It’s here, Nashville: National Library Week 2024 begins April 7, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you. We’ll join libraries across the United States to shine a light on intellectual freedom, your favorite library employees, our presence in Nashville’s neighborhoods, and the champs who advocate for NPL. Celebrate with us!

Thursday: Take Action for Libraries Day

Join the NPL Thank-a-Thon!

If you love Nashville Public Library, show your support by telling our local elected officials “THANK YOU” for funding NPL.

Celebrate with us on Thursday, April 11, by dropping by either of these special events to write thank-you postcards and connect with other library supporters. 

• Main Library from 11:30 AM–12:30 PM (615 Church St)
• Southeast Branch Library from 4:30–5:30 PM. (5260 Hickory Hollow Pkwy, Antioch)

Or you can visit any NPL location between April 1–12 to fill out a postcard. Simply stop by our Thank-a-Thon displays at your favorite library location. 

Receiving handwritten messages of thanks from their library-loving constituents is a wonderful way for Metro Council to see what the library means to each of us and why NPL is a critically valuable resource to Davidson County.

We’ll have heart-shaped cards and crayons so library lovers of all ages can get in on the fun. Turn in your cards to the front desk and you'll get a I ♡ NPL sticker to help you continue showing your love!

Why is Saying "Thank You" Important?

More than 90% of Nashville Public Library’s budget is funded by public dollars. In 2023, Metro Council invested $44 million dollars to keep our Main Library and 20 branches well-staffed, well-stocked, and well-maintained.

Last month, Council committed $15.75 million dollars (a $9.4 million-dollar increase over 2023!) in capital funding for two branch renovations, planning for two new branches, and long-overdue maintenance across our library system.

Want to Get More Involved?

Join us at the Metro Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 16 from 5:30–6:30 PM at the Metro Courthouse (1 Public Square) for the presentation of a Resolution honoring NPL staff and celebrating NPL during National Library Week. 

We will also be presenting Metro Council Members with their Thank-a-Thon postcards at the meeting.

This is a wonderful opportunity to stand with other library supporters to show your appreciation for NPL staff and Metro Council Members!

Become an NPL Ambassador 

As an NPL Ambassador, you can show your library love by communicating its importance to our elected officials. Join a group of passionate volunteers to help ensure Nashville Public Library is fully funded.

Register here

Monday: Right to Read Day

Monday of National Library Week is an important—and often sobering—day for everyone who champions the Freedom to Read. It's when the American Library Association releases its list of the ten books that were most often targeted for censorship across the U.S. in the previous year. 

2023’s Top 10 Most Frequently Challenged Books 

We encourage you to check out and read one (or several!).

You can learn more at uniteagainstbookbans.org/right-to-read-day and on American Library Association's website here.

Tuesday: Library Workers Day

Help us recognize library workers in time for National Library Workers Day! 

On April 9, we'll feature NPL staff who go above and beyond the call of duty. Tell us whose story times always entertain, who offers patient and thorough computer or reference assistance, or who simply brightens your day when you visit the library.

Send a message to Nashville Public Library on Facebook or NowatNPL on Instagram or X and let us know who has gone the extra mile for you at any of our locations.

We can't wait to hear from you!

Wednesday: Library Outreach Day

On April 10 we highlight the ways we bring library service to our Nashville community.

Among the more than three dozen NPL outreach events today — both within and outside of library walls — a handful are open to the public.

Take advantage of these great opportunities to connect with your local NPL staff. 

Bass Learning Center: Spring College & Career Fair, 9 AM–12 PM 
Church Street Park: Library in the Park, 11 AM –1 PM
Bordeaux Branch Library: Homeschool Teens, 12–1 PM
Mill Ridge Park: Card signups, story time, and crafts, 2–4 PM  Canceled due to inclement weather
South Inglewood Community Center: Outreach Day, 3–4 PM
Hermitage Branch Library: Library in the Park, 3:30–4:30 PM 
East Nashville Beer Works: Library Card Signup, 5:30–8:30 PM

While you're there, pick up your “Libraries are for Everyone” sticker — in the language of your choosing — and celebrate NPL’s vision to strengthen Nashville by serving and uniting our diverse communities as one.