Williamson County Public Library System and AutismTN Will Launch New Inclusive Kits and Program for Autistic Patrons
The Williamson County Public Library System has partnered with AutismTN to launch new items designed to make our library more inclusive and welcoming for Autistic patrons, neurodiverse families, and the entire community. Thanks to funding from the KFC Foundation, they will soon offer:
Sensory Kits: Available for use in the library, these kits include stim aids and other tools to enhance comfort during library visits or at home.
Updated Collections: Books and materials authored by Autistic people, offering neuro-affirming perspectives and valuable insights into neurodiversity.
As part of this project, AutismTN will also host a free public program, “Introduction to the Autistic Neurotype,” on Saturday, January 25, 3:00 p.m. at the Main Library. This engaging session will explore Autistic experiences and ways to create a more inclusive community.
Library Director, Jessica Jeffers – “We are thrilled to introduce our new sensory kits and expanded collection of neurodiverse-friendly books to better serve and support our community. At WCPLS, we believe in fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals, regardless of their abilities, can discover, learn, and engage with the world around them. These sensory kits are designed to create a calming and interactive experience for individuals with sensory processing differences, while our new book collection reflects a variety of neurodiverse perspectives. We’re proud to work with AutismTN to foster greater understanding, inclusion, and accessibility in Middle Tennessee”.
These new resources are expected to be available in January, and we encourage everyone to come explore how Williamson County Public Library is evolving to better serve our community. We’re proud to work with AutismTN to foster greater understanding, inclusion, and accessibility in Middle Tennessee.
For more information about these resources and programs, visit wcpltn.org or learn more about AutismTN’s work at https://autismtn.org.
Franklin Friends of the Library Makes Generous Donation
At the annual luncheon held by the Franklin Friends of the Library, the group proudly presented a generous donation to the Franklin Library. These funds will be used to support the library’s collections, staff development and other initiatives designed to enhance the community’s access to knowledge and resources.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Franklin Friends of the Library for their generous contribution,” said Jessica Jeffers, Library Director. “Their continued support enables us to further our mission of providing educational resources, fostering a love of reading, and ensuring that the library remains a vital and welcoming space for everyone in our community.”
The annual luncheon, attended by Library Trustee members and Friends of the Library members, provided an opportunity to celebrate the partnership between the Library and the Friends group. Attendees heard about the latest developments at the library and how the donation will be put to work in the year ahead.
The Franklin Friends of the Library is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the library through advocacy, and volunteerism. Their efforts play a crucial role in sustaining the library’s growth and ensuring that it continues to serve the needs of the Franklin community.
Fourth Annual Love Our Libraries Event
The Williamson County Library Foundation will hold our fourth annual LoveOurLibraries Event on February 20, 2025. The purpose of this event is to raise funds in support of the library. We are reaching out to you since you are a vital part of our community and you have made an investment in Williamson County and its people.
The author event in early 2024 allowed the Foundation to support the library in these ways:
• Summer Reading for tots through adults
• Literacy programs to get kids reading and keep kids reading:
1,000 books before Kindergarten and 500 books before middle school
• Software to enable online registration of the new study rooms (opening fall 2024!)
• Public awareness campaign
Our author event on February 20, 2025 features local author, Andrew Marnassis and his book, “Strong Inside” in conversation with the Voice of the Predators, Pete Weber (who knows about ALL sports, not just hockey).
Sponsorship and support of this event will allow the library to:
• Support new collections and services
• Provide interactive screen-free alternatives for kids
Provide cultural performances and programming (think opera, ballet, science, craft days)
•Learning Kits for at-home learning
• Help with the startup of the new Bethesda Library
The Library is for everyone. People are there every day learning, working, meeting, collaborating, reading. This resource is free to all Williamson County residents.
Thank you for helping us serve our community.
Deborah Reschke, Volunteer Outreach Coordinator – [email protected]
To learn more about the resources at the Williamson County Public Library System, visit wcpltn.org. 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.
