I thought I was done being surprised by the team at Nashville Public Library. I’ve had the privilege of serving as director for our library since 2012. When you’ve worked in an organization that long, you’ve seen much of what there is to see. You think you’ve established what your team is capable of and how far we can push ourselves. Or so I thought. When we made the decision to close our library this March, it was tough. My staff and I understand how crucial NPL is for the people of Nashville. To say I was apprehensive about how we would continue to serve our city during the COVID-19 pandemic would be a gross understatement. As it turns out, we had nothing to worry about. Within a month of our closure, we transitioned much of the weekly programming that our customers adore online. From story times to puppet shows to homeschool help and more, our staff made the shift to online-only very smooth for our patrons. To date, more than 630,000 viewers have tuned in to more than 2,000 of these programs.
FROM THE
DIRECTOR
Meanwhile, our Collection Development team has rocked it by expanding our catalog of digital materials to alleviate the sting of our closure. We’ve added more than 200,000 new e-titles to give readers more options. We extended the checkout limit from 10 to 15 items per user on Hoopla, where we host thousands of digital titles. Thus far, nearly 85,000 people have checked out more than 1 million digital items from NPL. Knowing that online resources would be at the forefront during this time, we wanted to make sure that folks unfamiliar or uncomfortable with technology weren’t left behind. To that end, our Digital Inclusion team has been working hard to bridge that divide. They’ve conducted more than 5,000 training meets with folks over email, phone, and Zoom. This covers everything from how to use electronic devices to navigating Google Drive. I knew that Nashville would be eager to return to our library in whatever way, shape, or form it could happen. But, I had no idea just how well-received our contactless curbside service would be. Since we began offering curbside in June, we’ve averaged 5,000 checkouts each week, with more than 51,000 transactions completed to date. These are just a few examples of all our library has done to keep Nashville on its feet as we adjust to the “new normal.” And I know some of these changes and additions are here to stay. We pride ourselves on being humble, but I must admit — I’m completely blown away by what our NPL team has achieved the past few months. They continue to amaze me with their creativity, their ability to solve problems, and, most of all, their devotion to making NPL the modern library our city deserves. Like I said at the beginning: I thought I was done being surprised at NPL. Sometimes it’s nice to be wrong.
Happy reading,
Kent Oliver Director of Nashville Public Library
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GIVE TO THE SUPPORT THELIBRARY. LIBRARY. NPLF.ORG
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FEATURES Wishing Chair Productions
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Lil’ Readers Grow with Read to Rise
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LIBRARY BOARD Keith B. Simmons, Library Board Chair Charvis Rand Dr. Adriana Bialostozky Joyce Searcy Mayor Mayor Megan Megan Barry Barry Mayor Megan Barry The Library Library Board Board meets meets Robert K.Megan Oermann KatyThe Varney Mayor Mayor Megan Barry Barry Library Library Board Board The Library Board meets the the 3rd 3rd Tuesday Tuesday of of each each The The Library Library Board Board meets meets Lucy D. Haynes Library Board Library Keith Keith B. B. Simmons, Simmons, Library Board Board Chair Chair the Library Library Board Board the 3rd Tuesday of each month month at at noon. noon. Contact Contact (615) (615) the 3rd 3rd Tuesday Tuesday of ofeach each Keith B. Simmons, Library Board Chair Lucy Lucy D. D. Haynes Haynes Keith Keith B. B.Simmons, Simmons, Library Library Board Board Chair Chair month at noon. Contact (615) 862-5760 862-5760 for for location location and and month month at at noon. noon. Contact Contact (615) (615) The Library Board meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month at noon. Lucy D. Francie Francie M. M.Haynes Hunt Hunt Lucy Lucy D.D.Haynes Haynes 862-5760 for location and information information about about Library Library 862-5760 862-5760 forfor location location and and Contact (615) 862-5800 for location and information about Library Francie M. Hunt Sepideh Sepideh C. C. Khansari Khansari Francie Francie M.M. Hunt Hunt information about Libraryfor Board Board meetings. meetings. Requests Requests for information about about Library Library BoardSepideh meetings. Requests for ADA accommodationinformation should be C. Khansari Robert Robert K. K. Oermann Oermann Sepideh Sepideh C. C. Khansari Khansari Board meetings. Requests ADA ADA accommodation accommodation should should Board Board meetings. meetings. Requests Requests forforfor directed to (615) 862-5750. Robert K. Oermann Joyce Joyce Searcy Searcy Robert Robert K. K.Oermann Oermann accommodation should be beADA directed directed to to Sandy Sandyshould Cohen Cohen at at ADA ADA accommodation accommodation should Joyce Searcy Katy Katy Varney Varney Joyce Joyce Searcy Searcy be directed to Sandy Cohen 862-5750 862-5750 or orto 862-5752. 862-5752. be be directed directed to Sandy SandyCohen Cohenatat at Katy Varney Katy Katy Varney Varney 862-5750 or 862-5752. 862-5750 862-5750 oror862-5752. 862-5752.
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SandyCohen Cohen Unbound Unbound is is aa Nashville Nashville Public Public Library Library quarterly quarterly publication. publication. Sandy (615) (615) 862-5750 862-5750 Sandy Cohen Unbound a Nashville Public Library quarterly publication. Sandy Sandy Cohen Cohen Visit Visit www.library.nashville.org www.library.nashville.org to to view view an an online online copy. copy. Unbound Unbound isisa is aNashville Nashville Public Public Library Library quarterly quarterly publication. publication. The programs, services, and activities of Nashville Public Library are open (615) 862-5750 (615) (615) 862-5750 862-5750 Visit www.library.nashville.org to view an online copy. Visit Visit www.library.nashville.org www.library.nashville.org to to view view an an online online copy. copy. to all. For questions, concerns, and requests for ADA accommodations, call, (615) 862-5750.
Unbound is a Nashville Public Library quarterly publication. Visit library.nashville.org/unbound to view an online copy.
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PRESENTS Main Library Children’s Theater December, January, February
December, January, February
STORY TIME WITH THE PROFESSOR
WORKINGS OF WISHING CHAIR
A weekly presentation with music, puppets, books, and juggling, featuring a special guest! Something for the whole family!
A weekly, multi-episode documentary that chronicles the work of NPL’s resident puppet troupe, Wishing Chair Productions. From the creation of the program to full-scale productions and our traveling Puppet Truck, meet the staff and learn how we do what we do — including writing, costumes, sets, collaborations, and more!
Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. On Wishing Chair’s Facebook page
December, January, February
NURSERY RHYME TIME WITH J.J. THE LAMB Tuesdays at 12 p.m. On Wishing Chair’s Facebook page
Every week, J.J. the Lamb brings us a nursery rhyme or song that is sure to brighten anyone’s day!
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. On Wishing Chair’s Facebook page
January
A NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION WITH WISHING CHAIR January 1 at 10:30 a.m. On Wishing Chair’s Facebook page
The puppeteers of Wishing Chair Productions bring you another extra-special variety show to ring in the New Year! Fun for the whole family!
facebook.com/wishingchairproductions Wishing Chair Productions is made possible by Judy and Steve Turner and Nashville Public Library Foundation.
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A traveling truck of tall tales and terrific treasures!
Just Imagine: Puppet TruckinÕ With Mr. B. January Thursdays, Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28 at 3 p.m. On Wishing Chair’s Facebook page and NPL’s YouTube channel Mr B. is back! Join him as he uses different forms of puppetry to craft an all-new set of short stories. Each episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at a particular aspect of the production.
Poetry, Prose, and Puppets With Dr. J. February Thursdays, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25 at 3 p.m. On Wishing Chair’s Facebook page and NPL’s YouTube channel The Shakespearean shenanigans continue as Dr. J. and his colorful cast of puppet players present more of The Bard’s greatest hits! Dr. J. will set the scene, and his puppet friends will present scenes, monologues, and more!
youtube.com/nashvillelibrary
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When children read, they’re gaining knowledge, understanding, and critical thinking skills they need to succeed in school and in life. In fact, studies prove that reading does more than give kids an advantage — it’s essential for a child’s success. The 2018 Blueprint for Childhood Success describes the effects of what happens when children don’t read regularly from a young age.
Only 34% of Nashville’s public school students leave third grade reading at the expected level. One out of six students reading below grade level will drop out before receiving their high school diploma. Those without a high school diploma typically earn less than half the average income ($23,000) of what a person with a bachelor’s or higher earns ($48,000). Those with sub-par literacy skills are more likely to face discipline issues in school and more likely to become involved in crime. These trends are discouraging, but fortunately, the study recommends a very simple solution, which anyone can do, to help reverse this momentous problem — read to children, every day, for 15 - 20 minutes. Taking some of that responsibility on ourselves, the team at NPL launched Read to Rise in September 2018. Our early literacy initiative, tailored for children from birth to age five, rewards parents, caregivers, and early readers with free prizes for reading at least 20 minutes a day. Now in its third year, Read to Rise has already achieved phenomenal success. Nearly 1,200 children have registered, logging nearly 29,500 days reading, and earning more than 200 prizes for their efforts. But more important than the statistical success is the benefits we’re seeing in real time. Parents, caregivers, and children consistently tell us how much they love reading every day and how much fun they have as they learn and grow together. So, we asked ourselves: what if we could share the joy these families experienced with all of Nashville? Enter Ray, Poppy, and Goldie. Over the course of Read to Rise’s second year, we checked in on our lil’ readers each month as they shared their latest reads, favorite discoveries, and more. Now, we’re taking the time to look back and relive some of our favorite moments from the past year. We had a blast following along with our lil’ readers through Read to Rise, and we know you will, too! But don’t stop here. You can start your own journey, and make your own favorite memories, with Read to Rise. Visit library.nashville.org/readtorise to learn more and register today.
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The Crayons’ Book of Numbers by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers
“Ray’s showing more interest in drawing and painting, and we’re working on learning the names of different colors. What’s great about this picture book is that it teaches kids colors, counting, and all the creative things kids can draw using those colors, like pink for drawing dinosaurs or black to color in rainbows,” Yurina said. “There are a lot of details, and Ray seems to notice new things every time we read it.”
Richard Scarry’s Cars and Trucks and Things That Go by Richard Scarry
Total Days Spent Reading: 386 If anyone had a monumental year with Read to Rise, it’s Ray. With his mother, Yurina, and his father, Jin, Ray not only explored some fantastic books, he also welcomed his baby brother, Hal, into the world. From dump trucks to art, there’s nothing Ray didn’t want to check out. Here are just a few of the wonderful discoveries Ray made during his Read to Rise journey this year.
Bulldozer Helps Out by Candace Fleming
“Ray is obsessed with all kinds of vehicles these days, so he was drawn to this book from the moment I showed him the cover,” Yurina said. “As a parent, I love the story and how it teaches kids that small, gentle jobs are just as important as big, tough jobs.”
Knufflflfle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems
“We’ve moved on to more plot-based picture books, and Ray has learned to say, ‘Uh oh!’ or ‘Oh no!’ in response to things that happen in the story,” Yurina said. “We’re working on getting him to say, ‘Yay!’ and other positive remarks at the end, though by the end of the book, he’s already busy reaching for the next book for us to read.”
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“Ray’s interest in most things ebb and flow, but one constant has always been his love of cars!” Jin said. “Scarry’s book is a gift that keeps on giving. Every page is rich with things to discover and laugh about. Even I’ll find something new with every read, and I’m finding Ray’s passion rubbing off on me!”
The Family Book by Todd Parr
“As a parent, I love all of Todd Parr’s books because they celebrate diversity in all forms. Ray seems drawn to all the bright colors and the quirky illustrations,” said Yurina, Ray’s mother. “The Family Book has been timely for us because of Hal’s birth just last month. Hopefully, this is a book that both boys will enjoy reading together one day!”
Scarry’s book is a gift that keeps on giving. Every page is rich with things to discover and laugh about. Even I’ll find something new with every read, and I’m finding Ray’s passion rubbing off on me!
Poppy has taken a sudden interest in Spanish recently, so I was grateful the library had several resources to fuel her curiosity. The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
“‘Miss Dolly’ sent us a copy of The Rabbit Listened, and we read it regularly! It teaches optimism, adaptability, and processing sadness and loss in a gentle, simple way,” Virginia said.
Total Days Spent Reading: 266 What’s better than cuddling up with a great book? Sharing it with your sister, of course! That’s just what Poppy and Goldie did this past year, along with their mother, Virginia, delving into some phenomenal books that covered nearly everything under the sun (and sometimes beyond).
Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons by Eric Litwin
“We’re learning about resilience! ‘Did Pete cry? Goodness, no! Buttons come, and buttons go,’” said Virginia, Poppy and Goldie’s mother.
Bedtime for Frances by Russell Hoban
“It’s very relatable as a parent, and Poppy enjoyed the silliness of Frances mistaking her chair and bathrobe for a giant,” Virginia said. “I’ve noticed that Poppy is starting to understand the comedy in stories and be in on the joke.”
The Usborne First Thousand Words in Spanish by Heather Amery
“Poppy has taken a sudden interest in Spanish recently, so I was grateful the library had several resources to fuel her curiosity,” Virginia said. ”We read The Usborne First Thousand Words in Spanish as well as Pio Peep! Traditional Spanish Nursery Rhymes.”
The Very Best Bed by Rebekah Raye
“We are doing homeschool for preschool, and we are currently on a unit about squirrels. We read The Very Best Bed and learned about all the places different animals sleep,” Virginia said.
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Get one-on-one help with basic computer and device questions, job searching and résumés, homework help, and more.
library.nashville.org/bookalibrarian
Reciba ayuda personalizada con preguntas básicas sobre su computador o dispositivo electrónico, búsqueda de trabajo, creando su hoja de vida, ayuda con las tareas y mucho más.
library.nashville.org/bookalibrarian
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Let Library Concierge help find your next favorite book, movie, or TV show. Visit our website, tell us what you like, and we’ll get to work!
library.nashville.org/libraryconcierge
Permita que nuestro servicio virtual de la biblioteca le ayude a crear una lista personalizada de libros y/o películas. ¡Visítenos en el sitio de web, díganos que le gustaría, y nos pondremos a trabajar para usted!
library.nashville.org/libraryconcierge
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