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Education & Research

Learning & DIY Databases

Databases A-Z

Databases by Age

Databases By Subject

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.

Votes for Women Room

Votes for Women is an interactive exploration exhibit at the Main Library.

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.

NPL Means Business

An initiative to assist Nashville entrepreneurs and small business owners find resources through the library.

Education Services

For Educators

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

For Parents and Families

Services for families.

Services for Teens

Special services for teens and tweens.

Featured Collections

Civil Rights Collection

Details the Civil Rights Movement in Nashville and across the country.

Veterans History Project

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

Digital Collection

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

Naff Collection

Ryman Auditorium program booklets, photographs, and posters, from 1901-1955.

Nashville Banner Collection

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

Wilson Limited Editions Collection

Includes over 800 books, dating from 1929 to the present, most published by the Limited Editions Club and Arion Press.

Metro Arts Lending Library

Choose from a selection of artworks by local Nashville artists. The collection includes framed paintings, photographs, and mixed media.