Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-3-101: Establishment, maintenance and joint operation

The legislative body of a county or the governing body of an incorporated city or town shall have the authority to establish and maintain, under state and local law, a free public library, or give support to any free public library already established therein, or contract with another library for library service for use of the inhabitants of the county, city, or town, or enter into contractual agreements with one (1) or more counties or cities for the joint operation of a free public library.