Library Closing

All Memphis Public Libraries will be closed Labor Day, Monday September 4.

Support the Library

Meet the Candidates

Access Facebook and Webpages for candidates in the upcoming Memphis Mayor and City Council election.

Library Card Sign-Up Month

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. Learn about our limited edition Grizzlies Card! Or, sign up for a card online and use it immediately to access our digital collections.

Teen Arts Festival

Ages 13-19 have the opportunity to showcase their art to the Memphis/Shelby County and surrounding areas.

Youth Action Council

Join the Youth Action Councils, a group of leaders creating spaces in neighborhood libraries for youth that are fun and welcoming.

Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning Classes

Memphis Public Libraries is providing continuing education and lifelong learning classes designed to give people an opportunity to grow in their professional and personal lives!

Friends of the Memphis Library – Fall Book Sale

Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Oct 26-29

3:00 PM
Get ready for the ultimate Fall Book Sale—proceeds from the sale fund Memphis Public Library programs in your neighborhood.

MEMPHIS LOCAL PRIDE LIBRARY CARD CONTEST

Enter your masterpiece and design our first Pride Library card!

National Hispanic Heritage Month At the Library

Multiple Branches
Sep 15
– Oct 15

Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month at the Memphis Public Libraries with DIY projects, storytimes and more!

Richard Wright Literary Awards

Nominate a Local Author Today
Nomination Deadline Nov 15
Memphis Public Libraries will hold the second Richard Wright Literary Awards during March 2024 celebrating and awarding local authors.

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.

The Black Child Book Fair Tour

Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Sep 30

10:00 AM
The Black Child Book Fair Tour promotes books with positive images and stories of Black children and Black life.

Podbox Memphis Festival–an International Podcast Day Celebration

Cossitt Library
Sep 30

10:00 AM
Explore podcasting at Podbox Memphis Festival! Engage in breakout sessions, a fireside chat, a pitch competition, and a keynote on podcasting’s future. Gain insights, network, and celebrate International Podcast Day on Sep 30 at Cossitt Branch Library!

Solar Eclipse Science & Safety

Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Oct 5
5:30 PM

Come learn about the science of solar eclipses and how to view them safely! Planetarium staff from the Memphis Museum of Science and History will give a presentation followed by Questions and Answers.

The Life and Legacy of Emmett Till

Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Oct 5
5:30 PM


Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr., at 16, witnessed cousin Emmett Till’s infamous lynching. Their tragic story fueled global outrage, sparking the Civil Rights Movement. Parker, the last living witness, and co-author Christopher Benson will discuss their book, “A Few Days Full Of Trouble,” in Memphis, thanks to the Memphis Library Foundation..

Memphis Music Listening Party with Don Nix

Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Oct 16
7:00 PM

Please join host Robert Gordon as we discuss native Memphian Don Nix’s masterful career through five of his songs.

Author Visit with Alice Faye Duncan

Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Oct 21
10:30 AM

Join us for a special visit from 2019 Coretta Scott King Honor Medal recipient, and double nominee for the NAACP Image Award in Children’s Literature, Alice Faye Duncan!

Memphis Public Libraries Newsletter

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

Memphis Public Libraries Highlights

Weekly News & Updates
What’s happening in your neighborhood?

Library Videos

LIBRARY OF THINGS LAUNCH

Would you like to borrow camping equipment? A karaoke machine? A large projector screen for movie night? Our Library of Things launches on Monday! We are excited to announce our "Joy Collection," items you can checkout that will hopefully bring you joy and enhance your life. Librarian Anthony Lucatelli explains how it works and what is available in this video. #libraryofthings #memphislibraryfoundation

Posted by Memphis Public Libraries on Friday, August 11, 2023
Dos Hermanos Grand Reopening at the Cossitt Library

The ribbon was officially cut at the Dos Hermanos Grand Reopening at the Cossitt Library. The restaurant has extended its hours and will open most evenings and Saturdays for brunch. In addition, there will be monthly cooking demos, patio seating directly overlooking the river, and BYOV ( Bring Your Own Vinyl) record-spinning on Thursdays. Chef Eli explained how his mother was at the heart of his becoming a chef and how he hopes to inspire youth in our community.

Posted by Memphis Public Libraries on Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Cloud 901 at the Benjamin L Hooks Central Library

If you are an adult, you are not allowed inside Cloud901. It is a space just for teens at the Benjamin L Hooks Central Library, where teens can hang out and attend excellent programs. Our Urban Fellow Abby Utley was allowed inside for a tour of Cloud901.

Posted by Memphis Public Libraries on Thursday, August 17, 2023
Read to the Dog!

Have you met Lovie, the Memphis Public Libraries Therapy Dog? Lovie and her owner Juana have a program called Read to the Dog. It helps children work on their reading skills. Abby Utley, our Urban Fellow, made this video to introduce you to Lovie and learn more about the program.

Posted by Memphis Public Libraries on Friday, July 14, 2023

Popular Resources

ANCESTRY LIBRARY

ancestry logo

Start your genealogical journey today!

BOOK BUNDLES

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!

COMMERCIAL APPEAL (1847-Present)

Search the local newspaper all the way back to 1847.

DIG MEMPHIS

Dig Memphis, the Memphis Public Libraries' Digital Archive

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

LINC 2-1-1 Community Information

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.

LINKEDIN LEARNING

Linkedin Learning

Formerly known as Lynda.com. Tons of online training courses that are all available online right in your own home! Library card is required! Sign up for a card online today!

MEMPHIS SOUND CONNECTION

Streaming current local music for free. Local musicians: Submit a sample for inclusion.

THE NEW YORK TIMES

The New York Times logo

The New York Times digital subscription is available at home!

Libby by OverDrive

Illustration of Libby the OverDrive mascot for their new look!

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

MAGAZINES @ libby

Our magazine collection has moved to Libby! Check out our collection of current and popular magazines.

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!