Support the Library

Continuing Education & Lifelong Learning

Register Today!

Browse our Spring 2025 Continuing Education & Lifelong Learning offerings. Subjects include art, business, technology, health, financial literacy, and more. Review the courses and register today!

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MPL Comic Con

Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
May 31, 10 AM – 3 PM

Calling all heroes, villains, and pop culture fans! Join us for an action-packed day with over 50 local vendors, free comics, gaming and cosplay contests, food trucks, and more! Don’t miss our special guest star Chris Parnell—aka Cyril from Archer and Jerry from Rick and Morty—signing autographs and hosting a Q&A straight from the multiverse! Registration is now OPEN for our cosplay contest and gaming tournament!

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Frayser Grand Opening

Frayser Library
May 15, 10AM

Please join us in celebrating the grand opening of the new Frayser branch library, a community hub!

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Summer Camps 2025

​The Memphis Public Libraries’ 2025 summer camps offer a dynamic array of free, STEAM-focused programs designed for teens. Participants can engage in hands-on experiences such as robotics, filmmaking, and music production, fostering creativity and skill development throughout the summer.​

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Community Health Fair

North Library
May 29, 8AM-2PM

We’re here to empower our community with vital health resources and inspire healthier living! Enjoy a wide range of services from Baptist Mammogram, Tri-State Mobile, Vitalant Blood Drive Mobile, YMCA, Smiles, Shelby County Health Department, and many more!

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Sankofa African Diaspora Festival

Cossitt Library
June 14, 11AM – 5PM

Celebrating the rich culture, lived experiences, and creative expression of African descended communities. Join us for an afternoon of performance, dance, art, vendors, readings, and much more in recognition of Black Music Month and Juneteenth commemoration.

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Japanese Culture Club

Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Jun. 14, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Join us for MPL’s Japanese Culture Club! This monthly meeting will be dedicated to the appreciation of Japanese culture. The club will focus on immersing attendees in Japanese customs and traditions as well as popular culture in a fun and engaging environment. 

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MPL Unbound

A Publication of the Memphis Library Foundation

Welcome to the first issue of MPL UNBOUND, the quarterly magazine for Memphis Public Libraries. This magazine expands on the library’s mission to meet the public where they are and put the library in their hands. We believe this is one of a kind for any U.S. public library system. Pick up a print copy at any branch or read the digital version online!

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MPL Repair Cafe Volunteers Needed

We are excited to announce that Memphis Public Library will be hosting regular Repair Days in 2025 in partnership with the international Repair Café organization! If you have special skills and would like to volunteer for this effort, let us know here!

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Seed Library and Colorcopia

Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
3rd Tuesdays, 1-2 PM

Join The Dixon Garden and Gallery’s Shawna White for a monthly arts class inspired by the ever changing seasons. In these nature themed arts classes, all you need to bring is your creativity for a great time while having great conversation. All supplies provided; all skill levels welcome!

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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.

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Teen Reading Challenge

Various locations
January – May

Get a free book each month, handpicked for teens. Explore new genres and find your next favorite read! After reading, share your review online and tag CLOUD901 or tell us what you liked (or didn’t). Read all 5 books for a pizza party and a chance to win a Nintendo Switch!

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Upcoming Events

View our full calendar of events!

AAPI Heritage Month Memphis Student Art Exhibit
Cossitt Library
Wed., May. 14, 10:00 am

Adult Author Workshop with Carnegie Writers
Cossitt Library
Wed., May. 14, 6:00 pm

The Writer's Block
Connect Crew
Wed., May. 14, 6:00 pm

Aerobics Fitness Exercise at Raleigh
Raleigh Library
Thu., May. 15, 10:00 am

AAPI Heritage Month Memphis Student Art Exhibit
Cossitt Library
Thu., May. 15, 10:00 am

Cherokee Story Time
Cherokee Library
Thu., May. 15, 10:15 am

All of Us
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Thu., May. 15, 10:15 am

Preschool Story Time
Raleigh Library
Thu., May. 15, 10:30 am

TriState Community Health Outreach
Cherokee Library
Thu., May. 15, 10:30 am

Storytime
Cordova Library
Thu., May. 15, 11:00 am

Power Hour Gym @ Levi
Levi Library
Thu., May. 15, 12:30 pm

Creative Aging: Pallet Knife Painting
Randolph Library
Thu., May. 15, 1:00 pm

Homeschool Hangout
Officer Geoffrey Redd Library
Thu., May. 15, 2:00 pm

Sit-N-Stitch Crochet and Knitting Club
East Shelby Library
Thu., May. 15, 3:00 pm

Long Live the King of Chess @ South
South Library
Thu., May. 15, 3:30 pm

TEEN HANGOUT
Officer Geoffrey Redd Library
Thu., May. 15, 3:30 pm

Booked & Busy: Celebration!
Hollywood Library
Thu., May. 15, 4:00 pm

Let's Rap About It
North Library
Thu., May. 15, 4:00 pm

Virutal Smackdown @ the Haven
Whitehaven Library
Thu., May. 15, 4:00 pm

AAPI Heritage Month Memphis Student Art Exhibit
Cossitt Library
Wed., May. 14, 10:00 am

AAPI Heritage Month Memphis Student Art Exhibit
Cossitt Library
Thu., May. 15, 10:00 am

Cherokee Story Time
Cherokee Library
Thu., May. 15, 10:15 am

Preschool Story Time
Raleigh Library
Thu., May. 15, 10:30 am

Storytime
Cordova Library
Thu., May. 15, 11:00 am

Homeschool Hangout
Officer Geoffrey Redd Library
Thu., May. 15, 2:00 pm

Long Live the King of Chess @ South
South Library
Thu., May. 15, 3:30 pm

TEEN HANGOUT
Officer Geoffrey Redd Library
Thu., May. 15, 3:30 pm

Booked & Busy: Celebration!
Hollywood Library
Thu., May. 15, 4:00 pm

Virutal Smackdown @ the Haven
Whitehaven Library
Thu., May. 15, 4:00 pm

AAPI Heritage Month Memphis Student Art Exhibit
Cossitt Library
Fri., May. 16, 10:00 am

Story Time!
Officer Geoffrey Redd Library
Fri., May. 16, 10:30 am

Sensory Story Time
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Fri., May. 16, 11:00 am

AAPI Heritage Month Memphis Student Art Exhibit
Cossitt Library
Sat., May. 17, 10:00 am

Little Readers' Roundup
Whitehaven Library
Sat., May. 17, 10:30 am

Family Fun – Martial Arts for kids
Cordova Library
Sat., May. 17, 11:00 am

Read with a Pup! (Children's reading therapy program)
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Sat., May. 17, 11:00 am

Hollywood Game Day!
Hollywood Library
Sat., May. 17, 11:15 am

Mommy and Me/ Family Open Mic
Raleigh Library
Sat., May. 17, 11:30 am

Chat & Chew Tween Book Club
East Shelby Library
Sat., May. 17, 1:00 pm

AAPI Heritage Month Memphis Student Art Exhibit
Cossitt Library
Wed., May. 14, 10:00 am

The Writer's Block
Connect Crew
Wed., May. 14, 6:00 pm

AAPI Heritage Month Memphis Student Art Exhibit
Cossitt Library
Thu., May. 15, 10:00 am

Homeschool Hangout
Officer Geoffrey Redd Library
Thu., May. 15, 2:00 pm

Sit-N-Stitch Crochet and Knitting Club
East Shelby Library
Thu., May. 15, 3:00 pm

Long Live the King of Chess @ South
South Library
Thu., May. 15, 3:30 pm

TEEN HANGOUT
Officer Geoffrey Redd Library
Thu., May. 15, 3:30 pm

Let's Rap About It
North Library
Thu., May. 15, 4:00 pm

Virutal Smackdown @ the Haven
Whitehaven Library
Thu., May. 15, 4:00 pm

Lit at the Library: The Memoir
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Thu., May. 15, 6:00 pm

AAPI Heritage Month Memphis Student Art Exhibit
Cossitt Library
Fri., May. 16, 10:00 am

Techy Seniors – Smart Phone Basics
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Fri., May. 16, 10:30 am

Book to Screen Media Club
Whitehaven Library
Fri., May. 16, 3:30 pm

Basic Conversational Spanish 4-Part Series: Continuing Education & Lifelong Learning
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Fri., May. 16, 5:00 pm

AAPI Heritage Month Memphis Student Art Exhibit
Cossitt Library
Sat., May. 17, 10:00 am

Cherokee Crochet Club
Cherokee Library
Sat., May. 17, 10:30 am

Adult Author Workshop with Carnegie Writers
Cossitt Library
Wed., May. 14, 6:00 pm

The Writer's Block
Connect Crew
Wed., May. 14, 6:00 pm

Aerobics Fitness Exercise at Raleigh
Raleigh Library
Thu., May. 15, 10:00 am

All of Us
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Thu., May. 15, 10:15 am

TriState Community Health Outreach
Cherokee Library
Thu., May. 15, 10:30 am

Power Hour Gym @ Levi
Levi Library
Thu., May. 15, 12:30 pm

Sit-N-Stitch Crochet and Knitting Club
East Shelby Library
Thu., May. 15, 3:00 pm

SCORE: AI For Small Business
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Thu., May. 15, 6:00 pm

Lit at the Library: The Memoir
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Thu., May. 15, 6:00 pm

All of Us
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Fri., May. 16, 10:15 am

Techy Seniors – Smart Phone Basics
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Fri., May. 16, 10:30 am

Computer Class: Being Productive
Randolph Library
Fri., May. 16, 1:00 pm

Scraping and Painting
Cordova Library
Fri., May. 16, 2:00 pm

Basic Conversational Spanish 4-Part Series: Continuing Education & Lifelong Learning
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Fri., May. 16, 5:00 pm

AI for Beginners: AI Art (Images and Video)
Cordova Library
Sat., May. 17, 10:30 am

Cherokee Crochet Club
Cherokee Library
Sat., May. 17, 10:30 am

View our full calendar of events!

Keep up with Memphis Public Libraries!

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Memphis Public Libraries Newsletter

May
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Best Sellers and Other Suggestions

Library Updates

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
Why I Love the Library

A 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
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Popular Resources

Start your genealogical journey today!

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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!

Search the local newspaper all the way back to 1847.

Check out our online Digital Archives and explore Memphis history through photos and more!

Dig Memphis, the Memphis Public Libraries' Digital Archive

Check out E-books and E-AudioBooks through Libby by OverDrive! You can visit the new Libby site or visit the original OverDrive site.

Illustration of Libby the OverDrive mascot for their new look!

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.

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!

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Details on the extended Tax Assistance.

Gale Presents: Udemy is an online learning platform for adults who want to improve work-related skills or further develop a personal interest.

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.

More About the Library

Connect Crew

Not everyone can get to the library, so we’ve decided to come to you!

Friends of the Library

Donations, Book Sales, Second Editions, Amazon Book Store, and more.

Memphis Library Foundation

Supporting the Library through private donations and more. See how you can help today!

MPL by the Numbers

Keep up with the Library with these bimonthly reports showcasing some of the events and services we provide daily.

MPL in the News

Don’t just hear it from us. See what every one else is saying about the programs and services of the Memphis Public Libraries!

Library Closing

All Memphis Public Libraries will be closed Friday April 18th for Good Friday and April 20th for Easter.