Library Closing

All Memphis Public Libraries will be closed Thursday November 23 and Friday November 24 for Thanksgiving.

Support the Library

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.

Affordable Connectivity Program

The FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program provides eligible households with a discount on broadband service and connected devices. Learn if you qualify for the program and how to apply. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100.

Coleman Chorus Presents “Christmas Carols”

Raleigh Library
Dec 1
11:00 AM

Make plans to join us as the Coleman Choir presents Christmas Carols at the Raleigh Library. Students from Journey Coleman in grades 4th – 7th will be performing. Come out and enjoy the music. 

Creative Coping

Cloud 901
Dec 3
2:00 PM

CreateCo a community engagement program that supports teens in exploring artistic practice as a method for dealing with loss. Teen participants will be guided through activities that provide an outlet for creative expression.

Cornelia Crenshaw Library
Dec 5 – 28

Pregnant? New Baby? Memphis NAACP presents MyBaby4Me. This program will offer resources for expecting as well as new mothers.

Meet and Greet Santa & Mrs. Claus

Levi Library
Dec 6
3:00 PM

Come and join us at Levi on December 6 from 3-5 p.m. to meet and greet Santa and Mrs. Claus with the Loves!

Holiday Celebrations – Family Storytime

South Library
Dec 9
11:00 AM

December is a busy, busy time for celebrations. Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and more will be highlighted in a festive storytime.

Soulful Christmas with Kenneth Jackson

Whitehaven Library
Dec 11
12:30 PM

Enjoy the soulful music of Kenneth Jackson as he ushers in the holiday season for the Whitehaven community. A very special holiday treat!

Decorating for the Holidays

Cordova Library
Dec 13
3:00 PM

Come make your holidays a little bit merrier and brighter by joining us to decorate your very own holiday ornaments.

Pictures with Santa

Benjamin L. Hooks Library
Dec 16
11:00 AM

Here comes Santa right down Poplar Avenue!  Join us for holiday crafts, popcorn, hot cocoa and of course SANTA!

Cooking Matters

Raleigh Library
Dec 19
2:00 PM

Come join the fun with a cooking demonstration presented by TSU Community Nutrition educators. Learn how to make a quick and easy meal in minutes! 

Holiday Movie Cheer-athon

Levi Library
Dec 20
1:00 PM

Join us at Levi for a cheery, good time where you will be able to watch some of the best, classic holiday movies and sing your favorite holiday tunes.

Mystery Japan Box

Frayser Library
Dec 20-30

Calling all adventurous teens! Get ready for a monthly dose of excitement with our Mystery Japanese Box, available for pick-up at your local library. Each month, a world of intriguing surprises will be ready for you to discover.

Noon Years Eve Celebration

Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Dec 31
1:30 PM

Ring in the (not quite) Noon Year with us! Join us at 1:30 pm for the festivities and stay for a balloon drop at 2:00 pm.  Light refreshments to follow.

Memphis Public Libraries Newsletter

December
Check out our newsletter for what’s coming up this month!!

Upcoming Events

View our full calendar of events!

Youth Events

Adult Events

View our full calendar of events!

Library Videos

Santa and his elves jingling down Poplar.

Santa and his crew are jingling and jammin' down Poplar Avenue to get ready for their big photo shoot at the Benjamin L Hooks Central Library. If these dancing elves don't get you in the holiday spirit, what will?

Posted by Memphis Public Libraries on Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Graduates get a first look at the Melrose High School building renovation

Graduates of the old Melrose High began singing the school song as they got a tour of the renovation of the property. The former school is being transformed into a library and genealogy center, and senior apartments. Phase 1 of construction should be complete in early 2024.

Posted by Memphis Public Libraries on Monday, November 27, 2023
Do you qualify for a discount on your internet?

Does your child get a reduced or free lunch? Did you get a Pell Grant this year? Are you on SSI or Medicaid? If so, you may be eligible for a $ 30-a-month discount on your internet. There are many ways to qualify for the discount. Check out the video to see if you are eligible. #AffordableConnectivityProgram

Posted by Memphis Public Libraries on Tuesday, September 5, 2023
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

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.

Formerly known as Lynda.com. Tons of online training courses that are all available online right in your own home!

Linkedin Learning

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!

The New York Times logo

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!