Bellevue-area patrons couldn’t wait for Nashville Public Library to build a new branch in their neighborhood, home to local artists, writers, and entrepreneurs — all dedicated library users. We gathered patrons’ input and incorporated it into our design. Features such as a café space, a giant reading porch, and a green space make our visitors want to linger. Most especially, we leveraged public art to create an engaging “third place.” Together with the Metro Nashville Arts Commission and local artists, we installed two sculptures and a digital history wall at our newest branch.

A local wood turner used reclaimed wood from a tree — removed during construction — to create “Rise Above.” Eighty birds “fly” above patrons as they walk across the branch’s central area. The dichroic glass of our “Great Beginnings” outdoor sculpture changes color as the sunlight shifts. Patrons shared their favorite first lines from books; these excerpts are woven between the leaves. We matched public and private dollars to curate an interactive history wall. It blends past and present in our modern entranceway. Bellevue neighbors are proud of their history. They love exploring its 80-plus fascinating features.

Since our January 2015 opening day, patrons have raved about their new Bellevue branch. They embrace this space as their own “third place,” somewhere to learn, explore, create, and grow for hours at a time. Our patrons have become library ambassadors, encouraging family and friends to visit the Bellevue branch to discover its public art themselves. This art combines nature and technology to inspire reading, advance learning, and connect our community. Since opening, 4,594 patrons have signed up for their new library cards at the Bellevue branch. The destination has attracted 270,991 visitors and circulated 616,584 items.