Education & Research

Learning & DIY Resources

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Databases A-Z (86)

Research and Learning

Special Collections

Repository and research center for historic Nashville materials. Maintains Oral History collections, local artifacts, and primary sources.

Metro Archives

Historically valuable records relating to the local government bodies of the City of Nashville, Davidson County, and Metropolitan Government.

Civil Rights Room

A permanent space for reflection and education about the Civil Rights Movement in Nashville and around the world.

Interlibrary Loan

Use this service to borrow books and articles beyond Nashville Public Library collection. Free to all library members.

Genealogy and Vital Records

Access obituaries; birth, death, and marriage records; and other resources for family history research.

New Computer Users

Find shortcuts to online learning tools. Download ebooks, magazines, music, and movies. Find out what technology is available at public libraries. Find computer classes and job search labs at a library near you.

Tours and School Visits

Learn about group tours of the Main Library and Civil Rights Room, and educational experiences for schools, universities, home school groups, and community groups.

Education Services

For Educators

Specialized services for teachers borrowing library materials and visiting the library with classes.

For Teens

Services for teens.

For Families

Services for families.

Featured Collections

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  • Photo of a school damaged by a bomb

    Civil Rights Collection

    Access primary sources for first-hand experiences detailing the Civil Rights Movement in Nashville.

  • Three soldiers in the desert

    Veterans History Project 

    First-hand experiences of specific wars by Davidson County veterans from World War I to the present.

  • performers on stage

    Digital Collection

    Digitized historical photographs, recordings, and oral histories related to Nashville history.

  • Photo of women in a fire truck at the NFD training center

    Nashville Banner Collection

    The Nashville Banner was a daily run newspaper in Nashville, Tennessee, from April 10, 1876 to February 20, 1998.

  • Autographed picture of Mae West

    Naff Collection

    An assortment of Ryman Auditorium program booklets, photographs, posters, and more, from 1901-1955.

  • Etching of a sailing ship from the Wilson Collection

    Wilson Collection

    Over 800 books published by the Limited Editions Club and Arion Press, as well as separate portfolios of fine artwork.

  • Federal Depository Library Program Logo

    Government Documents

    NPL participates in the Federal Depository Library Program and serves the 5th U.S. Congressional District of Tennessee.