Tennessee State Library & Archives
Every resident of Tennessee has free access to a statewide library system run by Tennessee State Library & Archives. With a local library card, students, parents, and teachers can use research databases, ebooks and audiobooks, and learning programs at no cost. Here is what is available and how to get it.
Tennessee public libraries at a glance
Research databases: Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL)
Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL) is Tennessee's free statewide research service.
Resources students can use inside Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL) include:
- Gale In Context (Elementary, Middle School, College)
- Gale Opposing Viewpoints & Literature
- Peterson's Career & Test Prep
- HeritageQuest Online
- Transparent Language Online
- World Book Online
Ebooks & audiobooks: Tennessee R.E.A.D.S. (Libby/OverDrive): 275,000+ ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines, free with a library card.
Accessible reading & talking books
Students and family members who cannot read standard print (because of a visual, physical, or reading disability such as dyslexia) can get free audiobooks and braille through Accessible Books and Media, part of the national NLS network and its BARD download service. The Tennessee Library for Accessible Books and Media (Nashville), an NLS network library, serves residents who can't read standard print.
Find a library & get a card
Use the official locator to find your nearest Tennessee public library, hours, and how to get a card. Find a library →
Through READS, you can borrow materials from libraries across the state by interlibrary loan.