Common Tasks
Support the Library
Richard Wright Literary Awards
Nominations Open!
Memphis Public Libraries will hold the third Richard Wright Literary Awards during March 2025 celebrating and awarding local authors. If you would like to submit a nomination for your or someone else’s work in the various categories, please do so by the end of November.
Creative Aging Programs
Talented professional artists and musicians play, perform and teach at locations where seniors live and gather. Musical performances and hands-on arts workshops reach diverse audiences, improving participants’ cognitive vitality and emotional well-being, and making arts access a reality.
Upcoming Events
View our full calendar of events!
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Thu., Oct. 17, 6:00 pm
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Thu., Oct. 17, 6:00 pm
Library Videos & Posts
Learning does not have to be dull! At Memphis Public Libraries, Continuing Education & Lifelong Learning classes range from sign language to calligraphy to public speaking! Here's a sneak peek at what you can expect in a CELL class! 👩🎓🧑🎓 #CELL #Memphis #MemphisPublicLibraries #StartHere
Posted by Memphis Public Libraries on Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Spooky season is here and we're kicking off the fun at our East Shelby Branch! ✋ Join us for our 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat bash this Saturday!! 👻 #TrunkOrTreat #Halloween #EastShelby #MemphisPublicLibraries #StartHere
Posted by Memphis Public Libraries on Monday, September 30, 2024
Why I Love the LibraryA whole world is right at your fingertips at your local library branch! Come see us today and get your library card! 📚❤ Sign Up: https://www.memphislibrary.org/start-here/ #LibraryCardSignUpMonth #MemphisPublicLibraries #StartHere
Posted by Memphis Public Libraries on Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Overdue book? Don't worry! Just return it.Did you forget to return your library book? It can happen. Our Urban Fellow Abby Utley made this short film for entertaining and explaining that MPL no longer charges fines for overdue books. Check it out!
Posted by Memphis Public Libraries on Thursday, August 24, 2023
A Sister Story
Memphis Magazine, October 2024 – “Kelis Rowe and her sister, Adriane Johnson-Williams, grew up in Whitehaven, walking distance from the…
Hispanic Heritage Celebration and Family Resource Night
East Shelby Library had an incredible time at the Hispanic Heritage Celebration and Family Resource Night! Huge thanks to Southwind…
Lovie the library dog gets kids to love literacy
News Channel 3 – September 13, 2024 “A Memphis Public Library program lets kids cuddle up with a therapy dog…
Cherokee Sewing Classes
Cherokee had another couple of successful sewing classes Saturday! We learned to sew on zippers and made a small zippered,…
Popular Resources
Start your genealogical journey today!
Have a question you need answered? Or a suggestion for the collection? Start Here!
Are you missing the ability to browse our shelves for books for your children? Use Book Bundles and we’ll pick out a bundle of books for your child!
Bookstock 2025 is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 11am – 3pm at Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library. Authors are invited to apply now!
Search the local newspaper all the way back to 1847.
Check out our online Digital Archives and explore Memphis history through photos and more!
Check out E-books and E-AudioBooks through Libby by OverDrive! You can visit the new Libby site or visit the original OverDrive site.
Memphis Public Libraries lends non-traditional items, too! You can try before you buy, discover a new hobby, or borrow a device you’ll only need to use once. Kits include Camping, Karaoke, Yard Games, Outdoor Movies, and Nature Exploration.
If you are looking for help, or want to provide someone with help, just dial 2-1-1 to reach the community information and referral resources of LINC, the Library Information Center at the Memphis Public Library.
Formerly known as Lynda.com. Tons of online training courses that are all available online right in your own home!
Our magazine collection has moved to Libby! Check out our collection of current and popular magazines.
Streaming current local music for free. Local musicians: Submit a sample for inclusion.
The New York Times digital subscription is available at home!
We now offer access to Value Line, a single, cost-effective research package covering multiple asset classes that can transform an average investor into an extremely profitable one.
