Blogs & Podcasts

Find early literacy tips and children's books on the Children's Blog. Discover your next great read on the Books Movies Music Blog. Dig into Nashville history with the Community History Blog. Listen to stories, history, and culture on NPL Podcasts. Please see this Note for Readers.

Illustration of frozen pond in woodland with children ice skating under twinkle lights.
Feeling restless just staying indoors? There are SO many free events and activities for you and your child to enjoy here at NPL, and in the community beyond! Here are a few great ways to pass the chilly minutes this month. 
Podcast
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"The Trial for Murder"

We interrupt the twilight to bring you another ghost story by Mr. Charles Dickens, “The Trial for Murder.”

Podcast
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The Illusion of The One

We are conditioned to believe there is one person born to meet all of our needs. Some call them soulmates. We call it illusion. What if our needs are meant to be fulfilled by community and not one lone love?

Book cover of hardbound volume features map of Tennessee divided by five lines.
First written in March 2018, this post explores why genealogy research spikes in late winter—something that resurfaced during quarantine. We welcome the interest! Here’s a guide to our most-used genealogy resources, research tips, and updates, including Ancestry Library Edition.
Podcast
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Ian, the Soldier's Son

Three brothers set out on a quest to find three sisters who have vanished. Will any of them live happily ever after?

Book cover of When Dad Was Away by Liz Weir. Cover includes redheaded girl reading a book with a green cover against a yellow background.
December is a time of holiday celebrations for many families. For families with a parent currently incarcerated, however, the reality is very different. Picture books about incarceration can help children and parents talk about a complex topic that affects millions of children and families in the United States.
Scarritt-Bennett Center Collection - Celebration of Culture Festival
The semester is wrapping up, so Metro Archives is sharing another great blog post from our fall intern, Morgan Stence. Morgan processed the Scarritt Bennett Collection, which includes materials from the Celebration of Cultures Festival—learn about it in her own words.
501 Unarmed Self-Defense Skills
Self-defense is one of the most important skills I believe anyone should have. I like to say, “better to know but not need.” In 501 Unarmed Self-Defense Skills, Chris McNab gives you simple techniques you can use to ward off an attacker.