In spring 2022, we launched a community campaign, "Freedom to Read," to celebrate our revered intellectual freedom.

We invited readers across Davidson County to get their free, special edition “Banned Books” library card and explore the many titles — including Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee and The Catcher in the Rye — that have been challenged in public spaces across the U.S.

4,205 Nashvillians now own this special card.

While we didn’t hit our goal of 5,000, we came close. And — most importantly — we came together.

In fact, Nashville’s response has been so positive that we’ve made the “Banned Books” card a permanent feature at NPL.

From now on, this design will be available for anyone who wants to sign up as a new patron or switch their current card for this design (in person, at any of our 21 locations).

learn more about NPL cards

learn about Banned Books Week