Nashville library's "secret menu" includes free streaming, seeds, more
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People borrowed more than 7 million items from the Nashville Public Library last year, but a deeper look at the data might surprise you.
Why it matters: A Nashville library card isn't just about books anymore. Residents also have access to tool boxes, Taylor Swift's vinyl records and cherry tomato seeds.
- The full catalogue is like the "secret menu" at Starbucks — but it isn't supposed to be a secret.
Driving the news: The library is starting a monthlong campaign Tuesday encouraging people to sign up and explore the diversity of its offerings for free.
By the numbers: More than 266,600 people have Nashville library cards, according to the library's latest figures.
- Davidson County has a population of 716,000, leaving plenty of room for growth.
The big picture: As part of its campaign, the library is highlighting lesser known benefits of a library card.
🎨 As we've mentioned before, you can decorate your home with a selection of fine art that is available to rent.
🛜 Cardholders can check out Kindle and audio books without stepping foot inside a branch.
📺 TV shows and movies you might find on Netflix or Hulu are available to stream for free.
🍃 Gardeners can "borrow" seeds at many branches. The idea is to collect the seeds from your harvest of flowers or fruits and then bring those back for the next borrower to use.
📰 The New York Times might be behind a paywall, but cardholders can use the library website to get a 24-hour access code.
- PressReader offers access to hundreds of other newspapers and magazines.
🎲 If you don't have Yahtzee, you can browse the collection of games and take it home for up to three weeks.
🎟️ Use a Community Passport to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for free.
Yes, but: Nashville's library of things — which allows residents to borrow ukuleles, ice cream makers, sewing machines and much more — is temporarily unavailable because of a fire near the main branch.
- That collection will be back online once the branch reopens.
State of play: Library cards are free for Nashville residents.
- If you live nearby, you can get a free library card for physical check-outs only, or you can pay a $10 annual fee for access to the virtual catalogue.