Support the Library

Library of Things

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. 

The Gathering Presents: The Undugu

Levi Library
August 31 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

30 Days of Opera

Multiple Libraries & Times
Opera Memphis will be performing at the library as part of their 30 Days of Opera. Come and enjoy some wonderful music!

Operation Hope: Building Strong Credit Workshop

Orange Mound Library
September 5 11:00 AM
Join this Building Strong Credit workshop about led by Financial Wellbeing Coach from Operation Hope. The ultimate goal is to help you build wealth by improving how you handle money. In these workshops, you’ll get useful information as well as a variety of tools and resources.

Proud Out Loud: 90’s Night!

Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
September 6 6:00 PM
It’s 90’s night at the library and you’re invited! Dance the night away and enjoy free food, drinks, live trivia, and karaoke. Prizes will be given to the trivia winner and the guest with the best 90’s outfit. Attendees must be ages 21+ and registration is required.

Pride Fest

Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
September 7 11:00 AM
Join us for this all-ages event and hear from local nonprofits, sit in on Rainbow Family Story Time, create crafts, play games, view artwork by local artists, and participate in our raffle for the chance to win prizes! 

Pet Therapy

Parkway Village Library
September 9 4:00 PM
Have you ever read a book to a dog? If not, now is your chance. Come meet Lovie, the library therapy dog. Lovie loves books and especially likes to be read to. Mysteries are her favorite. Choose a book, relax and cuddle up and read with Lovie.

Sew Cool

Officer Geoffrey Redd Library
September 10 3:00 PM
SEW COOL is an embroidery group for teens of all levels. Bring your own project to work on or practice learning basic stitches. Want to join but don’t have your own hoop or fabric? Contact us to make sure we have supplies to help you get started.

Connect Crew @ Stax Museum Family Day

Connect Crew
September 14 1:00 PM

Connect Crew will join Stax Museum at their monthly Family Day event! The outreach team will do library card sign ups, free books, additional library information and more resources to the Memphis community and outside visitors!

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

Whitehaven Library
September 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. 

Fantasy Faire

Cordova Library
September 21 11:00 AM
Join us for a celebration of all things fantasy at the Cordova Library, featuring a special fantasy-themed Storytime, local artists and vendors, demonstrations by Memphis Armored Fight Club, a costume contest, crafts, games, and more! At 1pm, watch a live virtual Q&A with New York Times-bestselling author, Naomi Novik.  

Memphis Sound Connection

Discover Memphis Sound Connection: free platform showcasing local music. Join now and explore the city’s musical diversity!

Memphis Public Libraries Newsletter

September
Check out our newsletter for what’s coming up this month!!

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.

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!

Value Line Investment Research

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.

Upcoming Events

View our full calendar of events!

Advanced ESL Reading and Discussion Group
Cordova Library
Sat., Aug. 31, 2:00 pm

I Read That Movie @ the Library: THE AFRICAN QUEEN
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Sat., Aug. 31, 2:00 pm

One Room School House Crochet Class
Raleigh Library
Sat., Aug. 31, 2:00 pm

The Gathering Presents: The Undugu
Connect Crew
Sat., Aug. 31, 3:00 pm

The Gathering Presents: The Undugu
Levi Library
Sat., Aug. 31, 3:00 pm

Stacks & Facts: Scavenger Hunt

Sun., Sep. 01, 12:00 am

Scavenger Hunt

Mon., Sep. 02, 12:00 am

Electronics and Electricity Seminar
Whitehaven Library
Mon., Sep. 02, 10:00 am

Pre-School Storytime
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Mon., Sep. 02, 10:15 am

Power Hour
Levi Library
Mon., Sep. 02, 12:30 pm

Cordova Writing Club
Cordova Library
Mon., Sep. 02, 3:00 pm

Aerobics Fitness Exercise at Raleigh
Raleigh Library
Tue., Sep. 03, 10:00 am

Beginning Spanish
Whitehaven Library
Tue., Sep. 03, 10:00 am

Babies & Books
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Tue., Sep. 03, 10:15 am

Story Time

Tue., Sep. 03, 10:30 am

30 Days of Opera
Raleigh Library
Tue., Sep. 03, 11:00 am

Baby Storytime
Cordova Library
Tue., Sep. 03, 11:00 am

Read, Create, Move: Storytime at North!
North Library
Tue., Sep. 03, 11:00 am

Gameday Tuesdays
Hollywood Library
Tue., Sep. 03, 11:00 am

Eat Well, Feel Well
Levi Library
Tue., Sep. 03, 12:00 pm

The Gathering Presents: The Undugu
Connect Crew
Sat., Aug. 31, 3:00 pm

The Gathering Presents: The Undugu
Levi Library
Sat., Aug. 31, 3:00 pm

Scavenger Hunt

Mon., Sep. 02, 12:00 am

Pre-School Storytime
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Mon., Sep. 02, 10:15 am

Babies & Books
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Tue., Sep. 03, 10:15 am

Story Time

Tue., Sep. 03, 10:30 am

30 Days of Opera
Raleigh Library
Tue., Sep. 03, 11:00 am

Baby Storytime
Cordova Library
Tue., Sep. 03, 11:00 am

Read, Create, Move: Storytime at North!
North Library
Tue., Sep. 03, 11:00 am

Read to the Dog
Raleigh Library
Tue., Sep. 03, 3:30 pm

Game Day!

Tue., Sep. 03, 4:00 pm

Preschool Storytime
South Library
Tue., Sep. 03, 4:30 pm

Coding Club Python Seminar
Cordova Library
Tue., Sep. 03, 5:00 pm

Long Live the King!-Chess Club
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Tue., Sep. 03, 6:00 pm

Toddler Storytime
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Wed., Sep. 04, 10:15 am

Lev(I)magination Storytime
Levi Library
Wed., Sep. 04, 10:30 am

Storytime – I Love My Grandparents!
Cordova Library
Wed., Sep. 04, 11:00 am

Porter Street Barbershop Storytime
Connect Crew
Wed., Sep. 04, 12:00 pm

30 Days of Opera – Officer Geoffrey Redd Library
Officer Geoffrey Redd Library
Wed., Sep. 04, 3:30 pm

Read to the Dog!
Hollywood Library
Wed., Sep. 04, 3:30 pm

I Read That Movie @ the Library: THE AFRICAN QUEEN
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Sat., Aug. 31, 2:00 pm

The Gathering Presents: The Undugu
Connect Crew
Sat., Aug. 31, 3:00 pm

The Gathering Presents: The Undugu
Levi Library
Sat., Aug. 31, 3:00 pm

Stacks & Facts: Scavenger Hunt

Sun., Sep. 01, 12:00 am

Electronics and Electricity Seminar
Whitehaven Library
Mon., Sep. 02, 10:00 am

Cordova Writing Club
Cordova Library
Mon., Sep. 02, 3:00 pm

Beginning Spanish
Whitehaven Library
Tue., Sep. 03, 10:00 am

30 Days of Opera
Raleigh Library
Tue., Sep. 03, 11:00 am

Creative Club
South Library
Tue., Sep. 03, 3:30 pm

Game Day!

Tue., Sep. 03, 4:00 pm

Coding Club Python Seminar
Cordova Library
Tue., Sep. 03, 5:00 pm

Long Live the King!-Chess Club
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Tue., Sep. 03, 6:00 pm

30 Days of Opera – Officer Geoffrey Redd Library
Officer Geoffrey Redd Library
Wed., Sep. 04, 3:30 pm

The Writer's Block
Connect Crew
Wed., Sep. 04, 6:00 pm

Sit-N-Stitch Fiber Arts Club
East Shelby Library
Thu., Sep. 05, 3:00 pm

Chess!
South Library
Thu., Sep. 05, 3:30 pm

Afterschool Chill Club

Thu., Sep. 05, 4:30 pm

I Read That Movie @ the Library: THE AFRICAN QUEEN (rescheduled from August 31)
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Thu., Sep. 05, 6:00 pm

Computer Basics with Windows 10
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Fri., Sep. 06, 10:30 am

Advanced ESL Reading and Discussion Group
Cordova Library
Sat., Aug. 31, 2:00 pm

I Read That Movie @ the Library: THE AFRICAN QUEEN
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Sat., Aug. 31, 2:00 pm

One Room School House Crochet Class
Raleigh Library
Sat., Aug. 31, 2:00 pm

The Gathering Presents: The Undugu
Connect Crew
Sat., Aug. 31, 3:00 pm

The Gathering Presents: The Undugu
Levi Library
Sat., Aug. 31, 3:00 pm

Stacks & Facts: Scavenger Hunt

Sun., Sep. 01, 12:00 am

Electronics and Electricity Seminar
Whitehaven Library
Mon., Sep. 02, 10:00 am

Power Hour
Levi Library
Mon., Sep. 02, 12:30 pm

Cordova Writing Club
Cordova Library
Mon., Sep. 02, 3:00 pm

Aerobics Fitness Exercise at Raleigh
Raleigh Library
Tue., Sep. 03, 10:00 am

Beginning Spanish
Whitehaven Library
Tue., Sep. 03, 10:00 am

30 Days of Opera
Raleigh Library
Tue., Sep. 03, 11:00 am

Gameday Tuesdays
Hollywood Library
Tue., Sep. 03, 11:00 am

Eat Well, Feel Well
Levi Library
Tue., Sep. 03, 12:00 pm

Power Hour
Levi Library
Tue., Sep. 03, 12:30 pm

Game Day!

Tue., Sep. 03, 4:00 pm

Coding Club Python Seminar
Cordova Library
Tue., Sep. 03, 5:00 pm

Let's Get Moving featuring Yoga
Cordova Library
Tue., Sep. 03, 5:30 pm

Long Live the King!-Chess Club
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Tue., Sep. 03, 6:00 pm

Creative Aging Studio Courses: Abstract Acrylic Painting
Frayser Library
Wed., Sep. 04, 10:30 am

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! πŸ‘©β€πŸŽ“πŸ§‘β€πŸŽ“ #CELL #Memphis #MemphisPublicLibraries #StartHere

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

We 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 πŸ—ΊοΈ Check out some books πŸ“š Get ready to have fun βœ… Hopefully, win prizes πŸ†

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
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Start your genealogical journey today!

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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 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!

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!

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More About the Library

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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!