Blog Archives
Adventure Begins at YOUR Library!
Summer is approaching fast, but while the residents of Williamson County are getting ready for some fun in the sun, the Williamson County Public Library System (WCPLS) is busy planning some awesome summertime adventures at your local library!
This year’s summer library program at WCPLS allows for children, teens, and adults of all ages to learn with hands-on experiences and explore new interests with our summer reading theme of Adventure Begins at Your Library. This year’s theme will focus on adventures in nature and outdoors, with events, programs, and guest performers to match! WCPLS’s summer reading program begins Saturday, May 18, and continues until Saturday, August 3. The official summer reading kickoff at the Main Library in Franklin will be Saturday, June 1, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, with the Nashville Zoo providing two hands-on programs for families and children of all ages. Check with your local WCPLS branch for information about their specific summer reading kickoff activities.
Summer reading programs are a fantastic way to continue your child’s education while preventing any loss of literacy skills and vocabulary that they have gained during the school year. Setting aside dedicated time for reading is essential in preventing the “summer slide” and is a great opportunity for parents and kids to connect through a shared love of reading and accomplishment! Children who participate in summer reading programs not only strengthen their reading comprehension and improve their memory skills, but many will also see a boost in their self-esteem. Summer reading programs can also ignite a life-long passion for reading in both children and adults. Parents and children are welcome and encouraged to attend some of WCPLS’s featured fun and educational programs, which include science shows, nature exploration and education, music shows, and more! Don’t forget about our regular summer story times for babies, toddlers, and pre-k kids too!
Children, teens, and adult participants are all eligible to win prizes throughout the summer, including a free book of their choice, coupons, and more simply by logging their reading time and meeting specific reading goals. As a part of the Williamson County program, participants will be entered into a drawing for several grand prizes. These grand prizes will be given away to each age group: Children, Teens, and Adults. WCPLS’s program is free to everyone, making it accessible to the entire Williamson County community. Can’t make it out to the library to check out a book? No worries! Ebooks, audiobooks, graphic novels, and manga all count toward meeting those reading goals! Are your little ones too little to read on their own? Reading out loud to your children or family counts towards your reading goals and theirs!
So, take some time to enjoy reading this summer! To start your summer reading adventure, sign up online with Beanstack or download the Beanstack app to begin logging your minutes and earning those prizes!
WCPLS’s program is made possible with funding from the Williamson County Public Library Foundation. For more information about WCPL’s summer reading programs and services, visit wcpltn.org or your local library branch.
WCPLtn: Discover Learn Succeed
The Williamson County Public Library System’s Main Library is located in downtown Franklin at 1314 Columbia Avenue. Branches are located in Fairview, Bethesda, College Grove, Nolensville, and Leiper’s Fork. For more information about library programs or services, call (615) 595-1243 or visit http://wcpltn.org. Sign up to receive library events and announcements via email here. The library can also be found on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, WordPress, and Twitter via @wcpltn.
Williamson County Public Library System Winter Holiday Closings 2022
The Main Library will be closed on December 24 and 25. The Main Library in Franklin will be open on Friday, December 23, and on Monday, December 26.
The College Grove Branch is always closed on Saturday and Sunday per their normal hours of operation. The Branch will be closed on Friday, December 23, and Monday, December 26, for the holiday.
The Fairview and Nolensville Branches are closed on Sundays per their normal hours of operation. These Branches will be closed on Saturday, December 24, and Monday, December 26, for the holiday.
The Bethesda and Leiper’s Fork Branches are closed on Sundays per their normal hours of operation. These Branches are closed on Friday, December 23, and Saturday, December 24.
No Branches are open on December 24 and 25.
All Branches will close at 4p on December 31st. The Main Library will be closed on Sunday, January 1, and all Branches will be closed on Monday, January 2.
Have a library card? Visit us online and access our e-Library resources. Your PIN is the last 4 digits of your library card number. We have e-audios, streaming videos, e-books, e-magazines, and more. Call us at 615-595-1243 extension 1 before the holidays to learn more.
📝Writing Tips for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) and Beyond
By Chelsea Bennett, Reference Department
Have you started your novel yet? November is National Novel Writing Month, so it’s the perfect time! If you want to commit to writing 50,000 words this month (about the length of The Great Gatsby), visit nanowrimo.org to sign up.
The NaNoWriMo website provides fun and practical resources. You can track your word count, join writing groups (both in person and virtually), and connect with friends. There are badges to win, writing groups to join, and pep talks from established authors to keep you motivated. You’ll even find a “course outline” (especially helpful for writers who are new to this challenge) and discounts on writing tools.
Of course, November isn’t the only time you’re allowed to write your book, and nanowrimo.org isn’t the only place to go for writing help. Yet again, your local library is here to support you! In addition to books by your favorite authors (because the best writers are avid readers), we have tomes full of advice for plotting, writing, editing, and publishing.
If the Williamson County Public Library is your main library, head upstairs to the nonfiction department. Read the list below for a sampling for what’s available, or come browse around in 428 (English Language) and 808 (“Rhetoric,” which includes specific kinds of writing, plus writing composition, theory, and technique) for starters. There are many other specialized titles, too, for screenwriters, poets, nonfiction writers, children’s authors, etc.
Writer’s Market 051 WRI
Get a Literary Agent (Sambuchino) 070.52 SAM
How to Self Publish Your Book (Yager) 070.593 YAG
How to Tell Fate from Destiny: and Other Skillful Word Distinctions (Elster) 428.1 ELS
The Art of Styling Sentences (Longknife) 428.2 LON
25 Great Sentences: and How They Got That Way (Woods) 808 WOO
How to Write like a Writer (Foster) 808.02 FOS
How to Write Fiction Like a Pro (Peck) 808.02 PEC
The Everything Creative Writing Book 808.0420 WHI
The Emotional Wound Thesaurus: a Writer’s Guide to Psychological Trauma (Ackerman)
808.3 ACK
Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure (Bell) 808.3 BAT
Write Great Fiction: Revision & Self-Editing (Bell) 808.3 BAT
Elements of Fiction (Mosley) 808.3 MOS
This Year You Write Your Novel (Mosley) 808.3 MOS
Now Write!: Fiction Writing Exercises from Today’s Best Writers & Teachers (Ellis, ed.)
808.3872 NOW
How to Talk About Places You’ve Never Been (Bayard) 809 BAY
Don’t forget, you can browse the shelves of the library catalogue at wcpltn.org. After logging in to your library account, and clicking on one of the titles above, you can choose BROWSE SHELF in the call number column of that title. Now that you have logged into your library account you can then place a title on hold. The library staff can also help you make an Inter-Library Loan request for books we might not have in our collection.
Good luck writing! Maybe we’ll see one of your books on our library shelves someday. For more information on National Novel Writing Month, and more writing advice, check out our previous NaNoWriMo blog posts below.
Resources:
https://nanowrimo.org/
https://www.wcpltn.org/
https://wcpltn.wordpress.com/2015/10/30/binge-writers-unite-nanowrimo-2015-is-here/
https://wcpltn.wordpress.com/2017/10/27/the-writing-process-nanowrimo/
https://wcpltn.wordpress.com/2019/11/01/writing-tips-and-resources-for-nanowrimo/
Photographs:
Typewriter by Wilhelm Gunkel on Unsplash
Browsing Books by Guzel Maksutova on Unsplash
Williamson County Library System Closed for Veteran’s Day
While our building is closed for the holiday, our library website is always open. Check our our e-Library Books page to explore Tennessee R.E.A.D.S. (with OverDrive and Libby), and Hoopla to access e-books and e-audiobooks. Searching our online catalog will also provide results for OverDrive and Hoopla.
Movie Night at the Library, Monday July 11
Grown-ups can enjoy a movie night too! Join fellow thriller lovers in the Meeting Room at the Main library for JAWS (1975), rated PG-13, on July 11. Let’s see if the jump scares still work. Light snacks will be provided.
The movie begins at 5:00 P.M. and will run for about 2 hours. We can’t wait to see you.
The Williamson County Public Library is located in downtown Franklin at 1314 Columbia Avenue.
All library programs are free and open to the public. Learn more about this event plus other library programs and services by calling the library at 615-595-1243, visiting the library’s website at http://wcpltn.org, and by subscribing to the library e-newsletter.
Please be aware that photos, screenshots, and videos may be taken at library events and activities for library use and publicity. Anyone not wanting to have their photo taken should notify library staff at the time of the event or activity.
Fourth of July Safety
The Fourth of July—A time of unbridled patriotism, cookouts with friends and family, and, of course, fireworks. While fireworks can be very alluring this season, it is important to keep in mind the many dangers that come along with them.
Fireworks contain gunpowder and other combustible chemicals that cause a spectacular explosion when ignited.
As such, this means they come with inherent risks even before they are set loose in the sky. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks are responsible for injuring thousands of people—most victims being children and teenagers. Wounds from fireworks can range from gruesome burns to house fires, even death. Similarly, fireworks can be distressing to pets, especially dogs, who are sensitive to loud noises, strong smells, and flashing lights.
Think about forgoing your own fireworks, keeping not only you safe, but your neighbors, pets, and home. If you can LEGALLY set off your own fireworks, it is recommended to keep young children away from any firecrackers, have a hose or bucket of water on hand, and not operate any combustible items while impaired. For a more detailed list of how to celebrate safely, a link to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission has been included below.
Fortunately, you don’t have to spend your 4th of July completely firework-free. There are three locations in Williamson County to watch professional fireworks. And if sparing your fingers and dry lawn from potential doom are not incentive enough, these sites also offer live entertainment and food trucks, along with a dazzling, explosive display perfect for families and the average fire-enthusiast. Other safe alternatives include watching an outdoor movie that celebrates American independence (with copious amounts of bug spray), using glow sticks or noise makers, or going to see a laser show.
With this information in mind, please have a safe and responsible Fourth of July!
Sources:
Firework Locations in Williamson County: https://nashvillefunforfamilies.com/4th-july-celebrations-middle-tennessee/
How to Celebrate Independence Day Safely: https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks
Fun Alternatives to Fireworks: https://springpowerandgas.us/6-eco-friendly-alternatives-to-fireworks/
By Analise Spiess, Reference Department
Main Library Winter Weather Updated Opening Time
After staff assessment of the Main Library parking lot conditions; opening is now delayed until noon. #FranklinTN #WilCoTN #WilliamsonCounty
Friends of the Williamson County Public Library Book Sale is June 18-20
The Friends of the Main Library Branch in Franklin’s next book sale is coming soon!
The Book Sale will take place on the weekend of June 18 – 20 at Williamson County Public Library’s Main Branch.
The Friends Members Preview Shopping Hour will be on Friday morning from 9:00 to 10:00 am. Current members and new members can renew or join online, by mail, or at the door on the day of the sale for $15 per individual and $25 per family.
The public may enter the book sale from 10 am to 5 pm on Friday and Saturday.
Sunday is the Bag Sale Day! Shoppers will be handed plastic shopping bags which can be filled for $10 per bag. Bags can be filled level to the top of the bag. It’s a great deal but bear in mind, the stock may have turned over greatly during the first two days of the sale.
It’s National Library Workers Day!
Library Patrons can Recognize the Contributions of WCPLS, WCS, FSSD and local Library Workers
National Library Workers Day is April 6, 2021.
Library workers play a critical role in meeting the needs of our community, from offering social service support and health services to career and small business development assistance and tools. April 6 is National Library Workers Day (NLWD), a time to recognize library professionals for their expertise and commitment to transforming lives and communities through education and lifelong learning. The day also reminds us that libraries of all types provide endless opportunities for engagement, enrichment and development.
The Williamson County Public Library System has staff members working in 5 Branch Libraries to provide services online and in-person even during a pandemic. There are more library workers worthy of recognition at our other local libraries in Brentwood and Spring Hill plus the library workers at the Williamson County School system and Franklin Special School District.
To show appreciation for your local library staff and the work they do throughout the year at the Main and Branch Libraries plus your school librarians and other local library staff, members of the community are invited to “Submit a Star” by providing a testimonial about a favorite library employee at http://bit.ly/librarystar. Patrons can share stories about how library staff have an impact on their lives or community. Each testimonial will be posted in the “Galaxy of Stars” on the NLWD website at ala-apa.org/nlwd. to honor library workers. Currently there are only three stars posted for Tennessee library workers, none from Williamson County.
Those celebrating National Library Workers Day also can share their celebrations on Twitter, using #NLWD21, and/or posting to the NLWD Facebook page, facebook.com/NationalLibraryWorkersDay. For more information, please visit ala-apa.org/nlwd.
Established in 2003, National Library Workers Day (NLWD) celebrates the contributions of all library workers, including librarians, support staff and others who make library service possible every day. NLWD is held annually during National Library Week (April 4– 10) and is sponsored by the American Library Association-Allied Professional Association (ALA-APA).
About ALA APA
The ALA Allied Professional Association is a nonprofit organization chartered in the State of Illinois for the purpose of promoting “the mutual professional interests of librarians and other library workers.” The ALA-APA is a companion organization to the American Library Association (ALA), an educational association chartered in the State of Massachusetts to “promote library service and librarianship.”
# # #
.
The Main Library Parking Lot is Covered with Snow and Ice
February 19, 2021
The Adult Services Manager ventured out with her husband to check the Library parking lot. Grandbury was covered with ice and snow at both entrances to the parking lot. The island curbs, speed bumps, and sidewalk were completely covered. Some vehicles had been by to return materials in the book drop. Judging from the tire tracks, more than one vehicle had driven over the first grass island curb at the end of the second aisle of parking spaces!
No materials are due and no late fees are being assessed for Sunday-Friday. Please be safe and do not risk harm to yourselves or your vehicles. We appreciate the efforts but we can wait for it to be safe.
Take care and stay warm!
wcpltn.wordpress.com 