Special Collections

Special Collections Room

Welcome to the Special Collections Department at WCPL!

Discover resources with a sharp focus on genealogy and local history. Our print resources include Bible records, biographies, cemetery and burial records, city directories, local histories, military records, marriage records, pension applications, tax records, historic court records, school yearbooks, periodicals, and much more. Microfilm records include Williamson County newspapers, wills and inventories, WPA records, court records, etc.

The books and manuscripts in our collections require special handling and extra security due to their age, value, and rarity. In order to preserve them for future generations, all items remain in Special Collections and may not be checked out. Library patrons and researchers are welcome to view and use our collections.

Visiting

If you are arriving from out of town or county, stop by the Circulation Desk on your way in to request a guest pass for computer use. If you have your own laptop, wi-fi is free, and you will be able to access genealogy databases, such as Ancestry.  Refer to our Digital Resources to see the databases we offer. 

Due to the nature of our fragile collection, we do not allow food and beverages, other than bottled water, in the Special Collections area. If you have questions concerning your visit, please call us at 615-595-1246 (press 1 to bypass the message). We look forward to serving you! 

September 2023

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  1. 20th Anniversary Celebration Sept 28, 2023, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

    20th Anniversary Celebration

    Join us to celebrate 20 years in our current location.... Read on...
  2. September is National Library Card Sign Up Month, library logo on a library card shape

    National Library Card Sign Up Month

    Get your library card and get access to a wealth of information. Read on...
  3. Chess clubs - chess board with three pieces labeled adult, child, teen plus library logo on square

    Chess Clubs

    We have chess clubs for all ages starting in September... Read on...
  4. Winner! 2023 SLAM award logo with flags and confetti

    Hatcher Family Photo Exhibit Wins Award

    The February exhibit tied for the National Genealogical Society 2023 SLAM! Idea... Read on...
  5. photo of Book Club letters on a display board

    Book Clubs

    Want to enjoy a shared book experience? Join one of our book clubs! Read on...
  6. purple ribbon for alzheimers with a purple stethoscope and purple brain

    Alzheimer’s and Dementia Series

    120,000 Tennesseans have a form of dementia. Learn from experts how to cope and help in our monthly series. Read on...
  7. hands poised to type on a computer keyboard

    Computer Classes

    Register for a free computer class to learn the basics or brush up on your skill sets... Read on...
  8. Person from shoulders to waist, arm has a bandaid with a heart on it, other hand holding a heart

    Red Cross Blood Drives

    There is a critical need for blood donors. Book your appointment now. Read on...
  9. 2 layered brightly colored post-its of  on a black pebbly background. Text: What&#39s New on the top

    New Books and More

    Where can I find the lists of new DVDs, books, and more? Read on...
  10. different types and colors of yarn

    Chronicles of Yarnia: Adult Knit and Crochet Group

    Make new friends and handmade items on the first Tuesday of each month. Read on...
  11. younger hands holding an older hand in soft focus

    Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Group

    Join on the second Friday of each month... Read on...
  12. Photo of BookPage magazine inserted into a computer line graphic. BookPage Digital Edition

    BookPage Now Available Online

    Browse the latest edition of BookPage and find your next great book! Read on...
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