MPL By The Numbers


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

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Explore Memphis

  • Mar-May 2023 51% increase in program attendance from Mar-May 2022
  • From March through May, the library provided a variety of possibilities for customers – cultural festivals, musical and puppet performances, career days, STEM days, and more! Youth Programming saw an overall increase when compared with the same period in 2022, with Spring Break Week alone seeing a 100% increase in program attendance!

Youth Programming

  • 11,362 Total Attendance for Youth Programs: March through May
  • Youth Literacy: 60.3%
  • Youth STEAM: 31.3%
  • Youth – Other: 8.4%

Richard Wright Literary Awards

183 customers attended the first Richard Wright Literary Awards, honoring local authors who have excelled in various categories of writing and publishing!

Cossitt Library Re-Opens

On April 11th, Cossitt Library reopened to the public after a years-long renovation. The newly remodeled space includes a cafe, maker spaces, and a performance area!

March through May programming at Cossitt: 27 programs; 817 attendees

Dig Memphis

DIG Memphis celebrated the unveiling of a new A. Schwab Collection by hosting a digital scavenger hunt in collaboration with StoryBoard Memphis. The hunt prompted over 9,707 retrievals from the collection and led to an overall increase in activity on DIG Memphis!

“I thoroughly enjoyed this! As a native Memphian, I learned a lot, too. Thank you!” – DIG Memphis Instagram comment

“I wish there were more of these! We love the library so much and I so enjoy looking through the archives!” DIG Memphis online comment

Festivals

This Spring 5,690 customers attended festival at MPL locations. Bookstock celebrated over 10 years of promoting reading, literacy, and local authors. Levi hosted its 4th Annual Community Fest. Throughout Spring we celebrated all things Memphis with Explore Memphest events, and in May, we hosted both the AAPI Heritage Festival and Comic Con!

Strategic Plan 2020-2025

  • Enhance Equitable Access
  • Champion Literacy for All Ages
  • Promote Workforce Development
  • Advance Role as Community Anchor
  • Increase Community Awareness of Offerings
  • Reach Beyond the Walls with Strategic Outreach and Innovation
  • Strengthen the Backbone of MPL by Supporting Staff