’s Agee”, for the best work in Children’s Literature.

5.   AGT promotes the development of better reading skills by providing a list of links to reading and literacy programs, such as the International Literacy Day and Tennessee's Summer Reading Program. See the following information about Tennessee’s Summer Reading Program. 

The United Nations' (UN) International Literacy Day annually falls on September 8 to raise people's awareness of and concern for literacy issues in the world.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and its partners promote the day to underline the significance of literacy for healthy societies. On International Literacy Day each year, UNESCO reminds the international community of the status of literacy and adult learning globally. This day was first celebrated on September 8, 1966.

Literacy is one of the key elements needed to promote sustainable development, as it empowers people so that they can make the right decisions in the areas of economic growth, social development and environmental integration. Literacy is a basis for lifelong learning and plays a crucial foundational role in the creation of sustainable, prosperous and peaceful societies. 

Literacy skills developed from a basic to advanced level throughout life are part of broader competencies required for critical thinking, the sense of responsibility, participatory governance, sustainable consumption and lifestyles, ecological behaviours, biodiversity protection, poverty reduction, and disaster risk reduction.  

Literacy is a human right, a tool of personal empowerment and a means for social and human development. Educational opportunities depend on literacy.

Literacy is at the heart of basic education for all, and essential for eradicating poverty, reducing child mortality, curbing population growth, achieving gender equality and ensuring sustainable development, peace and democracy. There are good reasons why literacy is at the core of Education:

A good quality basic education equips pupils with literacy skills for life and further learning; literate parents are more likely to send their children to school; literate people are better able to access continuing educational opportunities; and literate societies are better geared to meet pressing development.

In countries all over the world, including the United States and the United Kingdom, the day raises people's awareness of and concern for literacy problems within their own communities. Activities include literacy day projects, particularly with regard to technology and literature, which are promoted by various organizations including reading associations.

According to UNESCO, about 774 million adults lack the minimum literacy skills. One in five adults is still not literate and two-thirds of them are women. About 75 million children are out-of-school and many more attend irregularly or drop out. However, literacy is also a cause for celebration on the day because there are nearly four billion literate people in the world.

From: www.unesco.org/new/unesco/events/prizes-and-celebrations/celebrations/international-days/literacy-day/

Tennessee State Library and Archives 
Summer Reading Program

Each summer, the Tennessee State Library and Archives sponsors a statewide reading program.  By providing all Tennessee public libraries with materials to promote and present a summer reading program in their library, the Tennessee State Library and Archives helps communities encourage reading during the pivotal summer months.  All libraries also receive a manual packed with fun, creative, and literary ideas based around the theme of each summer’s reading program.

This year’s theme is “Every Hero Has a Story".

• 2015 Hero theme
  • Children: “Every Hero has a Story!”
  • Teen: “Unmask”
  • Adult: “Escape the Ordinary Elements”
  •  
• 2016 Wellness, Fitness, and Sports theme
  • Children: “On your mark, Get set, Read!”
  • Teen: “Get in the Game: Read”
  • Adult: “Exercise your Mind - Read”

For more information on the Summer Reading Program, contact Heather Lambert at e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at (615)253-6445.