*/
Winter’s chill will be a little less harsh for many Nashville families thanks to their public library.
Last Saturday, Nashville Public Library (NPL) collaborated with non-profit organization Operation Warm to host “A Warm Welcome to the Library.” Library staff and seven volunteers distributed free coats and books to more than 40 children and their families at the library's Pruitt Branch location.
The children were all students at Napier Elementary School, located roughly one block away from the Pruitt Branch library. The school partnered with NPL to identify families in need and helped advertise the event.
Sadonia K., whose children Antionna and Antonia received coats and books, said the timing was perfect, since her daughters were starting to outgrow their old coats.
Others said that the event was another example of why NPL is such a great resource.
“I love the library. Everyone is so nice and friendly,” said Tanisha H.
Tanisha said her family visits the library every day, where she uses the public computers to research a book she plans to write. Additionally, Tanisha said that her children, Micah and Mikirah, were watching the films Ratatouille, Pokemon, and Wreck-It Ralph, all borrowed from the library.
Families were also treated to a performance by the iconic Puppet Truck, supported by Wishing Chair Productions, the library’s resident puppet troupe. The Puppet Truck crew performed their adaptation of Aesop’s Fables.
NPL received a total of 150 coats and books for the event. Napier Elementary staff will pass the remainder to other families at the school.
Operation Warm’s “A Warm Welcome to the Library” program provides coats, free of charge, for public libraries to distribute. Unlike those found at many clothing drives, the coats are all brand-new and quality-checked by the non-profit.
The event marked NPL’s first collaboration with Operation Warm.
“Nashville Public Library is grateful for the partnership with Operation Warm! This partnership gave 150 children a new coat to keep them warm and a new book to read,” said Terri Luke, NPL’s assistant director for branch services. “It was wonderful to experience the joy on the children’s faces!”
