Books in a Bag

Books in a Bag is Memphis Public Library’s value-added service for our book club patrons! The program is a one stop shop for all of your book club reading and discussion needs.  Both Adult and Teen titles are available.

Each bag also includes:

• 10 copies of one title
• Booklet with background materials
• Author biography
• Discussion questions
• Advice on how to start and sustain a book club

Available Titles

• A list of available titles can be found on our public catalog.
• To suggest a title for purchase, please fill out our online form.

Checkout Guidelines

• Bags are free and can be checked out by anyone with a valid Memphis Public Library and Information Center card.
• Each cardholder may checkout one bag at a time for a period of six weeks. Bags are not renewable.
• Holds may be placed or requested under existing policies for Holds.
• The customer checking out the Books in a Bag set assumes all responsibility for the return of the bag and its contents.

The Books In a Bag for Adults are located at the Whitehaven Branch Library.  The Books in a Bag for Teens are located at the Cordova Branch Library.

Return Guidelines

• Books in a Bag must be returned inside the library to Circulation Staff.
• When you are picking up and returning your Bag, please check its contents against the list included in the booklet.
• If the bag is incomplete when returned:
  • The customer may keep the bag to collect the missing parts before returning and continue to accrue overdue fines, or
  • The customer will be charged as follows for missing items:
    • Missing Bag – $10.00
    • Missing Barcode – $1.00
    • Missing Booklet – $3.00
    • Missing Book – Cover price plus $5.00 processing fee
    • Entire Kit Replacement – $175.00
• Overdue Books in a Bag
  • The Books in a Bag set must be returned complete or billed as above for missing items.
  • Overdue Book in a Bag set incurs a $1.00 per day late charge.