The Nashville Public Library is a great example of why I love public libraries: it's not just…read morebooks, it's a resource for the community. This library, located in downtown Nashville, has lots of resources for people, including my favorite: a "Library of Things" where people can check out useful objects, such as musical instruments, tools, baking pans, weights, pedometers, sewing machines, binoculars, etc. In the teen area, there is a huge maker space with instruments, a loom for weaving, fabric and yarn for creating things, a podcast room, tools and all kinds of things that teens can use to be creative. The children's area of the library has a big play structure that looks like a ship, as well as a rock climbing wall (I know!), sensory toys, and little nooks with areas set up for play. There's a whole section on the third floor with charging stations and places for adults to hang out. My magazine-loving self loved that they had an archive of old magazines bound into books. I found decades-old copies of Seventeen and Vogue. The whole library itself is beautiful, with marble floors and lots of windows. It was super quiet when I visited. What a beautiful and useful space for the community.

I recently visited the Downtown Nashville Public Library to explore the Civil Rights Room and Votes…read morefor Women exhibit on the second floor in Special Collections. The building impressed me with its beautiful architecture--spacious with perfect lighting throughout. The helpful front desk librarian directed me to Special Collections, accessible via elevator or the stunning winding staircase leading to the circular second-floor rotunda. The Civil Rights Room (established 2002, renovated summer 2024) houses thousands of books documenting the movement--from biographies of leaders to Nashville's specific contributions. The collection spans academic works, personal accounts, photographic histories, and legal analyses. The room's centerpiece is a circular table with the actual rules students followed during lunch counter sit-ins etched into its surface. A separate small viewing room offers videos about the movement, and the librarian on duty provided me resources to take home. The Votes for Women Room (established spring 2020, modeled after the Civil Rights Room) commemorates the 19th Amendment's centennial. This visually striking space with bold colors showcases women from diverse backgrounds who fought for suffrage from the 1800s onward. The room was funded by numerous benefactors committed to preserving this important history. Interactive displays, videos, and a comprehensive timeline eloquently present women's long struggle for equality. Notable figures include the determined Ida B. Wells alongside contemporary voices like Tarana Burke, known for establishing the "Me Too Movement." This room clearly connects past struggles to present day challenges. Pro Tips: * Parking: Use the garage (3rd and 4th floor). First 60 minutes free on weekdays, 90 minutes on weekends. Bring your parking ticket to the front desk for validation. * Taking Uber/Lyft is a convenient alternative to downtown parking. * Check the website for hours, parking details, and upcoming special exhibits. * The children's section is outstanding and interactive--perfect for families! * On-site restaurant plus numerous nearby restaurants and coffee shops. * Hotels: Many are available downtown for tourists. * Other nearby attractions: TN State Capitol, Tennessee State Museum, Farmers' Market, Bicentennial Mall, Nashville Symphony, Ryman Auditorium, National Museum of African American Music, Country Music Hall of Fame. As Coretta Scott King said, "Struggle is a never-ending process. Freedom is never really won; you earn it and win it in every generation." These exhibits aren't just history--they're powerful reminders of ongoing struggles. We should not take anything for granted! While Nashville is famous for music, don't miss this special place that connects us to important American History. It will be an experience for you and your family to appreciate the struggles of the past and connect with an important part of American History.

Searching for a good place to sit down and get some work done, I looked up the nearest library and…read morewas so glad to find this one! The entrance is really beautiful and has a path to walk around outside, including a park that would be awesome for you if you have kiddos. The library as a whole, both inside and outside, was super clean and nice. There are many computers to use for free as well as places to sit by the window with charging ports for any electronic devices you may need to charge. There were two study rooms that looks really nice, although they were both full when I visited. It would be awesome if they could add another study room or quiet area in the future! The kind woman at the front desk was super helpful with any questions I had and added a very friendly touch to my experience. I will definitely be back to get more work done or check out a book or two in the future!

I usually bring my teen and my 3 y/o here , they always get a great time. People that works here…read moreare always very helpful, I do really like this library

library hours are not long enough especially on friday and saturday and now the library closes at…read moremidnight instead of 2am, I know they probably reduced the hours due to staffing issues and i think they said something about having few students study after midnight, but I was one of those few students and it's just really aggravating

I went in there and had a lovely experience. I was able to register to be taught to 3d print and…read morewas a natural at it. Since then, I've printed 4 minion keychains. While in there working with a few friends, a librarian approached me and gifted me a custom wood burning of three of my favorite minions. I am forever grateful. AWESOME

I'm new to Tennessee and a friend of mine introduced me to this wonderful library!…read moreEach time i walk in i am greeted by name plus everyone who works there is so friendly and helpful. It feels like my own little library!

Williamson County has such an excellent library system. The Nolensville Library is small, but you…read morecan order books from any library in the county. I usually order my books through their website and they always arrive within a day or two. Plus, they have OverDrive. Using OverDrive you can get same day ebooks. The system is really easy to use and you can even download Kindle books from Amazon. How cool is that? Their online system is handy too. I get an email when my books are ready for pickup and a heads-up before they are due. I love this place!

A great library especially the children's section. They make it magical for the kids.read more

The staff at the Brentwood, Tennessee library are incredibly rude and unhelpful. They clearly don't…read morecare about patrons and only seem interested in getting through their day. I was trying to get a library card as a homeless person, and the staff treated me like I was doing something wrong just for asking. They judged me for being from another county, gave me the runaround, and finally told me a price without clearly explaining it. The computer system is terrible. Step away to use the bathroom, and your session logs out automatically, even for temporary guest accounts. You have to start over from scratch, and asking for extra time is unnecessarily difficult. I wasn't being difficult--I just wanted to access resources and get a library card. The building and resources are fine, but the staff completely ruin the experience. They only care about appearances and checking boxes. Avoid this library if you want to be treated with respect.

I love the WilCo public library for how well organized and easy it is to navigate & enjoy shopping…read morefrom their Friends of the Library bookstore in the front & frequent book sales they host!

Wow, what a beautiful library!! Such a wide variety of…read moreselections that have anything you may be looking for. There are two stories filled with beautiful views to sit and get some work done while having great scenery to look up at. I also really appreciated the natural lighting all around this library that gives it a welcoming and uplifting feel! Librarians were friendly and helpful, as well. I asked if they could help me get a library card set up and they had it done within a few minutes! Such a great experience in an amazing library. I would definitely recommend and appreciate finding this hidden gem!

I really enjoyed visiting this bookstore. I had a few hours alone and decided to spend some time…read morebrowsing the aisles without being rushed by my husband or kids lol. It is very small but that made it easier to look for things without being overwhelmed by too many shelves. They had books for kids, teens, and adults, along with games and even a blind date with a book section. I got several secondhand books for about $50. I will definitely be back to browse again soon. Good prices and friendly staff.

Okay, to start, this isn't McKay's. However, living in Rutherford County, McKay's isn't convenient…read moreor economical. The Happy Book Stake is conveniently located and offers competitive pricing and resale potential compared to McKay, and it's faster. I went there to sell some books, games, and DVDs, and their offer was fair and generous. Like any other used media store, their selection heavily depends on what people bring in to sell and trade, but it's a decent selection for what they have. I would also love to see them participate in Free Comic Book Day.

I called ahead (as another reviewer suggested) regarding parking and it was easier than reported. I…read morefound the lot and library. It was my first time and I got my card, went to the computers and was able to purchase earbuds ($1) as I was on a public computer taking a skills' test. I had sold my desktop before my move from San Diego to Murfreesboro and needed a computer for this part of my interview. I did not see an excess of "homeless" people as some reviewers shared, and it "felt like" it was in the teens. I did not use the restroom so I have no comment.

Very helpful staff and an up-to-date selection of fiction and nonfiction works. I have been…read moreimpressed with the helpfulness of the staff and discovered they even have curbside pickup before 4pm Central. Parking was tricky the first time but they explained where to go when I called and I am happy to learn the 5th largest city in TN is supporting my frequent library needs. Kudos especially to the person who works on the 2nd floor in the adult section on weeknights. Very personable.

I needed to return a children's book and was driving past this branch. I figured I would just step…read morein for a minute, grab another book and be on my way - branch libraries are small, right? We stayed almost an hour. While there are more play amenities at the downtown Main Library, the book selection is as good or better for children. The books are generally in better shape, as were toys to keep the kids occupied while you browse or check out. Overall, it was less crowded, cleaner and quieter. If you're on this side of town, stop in and stay a while.

Avoid the lines on Nov 8th and vote early!…read more I went in around 10:30am and back in my car in 15 mins. Where to go in the library to vote is clearly marked. No one was in line when I walked to the voting area. The booths weren't as private as I would have liked but the screens were easy to read and the process was understandable.

Stopped in to get a little work done. I like the quiet and privacy here; I can get things done…read more Still working on my Percy Priest history book. Hope to have it in hands before the holidays. The work spaces here have plenty of power and a lot of bright natural light. I really appreciate that!! 10/10 I'll return again.