The Main Library will remain closed through July 28 following the fire in the adjacent parking garage.

Following an assessment of impacts to the building, the temporary closure will allow for completion of a full and thorough cleaning and restoration process by restoration experts, environmentalist professionals, and industrial hygienists. 

Crews began working 24 hours a day in 12-hour shifts immediately following the fire to thoroughly assess the Main Library, which measures roughly 300,000 square feet across five levels. 

Meanwhile, delivery of library books and materials, as well as free services and programs, continue at branch locations across Davidson County. NPL staff are also taking library offerings to other community sites in Nashville. 

Results of Assessment

  • More than 90 percent of the building sustained very light soot and smoke impact. 
    (Light impact occurs when residue found on a surface—a table or furnishing, for example—is so minimal that it cannot at first glance be differentiated from normal dust typically found in any building or workplace.)
  • Meanwhile, less than 10 percent of the building—primarily the Conference Center area on the first floor—sustained moderate or heavy impacts. 
    (Moderate impact occurs when a surface is still visible through soot, and heavy impact occurs when a surface cannot be seen through soot.)
  • Air quality within the Library has been restored to normal, and routine ongoing monitoring will continue throughout the restoration process out of an abundance of caution.
  • Ninety-nine percent of books and materials housed at the Main Library are fully restorable with a light cleaning.
  • Restoration experts are evaluating artwork and other assets throughout the building.

While the Main Library is Closed

  • We are working to redirect books and materials on hold that were located at the Main Library for patron pickup to Looby Branch Library at 2301 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard.
  • You will receive a notification when your items are ready for pickup.
  • For questions and assistance regarding your patron account, please contact us.
  • We also encourage patrons to return books and materials to our other locations across Davidson County during the closure. We hope you will visit us at these locations and use the library online here on our website.
  • We look forward to serving you again at the Main Library soon!

Parking Garage Information