Nashville Public Library East Branch/ Woodland Presbyterian Church

By 1885, Andrew Carnegie was one of the richest men in the world—having created the American Steel company. He used much of his wealth on philanthropic efforts including a campaign to build libraries. This East Branch of the Nashville Public Library system is one such example. He commissioned $25,000 toward the construction, and the library opened in 1919. It remains one of East Nashville’s most recognizable landmarks.

Designed by C. K. Colley in the Neoclassical style, the limestone exterior displays Greco-Roman features such as columns flanking the entrance. Marble and cork floors, oak furniture, and chandeliers adorned the interior. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, and in 2000, the library underwent a complete renovation. Today, the library offers writing workshops, story time presentations, educational programming, inclusion events, and more.

Facing the library’s entrance, look to your left. On the other side of North 11th Street, you’ll see another architectural beauty—Woodland Presbyterian Church. The church began in 1858 as the First Presbyterian Church of Edgefield. The congregation moved here after its original sanctuary was lost in the 1916 Fire. This neoclassical-style church was designed by C. K. Colley and its red clay dome marks the East Nashville skyline. After the 1933 tornado, the congregation decreased as residents moved from East Nashville to the suburbs. Fortunately, this trend has reversed in recent years. In many ways, Woodland Presbyterian reflects the broader East Nashville community. Here’s how they put it: “We’ve been in East Nashville for 160 years strong. Evolving, changing, adapting is part of our DNA."

You may stay here and view East High School from across the street, or cross Gallatin Ave. to get a closer look at the building. Cross in the crosswalk and watch out for traffic—this is a very busy intersection!