615 Church Street
Nashville, TN 37219
615.862.5800

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Library Information

• Programs & Events
• Storyhours
• Holiday Closures
• Art & Architecture at the Main Library
• Conference Center & Meeting Rooms
• Art Gallery
• Building Map (.pdf)
• Computer Classroom
• Public Computers: Yes
• Public Internet: Yes
• Wireless Internet: Yes
• Multilingual Materials: Children's Division
• Group Study Rooms: Yes
• Copy Machines: Yes
• Restrooms: Yes
• Book drop: Yes

Parking Information

Free Parking is offered for the first hour at the Nashville Public Library Garage. Entrances to the garage are on Sixth and Seventh Avenues between Church and Commerce Streets in downtown. Ten 20-minute parking spots are designated in the garage, immediately outside the door to the library. Accessible parking for persons with disabilities is available on the fourth level of the garage near the entrance to the library. Be advised that the height limit for vehicles is 7 feet 2 inches.

The Library Parking Garage is owned by Metro Government and managed by the Downtown Partnership. For questions regarding the garage, the escalators, and exterior elevators, please call the Downtown Partnership at 743-3090.

Main Library Parking Rates:

• First hour of parking: FREE
• 1 - 1.5 hours: 75 cents
• 1.5 - 2 hours: $1.50
• 2 - 2.5 hours: $2.50
• 2.5 - 3 hours: $3.50
• 3 - 3.5 hours: $4.50
• More than 3.5 hours: Beginning January 1, 2007: $6.00 (the daily maximum for those who park before 5:00 p.m. on weekdays)
• The evening maximum parking rate, (after 5:00 p.m.), and weekend maximum parking rate is $4.00.
• In order to receive parking validation for free and reduced-rate parking, bring your parking ticket to the security desk in the Main Library's entry hall.

Library History
Main Carnegie Library opened in 1904. In 1965, the New Main Public Library opened on Eighth and Union and was designated the Public Library of Nashville & Davidson County with its formal dedication in January, 1966. This library was designated as Ben West Library in 1977. On June 9, 2001 the new 300,000 sq. ft. Main Library building designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects opened to the public.