Over the past decade, Studio NPL has offered Nashville’s teens a place to explore their creative passions. This tech-driven program provides daily, mentor-led workshops that build real-world skills in STEM, digital literacy, and career readiness. Thousands of teens have come through its doors, using Studio NPL’s resources to discover and pursue their interests. Whether it be engineering, filmmaking, graphic design, music, or something entirely their own, young people find not only tools but also the encouragement they need to succeed.
Just ask Malicha.
Sophomore year of high school, he had a turning point. While basketball practice was still a few hours away, he found himself hanging out in the teen section of the library. One day, he wandered over to Studio NPL, where Adam, a mentor, was giving photography lessons.
“I was really into photography at the time, but I had never used a camera before,” Malicha recalls. He was instantly drawn to the environment and began visiting more frequently, exploring the various resources Studio NPL had to offer.
Now a high school graduate, Malicha has spent the past few years exploring a variety of artistic endeavors through Studio NPL. While photography remains a focus, he also spends an hour each day playing drums and collaborates with Hannah, a mentor who works as a vocal coach, to sing and write songs.
“It’s reduced a lot of my stress. It’s been a place where I can hang out with the mentors, talk to people, and relax,” Malicha says.
As he prepares to start as an art major at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Malicha credits Studio NPL’s resources and connections with helping him explore different projects and find his passion. Access to drawing tablets and photography equipment has been invaluable in shaping his artistic path. Malicha plans to pursue a career in video and photo editing, something he was exposed to during his time at Studio NPL.
“I intend to come back from college during breaks and over the summer to work here,” Malicha says, highlighting his commitment the place that played such a pivotal role in shaping his future.
Malicha’s story is just one example of how your gifts to NPLF are an investment in the future of Nashville. Support from people like you are one of the main reasons Studio NPL has been able to impact the lives of so many local teens over the past 10 years. In addition, Studio NPL is made possible in part by Comcast, Advance Financial Foundation, AEG Foundation, Asurion, and Caritas Foundation. Thanks to your continued support, Studio NPL will empower Nashville’s next generation of creatives for years to come.
Even though the Main Library is currently closed, programs like Studio NPL are still actively serving youth across Nashville—bringing creative learning, mentorship, and opportunity directly into our community. Studio NPL and other vital programs supported by NPLF bring our neighbors what they need: access to information AND each other—the connections that build strong communities.
Please make a one-time or monthly recurring gift of any size to give back to the library that gives so much to Nashville.