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Tours at the Benjamin L Hooks Central Library

Educational Tours

Memphis Public Library and Information Center encourages visits by local school and classroom groups to Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library and all other city library branches. Children who are familiar with their local libraries are more likely to become regular library users. Submitting your request at least two weeks prior to your planned visit will ensure that we will be able to provide your students with a great learning experience.

For younger students:
To schedule a library orientation/tour for groups in K to 4th grade, please contact the Children's Department at (901) 415-2739 or email Mary Seratt at mary.seratt@memphistn.gov.
For older students:
Tours for grades 5 - 12 are available at Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library:
Monday - Thursday
10:30AM - 12:00PM
2:00PM - 3:30PM

Student Library Tour is a 1 hour tour designed to educate students about the basic functions of a library. This tour includes a tour of the building and the resources available. (Maximum number of students per guide is 20).

Student Research Assistance is conducted by staff from various library departments and includes skills instruction and research assistance. (Maximum number of students per guide is 12).

Tour guidelines:

  • Please request your tour two weeks in advance.
  • If your group is planning to do research, encourage students to apply for a library card prior to your visit.
  • Please contact Sonya Walton at (901)415-2840 to cancel your tour.

To request a tour, contact the library administration office at (901)415-2749, email events.coordinator@memphistn.gov or click here to fill out our convenient online tour request form.

Adult Tours

Tours of Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library are available to senior and adult groups of 10 or more. Tours last approximately 1 hour and are led by trained docents. Maximum number of adults per guide is 20. The emphasis of the tour is the library facility. If you have a special interest or would like a public art tour, please let us know.

Library tours are offered:
Monday - Thursday
10:30AM - 12:00PM
2:00PM - 3:30PM

To request a tour, please call (901) 415-2749 or click here to fill out our convenient online tour request form.

If you would like to have a representative from MPLIC speak to your group, please contact Stephanie White at (901) 415-2841 or email stephanie.white@memphistn.gov.

Memphis Public Library and Information Center does not provide guided tours for visitors outside the Library's service area. Guided tours are available for residents in the City of Memphis, Bartlett and unincorporated Shelby County.