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MPL Unbound
A Publication of the Memphis Library Foundation
Welcome to the first issue of MPL UNBOUND, the quarterly magazine for Memphis Public Libraries. This magazine expands on the library’s mission to meet the public where they are and put the library in their hands. We believe this is one of a kind for any U.S. public library system. Pick up a print copy at any branch or read the digital version online!
RWLA Youth Recognition
Nominate a Youth Author Today!
Know an enterprising young author! Children ages 17 and under who have published literary work between November 2023 – November 2024 will be recognized and honored at the Richard Wright Literary Awards held in March of 2025.
Positive Solutions for Families
Orange Mound Library
Every Wed. | Jan 15-Feb 26, 12-1:30 PM
Positive Solutions for Families is an evidence-informed seven-part series for parents and caregivers of young children. Participants will learn how to use positive approaches and effective techniques to improve interactions with their child(ren).
Memphis Zoo Storytime at the Library
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Jan. 25, 11 AM
Connect Crew will be hosting a family storytime event with the Memphis Zoo! The storytime and animal meet & greet program will be held in the Storytime Room in the Children’s Department at the Benjamin Hooks Library. The zoo staff will also bring out a few animals and share some amazing facts. How cool is that?! Hope to see you all there!
AI for Your Small Business
Cordova Library
Jan. 25, 10:30 AM
Learn how to use artificial intelligence to supercharge your small business and save time and money! We’ll have live demos with AI tools. No computer skills needed to join this free program.
Zhou Family Band
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Feb. 7, 12 PM
Raleigh Library
Feb. 7, 3 PM
Zhou Family Band preserves Central-Eastern China’s 600-year tradition, performing suona, drums, and more at weddings, funerals, and rituals, blending music with theatrical stunts. Join us with two performances at our libraries on February 7th.
Activate Your City Pass as a Library Card
Do you have a City Pass card and would like to use it to access the Memphis Public Libraries? Check here on how we can activate that for you!
Seed Library and Colorcopia
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
3rd Tuesdays, 1-2 PM
Join The Dixon Garden and Gallery’s Shawna White for a monthly arts class inspired by the ever changing seasons. In these nature themed arts classes, all you need to bring is your creativity for a great time while having great conversation. All supplies provided; all skill levels welcome!
Creative Aging Programs
Talented professional artists and musicians play, perform and teach at locations where seniors live and gather. Musical performances and hands-on arts workshops reach diverse audiences, improving participants’ cognitive vitality and emotional well-being, and making arts access a reality.
Gardening Programs with Booker T. Leigh
Make your garden the best yet with Memphis Public Libraries gardening programs, hosted by Booker T. Leigh, happening all over the city!
Passport Services with Probate Court Clerk
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
3rd Thursdays (except June)
Planning to travel outside of the United States? Schedule an appointment to process your Passport on the 3rd Thursdays of each month. Easy free parking at Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library. Provided by the Probate Court Clerk.
Tax Assistance
Are you 60 and up or do you have a family income of $67,000 or less? If so, then you can receive free tax assistance from AARP or United Way’s Free Tax Prep. Find out more information here.
Teen Reading Challenge
Various locations
January – May
Get a free book each month, handpicked for teens. Explore new genres and find your next favorite read! After reading, share your review online and tag CLOUD901 or tell us what you liked (or didn’t). Read all 5 books for a pizza party and a chance to win a Nintendo Switch!
Keep up with Memphis Public Libraries!
Check out our Monthly Newsletter or other email options
Follow us on Social Media
Upcoming Events
View our full calendar of events!
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Thu., Jan. 23, 10:00 am
Hollywood Library
Thu., Jan. 23, 4:00 pm
Hollywood Library
Thu., Jan. 23, 4:00 pm
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Sat., Jan. 25, 2:00 pm
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Thu., Jan. 23, 10:00 am
Best Sellers and Other Suggestions
Library Updates
Read for the Record @ Oakshire Elementary School!
An amazing time was had at Oakshire Elementary as several organizations gathered together for a great cause! Read for the…
Whitehaven News: Many Hands Make Light Work!
A big thank you to our regular teens and tweens who helped staff do a complete re-org/shift of our Graphic…
Memphis Reads: The Mars House by Natasha Pulley
Laura reviews MARS HOUSE, by Natasha Pulley, Bloomsbury Publishing, 2014, 469 pages. The science fiction novel Mars House by Natasha Pulley features…
A Sister Story
Memphis Magazine, October 2024 – “Kelis Rowe and her sister, Adriane Johnson-Williams, grew up in Whitehaven, walking distance from the…
Popular Resources
Start your genealogical journey today!
Have a question you need answered? Or a suggestion for the collection? Start Here!
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!
Bookstock 2025 is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 11am – 3pm at Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library. Authors are invited to apply now!
Search the local newspaper all the way back to 1847.
Check out our online Digital Archives and explore Memphis history through photos and more!
Check out E-books and E-AudioBooks through Libby by OverDrive! You can visit the new Libby site or visit the original OverDrive site.
Memphis Public Libraries lends non-traditional items, too! You can try before you buy, discover a new hobby, or borrow a device you’ll only need to use once. Kits include Camping, Karaoke, Yard Games, Outdoor Movies, and Nature Exploration.
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.
Our magazine collection has moved to Libby! Check out our collection of current and popular magazines.
We’re excited to invite artists, collectible sellers, and craft artisans to share their work at Comic Con on May 31, 2025, from 10 AM to 3 PM. This is a great chance to connect with fans, promote your work, and be part of the community.
Streaming current local music for free. Local musicians: Submit a sample for inclusion.
The New York Times digital subscription is available at home!
Gale Presents: Udemy is an online learning platform for adults who want to improve work-related skills or further develop a personal interest.
We now offer access to Value Line, a single, cost-effective research package covering multiple asset classes that can transform an average investor into an extremely profitable one.
