Public Library

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Contact Info.

Main Library
350 Pageant Lane
Suite 501
Clarksville, TN 37040

North Branch Library
435 Jordan Road
Clarksville, TN 37042


Phone: 931-648-8826
Email: askalibrarian@clarksville.org

Social Media


Hours of Operation

Sun
1:00pm - 5:00pm
Mon - Thu
9:00am - 8:00pm
Fri - Sat
9:00am - 6:00pm

History Of The Library

Our History | Clarksville Montgomery County Public Library | 130 Years of Service
Photo of the Courthouse

Our Story: 130 Years of Community Service

From a single room in the local courthouse to a modern library system, the Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library has been at the heart of our community for over a century. Our journey reflects the growth and evolution of our region, always adapting to serve the changing needs of our residents.

Our legacy includes:

  • 130 years of continuous service to the community
  • Evolution from a fee-based private library to a free public institution
  • Growth from a single room to a 74,000 square-foot Main Library building
  • Expansion into a true library system with the opening of North Branch
  • Innovation in digital services and community programming

A Legacy of Service

From founding vision to modern community hub - discover 130 years of serving Clarksville-Montgomery County

← Scroll timeline →
1894
1900s
1923
1940s
1960s
1990s
2000s
2025
1894

The Beginning

After several unsuccessful attempts to establish a library, the permanent library finally opened on September 12, 1894, in a single room within the courthouse offices of Judge C. W. Tyler. Miss Sina Harvey was appointed as the first librarian, beginning what would become 130 years of continuous service to our community. From this modest single room in the courthouse, a vision of community access to knowledge took root and flourished.
Judge Tyler's Office
Foundation
The first permanent library opens its doors
Library locations
Finding Home
Multiple locations as the library grows
1900s

Finding a Home

The library moved to J. C. Atkinson's residence in 1900, then came under the care of the Federation of Women's Clubs in 1901. In 1912, the Women's Club bought the McDaniel home for headquarters, providing the library with a more permanent location in its downstairs rooms.
1923

Free for All

The library board made a pivotal decision that the city needed a free public library. Before this, patrons paid yearly fees to use the facilities. Mrs. B. A. Woodard served as librarian from 1923-1940. By 1927, there were 1,098 patrons enrolled, showing the community's embrace of free public access to knowledge.
Free public library
Open Access
Knowledge becomes free for all community members
Dewey Decimal System
Organization
Modern systems bring order and connectivity
1940s

Organization & Growth

The library adopted the Dewey Decimal System in 1943, bringing modern organization to the collection. In 1948, it joined the Regional Library System, connecting with a broader network across Tennessee and expanding access to resources for our community.
1960s

Independence & Identity

The library became independent in 1958, moving to the American Snuff Company Building. In 1959, it officially became the Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library. By 1962, it moved to 329 Main Street, establishing its identity as a true public institution serving the entire county.
Library independence
Independence
A true public institution emerges
Digital expansion
Major Growth
Technology and a generous bequest from Mrs. Finley Elder Gracey transform services
1990s

Digital Revolution & Expansion

The MARC cataloging system was added in 1990, modernizing library operations. Mrs. Finley Elder Gracey left a generous bequest in 1991, enabling significant improvements. The library moved to its current 74,000 square-foot Veterans Plaza facility in 1995, marking a new era of expanded services and community programming.
2000s

Innovation & Community Focus

Internet access and computer classes were introduced, making digital literacy accessible to all. Governor Bredesen introduced Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in 2005, providing free books to children county-wide. The R.E.A.D.S. eBook program launched in 2006, pioneering digital lending. Youth services became state leaders in innovative programming, including therapy dog reading programs and the Teen Advisory Board.
Howell C. Smith, Sr.
Innovation
In 2005, Howell C. Smith, Sr.'s generous estate gift—alongside his son's—helped shape the Library Foundation into what it is today.
North Branch
System Expansion
Growing into a true library system
2025

System Expansion

The North Branch library opens September 13, 2025, at 435 Jordan Road in North Clarksville - marking the first branch in the library's 130-year history. This historic milestone transforms the single-location library into a true library system, offering programs for all ages and abilities to meet the diverse needs of our growing community.

Historic Milestones & Special Collections

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Genealogy Excellence

The Brown Harvey, Sr. Genealogy Room houses one of Tennessee's largest genealogy collections, originally started by former county historian Ursula Beach. The collection serves researchers from across the United States with extensive books, microfilm, and digital databases.

groups

Youth Leadership

Our Youth Services Department became a state leader in innovative programming, serving thousands through summer reading programs, therapy dog reading sessions, Lego programs, and the Teen Advisory Board that help shape library services.

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Generous Supporters

The library has been blessed by generous donors including Mrs. Finley Elder Gracey, Howell C. Smith Sr. and Jr., and even Linda K. Gronlund, whose estate honored the library after her tragic death on Flight 93 on September 11, 2001.

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Modern Innovations

From introducing RFID self-checkout systems to creating Makerspaces and automated material handling, the library continues to innovate while maintaining its commitment to personal service and community connection.

Continuing Our Legacy Today

Today, the Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library continues to evolve while honoring its historic mission. As we expand into a library system with our new North Branch, we remain committed to providing essential services, fostering literacy, and serving as a community nexus for learning, discovery, and connection.

Our mission remains constant: to provide free, equal access to information, resources, and services that educate, enlighten, and enrich the lives of all community members, just as we have since 1894.

Contact Info.

Main Library
350 Pageant Lane
Suite 501
Clarksville, TN 37040

North Branch Library
435 Jordan Road
Clarksville, TN 37042


Phone: 931-648-8826
Email: askalibrarian@clarksville.org

Social Media


Hours of Operation

Sun
1:00pm - 5:00pm
Mon - Thu
9:00am - 8:00pm
Fri - Sat
9:00am - 6:00pm