East Branch Library
🏢 Nashville Public Library · Nashville, Tennessee
East Branch Library
The East Branch Library opened on May 8, 1919, as Nashville's fourth Carnegie library. A century-plus of floods, tornadoes and a 2000 restoration later, the landmark still stands at 206 N 11th Street in East Nashville — limestone exterior, marble foyer, chandeliers and all — now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10am–6pm |
| Tuesday | 12pm–8pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–6pm |
| Thursday | 12pm–8pm |
| Friday | 10am–6pm |
| Saturday | 10am–5pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 206 N 11th Street, Nashville, TN 37206
Phone: (615) 862-5860
Website: library.nashville.gov
Plus Code: 868M56HX+HW (Nashville, TN)
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📖 About East Branch Library
The East Branch Library is one of only two surviving Carnegie public library buildings in Nashville. Funded by Andrew Carnegie and opened on May 8, 1919, the building served the working-class neighborhoods of East Nashville through the 20th century, weathering multiple floods and tornado damage. A comprehensive 2000 restoration stripped away mid-century alterations and returned the building to its original character: a limestone facade, a soaring marble foyer, large chandeliers, and handsome oak tables and chairs. Today it carries dual recognition as a Metro Historic Landmark and a National Register of Historic Places property. As part of Nashville Public Library's 21-branch system, East Branch offers the Metro Arts Lending Library collection — one of only a few public art-lending programs in the South — alongside Jobs Lab career resources, Studio NPL maker space, and public motor vehicle registration renewal.
⭐ What makes this library special
- One of two surviving Carnegie library buildings in Nashville — opened May 8, 1919, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Restored in 2000 to its original limestone exterior, marble foyer, oak furnishings and historic chandeliers
- Home to the Metro Arts Lending Library, a rare public art-lending collection
- Studio NPL maker space and Jobs Lab career resources on site
- Motor vehicle registration renewal available without leaving the building
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
East Branch cardholders unlock Tennessee's statewide and NPL digital collections at no charge:
📚 Services
- Metro Arts Lending Library — borrow original works of art
- Children's World Language Collection
- Studio NPL maker space
- Jobs Lab career resources & tech help
- Public computers, mobile printing & free Wi-Fi
- Meeting room rentals
- Motor vehicle registration renewal
- Seed exchange program
- Outdoor book return & free parking
🎸 Programs
- Second Saturday Kids Club
- Toddler Story Time
- Teen Afterschool Hangout
- Summer reading program
- Community and author events
📍 Nearby Nashville Public Library Branches
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Nashville · Browse all Tennessee libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is the East Branch Library really a historic Carnegie building?
Yes. It was the fourth and final Carnegie library funded in Nashville, opening on May 8, 1919. The building is designated a Metro Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A 2000 restoration returned it to its original limestone exterior, marble foyer and oak furnishings.
What is the Metro Arts Lending Library at East Branch?
The Metro Arts Lending Library is a collection of original artworks that NPL cardholders can check out and display at home — one of only a few public art-lending programs in the American South. It lives at East Branch and rotates works by local and regional artists.
Can I renew my vehicle registration at East Branch?
Yes. East Branch Library offers motor vehicle registration renewal as a convenience service, so Davidson County residents can take care of their tags during a library visit.
What are East Branch's evening and weekend hours?
East Branch is open Tuesday and Thursday until 8 pm, which are the late nights. Monday, Wednesday and Friday run 10 am–6 pm. Saturday is 10 am–5 pm. The branch is closed on Sunday.
🔨 This library has a makerspace / 3D printing. See how library makerspaces and 3D printing work and find other libraries with a makerspace makerspaces by state.
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