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Nashville Public Library
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Nashville Public Library

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Nashville Public Library
4.5
359 reviews
#23 of 273 things to do in Nashville
Libraries
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9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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Top ways to experience Nashville Public Library and nearby attractions

The area
Address
Neighborhood: Downtown Nashville
Best nearby
Restaurants
936 within 3 miles
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335
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337
0.1 mi$$$$ • American • Steakhouse • Vegan Options
Jack's Bar-B-Que
3,797
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6,110
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3,219
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Attractions
202 within 6 miles
Ryman Auditorium
13,664
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Theaters
Nashville War Memorial Auditorium
41
516 ftTheaters
National Museum of African American Music
131
0.2 miSpeciality Museums
Victory Memorial Bridge
1
200 ftBridges
Tennessee Performing Arts Center
355
0.2 miTheaters
Downtown Presbyterian Church
14
0.1 miHistoric Sites • Architectural Buildings
Nashville Convention Center
42
0.1 miConvention Centers
The District
630
0.2 miNeighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
15,112
0.4 miSpeciality Museums
Downtown Nashville
10,056
0.2 miNeighborhoods
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
359 reviews
Excellent
249
Very good
87
Average
17
Poor
2
Terrible
4
michael m
Conway, AR12 contributions
I had a few minutes to spend
Aug 2022
While waiting for my i-ride tour of Nashville, I stepped into the library to look for a book by Oliver Stone as reccomended by a tourist at The Hermitage Museum. I noticed the seed-sharing feature using an old card-file, and was intrigued at this. I used the restroom before leaving, was greeted by the desk resource clerk, and felt I had made excellent use of this time to be informed.
Written August 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael
Woking, UK255 contributions
Browsing
Feb 2020
We only stopped here for a short while to have a look around. The architecture is quite stunning if you go to see that and nothing else. There were lots of collections, lots of books and even DVD's etc. to read/rent, and there appeared to be good space for reading. We went to see the Grand Reading Room but unfortunately it was closed; we could still look in but just not enter. The janitor approached us and he was very nice, very funny and gave us a little background on the Grand Reading Room. The library is very well maintained, credit to him also I guess. I would pop in if passing by as it was quite awesome to see.
Written April 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Susie S
Seattle, WA3 contributions
AO much better than the tourist traps!
Dec 2022 • Solo
The short documentary films in the Civil Rights Room are really moving. Well worth 45 min to 4 hrs, infinitely more than the many tourist traps. And it’s free.
Many thanks to the other reviewers who recommended this!
Written December 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lois V
Los Angeles, CA139 contributions
One of the most beautiful libraries I have seen, with fantastic exhibits.
Mar 2022
The building is beautiful, and the children’s section is spectacular. If you have kids, there are wonderful play areas and a puppet section.
The special exhibits on Women’s Suffrage and Civil Rights (don’t miss the film!) are so well done and informative.
Take an hour or two….you will be glad you did!
Written March 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kim C
4 contributions
Outstanding Public Library
Feb 2020
I visit public libraries where ever I travel. This space was beautiful yet functional. I was particularly impressed with the archival section featuring Nashville public records dating back to the 1800s.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sueg353
Aurora, IL41 contributions
Great deal for downtown parking
Nov 2013 • Friends
You can park at the library after 5pm for $3-5 dollars, depending on the day, and no more than $10 for the day. About three blocks from the Ryman and Broadway bars and restaurants.
Written November 25, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
fullerlaura
Nashville, TN6 contributions
Don't miss the 2nd floor
Jul 2018 • Friends
The 2nd floor is where the best stuff is, check out the Nashville room and get goosebumps at the civil rights lunch counter. they have a rotating exhibit also on the 2nd floor overlooking the ground floor, always something interesting there. If you have kids the kids room on the 2nd floor is AMAZING so many things for kids to do and it also houses the wishing chair puppet production and they quite often preform plays for the kids.
Written August 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Godenar
Nashville, TN197 contributions
A Day at the Downtown Library
May 2012 • Solo
I'm very proud of my city's main library, and I enjoy spending the day or half-day just hanging out there.

Right in the middle of downtown Nashville at 615 Church Street, the Library, designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, looks like it might have been a bank from the early 20th century. It wasn't. The building was a shopping center, but only the attached parking lot hints at its history, and this remodeling only opened in 2001.

The external columns, capacious marble entry hall, and wide central stairway suggest the grand style of bigger city libraries.

Everything is tastefully executed, and the entry hall has just the right amount of echo. The Library's web site describes its style as "Modern Classical." (For more on Art and Architecture at the Library, see http://www.library.nashville.org/artgallery/art_libraryartarchitecture.asp .)

I enjoy reading in the wood-paneled Grand Reading Room, which features a Hammered Copper Repoussé, (a frieze) "A Story of Nashville." On the Church Street side of the Reading Room, a picture window opens up to the 1859 State Capitol.

On the second floor there's an art gallery around the perimeter of the balcony overlooking the main hall, where historical photographs and other art reflecting Nashville and Tennessee are displayed.

Climb the stairs, and you'll discover a beautifully landscaped Courtyard with fountain, like a little park, where it's nice to read, or just sit and listen to the fountain and the birds.

There's a Provence Breads and Café on Church Street, which is also part of the library, and Provence is well known in Nashville for its breads and pastries. Provence suggests a French café, and is comfortable and nicely done. I like to buy a sandwich and coffee, and enjoy my food in the Library Courtyard.

Oh, I didn't say anything about books. The Library has an impressive borrowing collection. Historical photograph collections are also seeing. There's also the Kenneth A. Kanter Collection of American Music and Theater, which features recordings and other musical theater items through 2006, donated by a former rabbi.

Library parking is free for the first 90 minutes, and reasonable after that.

The Library's former slogan was "A city with a great library is a great city," and this Library certainly speaks well for Nashville.
Written May 6, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Colleen P
Hubbardston, MA6 contributions
Beautiful building
Sep 2019
I love this place and it's a perfect venue to hold any type of gathering. I went for a documentary premier and had no idea the beautiful venue it was. I highly recommend it.
Written October 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jil R
Chicago, IL491 contributions
American History Lessons
Oct 2019
Not only is the library especially beautiful, but there is a plethora of information inside. They have a photo history of Nashville mayors on display. A wonder history of the founding members of the Black YWCA in Nashville, which gives a very detailed glimpse of Black Society Women of the day. It was very impressive. There is also a humbling exhibit of the segregation movement. There is a short film that accompanies this display that is very much worth watching.
Written October 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Nashville Public Library - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Nashville Public Library
Nashville Public Library is open:
  • Sun - Sun 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Mon - Fri 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Sat - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Nashville Public Library tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Nashville Public Library tours on Tripadvisor