Nashville Library

The Nashville Library is much more than a destination to check out a book. You could happily spend half a day enjoying all the amenities. The library is 3 HUGE floors of resources, but our typical visit is to the children and teen areas.

There is parking in a garage under the library – so no matter the weather you are warm and dry. The entrance to the garage is on 6th Ave N and the first 90 minutes are free – the daily max is $8. Make sure to get your parking ticket validated in the lobby. My kids always get their hand stamped too, usually there are a few cute choices.

Once we turn in our books we head up to the kids area on the second floor. There are rows and rows of books to explore as well as CDs to listen too and computers to use.

Walk though the books and you will find the children’s theatre. The library plays host to Wishing Chair Productions, who put on (in my opinion) the best story time in town. There are showings through out the week and you can find the dates and times here. There are also fantastic puppet shows that are performed though the year.

After some performances there is a craft to do in the craft room directly across the hall from the theatre.

After sitting for a puppet show and doing a craft my kids are usually ready to run around. There is a great courtyard right outside the kids’ area with tables where you can have a snack. We can easily spend 20 minutes out here running around. There is an alcove area that has stone floors and a stone ceiling that makes great echos. Make sure you check it out – no need to be quiet here. 🙂

Downtown Nashville Library - Second floor  Courtyard and fountain

If you have an older child then then Teen Room is the place for you. Located on the 3rd floor it is a bit hidden. Ask a librarian if you need to – it is well worth a visit. There are small study rooms to use for group projects. The library staff play a mean game of chess. Games are set up all the time but there are standing tournaments on Fridays at 3 PM. The staff will help you learn how to play. 🙂 If you are more of a computer gamer there are Wii and Kinect game days too. Homework help is available and on Wednesdays a free snack is given out during  “snack attack”. Check out the teen web page for more fun.

After all the fun make sure you visit the Provence Cafe on the first floor for lunch or coffee. They serve fresh sandwiches, salads and baked goods. The entrance is down a hall behind the main check out desk on the first floor.

Serving counter at the cafe at Nashville's downtown library

Family Fun Facts

Nashville Main Public Library (Map)

Hours : Monday – Closed, Tuesday – Friday 9:00-6:00, Saturday 9:00-5:00, Sunday 2:00-5:00

Cost: FREE

Lauren headshot

Lauren is a transplant from Texas and has become a local tourist exploring the area with her two children. She loves to discover new places in Nashville to share with others.

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