Common Tasks
Support the Library
Richard Wright Literary Awards
Nominations Open!
Memphis Public Libraries will hold the third Richard Wright Literary Awards during March 2025 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.
Teen Arts Fest
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Enter your art today! This prestigious show, funded by Friends of the Library, celebrates the talent of young artists through a juried art exhibition. This provides artists ages 13-19 the opportunity to showcase their art to the Memphis/Shelby County and surrounding areas.
Life After High School: College 101
Whitehaven Library
September 25 5:00 PM
Are you a High School junior or senior? Are you confused about what you need to do to apply for college? Join us at the library to break down the college application process. Learn tips and strategies to successfully navigate the admissions process so that you are prepared for Life After High School.
Black Child Book Fair
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
September 28 11:00 AM
“Books for Black children are hard to find” is a common statement in our society. Scholars suggest Black children need to see faces that look like theirs and stories about people who look like them written by people who look like them. The Black Child Book Fair provides that opportunity for children.
New Moon, New You: Guided Meditation
Orange Mound Library
September 28 11:00 AM
Join us to celebrate the Fall Equinox—a perfect time for new beginnings and balance! Our all-ages event offers a unique blend of wellness activities, literacy programs, and civic engagement opportunities to help you rejuvenate your spirit and community!
Baptist Mobile Mammography Unit (Frayser Health Check Day)
Frayser Library
October 7 9:00 AM
Join us for a special visit from the Baptist Mobile Mammography Unit, bringing convenient mammography screenings to your area! Early detection through annual screenings is the best defense against breast cancer. Don’t miss this opportunity to prioritize your health!
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.
Upcoming Events
View our full calendar of events!
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Fri., Sep. 27, 1:00 pm
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Sat., Sep. 28, 2:00 pm
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Fri., Sep. 27, 1:00 pm
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
Bookstock 2024We are just one month away from BOOKSTOCK 2024! The Memphis Area Authors' Festival is on April 6 at the Benjamin L Hooks Central Library. Check out this video and learn more about this year's featured authors and what is planned for this fantastic event that supports local writers. We are counting down the days until this event! #Bookstock #MPL
Posted by Memphis Public Libraries on Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Are you ready to Explore Memphis? The adventure begins at Memphis Public Libraries on June 1. So grab a map from your local branch 🗺️ Check out some books 📚 Get ready to have fun ✅ Hopefully, win prizes 🏆
Posted by Memphis Public Libraries on Thursday, May 2, 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
Lovie the library dog gets kids to love literacy
News Channel 3 – September 13, 2024 “A Memphis Public Library program lets kids cuddle up with a therapy dog…
Cherokee Sewing Classes
Cherokee had another couple of successful sewing classes Saturday! We learned to sew on zippers and made a small zippered,…
Cognitive Harmony Series at Levi
During our third session of our Cognitive Harmony series, our customers and staff continued to make progress through their collective…
“CHEF ELI OF DOS HERMANOS KITCHEN: MEMPHIAN ON THE MOVE AT THE COSSITT LIBRARY”
Choose901 – June 5, 2024 Meet Chef Eli, the culinary genius behind Dos Hermanos Kitchen. The idea of a taco…
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!
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.
Formerly known as Lynda.com. Tons of online training courses that are all available online right in your own home!
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!
