Shhhhhh! Nolensville Library
Libraries are no longer musty-smelling places with “Quiet!” posters taped to the walls. Modern-day libraries are still learning environments stuffed with books— but with an added dose of vim and vigor.
“Our library is a true community hub,” said Takita Caster, branch manager of the No- lensville Public Library. “We have activities for kids, from babies on up. That includes Baby Play Dates and Toddler Story Time. Preschool playtime and Reading Paws with Rosie are also very popular. I think devel- oping the programs for the much younger kids is the main reason we’ve seen a signif- icant increase in grandparents visiting the library with their grandchildren.”
The Nolensville Library has plenty of space to accommodate the monthly meeting of the Nolensville Pushers quilter’s group and the Nolensville Needlers knitter’s group that meets every Friday. The library also schedules special activities for holidays such as Christmas, and they’re always open to considering new activity suggestions.
Takita truly believes in literacy and the value of books. “We’ve gone far beyond a boring and gloomy place where someone walks around shushing people. Instead, this is where we want everyone to come. Every- one, with their various talents, is welcome to come and begin their adventures!”
And, if you don’t have talents, there’s a good chance you may pick up one or two at 915 Oldham Drive. Takita is true to her words. She’s from Nashville, lives in Murfreesboro, and looks forward to the pleasant drive to and from Nolensville each day. She works hard to make the library, which is part of the Williamson County Public Library system, a living entity that grows and changes through its activities and offerings. More than 10,000 books, including e-books and audiobooks, fill the shelves. Computers and WiFi services are available. TEL is part of the online services you can gain access to from the WilliamsonCounty Public Library website.
Planted in the heart of Nolensville, the li- brary was “born” in a small wooden build- ing in the mid-20th century. Nolensville’s Summer Reading Program has provided a huge educational boost for thousands of children.
If you haven’t already done so, ask for
the Red Book the next time you visit. The name references its red covers, which hold together the history of Nolensville from 1797 to 1987. Written and assembled by resident Peggy Wilson, the Red Book can- not leave the library, but you can read it on-site. Take the time. It’s fascinating, and you’re likely to meet some of your ances- tors, silently compressed between those red covers.
