Like local music?

Like local music? March 19, 2017 Then you need to check out BoomBox, NPL’s local music streaming service. Ben Swank from Third Man Records is our first guest curator for BoomBox, which…

Big Hair and Plastic Grass: A Funky Ride Through Baseball and America in the Swinging '70s

Big Hair and Plastic Grass: A Funky Ride Through Baseball and America in the Swinging '70s March 13, 2017 I work in a library, so maybe it’s no surprise I’m not much of an athlete. In fact, I’ve never truly understood games at all, including video…

Sara Brindley

Sara Brindley,

33 1/3: Super Mario Bros.

33 1/3: Super Mario Bros. April 10, 2017 Thirty years after the release of his most famous work, most people still don’t know the name Koji Kondo. This installment of the 33 ⅓ series goes a long way toward correcting that…

Making a Mystery Book

Making a Mystery Book February 14, 2017 Here is a simple book that children can easily make.  All you need is paper, scissors, ribbon and glue. This little book reveals a simple…

Eat Your Greens

Eat Your Greens February 20, 2017 African-American chefs, dietitians, and activists shed light on the health benefits of a plant-based diet, and its cultural ties to African and Carribean heritage…

Do I Have Good Hair?

Do I Have Good Hair? February 16, 2017 Chris Rock travels around the U.S., and India, to examine black America's obsession with hair…

Read Across America

Read Across America February 28, 2017 Reading to and with your child opens up a world of possibilities. In 1997, a small group at NEA (National Education Association) decided that reading should be celebrated, like a pep rally celebrates sports.…

Shattering the TN State Senate Ceiling

Shattering the TN State Senate Ceiling February 25, 2017 In honor of African American History Month, I'm recognizing the first African American woman elected to the Tennessee State Senate—Senator Thelma Harper of District 19. Prior to her 1991 historic…

Mandolin Orange

Mandolin Orange March 2, 2017 If you like Americana music, you need to hear Mandolin Orange ASAP. But don’t take my word for it... From No Depression: It’s really once in…

Do You Know What Your Library's Up to These Days?

Do You Know What Your Library's Up to These Days? March 1, 2017 We're bridging the digital divide in our branches, online, and out in the community. */ What does Digital Literacy…

The Incantations of Daniel Johnston

The Incantations of Daniel Johnston March 6, 2017 A most unconventional biography for a most unconventional musician. Cursing ensues. Some people think Scott McClanahan is a punk. Some…

The Magnolia Story

The Magnolia Story March 9, 2017 My favorite HGTV show now has a book too? Must. Read. Now. I hate reality TV. Will you still be friends with me if I admit that? The only form of…

Quilled Mandalas

Quilled Mandalas March 23, 2017 These are beautiful and I think they'd be fun to make (or try to make...whatever). I don’t know if you know this about me, but I’m a fairly crafty…

Women's History for Kids

Women's History for Kids March 14, 2017 Textbooks are filled with the accomplishments of men throughout history but where are all the women?  As I started writing this post, I…