Nashville Public Library Hermitage Branch
About
The Nashville Public Library Hermitage Branch is a welcoming community hub that goes beyond books, offering families an excellent resource for learning and entertainment. With an extensive children's section, regular storytimes, and year-round educational programs, it's a perfect free activity that keeps kids engaged while fostering a love of reading and learning.
Highlights
- ✓Regular storytime sessions that bring books to life for young listeners
- ✓Extensive children's book collection with books for all ages and reading levels
- ✓Educational programs and activities throughout the year
- ✓Comfortable, dedicated children's area designed for exploration
- ✓Free library cards with access to physical and digital resources
Pro Tips
- 1.Check the library's events calendar online before visiting to catch special storytimes, craft sessions, or visiting author events
- 2.Visit during weekday mornings for a quieter experience with better access to staff assistance and program participation
- 3.Sign up for a library card on your first visit,it's free for Tennessee residents and unlocks access to digital resources, including kids' audiobooks and educational apps
- 4.The children's section has comfortable seating areas for parents, making it easy to relax while kids explore independently
- 5.Arrive 10-15 minutes early for storytime programs as they're popular and seating can fill up quickly
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings between 10:00 AM and noon offer the calmest atmosphere with full staff availability. Check the schedule for storytime sessions, typically held mid-morning, which are highlights for younger children. Avoid late afternoon on weekdays when after-school crowds arrive.
What to Know
Completely free to visit and use all resources. Ample free parking is available on-site. There's no food allowed in the library, but there are nearby dining options for before or after your visit.
Seasonal Notes
The library offers special programming during summer reading months with incentive programs for kids. Holiday-themed storytimes and craft events are popular during winter months. Check for reduced Sunday hours and occasional holiday closures.
Nearby Eats
Stop by Cracker Barrel Old Country Store (5 minutes away) for classic family comfort food, or try Panera Bread nearby for quick, healthy kid-friendly options including soup, sandwiches, and mac and cheese.
More Activities Near Hermitage
Cane Ridge Park
Cane Ridge Park is a spacious community park in Hermitage that delivers everything families need for a perfect day outdoors. The well-maintained playgrounds cater to multiple age groups, while the splash pad provides refreshing fun during warm months, and the paved walking paths are perfect for strollers, bikes, and scooters.
Hermitage Park Drive
Hermitage Park Drive offers families a classic neighborhood park experience with plenty of space for kids to run, play, and explore. With well-maintained playgrounds, shaded walking trails, and spacious open fields, it's an ideal spot for everything from toddler playtime to family picnics and outdoor games.
Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
Step back in time at Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, where history comes alive for families on this sprawling 1,120-acre presidential estate. Kids can explore the mansion where America's 7th president lived, wander through beautiful gardens, and engage with interactive exhibits that make early American history tangible and exciting for young learners.
Percy Priest Lake
Percy Priest Lake is a sprawling 14,000-acre playground for water-loving families just minutes from Nashville. With multiple access points featuring sandy beaches, boat ramps, and picnic areas, this reservoir offers everything from gentle shoreline wading for toddlers to kayaking and fishing adventures for older kids,all with stunning views of the Tennessee hills.