Your public library · Shelbyville, Tennessee
Shelbyville-Bedford County Public Library
Formerly the Argie Cooper Public Library
The library is one of the best free things in Shelbyville. Bring the kids to storytime, borrow a book or an audiobook for the drive, get help with a computer, trace your family tree, or just sit somewhere warm and quiet. A healthy library helps the whole town, and it belongs to everyone in Bedford County.
Many people still know it as the Argie Cooper Public Library. The library now uses the name Shelbyville-Bedford County Public Library; the Libby web address still carries the Argie Cooper name.
Find it
220 S. Jefferson St., Shelbyville, TN 37160
Map & directions (Google Maps)
Call (931) 684-7323
Address and phone: Library site: Hours & Location · State library directory · checked Oct. 21, 2026Hours
| Mon-Fri | 8 a.m.-7 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Sat | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. |
| Sun | Closed |
The library's site lists these hours (expanded in 2025). The state directory still shows older hours (9-8 and 9-5). The computer lab shuts down 30 minutes before closing.
Hours: Library site: Hours & Location · Library site: home page · Good News Exchange · checked Oct. 21, 2026Also listed on the State library directory (older): Mon, Tue, Thu 9-8; Wed, Fri, Sat 9-5; Sun closed. Source: State library directory · checked Oct. 21, 2026
Free with your card
A card is free for residents, and some of the best things here don’t even need one.
Tennessee R.E.A.D.S. on the Libby app
With your cardFree e-books, audiobooks and magazines on your phone, tablet or computer. Sign in with your home library card. Libby can also send e-books to a Kindle (U.S. only). Libby / Tennessee R.E.A.D.S. (choose Stones River, then Shelbyville-Bedford County Public Library).
Source: Tennessee R.E.A.D.S. · Library site: Libby / OverDrive · Library site: Online resources · Library site: Get a library card · checked Oct. 21, 2026Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL)
No card neededMagazines, journals, newspapers, e-books, test prep (ACT, AP, EMT, civil service), homework help, genealogy records and career tools. Free to the public from any computer with internet access in Tennessee; no library card needed. Homework help, test prep and genealogy databases.
Source: TEL · checked Oct. 21, 2026Hoopla
With your cardAudiobooks, e-books, comics, music, movies and TV to borrow instantly. Currently for in-county residents only.
Source: Library site: Get a library card · checked Oct. 21, 2026Makerspace
At the libraryA 3D printer, Glowforge laser cutter, heat press and sewing machines. Open workshops show you how to use them.
Source: Library site: Makerspace Workshop on October 22nd · Good News Exchange · checked Oct. 21, 2026Hotspots and Chromebooks
With your cardHot spots and Chromebooks are on the list of things you can borrow.
Source: Library site: Borrowing materials · checked Oct. 21, 2026Local history and genealogy
No card neededLocal history archives, a large historical newspaper collection and genealogy help. Reference only, but you can browse and copy limited excerpts.
Source: Library site: About · Library site: Borrowing materials · checked Oct. 21, 2026Free meeting and study rooms
No card neededStudy rooms for up to four hours (walk in or call ahead) and a community room for free public events ($150 refundable deposit; none for nonprofits with a certificate or for government use).
Source: Library site: Meeting rooms · checked Oct. 21, 2026Computer lab, wifi and printing
At the libraryFree computers with your card or a visitor pass, wifi, and a wireless printer. Prints and copies 20 cents black-and-white, $1 color; fax or scan-to-email $1 a page.
Source: Library site: Computer lab, printing and faxing · Library site: About · checked Oct. 21, 2026Free boating exam
No card neededTake the online boating license test, proctored by staff. Bring your Boating 600 permit; call to book. Free practice books at the desk.
Source: Library site: Boating exams · checked Oct. 21, 2026Interlibrary loan
With your cardBorrow up to two items from other libraries (card in good standing for at least 30 days).
Source: Library site: Interlibrary loan · checked Oct. 21, 2026Bookmobile
No card neededThe Bomar bookmobile visits day cares, preschools and Head Start programs; centers can apply online. Quarterly book drops go to senior centers and post offices.
Source: Library site: Bookmobile · Library site: Community outreach · checked Oct. 21, 2026Spanish-language books
With your cardA Spanish-language collection for all ages.
Source: Library site: Borrowing materials · checked Oct. 21, 2026
This month at the library
From the library's public events calendar. Programs are free; check with the library before you go.
October
- Thu22Oct
Makerspace open workshop
Oct. 22, 2026 · 3:30-5:30 p.m. · Teens and adults
Learn the 3D printer, Glowforge, heat press and sewing machines, and work on a project.
Source: Library site: Makerspace Workshop on October 22nd · Library site: Events calendar · checked Oct. 21, 2026 - Thu22Oct
Crochet Club
Oct. 22, 2026 · 5 p.m. · All ages
Source: Library site: Events calendar · checked Oct. 21, 2026 - Wed28Oct
Halloween Morning Story Time
Oct. 28, 2026 · 10:30 a.m. · Ages 0-5
Los Gatos Black on Halloween and Corduroy's Halloween.
Source: Library site: Morning Story Time on October 28th · Library site: Events calendar · checked Oct. 21, 2026 - Wed28Oct
Fleece on the Duck
Oct. 28, 2026 · 1:30 p.m. · All ages
Source: Library site: Events calendar · checked Oct. 21, 2026 - Fri30Oct
Teen RPG / tabletop
Oct. 30, 2026 · 3 p.m. · Ages 12-18
Source: Library site: Events calendar · checked Oct. 21, 2026
November
- Wed4Nov
Movie and Play
Nov. 4, 2026 · 10 a.m. · Children's Room · Ages 0-5
Source: Library site: Events calendar · checked Oct. 21, 2026 - Wed11Nov
Library closed for Veterans Day
Nov. 11, 2026
Source: Library site: Events calendar · checked Oct. 21, 2026 - Sat14Nov
Let's Sew Shelbyville
Nov. 14, 2026 · 2:30 p.m. · All ages
Source: Library site: Events calendar · checked Oct. 21, 2026 - Wed18Nov
Morning Story Time
Nov. 18, 2026 · 10:30 a.m. · Ages 0-5
Source: Library site: Events calendar · checked Oct. 21, 2026 - Sat21Nov
Writers Guild
Nov. 21, 2026 · 2 p.m. · Adults
Source: Library site: Events calendar · checked Oct. 21, 2026 - Wed25Nov
Movie and Play
Nov. 25, 2026 · 10 a.m. · Children's Room · Ages 0-5
Source: Library site: Events calendar · checked Oct. 21, 2026 - Thu26Nov
Library closed for Thanksgiving
Nov. 26, 2026
Source: Library site: Events calendar · checked Oct. 21, 2026 - Sat28Nov
Let's Sew Shelbyville
Nov. 28, 2026 · 2:30 p.m. · All ages
Source: Library site: Events calendar · checked Oct. 21, 2026
December
- Wed2Dec
Morning Story Time
Dec. 2, 2026 · 10:30 a.m. · Ages 0-5
Source: Library site: Events calendar · checked Oct. 21, 2026 - Wed9Dec
Movie and Play
Dec. 9, 2026 · 10 a.m. · Children's Room · Ages 0-5
Source: Library site: Events calendar · checked Oct. 21, 2026 - Sat12Dec
Let's Sew Shelbyville
Dec. 12, 2026 · 2:30 p.m. · All ages
Source: Library site: Events calendar · checked Oct. 21, 2026
Kids & families
Morning Story Time
Every other Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. through the end of 2026, alternating with Movie and Play at 10 a.m. · Ages 0-5
Changed because the library is short-staffed.
Source: Library site: Program schedule change · Library site: Morning Story Time on October 28th · Library site: Events calendar · checked Oct. 21, 2026LEGO Club and STEAM Club
Monthly (check the calendar) · Grades K-5
Program pages say these took a summer break; neither was on the calendar through mid-December.
Call to confirmSource: Library site: Library programs · checked Oct. 21, 2026
Tweens & teens
Teen RPG / tabletop
Fridays, 3-5 p.m. · Ages 12-18
Source: Library site: Events calendar · Library site: Library programs · checked Oct. 21, 2026Teen Advisory Board
Apply online · Teens; counts toward volunteer hours
Source: Library site: Teens · checked Oct. 21, 2026TeenSpace Discord
Online, moderated · Ages 13-18
Source: Library site: Teens · checked Oct. 21, 2026
For grown-ups
Crochet Club
Thursdays, 5 p.m. · All ages; bring your own supplies
Source: Library site: Events calendar · checked Oct. 21, 2026Fleece on the Duck
Wednesdays, 1:30 p.m. · All ages: knitting, crochet, spinning
Source: Library site: Events calendar · checked Oct. 21, 2026Quilting Class
Tuesdays, 10 a.m. on the calendar · Teens and adults
The programs page says the class is on temporary hiatus. Call to confirm.
Sources differ: call to confirmSource: Library site: Events calendar · Library site: Library programs · checked Oct. 21, 2026Let's Sew Shelbyville
Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. (see calendar) · All ages
Source: Library site: Events calendar · checked Oct. 21, 2026Writers Guild
Monthly (see calendar) · Adults
Source: Library site: Events calendar · Library site: Library programs · checked Oct. 21, 2026Makerspace open workshop
Announced on the home page · Teens and adults
Source: Library site: Makerspace Workshop on October 22nd · checked Oct. 21, 2026
Get a card
- Who can get one
Any Bedford County resident. Residents of other Tennessee counties can also get a card with proper ID. Your first card is free; replacements are $2.
Source: Library site: Borrowing materials · checked Oct. 21, 2026- What to bring
A current photo ID. If it doesn't show your current address, bring a piece of mail such as a power or phone bill. Children under 18 need a parent or guardian with photo ID.
Source: Library site: Borrowing materials · Library site: Get a library card · checked Oct. 21, 2026- How
Come in, or fill out the online form and the library will mail your card or hold it for pickup. Update your account in person every two years, or it can expire and stop working in Libby.
Source: Library site: Get a library card · Library site: Updating your library card · checked Oct. 21, 2026
Any Tennessee resident can use the Tennessee Electronic Library without a card.
Volunteer / Friends of the Library
Friends of the Library
Friends of the Library promote the library and raise money for it. Meetings are the first Tuesday of the month at 4:30 p.m. (October and November combined; none December-March). Memberships run from $2 for students to $100, with organizational levels.
Source: Library site: Friends of the Library · checked Oct. 21, 2026Volunteer
Adults and teens 13 and older can volunteer (shelving, program setup, clerical work, special projects). Fill out an application at the library or online. For TN Promise hours, apply at least two weeks before the deadline; hours aren't guaranteed.
Source: Library site: Volunteer at the library · Library site: Support your library · checked Oct. 21, 2026Donate books
Drop off gently used books and movies for the collection or the semi-annual book sale. Memorial or in-honor books need a copyright date within the last three years, or give $25 or more and the library buys a book on the subject you choose.
Source: Library site: Support your library · Library site: Memorial donations · checked Oct. 21, 2026Give money
Give to the Library Fund, the Building Fund or the Memorial Fund, or buy an item from the Wish Book at the front desk.
Source: Library site: Support your library · Library site: Memorial donations · checked Oct. 21, 2026Library board:
The library board meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m. (no August meeting; November and December combine on the first Tuesday of December).
Source: Library site: Board meetings · checked Oct. 21, 2026Know a library need we should list on the Shelbyville volunteer page? Tell us.
Know before you go
- Holidays: Closed Wednesday, Nov. 11 (Veterans Day) and Thursday, Nov. 26 (Thanksgiving). The calendar marks Nov. 26; call about Friday, Nov. 27. Source: Library site: Events calendar · checked Oct. 21, 2026
- Park only in marked spaces; the library enforces legal parking. Source: Library site: home page · checked Oct. 21, 2026
- Library staff can't give out card numbers or update accounts over the phone. Source: Library site: Updating your library card · checked Oct. 21, 2026
- The computer lab shuts down 30 minutes before closing. Source: Library site: Hours & Location · checked Oct. 21, 2026
- Serves residents of Bedford County; part of the Stones River regional library system. Source: Library site: About · State library directory · checked Oct. 21, 2026
A bit of history
Founded in 1948 by the VFW Ladies Auxiliary as the Bedford County Memorial Library, in the old passenger waiting room of the railway depot. An earlier American Legion Auxiliary library was lost in the 1934 courthouse fire. In 1964 the library moved into the former post office and was named for Argie Cooper, a dedicated supporter of the Legion Auxiliary's first library effort and the mother of former Gov. Prentice Cooper. The library broke ground on its own building on South Jefferson Street in 2014.
Source: Library site: About · Good News Exchange · checked Oct. 21, 2026Sources
- SBCPL: Hours & Location (checked Oct. 21, 2026)
- Tennessee State Library & Archives, Public Library Directory: Bedford County (checked Oct. 21, 2026)
- Shelbyville-Bedford County Public Library: home page (checked Oct. 21, 2026)
- Good News Exchange (Shelbyville): Shelbyville-Bedford County Library: Rooted and relevant (Oct. 9, 2025) (checked Oct. 21, 2026)
- Tennessee R.E.A.D.S. (OverDrive / Libby) (checked Oct. 21, 2026)
- FLCPL: Libby / OverDrive (checked Oct. 21, 2026)
- GCPL: Online resources (TEL, READS/Libby, Kanopy, Librista) (checked Oct. 21, 2026)
- SBCPL: Get a library card (checked Oct. 21, 2026)
- Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL), Tennessee State Library and Archives (checked Oct. 21, 2026)
- SBCPL: Makerspace Workshop on October 22nd (checked Oct. 21, 2026)
- SBCPL: Borrowing materials (checked Oct. 21, 2026)
- SBCPL: About (library history and the Argie Cooper name) (checked Oct. 21, 2026)
- SBCPL: Meeting rooms (checked Oct. 21, 2026)
- SBCPL: Computer lab, printing and faxing (checked Oct. 21, 2026)
- SBCPL: Boating exams (checked Oct. 21, 2026)
- SBCPL: Interlibrary loan (checked Oct. 21, 2026)
- SBCPL: Bookmobile (checked Oct. 21, 2026)
- SBCPL: Community outreach (checked Oct. 21, 2026)
- SBCPL: Events calendar (public Google calendar on the library site) (checked Oct. 21, 2026)
- SBCPL: Morning Story Time on October 28th (checked Oct. 21, 2026)
- SBCPL: Program schedule change (checked Oct. 21, 2026)
- SBCPL: Library programs (checked Oct. 21, 2026)
- SBCPL: Teens (Teen Advisory Board, Discord, D&D/RPG) (checked Oct. 21, 2026)
- SBCPL: Updating your library card (checked Oct. 21, 2026)
- SBCPL: Friends of the Library (checked Oct. 21, 2026)
- SBCPL: Volunteer at the library (checked Oct. 21, 2026)
- SBCPL: Support your library (checked Oct. 21, 2026)
- SBCPL: Memorial donations (checked Oct. 21, 2026)
- SBCPL: Board meetings (checked Oct. 21, 2026)
We point to the library’s own pages and public records; we don’t make up facts. Where sources disagree or we couldn’t confirm something, we say “call to confirm.” Library programs change often, so the library’s own calendar always wins.
Work at the library, or spot something out of date? Tell us and we’ll fix it gladly.
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