Tennessee State Library and Archives facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Tennessee State Library and Archives
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 Location in Tennessee
Location in the United States
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| Location | 403 7th Ave. N., Nashville, Tennessee |
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| Area | 1.4 acres (0.57 ha) |
| Built | 1953 |
| Built by | Rock City Construction Company |
| Architect | H. Clinton Parrent Jr. |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 03001154 |
| Added to NRHP | November 17, 2003 |
The Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) is a special place in Tennessee. It was started in 1854. Today, it is part of the Tennessee Department of State.
Its main job is to collect and keep important books and records. These items have historical value. They also help people find information. The TSLA also helps libraries grow across the state. This important work is written in Tennessee's laws.
Most states have separate libraries and archives. But Tennessee is one of the few states that keeps them together.
Contents
History of the Library and Archives
The state library first started in the Davidson County courthouse. Then it moved to the capitol building. The state's archives used to be in the basement of the War Memorial Building.
The building where the Library and Archives is now opened in 1953. It was designed by H. Clinton Parrent Jr.. It sits across from the Tennessee State Capitol in downtown Nashville.
This building was built to honor all the brave soldiers of World War II. It cost about $2.3 million to build. In 1919, Tennessee's government decided to combine the archives and the state library. This created the State Library and Archives we know today.
Library for Accessible Books and Media (LABM)
In 1970, a new part of TSLA was created. It was called the Tennessee Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped. In 2018, its name changed to the Tennessee Library for Accessible Books and Media (LABM).
What the LABM Offers
This part of the library has many books and magazines. They are in special formats. These include audio, braille, and large print. They also have players for the audio books.
The LABM loans these items to people in Tennessee. These are people who have physical challenges. These challenges stop them from reading regular print books. The books are sent right to their homes. The U.S. Postal Service delivers them for free.
Who Can Use the LABM
People in Tennessee can use this service if they have certain challenges. This includes blindness or other visual difficulties. It also helps those with problems holding a book or turning pages. People with reading challenges can also use it.
The Tennessee LABM works with a national program. This program is part of the Library of Congress. It helps blind and physically challenged people.
Amazing Collections and Holdings
The Tennessee State Library and Archives has a huge collection. It holds almost 700,000 print books. There are also over a million photos. Plus, there are thousands of special files.
They also have many microfilm reels. These are tiny copies of documents. There are also audio recordings from legislative meetings. The archives and old papers are kept in a very large storage area. The Library for Accessible Books and Media has about 240,000 items.
TSLA has the biggest collection of Tennessee newspapers. Some of these newspapers date all the way back to 1791.
Future Plans for the Library
There are plans to move the Library and Archives. It will move to a new building in Nashville. This new building will be next to the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.
The new building will be designed by special architects. It will be one of several cultural places near the Bicentennial Mall. Other places include the Tennessee State Museum. There will also be a Museum of African-American History and Culture.
Images for kids
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The Tennessee State Library and Archives building in Nashville.
