Hollywood History

A beloved neighborhood institution

Once described by some as “the country”*, the Hollywood neighborhood blossomed in the 20th century into a densely populated industrial area later known as a “walkable community”*. As one daycare director stated: in Hollywood, “the neighbors look out for us, and we look out for them.” It was in this environment that the Memphis Public Library expanded its services in 1976, opening its 20th branch: the Hollywood Library. 

“It might be old, but I like it better because I can learn here.“

Brenda Caery, Hollywood elementary fourth-grader, from “Hollywood Library celebrates 25 years, with 1 1/2 to grow on“, October 10, 2001

The first mentions of “Hollywood neighborhood” in North Memphis begin appearing in the Commercial Appeal in the early 20^th century. One of the earliest and most prominent businesses was Hollywood Furniture and Hardware at the corner of Hollywood and Chelsea, which served as an anchor for the community for decades, beginning with its opening in 1924. By 1928, the Commercial Appeal referred to the area as “one of the fastest growing industrial subdivisions in Tennessee”*, with more than 25 large industrial plants and several thousand residents, most of whom owned their own homes. Prior to the 1940s, the area was mostly rural, but after World War II more houses were built and its industrial footprint expanded. The community expansion continued into the 1960s, when major street improvements led to even more development in the neighborhood. 

By 1973, the existing city and county library systems were consolidated into the newly named Memphis/Shelby County Public Library & Information Center, and new branches followed. In April 1976, Hollywood Library became the library’s twentieth branch. A unique feature of the library was that it shared the space with the Hollywood Health Clinic next door. The 6,250 sq. ft. building, located at 1530 North Hollywood had a service area primarily bound on the north by Watkins, south by Warford, on the east by the Wolf River, and the west by Jackson Avenue. The 1980 U.S. Census* indicated the total population of the Hollywood area to be 13,707, with a median age of 25.6 and the racial demographic being 99% African American. 

Throughout the 1980s, Hollywood Library was known for its growing young adult collection, a substantial collection of books by and about Black Americans, and a collection of toys and games available for children to use in the library. By 2001, Hollywood Library boasted the largest collection of African American fiction of any branch and was one of four branches with a job and career center. In addition to materials and resources, Hollywood thrived at programming, with offerings for adults and children, including story times, crafts, and puppet shows.* 

In 1994, the library saw its first renovations when minor improvements were made to update the branch. More extensive renovations followed in the early 2000s when the community health clinic vacated its half of the building. At the time, City Council member Barbara Swearengen Holt championed the cause of expanding the branch stating, “there’s no place more important than the library” for her constituents.* Her efforts led to nearly $2.5 million devoted to improving Hollywood Library, including increasing its space and adding more computers, chairs, and tables.

The grand re-opening of the expanded Hollywood Branch Library was held on September 13, 2005*. The library’s new footprint was 14,500 square feet – close to a fifty percent increase. It maintained its unique features by showcasing one-of-a-kind commissioned art pieces by artists Jill Turman and Terrance Brown. Turman designed several metal sculptures for the interior, and Brown created a tile mosaic that greets customers as they enter. Hollywood Library celebrated it 50th anniversary in 2026 with week-long festivities honoring the long history of the branch, cementing its status as a beloved neighborhood institution for years to come.

Hollywood Library Through The Years

Anniversary scrapbook showcasing the history of Hollywood Library from 1976 to 2001. To view the book in the archive, click here.

THE HOLLYWOOD LIBRARY ARCHIVAL COLLECTION

DIGITAL DONATIONS

Do you have any photos of depicting life in Hollywood? DIG Memphis collects and preserves material representing life in all neighborhoods of Memphis. We welcome donations of photographs and other digital items that will help build our collections more fully. Click the button below for more information on how to submit your items to DIG Memphis.

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