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Outdoors

This heartfelt picture book shares a beautiful poem, written from the perspective of Mother Earth. A great read-aloud for children, it could also help start conversations about climate change and preserving the Earth for future generations.

white person in brown shirt, holding white sign with green chasing arrows image

Ok, "borrow" definitely isn't one of the 3 R's, but it should be an honorary member. And when you borrow from NPL instead of buy new, you're doing our Earth a huge favor. Plus, now there's so much more you can borrow from your library -- take a look!

Not all of us are gifted with a green thumb. However, getting our hands dirty in the garden (or with whatever space you have) can be a fantastic opportunity for you and your child to learn about the natural world. Here are a few books and resources to inspire a love of plants this spring! 

Caterpillar bites into a blade of grass.

Storybook Trails provide a wonderful opportunity for children to engage with print in the natural world. Spread out over 19 different state parks in Tennessee, this project shares stories from picture books about the natural world! What better way to transform a short hike into a learning experience?!

Little girl hangs upside own from a tree next to a boa constrictor

Zonia's Rain Forest by Juana Martinez-Neal goes beyond many bromidic books about the tragedy of global warming typically read for Earth Day. Zonia's vivacious spirit uproots the paradigm of a lifeless, victimized planet  in a way that truly honors our Mother Earth. Follow the young Asháninka heroine as she salutes each of her animal friends and decides to stand up for her forest home.

I'm going on a trip with my family this weekend-the entire crew. My mom and dad, my brother and sister, and all of our significant others. Plus, all the kids.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11. In honor of that momentous occasion, Metro Archives recently had an exhibit highlighting Nashville's impact on space exploration. Here are a few things included in the exhibit! 

The sun is out and it's getting warmer so that can only mean one thing: spring is on its way! Here are a few activities and books you and your little one can enjoy to get you out and into the garden.

Considering how in our modern day and age, seeing (and hearing) airplanes regularly cross Nashville's skies does not appear to make us think twice, doesn't it make you wonder what life must have been like when the first forms of flight were being tested? I suppose to us, it would literally be like seeing pigs fly. Almost. Well Metro Archives is attempting to answer that question. Starting March 28th and running through May 31st, there will an exhibit in Metro Archives highlighting the advancement of aviation technology as Nashville experienced it.  

America's Pastime, baseball, is starting up. Picture yourself in the stadium. Smell the hot dogs and hear the crunch of peanut shells as their trampled. Now, pick up one of these books and enjoy!