Vanessa Jones

The Avon Williams Library welcomed over 30 visitors to our annual Open House on Thursday, September 11, 2025, transforming the building into a vibrant hub of activity, conversation, and discovery. The event aimed to showcase the library’s evolving role as a center for education, creativity, and community engagement for the downtown campus.

The event was headlined by the National Museum of African American Music, Hadley Park Library, and the Makerspace. Guests ranging from faculty, staff, and students interacted with the event: Board Games, which included Connect 4, Checkers, Chess, and Scrabble, encouraged relaxation and engagement. Graduate students' raffles featured 3 boxes full of supplies and amenities sponsored by Dr. Johnson. The raffles were held at 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 1:00 pm. Hadley Park Public Library provided signage for library cards and information about Nashville Public Libraries. The Makerspace, presented by Sean Beslin, encouraged hands-on creativity and allowed students and faculty to engage in a 3-dimensional reality, which for some was their first opportunity experiencing the technology. The National Museum of African American Music featured membership information and a raffle. Our Open House raffle featured a TSU care package donated from Amazon, TSU swag, and snacks. Open House additional amenities included free books, snacks, and beverages.

Refreshments were provided by Dr. Vanessa Jones, Kendrea Gregory, Mitchell Chamberlain, Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, and Dean Glenda Alvin. Feedback collected from attendees highlighted appreciation for the library’s inclusivity, innovation, and commitment to serving diverse needs, and faculty and staff continued to visit the library even after the event had ended. Faculty members and students both commented that they didn’t know the Avon Williams Off-Campus Instructional Site had a library until the Open House, proving the event to be an effective outreach opportunity.

The Avon Williams Open House reaffirmed the library’s place not just as a repository of books, but as a dynamic space for connection, curiosity, and collective growth.