06/12/2026
From a library to businesses to a mall and back to a library, the block of Church Street between 6th and 7th has seen plenty of Nashville history over the years. You might say it’s had quite a few chapters under its belt 📚
For the past 25 years, 615 Church Street has been home to Nashville Public Library’s Main Library—the latest chapter in a story that began with the Howard Library (and others before that) and grew into the library system that serves Nashvillians today. It’s also home to Metro Archives and Special Collections, where Nashville’s stories are preserved and shared.
This Saturday, we’re celebrating the building’s silver anniversary 🎉
Until then, take a look at these images tracing the block’s history from the late 19th century through the 20th. You’ll spot longtime businesses, Civil Rights sit-ins, and the shopping mall that once stood where the library is today. Stop by Special Collections on Saturday to see a display highlighting some of the block’s former occupants.
For Saturday's program and parking info 👉https://library.nashville.gov/blog/2026/06/party-librarian-june-13
📸: Church Street Viaduct Construction; City Annual Report from 1900.
📸: View of Capitol Blvd facing Church Street, date: 1940; City Attorney Files.
📸: View of Church Street facing east, unknown date; unknown collection.
📸: Students participating in a sit-in demonstration at Church St (Hershel's Tic Toc Restaurant and Krystal's) and 6th Ave (B&W Cafeteria) restaurants, fighting to be provided service, date: December 1st, 1962; City-Metro Photographer Collection.
📸: Shoppers Value Days at downtown stores, date: 1958; Banner Negatives Collection, courtesy of NPL's Special Collections.
📸: View of the Church Street Centre Mall, unknown date; Tax Assessor Files (Green Monster Files) Collection.
📸: Inside the Church Street Centre Mall, date: August, 1997; Mayor Purcell Papers.
Nashville Public Library
