Tennessee State Library and Archives, Nashville

The Tennessee State Library and Archives, set up in 1854, is part of the Tennessee Department of State. It's known for gathering and keeping important historical books and records. It also supports libraries across Tennessee. Unlike most states where libraries and archives are separate, Tennessee manages both together.

Initially, the state library was in the capitol, and the archives were in the War Memorial Building's basement. In 1919, they merged to form the current institution.

A new building for the library and archives was opened in 1953, designed by H. Clinton Parrent Jr., right near the state capitol in Nashville. This building became a historic site in 2003 because of its educational role and neoclassical style.

By 2005, it was clear that a bigger place was needed for better storage and accessibility. After years of planning and budgeting, the 110th Tennessee General Assembly approved funds for this in 2017.

Construction for the new building started in 2017, next to Bicentennial State Park. The new site, designed by Tuck-Hinton Architects, is over 165,000 square feet and has advanced storage and preservation features, like a robotic system and a blast freezer for damaged materials. It also has learning spaces for students and professionals.

The library and archives hold a vast collection, including 700,000 books, over a million photos, and a significant number of other historical items. Its newspaper collection, dating back to 1791, is especially notable.