The library is wonderful and has a host of different engaging activities for all ages and interests. At the top of the list is the incredible WISHING CHAIR PRODUCTIONS! The talented puppeteers have brought many incredible stories to life. They started in 1938. And any Nashvillian will tell you their personal history watching shows for generations. (But if you think it's only entertaining for kids, you'd be wrong.) read more

Nashville Public Library - Library celebrates 25 years at this location...with a puppet show!!! It's WILLIAM SOUL!! - Libraries Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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The Nashville Public Library is a great example of why I love public libraries: it's not just books, 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. read more

I recently visited the Downtown Nashville Public Library to explore the Civil Rights Room and Votes for 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. read more

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What a beautiful library! While in Nashville, I wanted to escape the chaos and take a little break to myself. Nashville's public library was about a 10 minute walk from the downtown area. It is an uphill walk but it was worth it. I was impressed the moment I got in. Their high ceilings, beautiful floors, and gorgeous stairwell was such a breath of fresh air. They had sofa chairs, grand rooms with tables for studying, and lots of quiet rooms for reading, working, or just take some time to gather your thoughts. I made my way to their third floor where the nonfictions were to cozy up with a book. Too bad I had a call to take and had to leave after awhile but it was nice while it lasted. It is worth checking out if you are a book worm like me. read more

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The most stunning public library I have ever visited. Highly recommend to stop by and enjoy some time. You can find anything here: from books to games to group activities to kids', teenagers', special needs populations' services to archives. You can spend hours here and not get bored or tired. Enjoy the beautiful outdoor garden/patio, which will transport you to another time and place. The marble staircase, wooden paneling, old furniture and all of the interior are absolutely stunning. What a national treasure, which truly belongs to the people, now that this building is a Public library. One of the highlights of Nashville, that's a fact. read more

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Nice space but the grand reading room was downgraded-- the wooden tables and chairs are gone. I attached before and after pictures read more

Nashville Public Library - Before: tables and chairs - Libraries Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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We were visiting Nashville and needed to take our toddler somewhere to pass the time before our flight. I'm so grateful this was across the street from our hotel (the renaissance) Stunningly beautiful inside. The children's playroom is large with so many activities and books for kids of all ages. Lots of bathrooms. A great story time area with puppets and singing. 100/100 truly. A great free activity where kids truly get to be kids. I wasn't able to take many pictures as I didn't want to put anyone else's children on the internet. read more

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When we checked into the Renaissance we were told that we could self park for &20 daily & $10 on weekends at the library. There is a sky walk that connects our hotel to the library garage. We were told to check out the library & we did.. The library is huge & so much is going on here. A cafe, art gallery, auditorium, archives ... and incredible programs for all ages. This look like an old store at the library but it opened 30 years ago. read more

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I've been going here ever since I was born, it's a part of my childhood, it's always been this nice, comforting, historical place. The workers there are great, especially in the children's area and teens area, they remember you if you come there many times. It's a great place. And they validate parking :) read more

Nashville Public Library - These are the Ancient artifacts - Libraries Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Such a beautiful library that is well kept! I love that there are 3 floors and plenty of places to sit if you want to. Computers are a bit hidden to look up the catalog read more

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This place is awesome! First of all it's absolutely beautiful on the inside. There are high ceilings, marble floors and tons of sections for you to explore. More than books, there is a place for you to check out board games and you can also use your library card to access audiobooks, music, movies and a free pass to the Country Music Hall of Fame. This library has plenty to offer and is definitely work checking out! The staff are also super friendly and happy to help! read more

Nashville Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

I love this place so much!! So much to see; I could stay here 24/7 Researching a book now, so exited about all the stuff I find here. read more

Nashville Public Library - They have a café!! I'm so glad; I'm really hungry!! - Libraries Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Quiet with a few good spaces to work. The power outlet on the four-space table wasn't working, but I managed to get the seat that was next to the wall outlet. Power for days! Free wifi worked well with no issues. This is the downtown location and they have an interesting segment of the population hanging around at the park out front. You don't have to deal with that if you simply park in the attached garage and enter through the fourth floor. Huge collection of books here. Quiet space to get some work done. read more

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I'm not selling this library short when I tell you that it's the best library you'll ever visit. It's gorgeous and has a wide stock of all your favorite books. It's quiet and has many different locations within it. Want to study? You can do that in just about any wing. What if you wanted to read outside? There's a courtyard! Want to drop your energetic kids off and let them do their thing? There's an entire kids' section! This is the height of all libraries, put it on your Nashville Bucket List right next to "hot chicken". I'm a regular and adore this wonderful library to study, read, or just enjoy the beauty of. read more

Amazing civil rights exhibit, beautiful architecture, great location. Pros: Off bus lines Downtown Free classes/ education Art Cultural relevance History of Nashville read more

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While many services in Nashville have not kept up with Nashville's population growth and increase in tourism, the Nashville Public Library has. It's one of the best public library systems I've used. This main branch library is beautiful. It has an enormous collection, helpful staff, and exhibits free to the public in the upper area of the lobby as well as in a gallery area near the auditorium. They host great events (concerts, readings, etc.). Their Civil Rights Room (on the second floor) is amazing - visit it. If you live in Nashville, take advantage of the city's great library system! (The main branch's largest flaw? They have a parking garage and will validate for the first 30 minutes or an hour - I can't remember which - after that, you pay by the hour up to a maximum fee. This isn't unusual for downtown city libraries. However, the garage fills up with tourists taking advantage of the garage's lower prices compared with the rest of downtown. AND - I almost forgot - they have the weirdest Sunday hours - open 2 to 5? Isn't that weird?!) read more

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This place is basically half library and half museum. You could spend a whole day here.

This library is absolutely amazing..it feels like a museum, except you can touch almost everything that's not under protected glass. The woman at the first floor information desk was so incredibly friendly and...full of information. In fact, everyone we encountered (and we encountered quite a few library staff) was very helpful and pleasant. We never ventured to the second floor. Between the first and the third floor, primarily the third floor, we were there for about three hours...Just walking around and taking in the beauty and uniqueness of each area/room, browsing for books, and quietly chatting. It felt like a place I could (and would want to) visit frequently, just to get out of the house and do something peaceful and relaxing. And SO MANY BOOKS!! read more

Every time I'm in Nashville, I make time for this landmark. We first fell in love with the children's library which has everything from a climbing wall to a full theater and clever art installations. They have a center for deaf and blind patrons. They have sprawling reading rooms and a pristine and extensive archives room. All of the staff are wonderful. I've never been to the snack bar. It's the books we love. read more

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GORGEOUS public library. Felt like a big time fine arts museum but with lots of places to sit, read, and rest. The exhibits in the special collection room were really well done. Both the Women's Vote and Civil Rights exhibits were beautiful, interactive, and moving. I wish there was a library like this where I live!! read more

This is a beautiful library. I wish we had realized that they give tours on Monday's, because I would have definitely been here for that. The library has a Civil Rights Room that showcases the civil rights struggle in Nashville and nationwide. It includes historical photos, a lunch counter (not an exact replica), and in the counter you will find not only information about the historical climate locally and nationally, but also the rules by which those participating in lunch counter sit-ins conducted themselves. It's always amazing to me how the oppressed have to be on their best behavior in order to be taken seriously or listened to by their oppressors, when typically the oppressors are the ones acting like disgusting animals. I also want to give a shout out to the library for their work in making sure that it is an accessible space. Too often businesses say it's "too hard" or lean on some sort of grandfathered provision that allows them not to make their spaces accessible. I realize that this is a newer building and some of that is required, but they have a long section on their website about accessibility to ensure that all patrons may use the facilities to the fullest extent. I visited with someone who has mobility issues, and they provide wheelchairs for patrons to borrow in order to use the library. This made all the difference for our visit, and I appreciate the thoughtfulness that went into including this as part of the services NPL provides. read more

Ooof, when your Uber driver expresses great concern over your library plans it's time to re-evaluate. My driver told me the area was not safe, stay inside, and don't even think about walking the mile back to my hotel. Ugh! Still I kept an open mind. Arrived at the library and scurried in. Headed to the Grand Room with the intent of catching up on some work and reading. I go to the West Broward Library regularly and I'm no library snob. I did not find the usual mix of people and students at the Nashville Library. Looks like mostly homeless people and NO visible security. I get it, libraries are for all but visible security is needed. Turned right back around and Ubered back to the hotel. Too bad because the Grand Room looked like it was out of a movie. read more

This is the most beautiful library I've ever seen. I was floored the first time I visited - this building is massive, well-maintained, and stunning all over. I can always find a room to do work, and I love wandering around and exploring this library. From the high ceilings to the large, enclosed courtyard, there is so much to take in. Parking is also discounted if you get your ticket stamped at the main desk, which is great. Definitely check this library out - it is so impressive. read more

The place is beautiful. I've been there for a few classes and events. I wish more events were here as the parking is at least ok, it's convenient, and you won't find anywhere else to park downtown this convenient to your destination. If you haven't ever sat and heard some of the history of the civil rights movement in Nashville, you should. I got to go through a class I was taking through the citizen's police academy, and I learned things about the history of Nashville I'd never heard. Bombings, protests, beatings, hearing the voices of the past can change what you think about this town. It's not what I expected, and I'm a native. read more

I love all Carnegie libraries, but this one stands out among the best. As a little kid, I loved studying and doing my homework at the dining room table in my house. The solid wood table with great design made me feel fancy! And this place had the same vibe. Everything is keep in great condition, but kept comfortable enough that you feel like you are at home. read more

We stopped in. This is a beautiful, spacious, well maintained library. Just awesome . Check it out

I have walked through the downtown library several times and hung out on the first floor for a short amount of time. I finally had the opportunity to explore the library a bit and I'm so glad I did. This library is huge and it's beautiful! You can tell it's a beautiful building right when you walk in. The ceilings are high, the floors are marble, and the staircase is grand. The first floor has conference rooms, the checkout counter, and a section of books. It's very quiet, as most libraries are, but this one can get a little busy. However, it still stays quiet. There are three floors total and you will want to explore them all. The second floor has a larger area of books including the fun children's section. I think this is also where the special collection and rare books are kept. My favorite part is the peaceful outside courtyard. I had no idea this was here! There is a fountain in the center and plenty of chairs. There is also some greenery and a nice view. It's the perfect place to get some work done or read a book. The third floor is really cool. It has maps with the history of Nashville painted on the walls. There are also a few statues of historical figures. The third floor is where most of the computers are. I believe there was a huge room full of computers. I just peeked my head in but it looked really nice. My favorite room was a study room (I don't remember the official name). It has really high painted ceilings. It had plenty of light and a decent amount of tables. The walls are lined with books so you just automatically feel smarter when you're in this room. The Nashville library system is amazing if you haven't used it yet. All of the libraries are connected which makes it super convenient to borrow and return books. The best part, no late fees! I believe you get the books for 4 weeks so that should be plenty of time to get the books back on time. Like most libraries, you can order books from any library in the Nashville system. They have most of the newest releases but get ready to wait a bit. I have been number 40 on the wait list before. However, sometimes I still get the books in under a month. In the words of Arthur (yes, the old tv show from PBS), "Having fun isn't hard, when you've got a library card!" read more

Going to see a library doesn't seem like a touristy thing to do but it is absolutely stunning when you walk through the doors. I have to admit the homeless shelter across the street does lead to some homeless people hanging around outside the front doors but they are harmless. This library is gorgeous- it makes you want to stop what you are doing and sit down and read a book, any book. There are marble floors and stairs, natural sunlight and even a courtyard inside. If it wasn't for us staying in the Renaissance hotel I wouldn't have noticed the courtyard in the middle. The grand reading room looks like something out of a law school- attention to detail even in copper relief panels above book stacks and a painted ceiling. Looking outside beyond the grand reading room you can view the capital! Oh and the children's area is so darn cute too! Even if you just have a few minutes I recommend walking around just to see how lovely this public library is. read more

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Amazing library and the librarian that was in the children's department was beyond helpful! Thankful for your help finding some books I was needing! Thanks! read more

This is one of my favorite places in downtown Nashville. The Nashville Public Library is absolutely gorgeous...the marble throughout, 3 stories of glorious books, and the most serene and beautiful courtyard ever! I love it so much! The first floor houses the fiction books, where I prefer to spend most of my time. Even though the place is huge, I find it pretty easy to navigate. The staff are friendly, and you can checkout on any of the 3 floors. Also connected to the library is Provence Cafe where you can get a delicious snack and coffee or tea. That's just spectacular! You should definitely check out the Nashville Public Library if you are in Nashville, even if you just walk through and check out the beautiful courtyard. They also have cheap parking close by that is the most affordable in town! read more

The Nashville Library is my favorite library of all the places I've lived or even visited. Because of that, I decided to have my wedding here, which makes this review unique since I'm reviewing it as a library and a wedding venue. 5 stars for both! Georgia, the events coordinator, is a joy to work with. I can honestly say I don't know what we would have done without her. She and the library staff went above and beyond to make our wedding unforgettable. Anytime there was a hiccup she was totally on top of it. The space is truly stunning, and I can't recommend it enough for events. read more

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Making a trip to the local library might not seen like a thing to do on vacation, but it was at the top of our group's must do list on our Nashville trip. 1) It's more than just a library - they have a stunning great hall and beautiful outdoor patio on the second level. 2) Love taking photos? There are many great locations to take photos (both inside and out) 3) It is VERY close to downtown and offers the cheapest parking by a landslide around, so this became our go to spot for parking our vehicle and exploring the surrounding areas, too. read more

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Beautiful public library more of a like a museum with a history of Nashville. Free Parking on the street of commerce and 5th on the side of the street. Nice stairway photos and computer access. I was in Nashville to visit for the day and decided to stop by since I was in the area. read more

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Very nice library and the best parking spot in town, by far. If you decide to visit Nashville but don't want to pay for expensive downtown hotels, this library will be your best friend. Cheap parking here and walk a few blocks right to the heart of downtown. read more

Rating is not based on people! Second floor has kid's lay out which is cool. Second floor is also picture-worthy outside lounge for which ironically is perfect for eating/seating. Have met staff that are both helpful and unhelpful. Told this was the biggest library of NPL in terms of public and private access. The offices for some higher staff are also here. Card number is 14 digits long. You have to type in the full thing each time: So you can put in a request at nplf.org/contact and library.nashville.org/contact-us. Pincode is last four of phone number. But you can change it. Pincodes should be used right? Is just like a normal bank or other card for everything else: Book checking, Etc, etc. Why not computer's use too then? You can be a Guest on computers. There is many But staff is weird about that. They were like why do you want an account? I got an account at May 30/19. But it was Stolen. Have changed several times now. So I had to come in and they did not have the big one anymore. Just a keychain single not double set. Which is easier to lose. I figure someone must've known exactly where it was in my backpack cause it was just easy lost and pack just filled w/ stuff. I request a change w Lost Card this time--And just so you know they have big/small double card again with old white/blue designs. I actually hear like 'No eCard we don't know what you're speaking of. What about eCard? okay well I don't know.' Well-you could ask Manager or Supervisor if you have not been informed on it? Still see Lady at main Front Desk of three days again and still she hasn't asked about it. Library website said to inquire about Electronic Cards at Desk sooo... yeah. Maps and any useful pages often also go missing in that they discontinue and don't know whereabouts why and when they discontinued its usage. Transit pamphlets however still available.) I by the way have never seen a cop in a library. Security is there and nitpick you about leaving the moment before it is 6:00PM early at library exactly but first time I actually followed Metro police on Insta and there was a cop over the screen across the room! [Weekends should be extended times but are not. 6pm is early regardless.) Guest Session is 30 to 15 minutes. They renew unless computer closes which are always early 25m before 6p. Half the time it will say 'TIME REMAINING' and then close up before that. Cards also claim invalid account number. Sound been disabled after frequenting here. I hear you have to use headphones now. .. Which is convenient. Since my ear plugs have been stolen. Ps And People are always loud, not using computers even, or on games and blasting their level up. There's this guy yelling about he needs help. Ok I'm like you're obnoxious. Why don't you announce, why bother talking reasonable /averagely or on better level when you can yell THIS IS MY COMPUTER. The guy employee was like "I need to talk to him, so I'm just gonna help him" But is talking normally. The guy helpee is not. It is amazing how silent everybody else is. And how loudly the voice goes across the entire wing on the floor. PS Talking library kinda Not shouting library. But it said Talking Library on google Maps. What kind of Library is listed like that? detailed I am sure as I can not even get the correct times the Lobby of McDonald's is 24 hour or Closed on their Details page. The Lost & Found is on the first floor Unless perhaps you lost it upstairs. They have more than one desk and there's only three floor. Lost a pair of glasses and yoga mat which completely disappeared Nice but actually had a Cafe that closed. Best cafe or boulangerie. (It is still on the new Map of Library they got print outs of as of late.) But they have print/scan facilities and have also in more recent month measurement gone disabling the extensions on Chrome PS There is lot of computers they are wiped down end of day. PrintScreen button was working just fine. But always still dirty I guarantee trust me * Wipees are nicely provided. But Guest pass on computers has been extended by 30m or so which means there is no difference between Guest and Patron. Which is jus bad because if it cannot renew a full hour it gets shut off. There was no message or warning about need earplugs. But sound was working before. Or I should say Vanderbilt? That would be the only thing I mixed up. The account is free though unless you would like to access the eCatalogue or 'Online Collection.' Then also you could rent out books. So do not let them charge you! $5 bucks for annual is damn good though. It's just shady w people always giving you negative looks on computers [that they don't care themselves to keep reasonably clean] etc bad vibes and staff are always constantly changing up so you can never be too helpful or informative that's why I gave the rating. PS There is nothing in rules about MAINTAINING shoes on feet at the computer. Hope that's Helpful. read more

This is the most architecturally-appealing public library in which I've spent time. If you sit in the "Grand Reading Room" a while, you'll FEEL smart, even if you don't read a book. But do, because there's plenty of good reading material all around. When you need a break, you'll enjoy an excellent view northward along Capitol Blvd. to the Tennessee State Capitol building. read more

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What a beautiful facility. Live Musical Performance today by Ian Saylor Ragtime Enthusiast, Nashville Rag and Moonshine Rag, two of my favorite's. Thank You Ian Saylor and the Nashville Public Library ! read more

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LOVE IT! Absolutely beautiful, and cool features including a great kids room, young adult room, traveling exhibit complete with videos, courtyard, and a study area. I've brought visitors here to spend a few hours. read more

This is a beautiful library. I haven't spent a great deal of time there, because I personally prefer bookstores to libraries these days. However, the atmosphere and the architecture are unlike anything you'll find at a Davis-Kidd or Barnes & Noble. Nashville Public Library has a more extensive selection than even the university libraries I've visited (at least Lipscomb, Belmont and even Vandy). If you have to do some sort of research project, its catalog of research material is about as large as any you'll find in the state. But what really makes the Nashville Public Library stand out is its design. It's an enormous and elaborately designed building and more beautiful than almost anything you'll find downtown (excluding the nearby Christ Church Cathedral). There is a really fantastic courtyard toward the center of the building that's perfect for relaxing and enjoying a book. They of course have great events for kids, and the librarians certainly aren't as uptight as the stereotype implies. read more

Nashville Public Library - Courtesy of www.tnhistoryforkids.org - Libraries Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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I just have to write this review since I think the downtown library is so spectacular. There's a bumper sticker that says "A city with a great library is a great city." (I think it was a bumper sticker when they were trying to raise money to build the downtown branch.) If that's the measure, Nashville is a great city. Yep, it's the main branch so there are a ton of books and media to look through. There are computer workstations all over the place to use so one is bound to be free somewhere. My favorite spot is the reading room with the reference books. There are large tables you can usually get all to yourself with a fantastic view of the Capitol right up the street. It's a gorgeous view and definitely worth checking out. In fact, I usually bring people from out of town here just to show them the building. There's the reading room, a ton of artwork, and the outside courtyard is lovely as well. Free concerts happen in the courtyard, and there are also free movie showings at the library. I've also been to hear speakers at the Southern Festival of Books, and the auditoriums are nice as well. Just a great example of how a space can be renovated and preserved, the downtown library is a public space to be enjoyed. There is a huge garage for parking if you're not on foot, and the first hour is free! read more

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