Nashville, Tennessee is home to award-winning country music and BBQ. However, just a few blocks from Broadway and the blaring, honky tonk bars and cowboy salons, there is a beautifully columned building with a hidden gem inside: The Nashville Public Library.
I attended the 2020 PLA (Public Library Association) conference in Nashville only a few weeks before the outbreak of COVID in the United States. Looking back, I am grateful I experienced the conference when I did. COVID changed many aspects of life, but I was able to attend my first-ever, professional conference when life was fairly normal.
Each day, after the main speeches and events, I would explore the city. On my last day, I jumped on a Lime scooter and found the NPL. The library is impressive for its mystic and classic look. However, it’s more than a pretty face. The services and departments are both diverse and plentiful. NPL offers special collections, metro archives, a civil rights room, genealogy and vital records, and various projects and exhibits.
Although all of these rooms were outstanding and inspiring, I had one specific area in mind to explore: the children’s department.
And, Of course, I was extremely impressed.
The design of the department in general was innovative and fun. In the main area, the bookshelves were all child height with scattered tunnels carved out for easy access between aisles. They had a lettered, rock wall and plenty of nooks and soft cushions for sitting and reading. They even had a “reading fort”, a three-level play area with crawl spaces and Nashville-styled buildings. The entire area was interactive and encouraged imagination and exploration among the children.
In addition to the main library space, the department also had a theatre room. The entrance includes large wooden columns and a short hallway, which opens up to an enclosed space resembling a small cottage. Inside, there are sitting nooks surrounding the room, and there is a stage for performances and story times. I had not seen anything like it, and I enjoyed the safe, cozy atmosphere.
Additional features included a spacious classroom with plenty of chairs, tables, and supplies for children to conduct arts and crafts and other activities. I expect this area is perfect for partnerships with nearby schools and/or organizations.
My trip to Nashville, as a whole, was incredible. I enjoyed the sights, music, and food. PLA was extraordinary, and I learned so much. However, my visit to NPL left me feeling awed and inspired.
If you ever get a chance to visit Nashville, I strongly suggest a stop at the NPL, especially if you have children in tow.
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