Seasons and Holidays

October is pumpkin time!  This ancient food source of indigenous peoples all across the Americas continues to be an important part of our lives and is celebrated both nutritionally and aesthetically.

Summertime fun times almost always include ice cream!  Celebrate summer with your family by creating your own icy cold treats at home.  It's easy and we have resources!

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.

person in mask holding a basket of hand sanitizer

If the commercial demands of winter holidays stress you out, December 2020 offers the chance to embrace a new way to be present with the season.

December marks the shortest days of the year for sunlight, which can negatively affect your mood and mental health. The rest of winter doesn't offer much more sunlight than December does. Learn the signs, symptoms and treatments for depression that has a seasonal pattern, also referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD.

Do you ever feel like you're going to be sick if you have to read one more overly sweet children's book to your kids this holiday season? Well these books about dinosaurs, pirates, and bug-eyed pugs are the perfect remedy for you! 

Have you ever read a book that you just want to hug when you finish? And maybe not let anyone else touch it until you’re ready to let it go? Maybe that's just a children's librarian thing? Anyway, I had that experience with Sealed with a Kiss by Beth Ferry.

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Every year, when December rolls around, I immediately want all things gingerbread. The smell. The taste. The intricately decorated houses. And the books!

During our annual Thanksgiving feasts, we gather around the table with those we love, and indulge in rich and delicious tradition. Health isn’t always the priority during the holidays, so here are a few simple tips and cookbook suggestions to make your Thanksgiving Day a little healthier.

It’s the time of year for feeling grateful. But let’s face it: with today’s busy lifestyle, even the best of us can have a tough time tapping into the “attitude of gratitude.” These books from NPL’s collection might help. From meditations on thankfulness to the essentials of mindfulness practice, these reads offer practical ways to focus on what matters and harness gratitude.

The Winter Olympics may be happening in South Korea, but you can have your own olympics right in your living room!

Most people recognize Nashville as the "Music City" capital of the world, but can you say that you've ever heard its other nickname - "the Powder City of the World"? If you're familiar with the history of the Old Hickory community and the company of DuPont, you probably have. If not, read on. 

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Textbooks are filled with the accomplishments of men throughout history but where are all the women? 

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Books for babies? Really? All they do is chew on them! Right?

Is your tween's favorite holiday Halloween? Do they love creepy, spine-tingling reads? Are you worried they aren't ready for certain titles? Check out these titles that are varying degrees of terrifying.

For a shivery All Hallows' read, try some of these age-appropriate ghost stories for preschoolers.  These books are perfect for those who enjoy a gentle fright or an intriguing story, and are best accompanied by lots of giggles and spooky sounds.

When you glance at your calendar, does it strike fear in your heart to see that a child in your life is having a birthday? Never fear! Books make great gifts - and I'm not just saying that because I'm a librarian!

The summer solstice was June 20. Let's celebrate the official beginnning of summer and learn about how the solstice has been, and still is, celebrated all over the world!