Nashville Public Library (Main)

Monday - Closed
Tuesday 9:00-6:00
Wednesday 9:00-6:00
Thursday 9:00-6:00
Friday 9:00-6:00
Saturday 9:00-5:00
Sunday 2:00-5:00

Driving Directions Google Map

From I-40, exit at Church St. and drive towards downtown. The Main Library is located on Church Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues in downtown Nashville.

Bus Routes

From Music City Central, walk South on 5th Ave. to Church St. Turn right on Church St.. The Library is on Church St., between 6th and 7th Ave.

Library Information

• Programs & Events
• Story Time
• 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 ninety minutes in the 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.

You may notice a sign that says "Library and Monthly Parkers Only." This sign indicates that while the garage may be full, there are still reserved spaces for library users available. If you fail to find a parking space, you will be able to leave the garage without charge. Here is a map of all of the public parking downtown; many of the lots are very convenient to the library.

The Library Parking Garage is owned by Metro Government. The Downtown Partnership (242-9909) is responsible for upkeep of the garage, including security, cleaning, elevators and escalators. Central Parking (254-1741) is responsible for collecting parking fees and determining when the lot must close when it is full.

Main Library Parking Rates:

• First 90 minutes of parking: FREE
• 90 minutes - 2 hours: $1.00
• Each additional hour: $2.00
• Weekdays: $10.00 daily maximum
• After 6pm and Weekends: $5.00 daily maximum
• 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.
• Central Parking information on this garage

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.