Arts and Photography

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.)
Globe of wold made up of stacks and different formations of books
Add some picture books in translation to your reading routine! Picture books by international creators offer different perspectives, and feature groundbreaking art and narratives.
Headshot of Ashley Bryan. He is an older African American man with white hair and a mustache,
During a career spanning over six decades, Ashley Bryan (1923-3022) illustrated more than 70 children's picture books in a variety of media and in several genres. 
Cover of Bright Star by Yuyi Morales. Pink background with a fawn and cactus.
The publication of a new book by Yuyi Morales is always a cause for celebration—and for immediately placing a hold on one's library account. Published in September of this year, Bright Star is an incandescently beautiful picture book about love, courage, and caring for one another
dreads by alfonse pagano and francesco mastalia
It's insane that Eurocentric beauty standards have made people of the African diaspora think that their natural hair and skin color are unpresentable. --Me
Sign advertising the construction of the Municipal Auditorium
September is usually my month for educational posts, but this year I’m switching it up with new images and footage. This post features a slideshow from a collection I’ve been processing, along with new material from our Audiovisual Heritage Center.
Historical photo of a group of nurses in 1902.
This month’s Nashville history post lets photography do the talking, with a series of slideshows to enjoy. It begins with a tribute to medical workers for their dedication during these challenging times and ends with a bit of “Some Good News—Archives Edition.”
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.
Three men dance around police vehicles.
This year has started off rather interestingly—and by interesting, I mean not great so far. So instead of a long history post, I’m sharing photos this month. Here are some of my favorites from our collection, and I hope they bring a smile to your face.
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.
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.
Ad for Dury's business in the Tennessean, in 1978
As part 1 of a 3-part series on Nashville photography institution Dury’s—and in honor of National Photography Month—read about how one of the city’s oldest businesses got its start and has remained a beloved staple in Nashville over the years.
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.
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
Slightly smiling woman with brown wavy hair looking sideways at viewer.
One of the most marvelous writers and illustrators of children's literature today, Yuyi Morales mines her Mexican childhood for the magical words and riotous colors that inform her beautiful books. She has won numerous awards for her work, including the prestigious Pura Belpré Medal.
Flamenco Flamenco cover
Flamenco’s my favorite art form, but biases aside, this is a magnificent, gorgeous, jaw-dropping film by a master director.
aerial view of downtown nashville.
When people visit Metro Archives, I like to say we’re more than a repository of city records. While we preserve historic documents, it’s the photographs from across Nashville that best tell the city’s story. In honor of National Photography Month, explore some of our favorite images from the past.
Superman Origami book cover
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Check out these art-inspired books to help celebrate this month of the arts!
Priceless book cover.
Reading a good book at said beach while you dig your toes into the warm sand: Priceless. Oh wait. No, I’m sorry. The name of the book is Priceless. You don’t have to read it at the beach. You can read it anywhere you want.