Summer is just now about halfway through, but there is still plenty of fun to be had in July and after! You can always of course put Nashville Public Library at the top of your list for free family fun. We've got plenty of programs to attend, and all the books you may need. Keep up with the latest happenings at Main or any branch by following our Facebook pages, or visit our catalog 24 hours a day at catalog.library.nashville.org. 

But what else is out there? We've gathered up a few suggestions in this blog post. You can make plans for the rest of the summer, or the rest of year! 

Summer Reading Challenge 

Summer Reading Challenge is still happening! You still have through the end of July to keep track of your reading days to win prizes. In fact, if you haven't yet registered, you can register now and track your summer reading days retroactively. How easy is that?

Every 15 days of tracked reading gets you a coupon for a local business or a branch trading card (NEW THIS YEAR!), plus 1 entry in the grand prize drawing. You can repeat this four times this summer! Complete additional bookish activities for more chances to win. Ask your local librarian for more information! 

NPL Community Passports 

Do you know that your NPL library card can get you free admission into the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum (CMHFM)? Through our Community Passports program, NPL library card holders and one guest can visit this world-famous Nashville attraction for free! 

Simply place a hold on a CMHFM passport and pick it up once it is ready at your preferred library branch. You can then visit the museum in the next 7 days. For more information, be sure to read the Community Passports page. 

Museums for All 

Museums for All is an extraordinary program. Through an initiative of the Institute for Museum and Library Services, families receiving SNAP benefits can gain free or reduced admission to more than 1,400 museums nationwide simply by presenting their EBT card and a photo ID. 

Right here in Nashville you can visit: 

• the Frist Art Museum for only $3 per adult (remember: kids under 18 are always free!)
• Cheekwood Estate & Garden with free parking and $3 admission per person for up to four people or $5 per person for admission to both the gardens and the mansion
• the Adventure Science Center with $3 admission per person up to four people
• and The Parthenon for FREE (for up to four people). 

To find participating museums around the country, use the online tool to search by state or zip code. 

Although it is not part of the Museums for All program, the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum offers $5 Family Memberships for residents of Davidson and bordering counties who receive SNAP benefits. For more information, email membership@countrymusichalloffame.org. 

Tennessee State Museum 

Located in downtown Nashville at the corner of Rosa Parks Boulevard and Jefferson Street, the Tennessee State Museum is always free and open to everyone! Dedicated to the history, art, and culture of Tennessee from its first peoples to the present day, there is plenty for the whole family to see and do. 

If visiting with younger children, be sure to check out the Children's Gallery. There is a whole hands-on area where children can play and explore. Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10:30 AM, visit the Children's Galley for Storytime! For more information about kid related happenings at TSM, downloadable coloring pages, and more, be sure to visit TSM Kids. 

Programs at Nashville Public Library 

Finally, there are all sorts of free programs to attend at Nashville Public Library! Check out the online events calendar on our website. You can browse by branch location, audience, or topic. For some fun museum-themed picture books, check out "You Might Also Like." We hope you and your family take the opportunity for some free family fun!