Confession: I’m a Nashville Public Library power user. I go to an NPL branch at least once a week, check out copious amounts of books for my daughter and me, and attend regular library events. NPL offers so many services to cardholders beyond books. Here’s how to make the most of your library card.
📱On the Go
Through the Libby, Hoopla, and Kanopy apps, you can check out books, audiobooks, music, and movies and enjoy them right on your phone.
🖼️ Decorate With Local Art
Borrow art for up to three months with the Metro Art Lending Library Collection, which currently includes 106 unique framed pieces ready to hang.
🚲 Ride a Bike
After picking up a BCycle fob at the branch of your choice, check out a bicycle from one of the numerous Nashville BCycle stations, for up to two hours at a time.
🎲 Host Board Game Night
With more than 200 board games, you’re all set for board game night. You can check out up to two board games at a time.
🏸 Take the Games Outside
Or maybe you’d rather check out one of these more physical games, like tennis, pickleball, or croquet.
🏛️ Go to a Museum
NPL’s Community Passports give cardholders two free passes to local museums. Currently, their only Community Passport is to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. In the past, they’ve had passports to Cheekwood and the National Museum of African American Music, so check back now and then to see if more museums have been added.
🧑🌾 Plant a Garden
You can borrow vegetable, herb, or flower seeds to start your own garden! NPL also offers numerous gardening classes.
🛠️ Fix Things Around the House
NPL has all sorts of tools: Wrenches, radon detectors, stud finders, to name a few.
🎻 Try a New Instrument
Borrow one of the 24 instruments in NPL’s catalog, like a mandolin, handbell set, or violin.
🧶 Start a New Hobby
Want to start sewing? Bird watching? Knitting? Engraving? NPL can help.
🎂 It’s Dessert Time
Borrow cake pans or an ice cream maker for your dessert-making needs, and remember to share with the City Cast Nashville team 😉
🏋️ Get Healthy
Check out a kettlebell, pilates kit, or blood pressure monitor to meet your wellness goals.
🏫 Expand Your Classroom Curriculum
NPL’s numerous curriculum kits for educators and caregivers explore a variety of topics, from the human body to multicultural Cinderella tales to robotics. These kits are awesome, and include books, audio recordings, and videos.
🧑💼Get Hired
Out of work, or looking for something better? NPL can help you revise your résumé, prep for exams, search for a job, and more.
✈️ Apply for a Passport
Make an appointment at the Southeast Library Branch to apply for a passport, and bring all your required documents.
