Library Closing
All Memphis Public Libraries will be closed on Thursday, November 27th, and Friday, November 28th, for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Common Tasks
Support the Library
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.
For its milestone 20th anniversary, Jumpstart’s Read for the Record will transform into an extended 20-week celebration, inviting educators, families, children, authors, and more to engage with its rich literary history.
Beginning on October 13, 2025, and culminating in the annual Read for the Record Day on February 26, 2026! To volunteer or request a read-aloud, click above!
In tandem with the “Continuing Education & Lifelong Learning series”, Memphis Public Libraries is launching “Writer’s Edition: Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning”, designed to allow writers to enhance their writing skills both personally and professionally.
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
November 1, 22, and 29
11 AM
A meeting of music and books! This special storytime will feature Memphis musicians who have composed songs based on their favorite childhood book!
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library Dec. 3 5 PM – 6:30 PM
Join us for our final Seed Library Garden Club meeting of 2025 as we celebrate the season with a Pesto Party! We’ll talk all about basil. How to grow it, harvest it, and turn it into delicious pesto. Patrons will receive free basil seeds to start their next crop, and we’ll sample a variety of pestos while sipping on holiday-themed mocktails and enjoying holiday music.
Raleigh Library Dec. 3 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
This is a family-oriented gift-making event! We will have lots of craft supplies available for you to create gifts for your loved ones, all free of charge. You are also welcome to bring your own craft projects to work on.
Cherokee Library
Dec. 6, 12 PM – 2 PM
Santa is coming to the Cherokee Library! Visit him and let him know the items on your Christmas list!
Frayser Library
Saturdays in Oct., Nov., and Dec.
10 AM – 2 PM
Need a hand with homework? The Frayser Library is here to help! Students in 1st through 3rd grade are invited to get one-on-one assistance from Ms. Rebekah on their homework assignments!
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Every 3rd Saturday
11 AM – 1 PM
Do you love reading AND doggies?! Come and read to a sweet, friendly pup and practice your reading skills! Every third Saturday at the Central Library in the Children’s story time room from 11 – 1 pm. Register for your 10-15 minute spot and bring your book with you. Books will also be available during the program.
Submit your nomination today!
Memphis Public Libraries will hold the fourth Richard Wright Literary Awards during March 2026, celebrating and awarding local authors. If you would like to submit a nomination for your or someone else’s work in the various categories, please do so by the end of November.
A Publication brought to you by the Memphis Library Foundation
The second issue of MPL UNBOUND is out now! In this issue, we explore the unexpected ways the Memphis Library Foundation supports the library’s mission, how libraries serve democracy, and pay tribute to Orange Mound and its first library branch. Free print copies are available at any branch or digitally right here!
Brand new THINGS have been added to the catalog! Check them out today!
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.
Do you have a 901 Pass card and would like to use it to access the Memphis Public Libraries? Check here on how we can activate that for you!
We are excited to announce that the Memphis Public Library will be hosting regular Repair Days in 2025, in partnership with the international Repair Café organization. If you have special skills and would like to volunteer for this effort, let us know here!
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!
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.
Keep up with Memphis Public Libraries!
December
Check out our newsletter for what’s coming up this month!
Do you receive our monthly newsletter in your inbox? Our book recommendations? How about hold notices? Sign up to receive our emails today!
Follow us on Social Media. Browse our various options here!
Virtual Library
Browse all of our Virtual Library offerings here, or access some of our more popular resources.
Start your genealogical journey today!
Have a question you need answered? Or a suggestion for the collection? Start Here!
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.
Our magazine collection has moved to Libby! Check out our collection of current and popular magazines.
The New York Times digital subscription is available at home!
Provides the tools you need to achieve educational, professional, and personal success. Prepare for testing as well as career materials, including career advice and resume building.
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.
Visit the Library
Browse all of our locations and special services.
Don’t have a Library Card yet? Start Here and register online.
Need to know how to log into your account or place a hold?
Use Book Bundles and we’ll pick out a bundle of books for your child!
CLOUD901 is a free creative space for Memphis teens (13–18) to explore tech, design, and media with expert help and top gear.
Not everyone can get to the library when it is open or access library resources digitally. Find out more about our Outreach services, such as Connect Crew, our special programming team.
Memphis Public Libraries lends out tools and kits—to explore hobbies, to fix a one-time issue, or try gear before you buy. Check out baking pans, camping gear, wrenches, and more!
Need help or want to help? Call 2-1-1 to reach LINC at Memphis Public Library for community resources.
Find out how to reserve meeting room space at our libraries.
Second Editions Bookstore is the place to find gently-used books for sale at great bargain prices.
Memphis Public Libraries provides free notary services to the public during drop-in hours on Wednesdays from noon to 2 pm at the Central Library, located in the Business & Sciences Department on the 3rd floor.
More About the Library
Donations, Book Sales, Second Editions, Amazon Book Store, and more.
Supporting the Library through private donations and more. See how you can help today!
We offer various volunteer opportunities that align with your skills and interests.
Keep up with the Library with these bimonthly reports showcasing some of the events and services we provide daily.
Don’t just hear it from us. See what everyone else is saying about the programs and services of the Memphis Public Libraries!