Download the READS Collection Development Policy

Download the READS Reconsideration of Materials Form

The internet-based READS service is hosted by the OverDrive® digital content platform. OverDrive® provides a user-friendly interface and an app, Libby, that features private user accounts, several browsing and searching methods for users, a holds feature, email availability notification, and a help feature. The READS Libby app also has filtering features that allow parents or guardians to work with their children to filter titles by age category. The vendor for READS is determined every five years through a Request for Proposal (RFP) that is conducted by Library & Archives.

Go to READS: https://reads.overdrive.com

Commitment of Respect

The staff of the Tennessee State Library and Archives affirms its ongoing dedication to treating all people with respect and dignity. Libraries and archives have a long history of working to provide equal access to resources and services for all communities. We also recognize our duty to achieve an archival collection that reflects the experiences of Tennessee’s diverse population from urban to rural, farm to factory, and across the demographic spectrum. We acknowledge that our work in this area is never complete and remain available to community partners from every part of our society. We will continue to apply the highest standards of professionalism and respect in our work as we welcome visitors and develop new ways for Tennesseans to access information and interact with their historical records. As individuals we stand with all persons seeking justice and an end to any discriminatory practice that undermines the value of human life.

Per state and local guidelines, face coverings are now optional for the public and staff. Staff will continue maintaining the recommended six feet distance when interacting with visitors. 

All Library & Archives patrons are required to present a state or federal ID card (such as a driver's license) prior to entering the Reading Room. Patron library cards provide access to the second floor Reading Room.

Briefcases, bags, totes, purses, and notebooks are subject to examination by a staff member when entering or leaving the Reading Room.

Lockers are available for patrons to store belongings during their visit. The Library & Archives is not responsible for any personal items left unattended. Visitors using original manuscripts will be required to leave their belongings in a locker. 

Backpacks must be stored in a locker. If a backpack is too large to fit in a locker, then it must either be locked in the patron's vehicle or stored in the main lobby while using Library & Archives materials.

Anyone interested in offering suggestions for titles to be included in READS, please email Reads.Support@tn.gov.  Such requests will be reviewed in accordance with the entire READS Collection Development Policy as well as available funding.

Program Participants are not subject to selection for state or municipal jury duty. T.C.A. § 40-38-607.

Program participants should not appear on state or municipal jury selection lists. If a program participant is selected for jury service, the summoning court should excuse the program participant.

If a program participant receives a jury summons for either state or municipal jury duty, the Participant must notify the summoning court of the participant's exempt status and provide a copy of the Participant's Certificate of Program Participation, if requested.

Participants may not fail to respond to a jury summons.

• Whenever a program participant is required by law to swear to or affirm the participant’s address, the participant may use the participant’s substitute address. T.C.A. §§ 40-38-602, 606.
• Wherever a program participant is required by law to establish residency, the participant may use the participant’s substitute address. T.C.A. §§ 40-38-602, 606.
• The substitute address may be used for motor vehicle records and may be printed on a drivers license. T.C.A. § 40-38-602.
• The substitute address may also be used as your official mailing address for all public utilities and public utility service providers. T.C.A. §§ 40-38-602, 606.
• Participants may also request that private entities use the substitute address, although they are not required to do so.

Private businesses are not required by statute to accept a Safe at Home Participant's substitute address. However, private companies or agencies are encouraged to make every effort to keep a participant’s information safe by accepting the substitute address whenever possible. If agency or business employees have questions about using the substitute address, they may contact the Safe at Home Program directly.

The Library & Archives provides free patron parking in its garage. To access the garage, patrons must obtain a library card at the first-floor receptionist desk.

First-time patrons may temporarily park in the parallel street parking on Rep. John Lewis Way N. After receiving an activated library card from the security receptionist, patrons should move their vehicles to the garage via the ramp on Jackson Street/Junior Gilliam Way.

On weekends, visitors may also park free in the state employee parking lots around the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.

• When listing, appraising, or assessing property taxes;
• When collecting property taxes;
• On any document related to real property recorded with a county clerk or recorder.

Program Participants must vote by absentee ballot. T.C.A. § 40-38-607.

Program participant absentee ballots must be treated as confidential and must be processed confidentially by the Administrator of Elections. Program participants shall appear in the statewide official voter registration list only by the Participant Identification Number. 

As authorized by law, properly designated law enforcement agency officials and administrative agency officials may request disclosure of information relating to a program participant. T.C.A. § 40-38-609. What information may be available to law enforcement or administrative agency officials?

• Properly designated law enforcement agency officials and administrative agency officials may request confirmation of program participation pertaining to a supposed program participant.
• Properly designated law enforcement agency officials and administrative agency officials may request disclosure of information pertaining to a program participant, including the confidential address, subject to the discretion of the Secretary of State. Program Participants may be entitled to prior notice and appeal rights.
• Disclosure of a participant’s confidential address, or any other information contained within a program participant’s file, shall be limited to ensure that the disclosure and dissemination of the confidential address will be no greater than necessary for the specific purpose for which it was requested.