Notice

Gaston Park Library is temporarily closed for repair.

Support the Library

Explore Memphis

Multiple Locations & Times
See all that’s happening this summer!

Explore Memphest

Multiple Locations & Times
Enjoy free food and family fun at our branches!

Reading Buddies

Led by Literacy Mid-South, the Reading Buddies program gives kids an opportunity to not only be read to but to read to their buddy!

Start Here Volunteer Leadership Conference

June 9
Designed to engage and educate nonprofit and civic leaders on ways to develop their organization’s volunteer program and leadership skills. Register today!

Father’s Day Programs

Multiple Branches & Times
Celebrate the great father in your life at our branches!

Juneteenth Programs

Multiple Branches & Times
Learn more about Juneteenth with programs without our libraries!

No Tears Project

Cossitt Library
Multiple dates & Times
The No Tears Project uses music and conversation to educate and engage communities with stories about civil rights.

Summer Camp Applications

Memphis Public Libraries Summer camps engage youth in fun, STEAM-based curriculum. Camps range from science, robotics, coding, art, and more.

A. Schwab Digital Scavenger Hunt

May 5 – June 10
Explore iconic Beale Street in Memphis with a digital scavenger hunt! Check out the new A. Schwab DIG Memphis Collection at Memphis Public Libraries and discover the city’s history.

PARENT TALK SERIES: Early Literacy Success for Toddlers

East Shelby Library
June 17 – 11:00 AM

Join us to learn fun activities you can use to help your toddler develop reading and writing skills.

Cook It Up

Whitehaven Library
June 21 – 1:30 PM

 Come to the library and expand your skills with learning how to cook with TSU/UT Extension Services. Food and equipment are provided.

Food and Science Camp

North Library
June 21 – 2:00 PM

If you love food, you’re in the right place! Please join us at the North Branch Library for this food science project with Works, Inc.

ABC 24 Reading Wizards

Randolph Library
June 24
ABC24 Morning anchor Yvonne Cooper will help guide K-3 students through an interactive reading experience!

Memphis Public Libraries Newsletter

June
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

AAPI Heritage Month Celebration at Memphis Public Libraries

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The City of Memphis EDI Office, Memphis Public Libraries, and US Citizen and Immigration Services are having an AAPI celebration on May 19 at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library. Wang-Ying Glasgow has worked for Memphis Public Libraries for nearly 30 years. She explains why you should make it a point to attend this year’s celebration.

Posted by Memphis Public Libraries on Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Have you signed up for Explore Memphis? Our summer reading program kick-off is tomorrow! All you have to do is register, read, and you can win prizes! We also have programs and events all summer long!

Posted by Memphis Public Libraries on Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Linc-211 expands service to include licensed social workers on Memphis Public Libraries staff

Memphis Public Libraries is expanding its Linc-211 services to include licensed social workers to serve the community better. Two full-time social workers and outreach specialists will be based at five Memphis Public Library Branches around the city. Customers that need assistance can also access services at any Memphis Library location by calling 211 and setting up an appointment at their local library branch. Social Workers and outreach specialists will be at Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, Whitehaven, East Shelby, Hollywood, and Raleigh from 10 AM to 6 PM Monday thru Friday. The service is free to anyone who needs assistance. As part of the expanded Linc-211, the Opportunity Youth Program will also be in Memphis Public Libraries. Opportunity Youth targets those between the ages of 16-24. Librarians, outreach specialists, and social workers will use a team approach. They can not only make referrals for the basics, such as housing, food, or healthcare but can also connect youth with educational opportunities, training, and skills to find gainful employment.

Posted by Memphis Public Libraries on Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Friends of the Library Booksale

We are just 10 days away from the Friends of the Library Spring Booksale. Thousands of books, CDs, DVDs, magazines, comics, and vinyl records for under $3. We talked to the President of the Friends of the Library, Ann Bailey- Mitchell, about the upcoming sale!

Posted by Memphis Public Libraries on Monday, April 10, 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

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!