Nashville Public Library Director Kent Oliver is retiring on July 22 from his post after a decade. Under his leadership, the library has taken a stance as a beacon for intellectual freedom by challenging state and nationwide efforts to ban books.
‘If you say you don’t discriminate, prove it’: Former Metro employee supports push for trans-inclusive health benefits
If Nashville’s government offered transgender inclusive health benefits, it could be protection from future discrimination complaints and would make the employer more equitable — the Metro Human Relations Commission report argues.
Nashville Library Director Says Tax Rollback Could Close Most City Libraries
The majority of Nashville’s libraries would have to close if a special referendum succeeds in rolling back Metro’s recent 34% property tax increase. That’s the fear being shared by Nashville Public Library Director Kent Oliver. Just two or three of Nashville’s 21 libraries would be able to stay open — likely the main downtown library and two large regional branches.
The 2010 Flood: Middle Tennesseans Pull Together To Come To Each Other’s Aid
The 2010 flood is often remembered as a time of unity in Middle Tennessee. Neighbors warning neighbors of the danger. Passers-by plucking strangers from the waters. Volunteers distributing food and donations.
The 2010 Flood: A Rising Creek, Panicked Shoppers And A Floating Police Car
Ten years ago this week, Middle Tennessee was faced with a different crisis. Nearly a foot and a half of rain fell on the region in the course of a single weekend. The Cumberland River, along with the streams that feed it, was overwhelmed. In the resulting floods, 21 Tennesseans died and billions of dollars […]
The Handmaid’s Tale, Twitter, and Imagining the Future
Nashville Public Library will give Margaret Atwood its annual literary award this weekend. Listen to her discussion with WPLN’s Nina Cardona about the craft of writing speculative fiction and the demands placed on authors.
Dean to Institute Citywide Book Club of Sorts
A new citywide reading program is set to begin Tuesday in Nashville, and it will start with an assignment. Mayor Karl Dean is scheduled to announce the title of a book he’ll then encourage everyone to read at once.
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