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Highland Branch Library

Address: 460 S. Highland, Memphis TN 38111 
Phone: 452-7341 
Hours: Monday & Tuesday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Wednesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday CLOSED 
Storytime: Preschool story time for children ages 3-5 is by appointment only. If you are a group or organization that is interested in ether making a visit to the library or having a librarian come to visit your site, please call 452-7341 to schedule.
 

The Highland Branch Library is located near the University of Memphis campus, on the corner of Highland and Midland, across the street from Fox Studios.

History

The Highland Branch Library was built in 1950 and opened in 1951 under the supervision of Elizabeth Robertson. Since 1950, the Highland Branch Library of the Memphis and Public Library Information Center has served the residents of the following communities: University Planning District, Orange Mound, Buntyn and Normal Station. These four communities compose the library’s service area.

A $112,000 addition was added to the Branch in 1959. By 1961, Highland was known as the “biggest business of any branch library this side of New York.”

In December of 1975, a giant mural, measuring 8 feet by 18 feet and done in 12 panels, was a gift donation to the branch. The mural was painted by James Watkins (an art instructor at Memphis State), along with four of his students. Watkins said that the modernistic design depicts man’s search for knowledge and understanding in the universe.

During Highland's latest renovation beginning in 1999, things were changed to make the inside of the library look better and function in a more user-friendly manner. The mezzanine is now an area for customers to read and relax, and popular materials are located near the circulation desk, among other changes.

In 2003, a community grant enabled the addition of professional landscaping and other outside improvements to the building and grounds.

Computers

Computers for browsing the Internet (including email), accessing information online, or for use with word processing etc. are available for public use. See the Internet Use Policy and the Computer Assistance Policy for more information.

Highland Library has six computers with Internet access, Microsoft Word, and PowerPoint that can be reserved one hour per day. The computers at the branch have Infotrac and Gale access.

Storytime

Preschool story time is for children ages 3-5 by appointment only. Call 452-7341. For more children's activities, check InfoDATES, News and Events of Your Memphis Public Libraries, and also the outside marquee of your Highland Library.

Book Club

Got the Urge to Read?

Join the Second Saturdays Book Club, which meets every 2nd Saturday from 1:30-3:00 p.m. The current month's selection is normally held on reserve at the Circulation Desk for check-out. Membership is free and all meetings are open to the public.

Coin Club

The Memphis Coin Club has helped build and maintain a strong numismatics collection at the Highland Library.

Programs

There were many attractions at the library; storytime for pre-schoolers, craft programs, and live performances for people of all ages. For current program announcements and schedules see InfoDATES, News and Events at Your Memphis Public Libraries.

Meeting Room

Highland Library has a meeting room which is free to non-profit groups whose meetings are open to the public free of charge. The room will accommodate up to 50 people. As the room is on the second floor and accessible only by stairs, the room is not handicap accessible.

Collection

Highland Community on the Internet

• Orange Mound
• University District, Inc.

Items for Sale at Check-Out Desk

The Check-Out Desk at each library has a handy "store" of useful items for sale