Tennessee State Library & Archives

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Tennessee State Library & Archives

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The Tennessee State Library & Archives, a division of the Department of State, collects and preserves books, records and other documents of historical and reference value, focusing on items about Tennessee and Tennesseans.

To preserve Tennessee's history for current and future generations, the Library & Archives houses the archives of state government, documents and recordings from legislative proceedings, records from every Tennessee courthouse, copies of all surviving Tennessee newspapers and records from families, businesses, religious and civic organizations.

The Library & Archives is home to many irreplaceable historical documents, including Tennessee's Constitutions, letters from Tennessee's three presidents, Civil War diaries, records from 55 former Tennessee governors, maps and original records of the State of Franklin.

Researchers, historians, librarians, archivists, genealogists, public officials, lawyers, educators, students and anyone interested in Tennessee history and culture are encouraged to come and explore the Library & Archives collections and experience Tennessee’s story through interactive exhibits highlighting the state’s most precious historical documents.  

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Northeast side
Northeast side of the new Tennessee State Library and Archives at the intersection of Rep. John Lewis Way N. and Jefferson St.
Exhibit lobby
The new Tennessee State Library and Archives Lobby in which guests can learn about Tennessee’s history through interactive displays and rotating exhibits.
State seal
Tennessee State Seal on the East side of the new Tennessee State Library and Archives.
Tennessee Constitutions
The State Library and Archives is home to Tennessee’s three Constitutions. Facsimiles are on display in the new Tennessee State Library and Archives Lobby.
Westside courtyard at dusk
The new Tennessee State Library and Archives Westside courtyard at dusk.
Rare Books Room
The Rare Books Room in the new Tennessee State Library and Archives Lobby.
Northwest side
Northwest side of the new Tennessee State Library and Archives across from the intersection of 6th Ave. N. and Jefferson St.
Reading Room
The new State Library and Archives Grand Reading Room.
ASRS
The new State Library and Archives Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS). The climate-controlled chamber stores books and archival materials retrieved by robots, reducing the building’s footprint by 100,000 square feet and saving $54 million.
Conference Rooms
The new State Library and Archives Conference Rooms with seating for up to 300 guests.
Conservation Lab
The new State Library and Archives Conservation Lab.
Tennessee State Library & Archives
Hours
The exhibits in the lobby are open to the public Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT.

The library, microfilm and manuscripts reading rooms are open for research Tuesday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT.
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For the most up-to-date hours and information, please contact Tennessee State Library & Archives directly.

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