I'm Your Puppet

I'm currently in Nashville, taking part in the 2011 PLA Results Boot Camp. This professional development workshop offers library staff the chance to learn about strategic planning, data-based decision making, resource allocation, and change management. As part of the program our group was given the opportunity to tour Nashville's Main Library.

Along with the usual amenities offered by a major metropolitan library, the Nashville Public Library also boasts a number of special collections worth checking out. The Wilson Limited Editions Collection includes over 800 books designed and illustrated by artisans for the Limited Editions Club and Arion Press. The Civil Rights Room contains a wide array of media documenting Nashville's role in the Civil Rights struggle. The Nashville Room is a terrific local history resource while Gregory Ridley's copper panels illustrating the story of Nashville represent a terrific example of public art in a library setting.

Of course the thing Nashville Public Library is probably best known for is their collection of Tom Tichenor puppets and the Peeko marionettes. I was excited to find that our tour would take us behind the scenes to the area where the puppets are stored. While there, I couldn't help but snap a few pictures. For whatever reason, I seemed most drawn to the spooky ones.

Enjoy!

Punch and Judy

Assorted Puppets

Hansel and Gretel (Alternate ending)

Hansel and Gretel (Alternate ending)

Scary the Clown