Impacts

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas semper diam a luctus consequat.

Our 2025 Annual Report

Thank you for a year of growth and excitement for our community. Read about the impact we made together this year as we continue writing Nashville’s story.

Literacy

At all ages and stages, NPL offers programs to address literacy as a critical need in a person’s life. Patrons get free access training, support, and resources needed to help them on their reading journey.

Early Literacy

“A wonderful quality of BBTL is that we are showing teachers and parents how to use tools that are freely available to them and adaptable to many different scenarios, ages, and situations. AND we are able to provide some materials to help educators and families get started right away. Expanding the program through Begin Bright will mean that we'll be able to provide even more resources and supports to ensure the good work continues and that all of those who educate, love, and care for young children have what they need!” -Liz Atack, Early Literacy Program Manager

Limitless Libraries

“Limitless Libraries strengthens literacy and learning across MNPS and local charter schools by ensuring students have access to fresh, relevant, and high-quality library materials. With the addition of the Bookmobile, we are expanding our reach directly into school communities, creating new opportunities for engagement and access to resources.” - Syreeta Butler, Limitless Libraries Program Manager

Summer Reading

“I just have to tell you how amazing the Summer Reading program was for my family this year. My son is 8 and just got over the confidence hump to read by himself. He would read in bed and then yell to me to make sure I logged the book he'd read or how many pages he'd finished." - MNPS Student Parent

Wishing Chair Productions

“My family and I were so excited to see how you are keeping the enchanting art of puppetry alive and well in Tennessee!”- Puppet Show Attendees

Smiles at a Wishing Chair Productions or Puppet Truck story time through 699 performances all over Nashville.

Children, teachers, and parents experienced an NPL Early Literacy workshop.

Students and educators borrowed 62,516 books and media items—and Limitless Libraries delivered those library resources directly into schools.

Increase in Summer Reading Challenge participation. 40,000 MNPS students reading all summer long.

0 %

Parents report reading more often with their children after attending. Parents report reading more often with their children after attending.

0 %

Life Skills

NPL’s life-changing programming empowers adults through technology classes, resources for jobseekers, language classes, wellness classes, and connections to social services that help adult patrons to learn critical skills, receive support, and reach their goals.

Adult Literacy

“I love getting to connect with my colleagues, hear about the great work taking place, and learn innovative best practices.” – 2024 Fall Symposium Attendee

Digital Inclusion

“Cyber Seniors opened up a new world to me. I plan on taking advantage of it as far as it will take me.” - Harold McGee

NAZA

"At Johnson ALC, mentorship is the difference-maker. When a young person knows someone is showing up for them every week—no matter what—grades stabilize, attendance improves, and hope returns. We’re not just keeping students in school; we’re helping them believe in what’s next.”- Caleb Rogen, Executive Director at Rocklife Youth

Studio NPL

"Studio NPL has reduced a lot of my stress. It’s been a place where I can hang out with the mentors, talk to people, and relax."- Malachi, Studio NPL 2025 graduate

Digital Inclusion tech sessions empowered.

0 +

Students explored technology and creativity through Studio NPL.

Adults strengthened reading, digital, and job skills through literacy programs—100% said the library’s resources are relevant to their lives.

0 +

Left feeling more confident using digital tools.

0 %

Reported higher academic achievement.

0 %

Connection

NPL is a powerful connection point for the community, providing space for cultural engagement, important links to our history and a forum for powerful conversations that strengthen our society.

Be Well at NPL

“On our planting day for the Be Well Community Garden at Edmondson Pike, we had students from Antioch High School come plant seeds with us. As I began to talk with them, I realized that they were affected by the recent shooting at their school. They said they were grateful to be able to come and find community in the garden and will be bringing their friends to the garden. This highlights one of the goals we had with the garden in creating a safe community space where everyone can come, feel welcome, relaxed, and heal.” - Bassam Habib, Be Well at NPL Program Manager

Special Collections

Where to Turn Nashville

“Looking back at the early years when I felt so unprepared to assist our most vulnerable patrons, it's amazing to be able to offer a free resource at all of our library locations that connects people with the help they need!”- Liz Coleman, Adult Services at NPL

Neighbors came together across locations for 16,700+ programs—each one an invitation to learn, belong, and grow.

0 M

BeWell at NPL wellness programs—from movement and mindfulness to infant CPR and gardening— reached 30,000+ people.

Visitors explored the Civil Rights and Votes for Women Rooms, discovering Nashville’s history of courage and change.

0 +

BeWell mobilized community partners tobring free wellness opportunities to all 21 branches, ensuring health and connection are accessible to everyone.

0 +

Supporters

Nashville Public Library thrives because our community invests in its success. We are profoundly grateful to the philanthropists, businesses, and foundations whose support makes the Library’s transformative work possible.

Thank you.

NPL Foundation Events

Picnic With the Library

The 2025 Picnic with the Library was wilder than ever, bringing the magic of Where the Wild Things Are to Main Library for an afternoon of family fun. For the first time, the event expanded its support to include both children’s and teen programming, featuring Studio NPL with hands-on, interactive activities. The event raised more than $85,000 to benefit children’s and teen programs at Nashville Public Library.

Literary Award Weekend

The 2024 Literary Award Weekend featured James McBride, who performed with his full band for the first-ever musical accompaniment during the event. Mr. McBride selected passages from The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store to read alongside the musical performances. The same performance was presented at the Public Lecture at Martin Luther King Jr. High School. The gala sold out, and together, these events raised more than $825,000 to support Nashville Public Library’s education and literacy programs.

Highlights

Carnegie Society Book Club

Carnegie Society introduced new ways for leaders in our community who share a love for NPL to connect. Members enjoyed fresh events such as Carnegie Society Cocktails and the launch of Books & Conversation – a small gathering to read and discuss a book by the honoree of the Literary Award Weekend. Carnegie Society’s signature Book Club event welcomed Margaret Renkl and Ann Patchett, who discussed Margaret’s book The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year. 32 new members joined the Carnegie Society and under the leadership of Nasiya Acklen and Sondra and Doug Cruickshanks we raised over half a million dollars for the library – a new record.

Learn More

Next Chapter Society

Next Chapter Society expanded its fundraising efforts through new campaigns, events, and partnerships. A highlight was the My Weekends Are Booked T-shirt campaign, NCS’s signature fundraiser, designed in collaboration with local artist Andrew Cook. NCS hosted a variety of events, all of which local partnerships played a key role. These included Spooky Trivia, a Pushup and Prosecco x NCS workout class, and membership appreciation events. In addition, Check Out Nashville, a dine in fundraising experience launched this year.

Learn More

Thank-a-Thon

Nashville showed out for this year’s Thank-a-thon. Library lovers from across the city wrote more than 3,900 postcards to locally elected officials, all conveying how important NPL is to our community. To celebrate the second year of this campaign, NPL Ambassadors hosted Thank-a-thon-arama, a postcard-writing pizza party at NPL’s Main Library. Their advocacy efforts helped secure a $2,295,300 increase in NPL’s FY26 operating budget.

Then & Now

Then & Now concluded its third season, highlighting communities in Nashville that are often overlooked. The series features speakers who share local history and continues to grow in popularity. Each event attracts more than 100 attendees for the fascinating presentations that bring history close to home.

Solid Stewardship

Nashville Public Library is the heart of our city, and the Nashville Public Library Foundation is dedicated to helping it thrive.

As a department of Metro Nashville, the Library receives most of its funding from the city. The Foundation, established in 1997, works in partnership with NPL to expand programs and spaces beyond what public funding provides.

Together, we ensure our community has the resources it needs to learn, grow, and thrive while showcasing how a strong partnership between local government and private philanthropy strengthens our city.

NPL System Highlights

With 21 locations across the city, Nashville Public Library (NPL) serves as a hub for community engagement, offering a wide range of resources and programs tailored to local needs. While NPL’s core mission to inspire reading, advance learning, and connect our community is reflected at every location, each branch has something unique to offer. Explore fun facts and highlights from each NPL location below!

Bellevue

Weekly Programs For Everyone

Bellevue hosts weekly programs for children and adults, including story times, tech help, yoga, and more.

Bordeaux

Find Your Flow

Bordeaux offers free weekly Chair Yoga and a popular monthly Homeschool program.

Donelson

Donelson Earns LEED Gold for Sustainable Design

Donelson earned LEED Gold certification for its energy efficiency, natural light, sustainable materials, water conservation, and healthy indoor environment.

East Branch

Historic Charm

East is a Carnegie Library that opened in 1919, making it NPL’s second oldest branch.

Edgehill

Surrounded by Beauty

Edgehill sits next to sculptor William Edmondson’s historic homesite and park.

Edmondson Pike Branch

Crafty Saturdays

Edmondson Pike is known for its Adult Craft Saturday along with knitting and crochet classes.

Goodlettsville

3D Printing for All Ages

Goodlettsville features two 3D printers for programs serving all ages.

Green Hills

A Hangout Hub for Local Teens.

Green Hills welcomes 20-40 teens daily to its afterschool room for games, crafts, and Studio NPL programs.

Hadley Park

Once Home to Record-Listening Booths

Hadley Park was originally built with glass record-listening booths.

Hermitage

From Dairy Farm to Barn-Inspired Branch

Hermitage was built on former dairy farmland, which is reflected in it’s barn-inspired architectural details.

Inglewood

Story Times and Book Clubs Galore

Inglewood presents three weekly story times and hosts four active book clubs, serving more than 450 participants monthly.

Looby

Kids’ Stories Come to Life

Looby’s “Once Upon a Time” after-school program turns kids’ stories from writing workshops into plays on the Looby Theater stage.

Madison

Experience the Magic

Madison features a children’s area inspired by "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," complete with wardrobe doors and stained glass.

Main

Library Services for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing

Services designed to meet the information and accessibility needs of the deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind communities.

North Branch

Haunted by Librarians?

North is said to be haunted by former librarians who roam the stacks at midnight.

Old Hickory

Rich in History

Old Hickory was built in 1937 by DuPont and incorporated into NPL in 1964. The branch has much of its original oak furniture.

Pruitt

Fresh Cuts and Community

Pruitt partners with a local barber school to provide free haircuts to patrons.

Richland Park

Rain Garden

Richland Park is home to a rain garden designed to manage rainfall runoff.

Southeast

NPL’s Largest Branch

Southeast is NPL’s largest branch at more than 28,000 square feet and is connected to the community center.

Thompson Lane

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Thompson Lane features a pollinator garden with irises planted as a surprise by Friends of the Library.

Watkins Park

A Study Haven for Students

Watkins Park serves as a study base for high school and college students.