Library Closing

All Memphis Public Libraries will be closed Thursday November 28th and Friday the 29th for Thanksgiving.

Support the Library

4th Annual Whitehaven Library Boys Coat Drive

Whitehaven Library
Dec 6 3:30 PM
 Items will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. If you’d like to donate, we are accepting coat sizes medium, large, extra-large and 2x-large beginning November 01, 2024, through December 05, 2024.

Holiday Fun At the Library


Celebrate the Holidays with MPL! All of our branches have many activities and books for you to enjoy and learn more about the reason for the season!

Anime Theater

Cloud 901
Dec. 4
3:30 PM
Watch your favorite Japanese cartoons, discover new favorites, and let the creativity flow as you’re inspired to craft your own unique cartoons.

The Gathering Presents: The Undugu II

Connect Crew
Dec. 7
3:00 PM
Join us for a live hip-hop music event focused on local Memphis artists. The lyrics will be clean and friendly for all ages. Don’t miss out as we celebrate the unique talent of Memphis hip-hop, also known as MemHop! 

Craft Your Future: Vision Boards for Teens

Raleigh Library
Dec. 10
3:00 PM
Discover the power of goal-setting and reflection. What do you want to achieve next year?
Join us for an inspiring Vision Boards Workshop designed for teens ages 13-18! As we look ahead to 2025, this program will help you visualize and set goals for the year to come.

Levi’s 5th Annual Customer Appreciation Day

Levi Library
Dec. 11
1:00 PM
As the year comes to a close, we invite our customers to our 5th Annual Customer Appreciation Day! We’ll have live music and light refreshments available for everyone!

Pictures with Santa

Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Dec. 14
11:00 AM
Celebrate the season with Pictures with Santa! Join us at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library on Sat, Dec 14, 11AMโ€“2PM. Enjoy holiday crafts, popcorn, and festive fun for all ages. Donโ€™t miss this chance to make magical memories with Santa and friends!

W.H.A.M (Whitehaven Anime and Manga)

Whitehaven Library
Dec. 18
3:30 PM
Join us at the Whitehaven Library for a fun exploration of Japanese anime and comics. We’ll dive into monthly screenings of popular anime and engage in discussions and activities on manga trends and Japanese culture.ย 

Embracing Autism

Raleigh Library
Dec. 28
10:00 AM
Join us as we share information and resources about Autism Spectrum Disorder. Helping those with autism make friends and develop their social skills in a safe and fun environment.ย 

Noon Years Eve

Benjamin L. Hooks Library
Dec. 31
11:30 AM
Come join us in the main lobby for a children’s New Year’s Eve celebration!
We’ll have a craft, music and dance, and we’ll finish with a countdown, complete with confetti cannons!

Music Therapy with the Star Center

Hollywood Library
Multiple Dates 4:00 PM
The Star Center’s board-certified Music Therapists use these qualities of music to help people meet their individual goals. In addition, music therapy can be really fun!

Youth Action Council

Multiple Libraries

Join the Youth Action Councils, a group of leaders creating spaces in neighborhood libraries for youth that are fun and welcoming. Impact your community differently by building creative activities and resources that help youth find and express their passions.  

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 participantsโ€™ cognitive vitality and emotional well-being, and making arts access a reality.

Memphis Public Libraries Newsletter

December
Check out our newsletter for whatโ€™s coming up this month!!

Email Sign-up

Do you receive our monthly newsletter in your inbox? Or do you receive our book recommendations? How about hold notices? Sign up your email today!

Upcoming Events

View our full calendar of events!

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
Cherokee Library
Sat., Dec. 07, 12:00 pm

Cooking Demonstration: Cake Pops
East Shelby Library
Sat., Dec. 07, 1:00 pm

One Room School House Crochet Class
Raleigh Library
Sat., Dec. 07, 1:00 pm

Advanced ESL Reading and Discussion Group
Cordova Library
Sat., Dec. 07, 2:00 pm

Christmas Crafternoon
Whitehaven Library
Sat., Dec. 07, 2:00 pm

The Gathering Presents: The Undugu
Levi Library
Sat., Dec. 07, 3:00 pm

The Gathering Presents: The Undugu II
Connect Crew
Sat., Dec. 07, 3:00 pm

First Time Homebuyer's Session
Raleigh Library
Sat., Dec. 07, 4:00 pm

Gadget Lab
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Mon., Dec. 09, 10:00 am

Pre-School Storytime
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Mon., Dec. 09, 10:15 am

Toddler Storytime
Randolph Library
Mon., Dec. 09, 10:30 am

Baby Story Time
Raleigh Library
Mon., Dec. 09, 10:30 am

VA HCHV and LINC/211 Outreach for Homeless Veterans
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Mon., Dec. 09, 10:30 am

Family Storytime
East Shelby Library
Mon., Dec. 09, 11:00 am

Power Hour
Levi Library
Mon., Dec. 09, 12:30 pm

Chair Yoga
Hollywood Library
Mon., Dec. 09, 1:30 pm

Movie Mondays featuring Elf
CLOUD901
Mon., Dec. 09, 3:45 pm

Crafternoon
Randolph Library
Mon., Dec. 09, 4:00 pm

Paint Party
South Library
Mon., Dec. 09, 4:00 pm

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
Cherokee Library
Sat., Dec. 07, 12:00 pm

Cooking Demonstration: Cake Pops
East Shelby Library
Sat., Dec. 07, 1:00 pm

The Gathering Presents: The Undugu
Levi Library
Sat., Dec. 07, 3:00 pm

The Gathering Presents: The Undugu II
Connect Crew
Sat., Dec. 07, 3:00 pm

Pre-School Storytime
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Mon., Dec. 09, 10:15 am

Toddler Storytime
Randolph Library
Mon., Dec. 09, 10:30 am

Baby Story Time
Raleigh Library
Mon., Dec. 09, 10:30 am

Family Storytime
East Shelby Library
Mon., Dec. 09, 11:00 am

Crafternoon
Randolph Library
Mon., Dec. 09, 4:00 pm

Paint Party
South Library
Mon., Dec. 09, 4:00 pm

Babies & Books
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Tue., Dec. 10, 10:15 am

Story Time

Tue., Dec. 10, 10:30 am

Read, Create, Move: Storytime at North!
North Library
Tue., Dec. 10, 11:00 am

Candy Cane Crafting!

Tue., Dec. 10, 3:30 pm

Read to the Dog!
Officer Geoffrey Redd Library
Tue., Dec. 10, 3:30 pm

Picture Weaving
Randolph Library
Tue., Dec. 10, 4:00 pm

Craft Your Future: Vision Boards for Teens
Raleigh Library
Tue., Dec. 10, 4:00 pm

Preschool Storytime
South Library
Tue., Dec. 10, 4:30 pm

Merry Makers
Raleigh Library
Tue., Dec. 10, 4:30 pm

Coding Club Python Seminar
Cordova Library
Tue., Dec. 10, 5:00 pm

Cooking Demonstration: Cake Pops
East Shelby Library
Sat., Dec. 07, 1:00 pm

The Gathering Presents: The Undugu
Levi Library
Sat., Dec. 07, 3:00 pm

The Gathering Presents: The Undugu II
Connect Crew
Sat., Dec. 07, 3:00 pm

Movie Mondays featuring Elf
CLOUD901
Mon., Dec. 09, 3:45 pm

Cordova Writing Club
Cordova Library
Mon., Dec. 09, 4:00 pm

SEW COOL
Officer Geoffrey Redd Library
Tue., Dec. 10, 3:00 pm

Candy Cane Crafting!

Tue., Dec. 10, 3:30 pm

Picture Weaving
Randolph Library
Tue., Dec. 10, 4:00 pm

Craft Your Future: Vision Boards for Teens
Raleigh Library
Tue., Dec. 10, 4:00 pm

Coding Club Python Seminar
Cordova Library
Tue., Dec. 10, 5:00 pm

Tech Help @ the Haven
Whitehaven Library
Tue., Dec. 10, 6:00 pm

Long Live the King!-Chess Club
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Tue., Dec. 10, 6:00 pm

A Wider Angle Film Series: ALAM
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Tue., Dec. 10, 6:00 pm

Levi's 5th Annual Customer Appreciation Day
Levi Library
Wed., Dec. 11, 1:00 pm

Lego Club-Christmas Edition!

Wed., Dec. 11, 3:00 pm

Digital art Exploratory
CLOUD901
Wed., Dec. 11, 3:30 pm

Sew Your Own Holiday Gifts
CLOUD901
Wed., Dec. 11, 3:30 pm

Cooking Demonstration: Cake Pops
East Shelby Library
Sat., Dec. 07, 1:00 pm

One Room School House Crochet Class
Raleigh Library
Sat., Dec. 07, 1:00 pm

Advanced ESL Reading and Discussion Group
Cordova Library
Sat., Dec. 07, 2:00 pm

The Gathering Presents: The Undugu
Levi Library
Sat., Dec. 07, 3:00 pm

The Gathering Presents: The Undugu II
Connect Crew
Sat., Dec. 07, 3:00 pm

First Time Homebuyer's Session
Raleigh Library
Sat., Dec. 07, 4:00 pm

Gadget Lab
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Mon., Dec. 09, 10:00 am

VA HCHV and LINC/211 Outreach for Homeless Veterans
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Mon., Dec. 09, 10:30 am

Power Hour
Levi Library
Mon., Dec. 09, 12:30 pm

Chair Yoga
Hollywood Library
Mon., Dec. 09, 1:30 pm

Cordova Writing Club
Cordova Library
Mon., Dec. 09, 4:00 pm

Mindfulness for Beginners
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Mon., Dec. 09, 5:00 pm

Aerobics Fitness Exercise at Raleigh
Raleigh Library
Tue., Dec. 10, 10:00 am

Raleigh Friends Pop-up Shop
Raleigh Library
Tue., Dec. 10, 10:00 am

Gameday Tuesdays
Hollywood Library
Tue., Dec. 10, 11:00 am

Power Hour
Levi Library
Tue., Dec. 10, 12:30 pm

Coding Club Python Seminar
Cordova Library
Tue., Dec. 10, 5:00 pm

Let's Get Moving featuring Yoga
Cordova Library
Tue., Dec. 10, 5:30 pm

View our full calendar of events!

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! ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿง‘โ€๐ŸŽ“ #CELL #Memphis #MemphisPublicLibraries #StartHere

Posted by Memphis Public Libraries on Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Spooky season is here and we're kicking off the fun at our East Shelby Branch! โœ‹ Join us for our 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat bash this Saturday!! ๐Ÿ‘ป #TrunkOrTreat #Halloween #EastShelby #MemphisPublicLibraries #StartHere

Posted by Memphis Public Libraries on Monday, September 30, 2024
Why I Love the Library

A whole world is right at your fingertips at your local library branch! Come see us today and get your library card! ๐Ÿ“šโค 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

CareMax at South Library

Thanks to Timothy Harris for coming in the South today to share great information for Healthcare with our customers. The…

Read More

Chair Yoga

Another relaxing day with Chair Yoga in the South . Our instructor Tangela Henderson always help motivate our customers to…

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Super Mario Bingo

Tween scene bingo day at Hollywood Library!!! Our tweens played Super Mario themed bingo today!

Read More
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Popular Resources

Start your genealogical journey today!

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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 โ€“ 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!

Dig Memphis, the Memphis Public Libraries' Digital Archive

Check out E-books and E-AudioBooks through Libby by OverDrive! You can visit the new Libby site or visit the original OverDrive site.

Illustration of Libby the OverDrive mascot for their new look!

Memphis Public Libraries lends non-traditional items, too! You can try before you buy, discover a new hobby, or borrow a device youโ€™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.

Formerly known as Lynda.com. Tons of online training courses that are all available online right in your own home!

Linkedin Learning

Our magazine collection has moved to Libby! Check out our collection of current and popular magazines.

Streaming current local music for free. Local musicians: Submit a sample for inclusion.

The New York Times digital subscription is available at home!

The New York Times logo

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.

More About the Library

Connect Crew

Not everyone can get to the library, so we’ve decided to come to you!

Friends of the Library

Donations, Book Sales, Second Editions, Amazon Book Store, and more.

Memphis Library Foundation

Supporting the Library through private donations and more. See how you can help today!

MPL by the Numbers

Keep up with the Library with these bimonthly reports showcasing some of the events and services we provide daily.

MPL in the News

Don’t just hear it from us. See what every one else is saying about the programs and services of the Memphis Public Libraries!