Library’s NEECAT/Kneecap network reports growth in classes, broadcasts and community partnerships

Library staff and NEECAT (branded as the Kneecap Network) managers reported a rapid expansion in production classes, public bookings and locally produced television and documentary content since joining the library.

Larry Jurick, manager of NEECAT (Library IT and Production Services), said the operation now supports production classes and open studio time for community members and local organizations. He reported 571 active members, three 24/7 channels, availability in approximately 93,000 Comcast homes in Davidson County, and distribution via DirectTV and AT&T U‑verse into several surrounding counties. Studio and production statistics presented to the board included monthly and cumulative production counts and class completions.

Cameron McCaslin, studio manager, gave program metrics: 40 people completed a Production 1 class this year, 96 public bookings totaling 339 production hours recently, and 278 Production 1 completions since the program formally joined the library. Staff highlighted 628 hours of NPL‑specific content broadcast so far and described several in‑house shows, first‑run programs and a new documentary, It’s All Connected: The Art of Sustainability, which premiered at the main library.

Managers outlined outreach and distribution plans: Roku channel availability, continuous web streaming on kneecatnetwork.org, selective YouTube uploads, and efforts to create a “best of” package for distribution. Staff said Comcast will not share viewer data but pointed to Roku and website streaming as measurable access points. The team also discussed a planned NEECAT lending collection (about 100 titles on production and editing) and a possible new building at the old Donelson Library pending lease negotiations with Nashville State and further feasibility work by General Services and Gresham Smith.

Board members asked about partnerships (Belmont, Vanderbilt, Tennessee State, Nashville State) and potential commercialization; managers said patrons own the copyright to patron‑produced shows while library in‑house productions may be marketed or distributed by the library. Staff said capital and equipment funding comes from an annual CATV allocation (roughly $100,000 for equipment) plus library operating budget support, and that a $100 membership fee for classes is used primarily to ensure commitment and cover supplies.

NEECAT staff also described live‑broadcast capability using a LiveU device for events and said they will continue to broadcast community events such as Juneteenth fireworks, Poetry Jam, and Earth Day activities. Shauna Lynn Brandmere was introduced as the NEECAT board chair in attendance.