MPL in the News

Library Journal, March 19, 2024 – “Libraries are incorporating collaboration, creativity, and a steadfast commitment to create accessible and inclusive spaces – Libraries have been leaders in accessibility for hundreds of years, producing print materials for the blind in the 1800s, pushing back against so-called “ugly laws” intended to keep people with disabilities out of community spaces in the 1900s, incorporating adaptive technology in the 1920s, and developing and promoting standards for equal access in the 1960s. Recognizing that accessibility is something that happens with and for the people served is part of what it means to create and maintain inclusive service.”

Daily Memphian, February 29, 2024 – “Jazz concert series are returning in March to two Memphis institutions. Crosstown Arts will present its second annual Jazz Month, and Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library will again host 5 Fridays of Jazz. Both event series begin with concerts on Friday, March 1. The sold-out album release show for jazz musician, music educator and Memphis Jazz Workshop founder Stephen Lee is at the Green Room. Longtime jazz singer, music educator and radio host Joyce Cobb featuring the Memphis Jazz Workshop is at the Central Library. The Memphis Black Arts Alliance is the latter show’s presenter.”

Memphis Magazine, February 6, 2024 – “Chosen by our staff as one of the eight most exciting new restaurants in Memphis. – What’s for dinner? Here at Memphis Magazine, that’s a question we find ourselves asking quite frequently, with thoughts turning to food as the workday ebbs away. Lucky for us, Memphis chefs and entrepreneurs continue to embrace new ideas and adventures, blessing the city with an abundance of new restaurants and tasty dishes to satisfy our growing appetites. For the last couple of years, our dining contributors have used the annual February food issue to take a deeper dive into Memphis’ culinary world. We’ve explored it through traditional means (a top restaurants list), through a selection of our favorite dishes over the course of a year, or even 2021’s “Memphis Eats A-Z” feature.

Memphis Flyer, January 3, 2024 “The Memphis Public Library is one of the most underused resources in Memphis for tweens/teens (in my opinion). Did you know that most library branches have drones, 3D printers, sewing machines, crafts, gaming systems, and so much more available for our kids? Well, they have all of those things. They also have writing clubs, exercise groups, knitting clubs, robotics teams, movie days, D&D, trivia, gardening, chess club, cooking classes, and more. And the best thing is, everything is free. I’ll say it louder for the people in the back, everything is free! I mean, if you can name it, the Memphis Public Library probably has it.”

Commercial Appeal, November 28, 2023

“Creative Aging Plans to Grow in Memphis – The room at the Frayser Library bustled with activity. Seniors looked
through stacks of cookie cutters and photos of windchimes for inspiration, then started to flatten clay and cut out shapes…”

Action News 5 – November 16, 2023

“The Parade of Nations International Fest is happening November 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library.

Whitney Dunning with the Memphis Public Libraries joined Action News 5′s Andrew Douglas at the digital desk to talk about what they have planned.”

Action News 5, November 15, 2023

“The Eat This Book Festival is happening November 18 at the Cossitt Branch Library.

Blake McVey with Memphis Public Library joined Action News 5′s Andrew Douglas at the digital desk to talk about what they have planned.

This year’s festival will celebrate Memphis food culture with vendors, food trucks, free samples, crafts, and more.”

ABC 24 MEMPHIS – June 10, 2023

Making sure kids are reading this summer is the focus of a partnership between Memphis Public Libraries and ABC24.

ABC 24 MEMPHIS – March 5, 2023

Did you know the Memphis Public Library has a seed library at Central Library on the third floor? ABC24 Visual Storyteller Shiela Whaley took a look.