Are you a creative between the ages of 13 and 18 with a passion for your city? Do you want to share your unique perspective and show everyone what’s great about Memphis? We’ve got the perfect project for you!

The Memphis Public Library is launching Heart of 901, a new media project designed to give you a platform to highlight the best of our city.

Cordova Library
Every Monday 4 PM – 5:30 PM

The only objective is to put words on paper! Think of this as a NaNoWriMo “write-in,” but for those of us who need longer than a year to write a book! Bring a writing project to work on, or start something new. All skill levels welcome. Bring your own laptop, or borrow one of ours, or write on notebook paper. We’ll be meeting in the large meeting room, and there will be FREE SNACKS to keep you awake and focused. Meet other writers; share your work and get feedback if you want it. Meetings will be every Monday! Join any time. 

Looking for some fall break activities for kids and teens to beat the boredom? Check out what the library has to offer here!

In tandem with the “Continuing Education & Lifelong Learning series”, Memphis Public Libraries is launching “Writer’s Edition: Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning”, designed to give writers the opportunity to enhance their writing skills both personally and professionally. Each class will feature 2 or more weekly sessions. Click below to learn more about each class and register!

North Branch Library
October 9 – 13

If you shake your head, stomp, or pat your feet, clap your hands, or move your body in some fashion to a beat in a favorite song, you have rhythm. This program is for you. Whether you play drums or not, you will learn how to tap into your natural rhythm by learning simple fundamental drum rudiments and rhythms. You will learn skills such as self-control, teamwork, self-confidence, and celebration of oneself and others to help you at school, home, and in life. Corey Travis, Founding Executive Director, Memphis Youth Arts Initiative and M.Y.A.I. Fire Squad Drumline will be the leading guest facilitator for the program.

Cossitt Library
Oct. 11, 10 AM – 1 PM

Help us reimagine this historic space! Learn more about this redevelopment project that will will restore and repurpose the back wing of the Cossitt Library and determine permanent use of the dilapidated space.

Cordova Library
Oct. 11, 11 AM – 11:30 AM

Come to the Cordova Branch Library for World Families – Celebrating All the Places You’re from. All of us are from someplace.  Most of us are from lots of places.  Come celebrate everywhere you’re from. Share stories, crafts, food, and fun. For all ages and no registration is needed.

Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Oct. 14, 6 PM – 8 PM

For October, A Wider Angle, our monthly film series highlighting independent global cinema, will screen the 2022 drama Before, Now & Then, written and directed by Indonesian filmmaker Kamia Andini, which she adapted from the novel My Name is Jais Darga (Jais Darga Namaku) by Ahda Imran, who also co-wrote the screenplay. The film premiered at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), where one member of the cast won the award for Best Supporting Performance. Click below to read more about the film.

Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Oct. 15, 4 PM – 5 PM

Join us for the next installment of our Sounds from the Stacks concert series, featuring a live performance by local jazz guitarist Tim Vaziri. Based in Memphis, Tim is a seasoned musician and music educator with over a decade of experience. His playing is both precise and expressive, shaped by years of teaching, performing, and a passion for the jazz tradition. This event is free and open to all. Come enjoy live jazz at the Central Library!

Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
October 23 – 26

Thousands of books, CDs, DVDs, vinyl records, and more at great prices! Come out to the annual Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale! Click to see the flyer for dates and times.