On June 9, 2001, the new downtown Nashville Public Library opened its doors to the public. This event was the capstone for a capital building program for the library system that included the historic renovation of East Branch (2000); new branch libraries in the Bordeaux (2000), Madison (2000), Hermitage (2000), Green Hills (2000), and Edmondson Pike (2000) areas; and the renovation and remodeling of the Edgehill (2001) and Thompson Lane (2001) branches.
We celebrate the tenth anniversary with free events for the whole family, and thank the Nashville Public Library Foundation for its financial support for these activities and exhibits.
 Nashville’s Downtown Puppet Festival
Friday, May 27 – Sunday, May 29, 2011
9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Friday and Saturday
11:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Sunday
Puppet troupes from across the country will join Nashville Public Library’s own performing artists to turn the Main Library into a showcase for puppetry arts. For complete schedule and ticketing information, please visit NashvillePuppetFestival.com.
Celebrating Ten Years of a Downtown Landmark: A Lecture by Robert A.M. Stern
 Thursday, June 2, 2011
12:00 noon
Conference Center
Join us for a talk by architect Robert A.M. Stern about his firm’s design for our beautiful modern classical building. The event is free, but reservations are recommended. A complimentary box lunch will be provided for the first 200 registrants.
Register for the Robert A. M. Stern Lecture
Robert A.M. Stern is a practicing architect, teacher, and writer. As founder and Senior Partner of Robert A.M. Stern Architects, he personally directs the design of each of the firm's projects. He has lectured extensively in the United States and abroad on both historical and contemporary topics in architecture. Fifteen books on Mr. Stern's work have been published, and he is himself the author of numerous works.
Exhibit: Envisioning a Great Library
 June 2 – December 31, 2011
Art Gallery
Learn more about the architecture and the art of the Main Library, designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects. This exhibit highlights the influences of other historic buildings on the architectural style and details of the library and reveals background information on some of the major public artwork featured throughout the building.
Artists of The Limited Editions Club
 Saturday, June 4, 2011
11:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.
East Reading Room
Nashville Public Library is one of a handful of institutions that owns a complete collection of Limited Editions Club books, thanks to the generosity of donor Sadye Tune Wilson. Come learn more about the artists who illustrated these fine press books when book expert Carol Grossman shares the stories she’s gathered about its history.
Carol Grossman, owner of Four Rivers Books in Boulder, Colorado, became interested in Limited Editions Club books when she was a college student and has studied and collected fine press books ever since. She is the author of a forthcoming book on the history of The Limited Editions Club.
Following Carol Grossman’s talk, we will offer a luncheon celebrating the life and work of Sid Shiff, featuring Jeanne Shiff, current owner of The Limited Editions Club.
Please contact Liz Coleman at elizabeth(dot)coleman(at)nashville(dot)gov or 862-5804 x6092 by Friday, May 27 to register for the lunch.
The Bloom: Sand Art by Brian D. Parker
Thursday, June 9, 2011
12:00 Noon
Lobby
You’ve seen sand drawing on the internet—now you can see it performed live! Brian Parker has created a 30-minute live sand art piece to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Main Library. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime event!
Performed by Brian D. Parker
Written by Jeremy W. Childs and Brian D. Parker
Brian Parker is the creator of Parker Designs, a set design and graphic design business. He is a two-time regional Emmy winner and has judged several regional and national Emmy Award competitions. Brian’s designs can be seen in print and on television nationally and in more than a dozen countries around the world.
 Exhibit: Threads of a Story: History Inspiring Art
June 18 – October 9, 2011
Courtyard Gallery
History can be an artist’s muse. The artist’s largest series to date, Charlotta Janssen’s portraits of 1956 Bus Boycotters and 1961 Freedom Riders are based on mug shots of these jailed heroes and other historic photos of the period.
Charlotta Janssen studied painting at the University of the Arts in Berlin. Her work has been exhibited in Tokyo, Shanghai, Berlin, Miami, Telluride, and New York.
Opening Reception: Threads of a Story
Saturday, June 18, 2011
2:00 – 4:30 P.M.
Special Collections Center, Courtyard Gallery
Artist Charlotta Janssen will be at the library to talk about her powerful portraits. Film clips about the Freedom Riders will begin at 2:00, followed by the artist’s reflections on the paintings.
 Annie Sellick—Live!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
2:30 P.M. Reception, 3:00 P.M. Concert
Auditorium
Jazz singer Annie Sellick may be compared to the greats: “Ella’s playfulness, Carmen’s attitude, Betty’s instincts and Anita’s flair…” (Greg Lee, WMOT). But she is unequivocally and undeniably an original. Don’t let her southern drawl, as sweet as biscuits n’ honey, cause you to make assumptions, because there is nothing shy or demure about Ms. Sellick’s control—of the stage, the music, her sound, and her audience.
 Salon @615: Ann Patchett
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
6:15 P.M.
Auditorium
Author Ann Patchett was with us for the library’s opening weekend in 2001, discussing her newly-published novel Bel Canto. We are honored to host her again for the Nashville launch event of her newest work, State of Wonder. Reception, Author Talk, Sales & Signing.
Designing the Library’s Courtyard Garden
Thursday, June 30, 2011
11:30 A.M.
Courtyard
Have you ever wondered about the plants and details in the Main Library’s courtyard? Come learn more from Ben Page, the landscape architect who designed it. Bring your lunch and questions! This event will take place rain or shine.
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