Teens

colorful dice
It's never been easier to get into DnD! Critical Role, Dimension 20, Overdue Adventures and our resources will have you covered.
DC Superheroes reading comic books at a library
New to comics? This guide helps you dive in without the confusion. Discover where to start, what to read, and how to enjoy comics—no backstory or experience needed. Perfect for curious adults ready to explore a world of stories, art, and imagination.
a scene of a physical manga book opened
This is another dispatch from anime unleashed and this time we're focusing on Manga and manhwa you can check out physically and on our comics plus subscription with your library card.
Up close view of the card from President Clinton
In celebration of the holiday season, Metro Archives is featuring the Jo Ann Connor Collection in our latest exhibit. The collection consists of Christmas cards that Jo Ann received from various U.S. presidents over the years, following her husband's MIA status during the Vietnam War.
Photo of the historic flight crew after they returned home
Didn't attend Metro Archives opening program for their current aviation exhibit? No worries, check out the recording of the program here! The exhibit is "Nashville's Magellan of the Air: 100th Anniversary of the First Flight to Circumnavigate the World". It runs through October 7th, 2024.
Dr Bunch
Metro Archives Fall Intern Jamie Erwin processed a standout collection for her internship—the Dr. Ray C. Bunch Collection. Few, if any, medical collections in our repository are this thorough. Jamie shares Dr. Bunch’s story in her own words.
Burglar stealing a painting.
Don't waste your time on hearts this Valentine's Day. Steal something that matters - like art! (But, you know, don't.)
Table with fried eggs and toppings.
We've done quite a few cooking programs at the Green Hills Teen Center. Learn about some of my favorite dishes we've created and have some recommendations for related cookbooks!
Sidney O'Berry Collection - State Capitol covered in snow in 1976
If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, you might get your wish. In Nashville? Yes! How common is that? Not very, according to our weather reports and news clippings. But here are the highlights from the few times it has occurred.
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.
Comics Plus logo
There are more comics to read than ever before, and now there's a new way to read them: Comics Plus!
Portrait of Genevieve Baird Farris
This edition of the Metro Archives' intern blog post series comes to you from summer intern, Sabrina Austin, who processed the Genevieve Baird Farris Collection for her internship project. While processing, Sabrina learned about the strong affection the Harris family had for each other, as well as how active they were in Nashville social life. Learn about them from Sabrina herself!
Illustration of a woman and two girls making dough.
Cooking with children is a great summer past-time and can help build motor skills and vocabulary! Here are some fabulous cookbooks for kids available at Nashville Public Library. WARNING: Reading this blog post may cause hunger and salivation.
1888 Sanborn Maps
The third week of June marks Lightning Safety Awareness Week, and thanks to our volunteers, we’re currently transcribing more weather journals. Here are a few excerpts highlighting some of Nashville’s past “electrical events.”
legendborn by tracy deonn
Bree Matthews thinks she's found the perfect escape from her parents and small town when she's accepted into UNC-Chapel Hills residential program for high school students. But then her mom dies, and her perfect escape becomes an escape from grief and guilt. Then, magic and mythical monsters turn to reality which puts everyone around her in peril. 
Tennessean clipping from May, 1950
The 1950 U.S. Census was released on April 1, 2022, offering new information for family researchers. It also introduced new search tools—which can be tricky at first—so here are a few tips to help guide your research.
Nashville City Cemetery
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the founding of Nashville's oldest continuously-operated public cemetery - the Nashville City Cemetery. Nestled quaintly on the northeast side of Fort Negley and just off 4th Ave S, the cemetery might seem like only a quiet piece of Nashville's history, with only the graves of many Nashvillians. But if it could speak, it would have many interesting anecdotes to tell.
Listing for W.T. Berry & Co. in 1859
Bookstores are always popular during the holidays, especially local favorites like Parnassus and Elder's Bookstore. Curious about Nashville’s bookstore history? Intern Sapphire has you covered.
View of Archives front doors
October isn’t just about pumpkin spice and ghosts—it’s also Archives Month! We celebrate archivists and the importance of historical records. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at Metro Archives and our staff.
Quiver book cover
It's Banned Books Week! Tennessee Library Association's Intellectual Freedom Committee shares a few of its favorite challenged or controversial books.
Page from Newsweek magazine, from September 2001
This is part II in the series commemorating the 20th anniversary of the 9/11/2001 attacks. This post continues with more library staff memories of that day.
Photo of 9/11 Memorial in NYC
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, and to remember all those lost due to that day's tragic events, this post takes a look back at that day through the eyes of several Library staff members, and a few other unique perspectives.
Main Library under construction.
Can you believe it?! The downtown library has called Church Street home for 20 years now! Let's take a look back at the history of the downtown library, and how it came to call 615 Church Street home.
From Metro Archives Photos - Metro Council member, Thelma Harper
The world lost an extraordinary woman on April 22nd, 2021, when former State Senator Thelma Harper passed away. After making history by becoming the first African American female elected to the State Senate, her work of shattering ceilings was far from over.
From City Beautiful Scrapbook in 1956 - Ford Green Elementary students with anti-litter signs
Keeping the streets, rivers, and neighborhoods clean in this city over the years hasn't been easy, but one of the ways was with the City Beautiful Commission, that was established in 1953. In honor of Earth Day, here's a look at the commission that helped clean up the streets.
Wonder Woman: Dead Earth
Wonder Woman’s place in DC’s trinity--along with Batman and Superman--has never been in doubt, but finding a story which suis not only her messy backstory but also the near-omnipotence of her powers has proved difficult for many creators.
Puzzle piece with red, yellow, blue, and green puzzle pieces inside
The CDC reported that 1 in 54 children were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2016.  The diagnosis can seem daunting but knowledge is power.  Nashville Public Library has the resources to provide knowledge and understanding for parents, friends, siblings and others.
Tennessean photo from 2003 when the bears were being cleaned
Most citizens of this city that have lived here for a few years know what I'm referring to when I say the "Edgehill Polar Bears", but do you know the history of them? Well here are the "bear" necessities.
James Estes' voter registration card, 1945
Since most of this year has seemed like an episode out of a sci-fi novel, and it's not lost on anyone that we're living through a major historical event, here are some suggestions of important things you might consider keeping for posterity's sake. 
Sign advertising the construction of the Municipal Auditorium
While September is normally my month for educational posts, I'm bypassing that this year for something different - new images and footage! As a continuation from a previous post with old photos, this post includes a slideshow of a collection I've been processing the past few weeks, plus some new footage from our Audiovisual Heritage Center. 
Ad from the Nashville Globe newspaper for Dr. Josie E. Wells
Since we're closed, here's a virtual tour of Metro Archives' current exhibit of "Nashville Voices - 36 Notable Women of Nashville", as it's finished right now. And discussing one of the recently added women in the display - Dr. Josie E. Wells...maybe a couple more individuals as I continue working
Historical photo of a group of nurses in 1902.
This month's Nashville history post is letting photography do the talking, with a variety of slideshows for all to enjoy. Starting with a tribute to all medical workers for their dedicated service during these trying times, to finishing with a little more of "Some Good News - Archives Edition." 
A handwritten letter from Nashville, Tennessee, dated 1933, featuring elegant cursive script on aged, folded paper.
With the extra time on our hands after a month of quarantine, maybe there are other things we can spend our time on, like preserving family ephemera. This is an assisted blog post from my coworker, Christine Irizarry, who writes about the importance of family letters. And the latter part talks about preserving your family records. 
Couple embracing under a red umbrella near the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
I know some people like to read a book while they're on vacation that's set in their traveled-to destination. I've strived to do that, but haven't always been successful. Therefore, the recommended books below are a mix of what I have read and what I'm hoping to read someday.
Compost bucket book cover with the words Composting for a new Generation.
With Earth Day just around the corner, let's take a look at some ideas for easy, around-the-house activities you can do to help out the planet.
Word search document with a jumble of letters and a list of words to find.
With the changing times and means to educate while schools are closed, it can be difficult for parents-now-turned-teachers to homeschool on such short notice, and possibly without a lot of resources. That's where Metro Archives and the Library come in handy. And who says educating can't be fun? So here's a word search I created with words and names pertaining to the founding of the city of Nashville. 
An old fashioned fountain pen hovers of a page with cursive writing.
We're turning off holds while we're closed. How do you keep track of books you want to read and movies you want to watch if you can’t put them on hold? Use the My Lists feature in our web catalog!
Ghost Stories book cover
This is a great collection for the ghost story neophyte or for the old hand at enjoying ghost stories.
Three men dance around police vehicles.
Soooo this year has started off rather interestingly...and by interesting I mean NOT GREAT, so far. So instead of writing a whole bunch of historic info, I'm just giving you all photos this month. These are some of my favorites from our collection that I hope may bring a smile to some of your faces. 
Mockingbird stands on a tree branch.
Periods of self-distancing and isolation can make us feel anxious and BORED. Here are some recommendations for ebooks that help you fill the time with activity or stillness.
Headshot of Dr. Dorothy Brown from a yearbook.
In honor of African American History Month, and to highlight a few individuals in Metro Archives' new display on Nashville women, this blog post is dedicated to a few notable women of Music City.
The Fifth Child book cover
You know when you pick it up that a book whose writer has won the Nobel Prize in Literature is going to be an important read.
Vintage poster advertising that Coal is the life blood of the struggle.
This time of year may mostly be associated with the various holidays we celebrate, but it's also well-associated with cold, awful weather (except for these past few weeks) and keeping ourselves warm with our HVAC systems. However, there was a time in Nashville's past that staying warm also meant being covered in soot as well. 
The cover of the "Star Trek Cookbook" by Ethan Phillips and William J. Birnes, featuring Neelix standing by a table of alien-looking dishes.
Well folks here we are at the end of another year. I've laughed, I've cried, and I've definitely hit my reading goal. Let me tell you all about my 2019 stand outs.
Photo of the street where the famous cover of the Beatle's "Abbey Road" album was shot.
September of this year has come and gone, and so has 50 years since the release of the The Beatles' last and arguably most iconic album, Abbey Road. Read a little about the history of the album and about The Beatles in Nashville (separately unfortunately, never together). 
Marionette depicts black girl wearing yellow dress.
Right now, in the basement of the library, in the puppet workshop, a story is being brought to life. It is the story of Lorraine: the Girl Who Sang the Storm Away. Let’s take a behind-the-scenes look at this brand new show by Wishing Chair Productions in collaboration with Old Crow Medicine Show front man Ketch Secor.
Illustration of an open mouth with the words Black History in its Own Words.
Ronald Wimberly has gathered and presents quotes from a dozen black luminaries in mutliple fields. He provides illustrations of each person, some background information, and their most memorable quotes.
Graphic novel book cover for He Man and the Masters of the Universe.
Right now, in the Pacific Ocean, is a widening gyre of plastic garbage, and among the junk food wrappers are heaps of forsaken toys, broken, exploded by firecrackers, and forgotten by spoiled children across the world. Intrepid explorers through this archaeological landscape will be able to timestamp their findings to the early to mid-1980s when they stumble upon the impressive figure of He-Man.
Tennessean front page from 1969 about man walking on the moon.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11. In honor of that momentous occasion, Metro Archives recently had an exhibit highlighting Nashville's impact on space exploration. Here are a few things included in the exhibit! 
The cover of the "Star Trek Cookbook" by Ethan Phillips and William J. Birnes, featuring Neelix standing by a table of alien-looking dishes.
Science fiction teaches us not to bother. Don’t investigate that derelict spaceship. Don’t try to figure out what “soylent green” is, because figuring stuff out only causes trouble. Sure, there are wonderful discoveries to be made, but sometimes it’s important for buried secrets to remain hidden, deep in the ground.
Dury's envelope that reads "Best in town since 1882."
As part 1 of a 3-part series about the local photography institution that is Dury's, and also in honor of National Photography Month, read about how one of Nashville's oldest businesses got its start and has remained a successful and beloved business in Nashville all of these years. 
The Royal Art of Poison book cover
This book is a hugely entertaining work of pop history that traces the use of poison as a political—and cosmetic—tool in royal courts.
Vintage-style photo of an older woman in a green dress and large black hat, looking surprised next to a butterfly.
Nashville's history with theatre and the performing arts is long and storied. You can find treasure after treasure documenting this history in NPL Special Collections. On May 25, Special Collections is playing its own role in the story.
Women and Ghosts book cover
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alison Lurie offers here nine spooky tales of women haunted by ghosts-both literal and metaphysical.
NPL Fandom Fest 2019 logo.
New to the world of anime and manga? So am I! Here are just a few reasons why you should give them a try.
Autographed photo from Margaret Rhea Seddon showing her floating in the space shuttle.
This spring, as we read the 2019 Nashville Reads book Hidden Figures, and reimagine our country’s history together, there’s no better place than Nashville Public Library to explore the "hidden figures" in our own local history. Dr. Margaret Rhea Seddon is one of these local hidden figures with an incredible story about reaching the stars.
Blue triangle with YWCA.
The Nashville Room has a small exhibit of photographs to celebrate the availability of a new collection documenting the activities of the YWCA Blue Triangle Branch. Come see our resources!
Caldecott medal.
The announcement of the Caldecott, Newbery, and other recipients of the American Library Association (ALA) Youth Media Awards is a cause for celebration! Did your favorites win? Or what books will now be on your reading list? Check out our round-up (with links to our collection) below
A woman in a pink dress speaks into a microphone at an event, with blurred guests sitting at tables in the background. The text "You're the singing star" is at the top of the image.
One of our most-utilized resources here in Special Collections is the Nashville Banner clippings: articles about every aspect of Nashville life from the 1950s through the 1990s. In this post, I use Banner clippings to tell you the story of two popular types of night spot entertainment: mechanical bull riding and karaoke!
Green film container.
Welcome to the sixth post in Nashville Metro Archives’ Audiovisual Conservation Center’s blog mini-series about film preservation. Throughout this series we have taken you through the process of identifying, conserving, and rehousing over 400 rare and unique films from our collection.
Black and white photo of Black man in white shirt and striped tie with words Pioneer in the Newsroom written above.
Exploring the holdings of Main Library’s Special Collections, I stumbled upon a local figure I hadn’t heard of before—Robert Churchwell. Hired by the Nashville Banner in 1950, Churchwell was the first black journalist and full-time reporter for a Southern newspaper.
Green film container.
Welcome to the fifth post in Nashville Metro Archives’ Audiovisual Conservation Center’s blog mini-series! In this series, you are invited in for a behind-the-scenes look at our year-long project to conserve and catalog the archive’s rare and unique film collection.
Black and white photo of five men in uniform from the 30th division company e.
This Veteran's Day marks the 100th Anniversary of the signing of the Armistice between the Allied Countries and Germany, ending the hostilities on the Western Front of the War and officially beginning the end of World War I. 
Monument to Carmack at night.
Anyone that's ever walked down Charlotte Ave, right next to the Capitol, is familar with the statues surrounding its borders (or maybe you're not, that's possible too). But if you are, Sam Davis is on the southwest corner and Sgt. Alvin C. York is on the southeast. But are you familiar with who's standing in the middle, somewhat leering over all who walk beneath him? Or better yet, why he's there?
Book cover for The Female Brain showing a woman laying down.
Welcome to Shocktober! (Thunder crashes) Today for your horrific pleasure, I bring you – THE FEMALE BRAIN! (Bwa-ha-ha)
Southern Festival of Books poster showing War Memorial Plaza.
Every October, the Southern Festival of Books: A Celebration of the Written Word, turns our “it city” into “lit city.” With three days of thoughtful, exciting programming, this event has long been a fall-time favorite, appealing to more than just bookworms. I investigated the roots of this community-building festival using primary and secondary sources from NPL Special Collections.
Manga Book Covers
How can manga show us not just great stories, but deep characters as well? Find out inside as we look at some highly recommended dramatic manga series!
Green film container.
Welcome to Post #2 in our series documenting the Metro Archives’ Audiovisual Conservation Center’s Film Conservation Project. Over the next few months, we are engaged in an exciting project to conserve and identify over 400 rare and unique vintage films in the Metro Archives collection.
Green film container.
The Metro Archives’ Audiovisual Conservation Center is located at the Main Library in downtown Nashville. We're hosting a new series on the blog documenting our latest project to identify and perform conservation on over 400 rare and unique films from our collection. Welcome to our corner!
Ouran Fruits book covers
Take a look into the world of manga genres by diving in and learning about Shojo, one of the most popular types of manga publications, and some shining examples!
Historical photo of a train wreck at Dutchman's Bend.
2018 is a landmark anniversary year for many events, including the worst train accident in U.S. history that occurred at Dutchman's Curve in West Nashville, on Tuesday, July 9th, 1918. 
Giant robot anime cover.
Do you love Giant Robots? Drama? Larger than Life Action? Look no further than these excellent entries into one of the grandest animated series in all of Japan!
The cover of Marvel's "The Infinity Gauntlet" comic featuring Thanos holding the gauntlet with heroes in the background.
WARNING: This post contains spoilers for the film Avengers: Infinity War, because the internet is a cruel place.
newspaper clipping shows black man in suit speaking with multiple microphones. captioned now is the time.
It's been 50 years this month since the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., yet his actions and teachings have lived on every day since. Coincidentally, the date of his actual birthday this year was celebrated on the same day of the holiday honoring him. In honor of his legacy, here's a look back at how his work affected Nashville...
Ryan Reynolds pulls open his white dress shirt and black suit to reveal the red Deadpool superhero costume underneath.
To get ready for the upcoming release of Deadpool 2: The Search for More Money*, we're looking back at the movie career of Deadpool himself, Mr. Ryan Reynolds.
Japanese poster for My Neighbor Totoro, showing Satsuki with a red umbrella standing next to Totoro at a rainy bus stop.
I’ve been wrong about a lot of things. The first time I used the internet I typed “X-Men” into a search engine and, finding the results unsatisfactory, said, “This will never catch on.”
Flamenco Flamenco cover
Flamenco’s my favorite art form, but biases aside, this is a magnificent, gorgeous, jaw-dropping film by a master director.
Manga book covers.
Searching for manga that will invigorate and fill your craving for adventure? Look no further than these two highly recommended series!
Crash Override cover.
An award winning game designer tells what it was like to be at the center of Gamer Gate.
The rock band Rush's three members smile together behind a bold red "RUSH" logo on a textured white background.
No, his mind is not for rent. To any God or government...
Vintage sepia photo of a soldier in uniform standing with a woman in a fur coat in front of a brick house.
In honor of African American History Month (and also the month of love), I'm honoring a local Nashville citizen and veteran, Raymond Whittaker, from the small collection of his correspondence, ephemera, and photos we have here in Archives.
US Department of Agriculture weather record for Nashville January 24, 1925.
Who loves talking about the weather?! Me, that's who! Did you know the early beginnings of the National Weather Service was actually under the U.S. Army in what was called the Signal Service? Actually it's not that surprising, but what might be is that here in Metro Archives, we have several of their original journals from the Nashville station. Read on if you're intrigued...  
A man with a beard sits pensively on an orange chair against a teal wall, resting his chin on his hand in a dim room.
A movie about a musical about one hit wonders with JC Chasez and Topher Grace? Yes please.
Manga romance covers.
As a new year dawns, so do the opportunities to seek and find new connections! These manga series look into two vastly different ways of how sometimes relationships get complicated!
LEGO figure with hardhat wears shirt reading LEGO contest 2018.
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Registration for the 8th Annual LEGO Competition is open! Calling all brick builders—kid, teen, and adult! 
Rashad Rayford headshot.
Rashad "thaPoet" Rayford shares his reading list for those who wish to further explore activism and civil rights in literature.
A vintage postcard for National Novel Writing Month with typewriter key icons and the text "Prepare the novel."
Welcome to Part #2 of my NaNoWriMo series. We are now nine days into NaNoWriMo, and at roughly 2,000 words a day, you should have written about 18,000 words. Are you keeping pace? Need help?
Supernatural manga covers
As the days get shorter and Halloween is not too distant in the past, let us preview some manga tales of the supernatural. One of these manga is an all-time classic, the other is still publishing! Join us as we journey into the unknown world of monsters and spirits!
Logo. Cubs in red letters surrounded by blue circle.
It’s almost that time of year again. We’ll soon know who is going to play in the World Series. Will the Cubs repeat or will it be another 108 years until we once again know the joy of victory?
Book cover for Solo.
The birthday train rolls on and the music theme continues. 
school classroom with children.
Going on 60 years ago, Nashville followed suit with the landmark 1954 case Brown v. Board of Education, and began a "stair-step" plan to integrate public schools. But it wasn't without difficulty or a strong pushback.
Manga Book Covers
As summer turns to fall and everyone is back in school, we all face new challenges, difficulties, and tests in life. Usually everyone falls back on their friends to help them during these times and their friends are there for them. So what happens when the challenges are a little...alien?!
Book cover for Chocky by John Wyndham.
If today you were to spot a kid walking around and talking to themselves, you'd probably reasonably conclude that they were imaginative.
A vintage, sepia-toned photograph of a bright crescent moon against a dark sky. Handwritten text at the top reads "Phases of Eclipse - 1917."
As the country collectively experienced the first total eclipse in many, many years on Monday, here's a look back at previous eclipses that Nashville has experienced.
six buffalo graze in front of a zoo building.
Prior to the opening of the Nashville Zoo in Cheatham County, in 1991, the city came close to purchasing animals for a zoo around the time the Metro Government formed (1963). I recently stumbled upon this intriguing story and thought it was too good not to share. 
1795 survey map of Tennessee.
June 1, 1796 was the birth year for Tennessee as a state. Feels like it was just yesterday. In honor of its many years since, here's a brief recap of its birth and how the state chose to celebrate each of its earned centennials. 
aerial view of downtown nashville.
The one thing that I love to tell people about when they visit Metro Archives, is that we're more than simply a repository for city-wide governmental records. Yes, the records we have are archaic in nature and therefore highly informative and fascinating. But it's the photographs we also have from around the city that are most-telling about the city's past. In honor of National Photography month, check out some of the best photos from around our beloved city.
A man with reddish hair and glasses wearing a black sweater over a light purple shirt, standing in a kitchen with wooden cabinets.
I laughed while driving in traffic. Yeah. It's that funny. (I was listening to the audio version. Don't freak out.)
Father Ryan High School, exterior.
Though its expansive campus can be seen from the fast lanes of I-65 S just past Armory Lane, Father Ryan High School hasn't always called their Norwood Drive location home. On top of possessing photographs of the previous location's building and demolition in our clippings' file on the school, Metro Archives also holds several other treasures that easily tell stories about the school's past.  
Musical Manga covers
Animanga month is every March at Nashville Public Library. By now, you may need new ideas about what to read in the manga world. What to read among the hundreds of series that come out in a year? Look no further for something a little older along with something newly released in America!
Book cover for 33 1/3 Koji kondo's super mario bros. soundtrack features pixelated portrait of video game character wearing white overalls and cap.
Thirty years after the release of his most famous work, most people still don’t know the name Koji Kondo. This installment of the 33 ⅓ series goes a long way toward correcting that.
Black and white illustration of hand holding stopwatch.
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Want to improve your fitness but low on time? High intensity interval training, or HIIT, can help you get just as good of a workout in half the time!
Early model of a passenger airplane flying low over farmland.
Airplanes crossing Nashville skies barely catch our attention today—but imagine life when flight was first being tested. Starting March 28 through May 31, Metro Archives will explore how Nashvillians experienced the early advances of aviation technology.
Allegedly book cover
She was convicted of murder at age nine. Now she is pregnant and in state custody at age sixteen.
A circular logo for the National Education Association's 20th anniversary of Read Across America.
Reading to and with your child opens up a world of possibilities. In 1997, a small group at NEA (National Education Association) decided that reading should be celebrated, like a pep rally celebrates sports.  
Construction photo from the Titans Stadium.
Hard to believe it's been 18 years since the Titans first game in their new home and in their new jerseys. Throughout many seasons, players, and a couple of coaches, the team has remained a hometown favorite (well, in my opinion - my favorite) and that includes its stadium. 20 years ago this May (2017), construction began on the field that was initially crowned "Adelphia Coliseum." Would you believe Metro Archives has several photographs taken of the construction process? If you enjoy a little Titans nostalgia like I do, check out some of the best photos below.  By the way, the title is in the tune of announcer Mike Keith proclaiming "TOUCHDOWN TITANS!" 
close up photo of colorful lego bricks
Registration for Nashville Public Library's 7th Annual LEGO Competition is now open!
Stand Up for Someone's Rights Today
December 10th is Human Rights Day and the library has the information to help you answer "What is that?"
Stylized artwork of a large rooster standing atop a chaotic pile of figures against a bold red backdrop.
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Not enough poultry in your life? Then you need POYO!!!
Logo for International Games Day showing dice and cards.
Looking for a place to hang out and have fun with your friends or family?  Read, learn, and play during International Games Day @ your library on Saturday, November 19th.
1984 class photo of University School of Nashville boys' grammar school class.
The educational system in Nashville has changed quite a bit over the years, but the core subjects have always remained at the forefront of teaching. But with a few changes, would you have excelled if you had been in school about 100 years ago?
Book cover for "Infinite Risk" featuring a face with striking blue eyes and lips.
Edie has lost everything dear to her since being dragged into the immortal game. Now, she is more determined than ever change the past to prevent the future that she has experienced.
Teen recording keyboard music on a laptop.
Art and music production camps, daily 3D design and robotics, and a whole lot of what Studio NPL calls HOMAGO: Hanging Out, Messing Around, and Geeking Out.
Woman holding a certificate for winning a PSA contest.
26% of Nashville Public Library visitors do not have internet access at home. Close to 50% use the Library’s internet when they come to our buildings. Without basic internet service at home, people are unable to apply for jobs, complete online homework assignments, or look up needed services.
Green poster with the text Keep Calm School's Out for Summer.
While students may be breathlessly awaiting the end of the school year and the start of summer vacation, parents may feel a bit differently. Namely, they may wondering what are they going to do with those kids all day now that school’s out for summer.  Not to worry, Nashville Public Library is here to help! Summer is a busy time for us: we have stuff going on all summer long, for you and the kids. Read on to learn about some of the many things NPL has in store for the summer.
Punch puppet wearing a red and yellow suit.
We've all seen some of the amazing puppet shows that Wishing Chair Productions has put on, and therefore, we've seen the diverse collection of puppets that they have. But there is one set of puppets that is no longer performed with but still represents the uniqueness of their collection - a very old set of Punch & Judy puppets. In honor of the Nashville International Puppet Festival coming up in June, this set of archaic dolls will be on display in Non-Fiction for your viewing pleasure.
Bright Lights Dark Nights book cover
Bright Lights, Dark Nights is a modern tale of first love between star-crossed teen lovers; Walter, the comic book nerd, who loves the Wu-Tang Clan and film noir and Naomi, the athlete, who just so happens to be the sister of Walter’s best friend.
Two people doing standing yoga pose, one on red mat and one on blue mat.
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...and dancing, and meditation, and gardening, and more. With Be Well at NPL, we're stepping up as a key player in advancing community health.
Yellow rose in front of green leafy background.
Happy Poetry Month! If you're not a big poetry fan, you need to check out Mary Oliver's new book because she'll convert you.
Program for the closing exercises at the Nashville College for Young Ladies in 1882.
I transferred to the Archives a month ago and I've been trying to learn all that I can about the Archives collections. One of the coolest collections I recently stumbled upon is the small collection we have for the Nashville College for Young Ladies. In honor of Women's History Month, what better topic to discuss than women's education?
Book cover for "A Story of Reckless Love and Redemption".
Imagine being a single mother to thirteen girls - all before you turn 21! Not many people would choose that life, but Katie did.
Archival display showing a vintage Christmas card next to a pamphlet that reads Happy New Year.
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This month's post is about the holiday season and some of the literary treats that accompany it, such as the classic Christmas tale A Christmas Carol.  It also includes instructions on creating ornaments from recycled Christmas Carols!
The Color of Water book cover.
Whether you be a Grinch or a Who, tis’ the season to cozy up with a warm blanket, long book and a cup of hot tea. In keeping with the holiday spirit, we’ve compiled a list of Young Adult books to keep you company as the nights get colder. Sing to the tune of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”
Movie poster for the Black Panthers.
The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution is a film about the history of the Black Panther Party containing rare archival footage and interviews with the people who were a part of it, including members Kathleen Cleaver, Emory Douglas, Ericka Huggins, and Jamal Joseph. 
Cover of "Carry On" by Rainbow Rowell.
An original author, creating a fictitious author writing what amounts to fan fiction, that was then borrowed by another fictitious character for more fan fiction, and then back to the original author who took the fictitious author's character and wrote her own fan fiction? What's not to love about that?
Frame from video game. multiple story house has porches and staircases.
Minecraft, a computer game where everything is made of blocks, is sweeping the nation. Everywhere you look you can find children playing the game, reading the books, or begging adults to buy them Minecraft merchandise at the store. There are many benefits to playing the game, and they can all be summed up in five letters – STEAM.
Book cover for The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward shows a man in a tuxedo.
A Southern family dynasty romance? I’m so in. I have a real soft spot for Southern literature and family sagas, so to put those together was very exciting.
Highway view at sunset with green road sign.
Summer is winding down, the days are getting shorter, and the first day of school is just around the corner.
To Kill a Mockingbird book cover.
In anticipation of the release of the new Harper Lee title, Go set a watchman, you may want to visit the classic, the title by which all American modern fiction is measured, To Kill a Mockingbird.
Scowler book cover.
I came across Scowler while at the library. When I realized this book was a Horror/Suspense novel, I quickly ran to check it out from the library.
"Green Arrow" comics character.
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The Summer Challenge theme this year is "Every Hero Has a Story." Check out these books with antiheroes - characters who lack conventional superhero characteristics, such as courage, idealism, and morality. You may just find your next favorite read!
Man wearing a Superman costume under his dress clothes.
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According to Merriam-Webster, a hero is someone who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities. Take a peek at these stories of bravery and outstanding achievement!
A girl reading a book.
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Summer is the time to be outside in the sun and lounge around. If you're looking for a good book to read, check these out. You're not likely to find them on any summer reading list you encounter this year.
Teens Top Ten
Each April, YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association) releases a list of nominated books. From the list of approximately 25 books (found in the post), teens everywhere choose their favorites. So if you want your favorite on the Teen Top Ten list, check out the nominees and cast your vote!
A baseball with a bat behind it.
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America's Pastime, baseball, is starting up. Picture yourself in the stadium. Smell the hot dogs and hear the crunch of peanut shells as their trampled. Now, pick up one of these books and enjoy!
Movie theatre snack counter.
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Believe it or not, many movies are adapted from books. More recently, several of those movies were once Young Adult books. Here's a list of upcoming feature films that are based on Young Adult novels.
Painting of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
In honor of the beginning of the next series of Sherlock on Masterpiece Mystery, I went to the periodicals stacks to dig up some original stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and came across something that interested me even more.