Inclement Weather
Sunday January 12th: Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library open regular hours 1 PM – 5 PM; All locations open regular hours Monday January 13.
Common Tasks
Support the Library
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.
Life After High School: Scholarships
Whitehaven Library
Jan. 15, 5-6:30 PM
Learn how to find and apply for scholarships, plus budgeting tips to save and manage your money effectively. Whether you’re heading to college or trade school, this session will help you build a financially smart future.
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).
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.
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.
Keep up with Memphis Public Libraries!
Check out our Monthly Newsletter or other email options
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Upcoming Events
View our full calendar of events!
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Mon., Jan. 13, 10:30 am
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Mon., Jan. 13, 11:00 am
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Mon., Jan. 13, 10:30 am
Best Sellers and Other Suggestions
Library Videos & Posts
Learning does not have to be dull! At Memphis Public Libraries, Continuing Education & Lifelong Learning classes range from sign language to calligraphy to public speaking! Here's a sneak peek at what you can expect in a CELL class! 👩🎓🧑🎓 #CELL #Memphis #MemphisPublicLibraries #StartHere
Posted by Memphis Public Libraries on Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Why I Love the LibraryA whole world is right at your fingertips at your local library branch! Come see us today and get your library card! 📚❤ Sign Up: https://www.memphislibrary.org/start-here/ #LibraryCardSignUpMonth #MemphisPublicLibraries #StartHere
Posted by Memphis Public Libraries on Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Overdue book? Don't worry! Just return it.Did you forget to return your library book? It can happen. Our Urban Fellow Abby Utley made this short film for entertaining and explaining that MPL no longer charges fines for overdue books. Check it out!
Posted by Memphis Public Libraries on Thursday, August 24, 2023
Senior Line Dancing
Whitehaven Library held Senior Line Dancing this past Saturday. Our Patrons had a blast learning how to do the Wobble…
3rd Annual Just Because We Care
The North Branch Library would like to Thank, MATA Retirees, Mrs. Connie Booker of Cathedral of Faith, Mr. Reginald Johnson…
30 Days of Opera Memphis at South
We had a good time with 30 Days of Opera Memphis. The Opera singer Marcus King musician Jonathan King were…
Japanese Takeover at Whitehaven
Whitehaven Library held Japanese Takeover (the monthly anime and manga club). Patrons learned how to make tuna mayo rice balls…
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.
