At NPL, The Future Is Here

October 8, 2025

Actually, it arrived a decade ago.

In 2015, Nashville Public Library stepped into the future.

Sure, it was a small step. Library staff brought a handful of computers, a couple of 3D pens, and a vinyl cutter to a corner of the teen area at the Green Hills Branch Library.

The plan was to create a space where teens could dive deep into creativity, from art to robotics to whatever they could dream up. And they called it Studio NPL.

Spoiler alert: that little corner turned into something big.

An incubator for creativity

For the past 10 years, Studio NPL has become a citywide force, serving more than 1,000 teens with creative programming every month at nine NPL branches and pop-up mobile labs.

Think robotics.
Think fashion design and textile arts.
Think filmmaking, spoken word, photography, and software design.
Think music production, 3D printing, and songwriting.

Mind blown yet? Just wait.

It’s all free—from weekly workshops to summer intensives—for all 12- to 18-year-olds in Nashville.

Teens building Robots

“Being part of NPL gives us unique reach,” said Studio NPL’s Manager, Niq Tognoni. “We can bring programming to every corner of the county, at any time of day, with no registration or fees required.”

Young artists design and create their path

With such a wide variety of creative and often non-traditional pathways, Studio NPL really reaches young people where they are.

“I’d describe Studio NPL as creative, a little chaotic—in a good way—and curated to be what our teen creators tell us they want and need,” Niq said. “For example, we had a small sewing program that was really popular, so we expanded it to add more sewing machines, a dress form, and more tools for exploring fashion design.”

Budding musicians find their voices

Want to create music? (And who in Nashville doesn't?) Studio NPL’s ever-expanding live music program includes musical instruments, band workshops, performance opportunities, songwriting mentorships, and on-site recording sessions.

NPL brings in working producers in collaboration with Southern Word to mentor teens and help them record, write, and learn production skills from industry professionals.

Gamers bring board games to life

But Studio NPL isn’t just about music. Not by a long shot. Gamers rejoice: Studio NPL has programming for fans of tabletop roleplaying games (RPGs).

During the summer, Studio hosted "Monster Medical" a week-long intensive during which teams of “monster veterinarians” traveled through a magical world to heal sick monsters by collecting medicines and artifacts.

“Every morning, participants literally built the game world—creating costumes, props, maps, potions, and even character theme music—using every corner of our space,” Niq said. “It was hugely popular, and we’ll do it again next summer. We’re currently developing shorter, one-off campaigns for our satellite sites during the school year.”

Here, everyone belongs

The teen years can be tricky, with young people trying to find where they fit in. Studio NPL strives to be a place where teens find a sense of belonging, while learning skills that could one day launch them into a creative career.

“Not every kid plays sports, or plays an instrument,” Niq said. “Our job is to create a barrier-free environment for all students to go in the directions they want to go and give them whatever level of support and guidance they’re most comfortable with. We want young creators to feel confident in exploring things that might be familiar—or unfamiliar—hands-on.”

To do this, Studio's tech closet is brimming: 3D printers, a laser engraver, a computer numerical control milling machine, vinyl cutters, embroidery sewing machines, and Macbooks and iPads for digital drawing and design, plus equipment to build robotic creatures.

Professional mentors work with teens on a wide variety of topics

Professional mentors make the difference

Mentorship is key at Studio NPL. Industry experts who have been brought in to serve as mentors include:

A graphic designer and design professor
A comic artist and game designer
A touring musician and songwriter
An educator/community leader
An event photographer
A Dr. Who enthusiast
A commercial music producer
And even a couple of well-known rappers!

What’s Next?

While the Main Library is temporarily closed for restoration, Studio NPL has taken its fall programming to multiple branches and other locations by way of mobile labs.

Watch the NPL calendar for fall programming, which is being updated daily. There will even be something for adults this fall: music-themed classes at Hermitage and East in partnership with Southern Word.

“It’s been 10 great years,” Niq said. “But the best is yet to come.”