Winter-Palooza
2024-01-04 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Library Meeting Room, 9318 Apison Pike, Collegedale, TN, United States
This program is open to all ages!
Looking for something to do over the holiday break to beat the Winter blues? It’s cold outside — so visit us inside the warm library for a Winter-themed movie, a super cool craft and snacks! We will show the adorable Academy Award Winning family film, Happy Feet on our big screen. In addition we will have a Hot Chocolate Bar to build your own hot beverage and cookies. During the movie everyone is invited to work on Diamond Painting Snowflakes. Snowflakes include a clip chain where you can add your beautiful Winter creation to a backpack, purse, keyring, etc. Feel free to bring a blanket from home if you prefer to sit on the floor during the movie.

Crime Reads Book Club: Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger
2024-01-06 15:00 - 16:00 | Library Meeting Room, 9318 Apison Pike, Collegedale, TN, United States
“That was it. That was all of it. A grace so ordinary there was no reason at all to remember it. Yet I have never across the forty years since it was spoken forgotten a single word.”
New Bremen, Minnesota, 1961. The Twins were playing their debut season, ice-cold root beers were selling out at the soda counter of Halderson’s Drugstore, and Hot Stuff comic books were a mainstay on every barbershop magazine rack. It was a time of innocence and hope for a country with a new, young president. But for thirteen-year-old Frank Drum it was a grim summer in which death visited frequently and assumed many forms. Accident. Nature. Suicide. Murder.
Frank begins the season preoccupied with the concerns of any teenage boy, but when tragedy unexpectedly strikes his family— which includes his Methodist minister father; his passionate, artistic mother; Juilliard-bound older sister; and wise-beyond-his-years kid brother— he finds himself thrust into an adult world full of secrets, lies, adultery, and betrayal, suddenly called upon to demonstrate a maturity and gumption beyond his years.
Told from Frank’s perspective forty years after that fateful summer, Ordinary Grace is a brilliantly moving account of a boy standing at the door of his young manhood, trying to understand a world that seems to be falling apart around him. It is an unforgettable novel about discovering the terrible price of wisdom and the enduring grace of God.

Adult Craft: Snowflake Mason Jar
2024-01-09 17:00 - 18:15 | Library Meeting Room, 9318 Apison Pike, Collegedale, TN, United States
We will paint glass jar snowflake votives to celebrate Winter. Participants paint a snowy jar and add Epsom salt and a tealight to make a fun and cute decorative centerpiece to help fill the void after the holiday decorations have come down.

Sign Language Basics for Adults, Teens & Tweens
2024-01-10 17:00 - 18:00, 2024-02-14 17:00 - 17:45, 2024-03-13 17:00 - 17:45 | Library Meeting Room, 9318 Apison Pike, Collegedale, TN, United States
Our Collegedale neighbor and library patron Ms. Sharon will be here to teach us some of the basics of ASL communication. She will demonstrate greetings, basic words and emotions in order to greet our deaf friends in the community. Have you ever wished you could sign welcoming communications when greeting deaf or hard of hearing neighbors, classmates, church friends, etc? If so, join Ms. Sharon for a taste of ASL communications!

Sign Language for Babies & Toddlers
2024-01-17 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-02-21 14:00 - 14:30 | Library Meeting Room, 9318 Apison Pike, Collegedale, TN, United States
Our Collegedale neighbor and library patron Ms. Sharon will be here to teach us some of the basics of ASL communication. She will demonstrate greetings, basic words and emotions in order to greet our deaf friends in the community. Have you ever wished you could sign welcoming communications when greeting deaf or hard of hearing neighbors, classmates, church friends, etc? If so, join Ms. Sharon for a small taste of ASL communications!

Free One-on-One Financial Assistance with Licensed Expert
2024-01-17 17:00 - 19:00 | Library Meeting Room, 9318 Apison Pike, Collegedale, TN, United States
The Library is offering One-on-One sessions with Anthony Young who is a financial advisor from Thrivent, a nonprofit financial organization. 30 minute sessions are free and private in our meeting room.
Getting your finances in order isn’t always easy or clear. That’s why Anthony is here to provide the expertise and support you need. Whether you’re just starting out or preparing for a meaningful retirement, you deserve personalized financial guidance driven by what’s important to you. Together, we’ll assess your financial picture and explore how you can.

There are 4 sessions available starting at 5:00 p.m. Sessions are free, but limited, please register for a session (only one session per person); if you need to cancel, please let us know so we can contact someone on the waiting list. If you do not get a session this time, the library will be hosting Anthony again on future dates.​ *No products will be sold*

Pre-register today to reserve a spot!

Snowflake Origami Art Workshop
2024-01-18 16:00 - 17:00 | Library Meeting Room, 9318 Apison Pike, Collegedale, TN, United States
Join us for a free Winter afternoon of learning the art of folding origami snowflakes! We will make lovely snowflakes to hang in our window in order to encourage real snowflakes to fall in our backyards this season!

Crime Reads Book Club: The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
2024-01-23 08:00 - 17:00 | Library Meeting Room, 9318 Apison Pike, Collegedale, TN, United States
GOODREADS CHOICE AWARD WINNER FOR BEST MYSTERY & THRILLER
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Guest List comes a new locked room mystery, set in a Paris apartment building in which every resident has something to hide…
Jess needs a fresh start. She’s broke and alone, and she’s just left her job under less than ideal circumstances. Her half-brother Ben didn’t sound thrilled when she asked if she could crash with him for a bit, but he didn’t say no, and surely everything will look better from Paris. Only when she shows up – to find a very nice apartment, could Ben really have afforded this? – he’s not there.
The longer Ben stays missing, the more Jess starts to dig into her brother’s situation, and the more questions she has. Ben’s neighbors are an eclectic bunch, and not particularly friendly. Jess may have come to Paris to escape her past, but it’s starting to look like it’s Ben’s future that’s in question.
The socialite – The nice guy – The alcoholic – The girl on the verge – The concierge
Everyone’s a neighbor. Everyone’s a suspect. And everyone knows something they’re not telling.

Collegedale Family BINGO Night!
2024-01-23 17:00 - 18:00 | Library Meeting Room, 9318 Apison Pike, Collegedale, TN, United States
BINGO is back! We will play in rounds and will be open to all ages! We will play for one hour and winners for each round will win small prizes. We hope to see you there.
Meets in the Collegedale City Hall Building, West Room.

String Theory
2024-01-27 15:00 - 16:00, 2024-02-24 15:00 - 16:00 | Library Meeting Room, 9318 Apison Pike, Collegedale, TN, United States
Bring any style of needlework project (knit, crochet, cross stitch, embroidery…) to this informal gathering and talk about books, recipes, and whatever else strikes your fancy while you work.

Paws to Read with Therapy Dog
2024-01-30 16:00 - 17:00, 2024-02-27 16:00 - 17:00 | Library Meeting Room, 9318 Apison Pike, Collegedale, TN, United States
Meet Atreyu! This pup is all ears and ready to hear you read to him during our Paws to Read hour. Pick a book from our shelves and read to Atreyu or visit with him. If you are shy around dogs, you can watch Atreyu while you do the small craft provided. For safety, we will limit the number of people in the room with Atreyu at one time.

Fiction Addiction Book Club: The First Ladies by Marie Benedict
2024-01-30 17:00 - 18:00 | Library Meeting Room, 9318 Apison Pike, Collegedale, TN, United States
The Instant New York Times Bestseller!
A novel about the extraordinary partnership between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune—an unlikely friendship that changed the world, from the New York Times bestselling authors of the Good Morning America Book Club pick The Personal Librarian.
The daughter of formerly enslaved parents, Mary McLeod Bethune refuses to back down as white supremacists attempt to thwart her work. She marches on as an activist and an educator, and as her reputation grows she becomes a celebrity, revered by titans of business and recognized by U.S. Presidents. Eleanor Roosevelt herself is awestruck and eager to make her acquaintance. Initially drawn together because of their shared belief in women’s rights and the power of education, Mary and Eleanor become fast friends confiding their secrets, hopes and dreams—and holding each other’s hands through tragedy and triumph.
When Franklin Delano Roosevelt is elected president, the two women begin to collaborate more closely, particularly as Eleanor moves toward her own agenda separate from FDR, a consequence of the devastating discovery of her husband’s secret love affair. Eleanor becomes a controversial First Lady for her outspokenness, particularly on civil rights. And when she receives threats because of her strong ties to Mary, it only fuels the women’s desire to fight together for justice and equality.
This is the story of two different, yet equally formidable, passionate, and committed women, and the way in which their singular friendship helped form the foundation for the modern civil rights movement.

Village Valentines: Card Making Workshop
2024-02-06 16:30 - 18:00 | Library Meeting Room, 9318 Apison Pike, Collegedale, TN, United States
Help us give back to our community this Valentine’s Day! We will assemble a card making workshop for folks to drop-in and create Valentine cards to be distributed to residents at local assisted living and nursing home residences. Please stop in and make one – or ten cards!

Valentine’s Origami
2024-02-08 17:00 - 18:00 | Library Meeting Room, 9318 Apison Pike, Collegedale, TN, United States
We welcome Mrs. Shirley and Emily back this month for origami fun just in time for Valentine’s Day! Join us this afternoon while they teach us the steps for folding Valentine hearts and flower creations.

Mardi Gras at the Library!
2024-02-13 | TN
Stop by the Library today and “Laissez les bons temps rouler!” Check out our Interactive Mardi Gras display, create your own festive Mardi Gras masks, take home some Mardi Gras handouts, check out some celebratory books and indulge in a mini King’s Cake from Tasty Donuts (while supplies last)!
*Also, Books for beads! Check out books today and earn some Mardi Gras beads.

Books for Beads!
2024-02-13 | TN
Books for beads! Stop in the library today (Tuesday, February 13th for Mardi Gras), check out book(s) and earn some Mardi Gras beads to wear and show your New Orleans spirit. There is no cost – this is just a fun way to get folks into the library and share information on a holiday and culture that is unique to another U.S. state and region.
If you do not have a Collegedale Public Library Card, you can still earn beads! Just stop by our library and show us the book you are currently reading from your personal collection – or even sign up for a library card!
While you are in, check out our interactive Mardi Gras display!

Adult Craft: Book Bouquets
2024-02-13 17:00 - 18:15 | Library Meeting Room, 9318 Apison Pike, Collegedale, TN, United States
We will be making Valentine floral bouquets using vintage book pages to give to a friend, spouse, family member or to keep for yourself! Pretty, small glass bud vases will be provided to hold your floral bouquet. The beauty of these bouquets is that they will never die!

Author Talk: Lyn Gilleland
2024-02-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Library Meeting Room, 9318 Apison Pike, Collegedale, TN, United States
Local author Lyn Gilleland will discuss her Young Adult book Threads of Fate in the Library Meeting Room. Her discussion will kick-off the 2024 Local Author Series sponsored by the Friends of Collegedale Public Library.

2024-02-21 17:00 - 20:00 | Library Meeting Room, 9318 Apison Pike, Collegedale, TN, United States
The Library is offering One-on-One sessions with Anthony Young who is a financial advisor from Thrivent, a nonprofit financial organization. 30 minute sessions are free and private in our meeting room.
Getting your finances in order isn’t always easy or clear. That’s why Anthony is here to provide the expertise and support you need. Whether you’re just starting out or preparing for a meaningful retirement, you deserve personalized financial guidance driven by what’s important to you. Together, we’ll assess your financial picture and explore how you can.

There are 4 sessions available starting at 5:00 p.m. Sessions are free, but limited, please register for a session (only one session per person); if you need to cancel, please let us know so we can contact someone on the waiting list. If you do not get a session this time, the library will be hosting Anthony again on future dates.​ *No products will be sold*

Pre-register today to reserve a spot!

Crime Reads Book Club: Clark and Division by Naomi Hirahara
2024-03-02 15:00 - 16:00 | Library Meeting Room, 9318 Apison Pike, Collegedale, TN, United States
Chicago, 1944: Twenty-year-old Aki Ito and her parents have just been released from Manzanar, where they have been detained by the US government since the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, together with thousands of other Japanese Americans. The life in California the Itos were forced to leave behind is gone; instead, they are being resettled two thousand miles away in Chicago, where Aki’s older sister, Rose, was sent months earlier and moved to the new Japanese American neighborhood near Clark and Division streets. But on the eve of the Ito family’s reunion, Rose is killed by a subway train.
Aki, who worshipped her sister, is stunned. Officials are ruling Rose’s death a suicide. Aki cannot believe her perfect, polished, and optimistic sister would end her life. Her instinct tells her there is much more to the story, and she knows she is the only person who could ever learn the truth.
Inspired by historical events, Clark and Division infuses an atmospheric and heartbreakingly real crime fiction plot with rich period details and delicately wrought personal stories Naomi Hirahara has gleaned from thirty years of research and archival work in Japanese American history.
Naomi Hirahara is the Edgar Award-winning author of multiple mystery series, noir short stories, nonfiction history books and one middle-grade novel. Her Mas Arai series, which features a Los Angeles gardener and Hiroshima survivor who solves crimes, has been translated into Japanese, French and Korean. Her two other series star a young mixed race female LAPD bicycle cop, Ellie Rush, and a Filipina-Japanese American woman in Kauai, Lellani Santiago. Her first historical mystery, CLARK AND DIVISION, will be released by Soho Crime in August 2021. She, her husband and Jack Russell dog live happily in her birthplace of Pasadena, California.

Adult Craft: Pot ‘o Gold Rainbow Wreaths
2024-03-05 17:00 - 18:15 | City Hall​, 4910 Swinyar Dr, Collegedale, TN, 37315, United States
We will be crafting Pot ‘o Gold Rainbow Wreaths to decorate our doors for Saint Patrick’s Day and could even carry into April for “April Showers” month since we see a lot of rainbows during this time of year. ?
Please note:

This event will be capped at 24 participants.
First come, first served.
No seat-saving.
Participants must be aged 17+ years old.
This activity will meet in a new location, The Collegedale City Hall Building – West Room.

One-on-One with a Financial Advisor
2024-03-06 17:00 - 19:00 | Library Meeting Room, 9318 Apison Pike, Collegedale, TN, United States
The Library is offering One-on-One sessions with Anthony Young who is a licensed financial advisor from Thrivent, a non-profit financial organization. 30 minute sessions are free and private in our meeting room. Getting your finances in order isn’t always easy or clear. That’s why Anthony is here to provide the expertise and support you need. Whether you’re just starting out or preparing for a meaningful retirement, you deserve personalized financial guidance driven by what’s important to you. Together, we’ll assess your financial picture and explore how you can.
There are 4 sessions available starting at 5:00 p.m. Sessions are free, but limited, please register for a session (only one session per person); if you need to cancel, please let us know so we can contact someone on the waiting list. If you do not get a session this time, the library will be hosting Anthony again on future dates.​ *No products will be sold*
Pre-register today to reserve a spot!

Collegedale Family BINGO Night
2024-03-12 17:00 - 18:00 | City Hall​, 4910 Swinyar Dr, Collegedale, TN, 37315, United States
BINGO is back! We will play in rounds and will be open to all ages! We will play for one hour and winners for each round will win small prizes. We hope to see you there for an early evening of family fun.
This activity meets in the Collegedale City Hall Building – West Room.

Family Fun: Leprechaun Rainbow Craft
2024-03-14 16:30 - 17:30 | City Hall​, 4910 Swinyar Dr, Collegedale, TN, 37315, United States
This Family Fun activity is intended for all ages! It is a great opportunity for parents or grandparents to craft with a child or a teen – or even for two adult friends to spend some quality time together. We will be making these rainbows using repurpose cardboard + multi-colored pom-pom balls and glue. Note: This activity is capped at 35 participants, first come, served.

Friends of Collegedale Public Library Local Author Presentation: Bonnie Blaylock - Light to the Hills
2024-03-17 14:00 - 15:00 | Library Meeting Room, 9318 Apison Pike, Collegedale, TN, United States
Friends of Collegedale Public Library’s Local Author Presentation: Bonnie Blaylock’s Light to the Hills.
Bonnie writes historical fiction and women’s fiction, although she’s not ruling out other genres in the future. Before publishing personal essays and delving into longer fiction, in a past life, she authored multiple tech/science articles in the realm of environmental science. She currently lives on a small farm near Nashville. Bonnie welcomes readers and is always available for reader group chats. Please visit her at www.bonnieblaylock.com for more information. She is a member of HNS and the Women’s National Book Association.
Light to the Hills is a richly rewarding novel about family bonds, the power of words, and the resilience of mothers and daughters in 1930s Appalachia.
The folks in the Kentucky Appalachians are scraping by. Coal mining and hardscrabble know-how are a way of life for these isolated people. But when Amanda Rye, a young widowed mother and traveling packhorse librarian, comes through a mountain community hit hard by the nation’s economic collapse, she brings with her hope, courage, and apple pie. Along the way, Amanda takes a shine to the MacInteer family, especially to the gentle Rai; her quick-study daughter, Sass; and Finn, the eldest son who’s easy to warm to. They remind Amanda of her childhood and her parents with whom she longs to be reconciled.
Her connection with the MacInteers deepens, and Amanda shares with them a dangerous secret from her past. When that secret catches up with Amanda in the present, she, Rai, Sass, and Finn find their lives intersecting—and threatened—in the most unexpected ways. Now they must come together as the truth lights a path toward survival, mountain justice, forgiveness, and hope.
