8th Annual Tennessee Poets Day

Celebrate the 8^th Annual Tennessee Poets Day on April 27, 2024, with the Williamson County Public Library System.

(Franklin, TN) – Calling all poetry enthusiasts and aspiring poets! Join the fun at the 8^th Annual Tennessee Poets Day event on April 27, 2024, organized by Poets from the Neighborhood (PFTN), and held at the Williamson County Public Library. This free, all-ages event is sure to inspire!

The event kicks off at 10 a.m. with a welcome from TN Poets Day founder, Dr. Veera Rajaratnam, followed by keynote speaker, Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson. Share your own poetic musings during open-mic sessions at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Hear lecturers: Tennessee Poet Laureate Margaret Vaughn, renowned poets Jeff Hardin, JoyPoet Veeraja R., David Harris, Annette Sisson, Henry L. Jones, and others. Enjoy song performances by award-winning singer and poet Kathryn Adams. The authors’ book signings at 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. will be the perfect addition to your poetry experience.

Come by to gather inspiration, meet poets, and enjoy some literary entertainment!

The Williamson County Public Library System’s Main Library is located in downtown Franklin at 1314 Columbia Avenue. For more information about library programs or services, call (615) 595-1243 or visit wcpltn.org. Sign up to receive library events and announcements via email by visiting: https://bit.ly/WCPLSenews. The library can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, and X via @wcpltn.  

Visit Sparky at the Main Library Branch in Franklin

Celebrate Fire Prevention Week, Oct 4-10

Franklin Fire Department’s Sparky the Firefighting Dog fiberglass statue will be at the Williamson County Public Library System’s Main Branch in Franklin.  The Franklin Fire Department is letting Sparky stay for the month of October. They are also providing Goody Bags with fire prevention information for families beginning September 30th. The Goody Bags will be on a first come, first served basis.

 The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) has been the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years.  This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” The campaign works to educate everyone about  simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe in their homes and businesses.  

According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Almost half (44%) of reported home fires started in the kitchen. Two-thirds (66%) of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.

“We know cooking fires can be prevented,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice-president of outreach and advocacy. “Staying in the kitchen, using a timer, and avoiding distractions such as electronics or TV are steps everyone can take to keep families safe in their homes.” 

We encourages all residents to embrace the 2020 Fire Prevention Week theme.

Here are some safety tips to keep you from having a cooking fire.

• Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling or broiling. If you have to leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
• If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.
• You have to be alert when cooking. You won’t be alert if you are sleepy, have taken medicine or drugs, or consumed alcohol that makes you drowsy.
• Always keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby when you’re cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan to smother the flame. Turn off the burner, and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.
• Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried. 

For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and cooking fire prevention, visit www.fpw.org.