Seasons and Holidays

Up close view of the card from President Clinton

In celebration of the holiday season, Metro Archives is featuring the Jo Ann Connor Collection in our latest exhibit. The collection consists of Christmas cards that Jo Ann received from various U.S. presidents over the years, following her husband's MIA status during the Vietnam War. The cards span from President Nixon to President Obama. Here's the story behind how she received the cards, and how they ended up in our repository!

Snuggle up with some of the coziest picture books published in 2023! Each of these wintery stories centers around nature, family, and a spirit of giving. As the days get shorter and the air gets chillier, shared read-alouds are such a fun way to relax and enjoy time with loved ones. 

homemade christmas tree angel

Today, we will discuss Marcia Fenn's upcoming Blessing Tree (November-December) and Black History Month Scavenger Hunt (February 2024).
Marcia Fenn has been a Library Associate at Nashville Public Library's Edmondson Pike Branch since 2021. Over the past three years, she has created and presented multiple popular programs at the Edmondson Pike branch, such as a yearly Breast Cancer Walk, Blessing Tree, and Black History Month Scavenger Hunt. She also runs weekly and monthly programs such as Get Your Walk On, Craft Saturday, The Players Club, and Reading in Color.

Image contains a Santa in a red suit, white beard, and cap waving

In the now 200 years since it was first published, "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" has become a beloved staple of many a holiday celebration. You and your family can experience this classic poem in picture books, in oh so many ways! 

Full moon in a cloudy night sky.

Ready for Halloween? Check out Paige's latest spooky read! Yes, we know that Halloween is two months away but who says we can't start celebrating now?

The Fourth of July is a fitting day to reflect upon our country's history. These picture books help tell a honest, nuanced, and sensitive story of what the Fourth of July means to different people. 

Hygge, pronounced "hoo-ga" is a Danish word which seeks to capture the satisfaction of being cozy. Denmark has consistently been named one of the happiest countries in the world, despite the chilly weather! Getting cozy with a good book is the perfect way to cultivate hygge! Here are some Children's books that spread this unique type of joy that we can all tap into during the darkest days of the year. 

Sidney O'Berry Collection - State Capitol covered in snow in 1976

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, you might get your wish. In Nashville? Yes! How common is that? Not very, according to our weather reports and news clippings. But here are the highlights from the few times it has occurred. 

Book cover illustration which includes three Wampanoag figures and a fox

Many of us are gearing up to celebrate Thanksgiving at the end of the month. But how do teach what is actually a complicated story of conflict and colonization? Learn about books from our collection and online resources that can help us teach a more accurate history.

Diwali, or Deepawali, is a 5-day holiday celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. Beginning on the new moon in October, popular festivities include the lighting of diyas, beautiful clay candles, a great cleaning of the living space, honoring of deities such as Lakshmi and Ganesh, and creating rangoli, decorations from colored sand, inside each room in the house. Check out some books from Nashville Public Library that shine a light on these radiant celebrations!

L'il Rabbit yawns as his Granna lovingly holds him by the kinara.

We could all use a little reminder of what really matters this holiday season. These three titles explore the diverse ways in which kindness prevails in every winter celebration! 

October is pumpkin time!  This ancient food source of indigenous peoples all across the Americas continues to be an important part of our lives and is celebrated both nutritionally and aesthetically.

Summertime fun times almost always include ice cream!  Celebrate summer with your family by creating your own icy cold treats at home.  It's easy and we have resources!

Tennessean photo from 2003 when the bears were being cleaned

Most citizens of this city that have lived here for a few years know what I'm referring to when I say the "Edgehill Polar Bears", but do you know the history of them? Well here are the "bear" necessities.

person in mask holding a basket of hand sanitizer
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If the commercial demands of winter holidays stress you out, December 2020 offers the chance to embrace a new way to be present with the season.

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December marks the shortest days of the year for sunlight, which can negatively affect your mood and mental health. The rest of winter doesn't offer much more sunlight than December does. Learn the signs, symptoms and treatments for depression that has a seasonal pattern, also referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD.

Do you ever feel like you're going to be sick if you have to read one more overly sweet children's book to your kids this holiday season? Well these books about dinosaurs, pirates, and bug-eyed pugs are the perfect remedy for you! 

Have you ever read a book that you just want to hug when you finish? And maybe not let anyone else touch it until you’re ready to let it go? Maybe that's just a children's librarian thing? Anyway, I had that experience with Sealed with a Kiss by Beth Ferry.

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Every year, when December rolls around, I immediately want all things gingerbread. The smell. The taste. The intricately decorated houses. And the books!

During our annual Thanksgiving feasts, we gather around the table with those we love, and indulge in rich and delicious tradition. Health isn’t always the priority during the holidays, so here are a few simple tips and cookbook suggestions to make your Thanksgiving Day a little healthier.

It’s the time of year for feeling grateful. But let’s face it: with today’s busy lifestyle, even the best of us can have a tough time tapping into the “attitude of gratitude.” These books from NPL’s collection might help. From meditations on thankfulness to the essentials of mindfulness practice, these reads offer practical ways to focus on what matters and harness gratitude.

The Winter Olympics may be happening in South Korea, but you can have your own olympics right in your living room!

Most people recognize Nashville as the "Music City" capital of the world, but can you say that you've ever heard its other nickname - "the Powder City of the World"? If you're familiar with the history of the Old Hickory community and the company of DuPont, you probably have. If not, read on. 

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Textbooks are filled with the accomplishments of men throughout history but where are all the women? 

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Books for babies? Really? All they do is chew on them! Right?

Is your tween's favorite holiday Halloween? Do they love creepy, spine-tingling reads? Are you worried they aren't ready for certain titles? Check out these titles that are varying degrees of terrifying.

For a shivery All Hallows' read, try some of these age-appropriate ghost stories for preschoolers.  These books are perfect for those who enjoy a gentle fright or an intriguing story, and are best accompanied by lots of giggles and spooky sounds.

When you glance at your calendar, does it strike fear in your heart to see that a child in your life is having a birthday? Never fear! Books make great gifts - and I'm not just saying that because I'm a librarian!

The summer solstice was June 20. Let's celebrate the official beginnning of summer and learn about how the solstice has been, and still is, celebrated all over the world!