After June 30th, 2024, the Bartlett Library will no longer be a branch of the Memphis Public Libraries and will be managed by the City of Bartlett. After June 30th, Bartlett residents should inquire with the City of Bartlett Library about their Library Card options. Below are some questions that Bartlett residents may have about their Library Cards with Memphis Public Libraries.
Will my MPL Library Card still work at MPL locations?
In order to assist with the transition, all active MPL Library Cards for Bartlett residents will be extended to December 31, 2024. After that, MPL Library Cards for Bartlett residents can be renewed annually for $50, which is the standard cost for all Non-Resident Library Cards.
Can I continue to check out material from Memphis Public Libraries?
Yes. You may continue to check out books from Memphis Public Libraries while your account is up to date; however, the pick-up location for any holds must be a library within our system. On July 1, all existing holds on MPL items with a pick-up location of Bartlett will change to the Raleigh Library.
As July 1 nears, the Bartlett Library will remain open regular hours; however, we will need to stop shipping Memphis items to Bartlett and vice versa. This will affect hold placements. Also, as systems are prepared, we will not be able to place holds or register new library card accounts at the Bartlett Library from June 26th through June 30th.
Where do I return books after June 30th?
When you are ready to return items that you have checked out, please note that beginning July 1, books and other items belonging to the Bartlett Library will need to be returned directly to the Bartlett Library. And any books belonging to a Memphis Public Libraries location will need to be returned to any Memphis Public Libraries location. You should see a sticker on the book notating which library it belongs to. If you accidentally return a Bartlett Library book to the Memphis Public Libraries or vice versa, it will delay the return process and the item may remain on your account for several extra days.
Can I continue to check out e-books from Memphis Public Libraries?
Yes. You may continue to check out e-books from Libby/OverDrive from Memphis Public Libraries while your MPL Library Card account is up to date; however, after June 30th, you should inquire with the City of Bartlett Library about their e-book options and begin the transition to their collection. Please see this Libby help article on managing multiple libraries within Libby.
I do not live in Bartlett, but I use that library. Am I affected by this?
After June 30th, the service area for the Memphis Public Libraries will be Memphis and unincorporated Shelby County. If you reside in either of those two areas, your tax dollars fund our library and you are eligible for a free Library Card with us. The Cordova Library and the Raleigh Library are near the Bartlett area.
If you would like to continue using the Bartlett Library, you would need to inquire with the City of Bartlett Library after June 30th about their Library Card requirements for people outside of the city of Bartlett.
If you have any further questions, please contact us here.