Curious Capybara Bookshop

08/13/2025

Today!!

🚨🚨Call to Action: Fight Trans Discrimination & Censorship in Public Libraries 🚨🚨

The Library Board of Sumner County is back at it again. After its discriminatory Collections Policy that targets trans books and information was struck down in July, the Board Chair Joanna Daniels has added it back to the agenda for TOMORROW’S meeting at 3:30 pm.

Of particular concern is the section devoted to “Transgender and Gender Confusing Materials.” It’s copied here for your convenience:
There shall be no materials in the collection of the Libraries of Sumner County subjecting, introducing, condoning, or encouraging a minor to identify with, or live as, a purported identity inconsistent with his or her biological s*x at birth as described in Act 2023, PC 1. There shall be no materials in the collection of the Libraries of Sumner County subjecting, introducing, condoning, or encouraging any persons age 18 and older to identify with, or live as, a purported identity inconsistent with the s*x they are assigned at birth as defined in TCA 4-21-102. Library Directors shall be proactive in implementing this policy. The Library Board shall have full authority under TCA 10-3-104 to hold the Library Director accountable.

While courts across the country have defended the rights of citizens against viewpoint restriction from the government in libraries for many years, as we know, our state is looking to set new precedent in challenging court cases and eroding the rights of our vulnerable citizens. (See U.S. vs. Skrmetti for example)

That’s why it is so important for us to speak out against this discriminatory policy change.

Please take action and let your love be loud!

The policy will be voted on tomorrow, Wednesday, August 13, at 3:30 pm in Room 112 of the Sumner County Administration Building.

We invite you to attend the meeting, speak during public comments, and send an email to the board expressing your concerns with the policy. If you attend the meeting, wear your rainbow shirts, bring your pride and trans flags, and consider bringing a small sign that expresses your support for our trans community.

Direct your emails to: [email protected] & [email protected]

Transgender people are members of our families, our neighbors, our colleagues and friends. Transgender people have always existed and will always exist.

We must keep our libraries inclusive of all people and all identities - places where we are all free to find information and stories that help us understand ourselves and each other.

08/02/2025

NOW AVAILABLE
Some of you may remember my daughter, Sofia, from the store. She's a recent college graduate in search of employment! If you or someone you know is hiring, we would appreciate the referral. She has two degrees, her latest in English & Creative Writing, and is currently enrolled in a Masters program to become a librarian. She is excellent with kids/youth, responsible, detail oriented, and a high achiever. She would work great in an office, a childcare/tutoring setting, basically anything where you need someone reliable and on top of things. She currently prefers full-time, but is definitely open to the right part-time position also. She is looking anywhere from Portland down through Nashville.
This girl has been applying for things left and right since before she graduated in May, and the job market is ROUGH out there! We are finding that a lot of it is about WHO you know that can push your app to the right people, so here we are appealing to the best group of community members we know :)
You can find her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofia-fernandes-786ab32a7/ or DM me for her current CV.

07/22/2025

You know I love me a small business who is a committed, active part of our community!! Guess where I'm buying my next backpack from? Or maybe a sling bag? Or maybe a guitar bag? Or toiletries bag?? The options are nearly endless! Seriously, peeps, please support small businesses who are trying to do good in our world

When I was first made aware of Sumner County not providing school supplies for students this year, I instantly started emailing ginormous companies asking for their support…..

Crickets, or no, was the answer time after time.

Then, I asked Cement6
A small, local, independent company who makes backpacks out of cement bags from Cambodia that were trash- and up-cycled into incredible bags!!

Guess what she said?! YES!! Of course. We would LOVE to help.

Yall 😭😭😭🥹🥹🥹
They were a vendor at bonaroo, that got rained out- but they still said yes.

The giant corporations said no- but Cement6 said YES.

Please remember this company, follow their social media, BUY A BAG- you will LOVE IT!!

SUPPORT- SMALL- LOCAL
They are the ones who support us, and I could not be more thankful and appreciative
🫶❤️

07/08/2025

Shareable Edition:
Friends, i know it’s been a while, but this week is a critical time for sumner county residents. The chair of the library board is promoting alterations to the current collecrion development policy that deeply target books about s*xuality and gender. They are pushing this as a measure of “safety” for children, but it’s censorship and completely antithetical to library missions and standards. It sets a dangerous precident, and don't be fooled into thinking jt would stop with these books. Next on the agenda will be removing books about race or dark portions of our history as a nation.
Earlier this year, I applied for a Director position at one of the sumner county libraries, as I am a professional, Master Degree librarian. In my interview, I was asked by the chair if I was familiar with the ALA, or American Library Association. I told her of course, as I was a member of that professional organization. One of the proposed changes is that directors are NOT ALLOWED to utilize resources from the ALA in their book selections. They seem to want to remove Librarians who are trained in developing a collection that represents the WHOLE community from leadership positions.
All this to say, if you are a sumner county resident, PLEASE make time in your schedule to attend the board meeting tomorrow (Wednesday). If possible, sign up to speak. We can’t let a minority ideology erase the existance of people in our community. We cannot be silent, or they will silence our books. You can see the proposed changes in the link below:

https://sumnercountytn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/070325-Library-Board-Attachment.pdf

07/08/2025

Friends, i know it’s been a while, but this week is a critical time for sumner county residents. The chair of the library board is promoting alterations to the current collecrion development policy that deeply target books about s*xuality and gender. They are pushing this as a measure of “safety” for children, but it’s censorship and completely antithetical to library missions and standards. It sets a dangerous precident, and don't be fooled into thinking jt would stop with these books. Next on the agenda will be removing books about race or dark portions of our history as a nation.
Earlier this year, I applied for a Director position at one of the sumner county libraries, as I am a professional, Master Degree librarian. In my interview, I was asked by the chair if I was familiar with the ALA, or American Library Association. I told her of course, as I was a member of that professional organization. One of the proposed changes is that directors are NOT ALLOWED to utilize resources from the ALA in their book selections. They seem to want to remove Librarians who are trained in developing a collection that represents the WHOLE community from leadership positions.
All this to say, if you are a sumner county resident, PLEASE make time in your schedule to attend the board meeting tomorrow (Wednesday). If possible, sign up to speak. We can’t let a minority ideology erase the existance of people in our community. We cannot be silent, or they will silence our books.

12/26/2024

Pics or it never happened.

06/28/2024

Our bookstore bun, Napoleon Bunnyparte, crossed the rainbow bridge this morning. He has been a piece of my heart for the last 7 years, and it’s now broken. I am comforted by the number of people in our life who have had the opportunity to love him. Rest in peace, my best bun.

06/04/2024

Are you a librarian and want to move to Florida? We’re hiring for two youth services librarians! Working at a university was never on my bingo card. But NSU has a public facing side as well! We are also an independent non-profit university so have a very supportive administration when it comes to the freedom to read. Feel free to DM me if you have any questions.

Check out this job from Nova Southeastern University

05/25/2024

In Savannah GA for a friend’s military retirement, and of course had to find a local bookshop! Any time you have to step down into a basement-like shop, you know it’s going to be good!

05/17/2024

So I’m in town this weekend for my boys’ graduation, and stopped by opry mills on my way to Portland, and randomly ran into this lovely lady who asked me if I used to run curious capybara bookshop! I’m telling you, I felt like a mini celebrity. Thanks for making my day!

05/10/2024

This is the last day of Teacher Appreciation Week, and also happens to be the day that I finally decide to sort through my boxes of Curious Capybara boxes from my move almost a year ago. I’m currently dismantling the remaining teacher gift supplies from last year. Bittersweet y’all. I miss you guys and think of you often ❤️

08/03/2023

Join our friends at Right To Read Sumner for their school year celebration!! Make sure to follow them for more upcoming events and information! ❤️ 📚

✨Hello! Our first community event is only 3 days away and we hope you join us to celebrate the new school year and the love of reading! Right to Read Sumner will be at the Hendersonville and Gallatin public libraries from 11-1 this Saturday, August 5th. Every child will get to pick out a free book while supplies last. We have some incredible selections for all ages you won’t want to miss!✨