How to navigate the Main Library’s 2-month closure

Nashville Public Library is gearing up for maintenance at its flagship location at 615 Church St. The branch will temporarily close beginning Aug. 19.

A wide view looking down on the lobby area at Nashville Public Library's Main Branch with art hanging on the walls on the second floor and circulation desks on the first floor.

NPL’s North, Watkins Park, and Edgehill branches are located within ~2 miles of the Main Library. | Photo by Craig James via Flickr

The Main Library will temporarily close beginning Monday, Aug. 19, with an anticipated reopening in late October. To prepare for the two-month hiatus, Nashville Public Library shared a few need-to-knows:

What’s happening?

NPL’s flagship location will undergo “essential preventative maintenance” on the heating and cooling system that regulates temperatures for ~200,000 sqft of space across three floors.

During the closure, library guests can visit NPL’s 20 branches, though note the Pruitt Branch is also closed for maintenance until the fall.

Six things to know

  • Beginning Aug. 19, all holds not picked up from the Main Library by Aug. 14 will be available at Looby Branch.
  • The Library Garage at 151 6th Ave. N. will remain open throughout the library’s closure.
  • This year’s Courtyard Concerts will be held in Church Street Park, located adjacent to the Main Library. The Tuesday concert series (11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.) runs from Sept. 3 through Oct. 22. Bookmark the schedule.
  • While the Main Library’s teen offerings are unavailable, explore other Studio NPL programs across branches.
  • Wishing Chair Productions will join the Bordeaux Branch’s story time.
  • If you need research assistance, you can submit an inquiry or explore digital resources available via Special Collections and Metro Archives.

The library doesn’t have an exact reopening date, but you can track updates at the top of NPL’s website.

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