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MPL Unbound

A Publication of the Memphis Library Foundation

Welcome to the first issue of MPL UNBOUND, the quarterly magazine for Memphis Public Libraries. This magazine expands on the library’s mission to meet the public where they are and put the library in their hands. We believe this is one of a kind for any U.S. public library system. Pick up a print copy at any branch or read the digital version online!

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RWLA Youth Recognition

Nominate a Youth Author Today!

Know an enterprising young author! Children ages 17 and under who have published literary work between November 2023 – November 2024 will be recognized and honored at the Richard Wright Literary Awards held in March of 2025.

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Positive Solutions for Families

Orange Mound Library
Every Wed. | Jan 15-Feb 26, 12-1:30 PM

Positive Solutions for Families is an evidence-informed seven-part series for parents and caregivers of young children. Participants will learn how to use positive approaches and effective techniques to improve interactions with their child(ren).

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Memphis Zoo Storytime at the Library

Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Jan. 25, 11 AM

Connect Crew will be hosting a family storytime event with the Memphis Zoo! The storytime and animal meet & greet program will be held in the Storytime Room in the Children’s Department at the Benjamin Hooks Library. The zoo staff will also bring out a few animals and share some amazing facts. How cool is that?! Hope to see you all there!

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AI for Your Small Business

Cordova Library
Jan. 25, 10:30 AM

Learn how to use artificial intelligence to supercharge your small business and save time and money! We’ll have live demos with AI tools. No computer skills needed to join this free program.

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Zhou Family Band

Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Feb. 7, 12 PM
Raleigh Library
Feb. 7, 3 PM

Zhou Family Band preserves Central-Eastern China’s 600-year tradition, performing suona, drums, and more at weddings, funerals, and rituals, blending music with theatrical stunts. Join us with two performances at our libraries on February 7th.

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Seed Library and Colorcopia

Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
3rd Tuesdays, 1-2 PM

Join The Dixon Garden and Gallery’s Shawna White for a monthly arts class inspired by the ever changing seasons. In these nature themed arts classes, all you need to bring is your creativity for a great time while having great conversation. All supplies provided; all skill levels welcome!

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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.

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Passport Services with Probate Court Clerk

Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
3rd Thursdays (except June)

Planning to travel outside of the United States? Schedule an appointment to process your Passport on the 3rd Thursdays of each month. Easy free parking at Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library. Provided by the Probate Court Clerk.

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Tax Assistance

Are you 60 and up or do you have a family income of $67,000 or less? If so, then you can receive free tax assistance from AARP or United Way’s Free Tax Prep. Find out more information here.

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Keep up with Memphis Public Libraries!

Check out our Monthly Newsletter or other email options

Memphis Public Libraries Newsletter

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

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Upcoming Events

View our full calendar of events!

Introduction to the MPL Nonprofit Resource Center
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 10:00 am

Line Dancing at Raleigh
Raleigh Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 10:00 am

Toddler Story Time
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 10:15 am

Computer Basics
Parkway Village Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 10:30 am

Storytime
Cordova Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 11:00 am

Easy Step-By-Step Computer Class
Hollywood Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 11:00 am

Eat Smarter! Live Longer!
Cordova Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 12:00 pm

Positive Solutions for Families Classes with TN Voices!
Orange Mound Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 12:00 pm

We Ready: Career & Cash Confidence for Tweens (Group A)
Hollywood Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 2:00 pm

2025 Dream Board
Whitehaven Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 2:30 pm

Worth the Risk Youth Arts
Orange Mound Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 3:00 pm

Fiber Arts Club!
CLOUD901
Wed., Jan. 22, 3:00 pm

Lego Club
Officer Geoffrey Redd Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 3:30 pm

Digital art Exploratory
CLOUD901
Wed., Jan. 22, 3:30 pm

Learn to speak English
Cordova Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 4:00 pm

We Ready: Career & Cash Confidence for Tweens (Group B)
Hollywood Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 4:00 pm

Preschool Storytime
South Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 4:30 pm

Do you want to become a U.S. citizen?
Cordova Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 5:00 pm

The Writer's Block
Connect Crew
Wed., Jan. 22, 6:00 pm

Aerobics Fitness Exercise at Raleigh
Raleigh Library
Thu., Jan. 23, 10:00 am

Toddler Story Time
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 10:15 am

Storytime
Cordova Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 11:00 am

We Ready: Career & Cash Confidence for Tweens (Group A)
Hollywood Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 2:00 pm

2025 Dream Board
Whitehaven Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 2:30 pm

Worth the Risk Youth Arts

Wed., Jan. 22, 3:00 pm

Lego Club
Officer Geoffrey Redd Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 3:30 pm

We Ready: Career & Cash Confidence for Tweens (Group B)
Hollywood Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 4:00 pm

Preschool Storytime
South Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 4:30 pm

Preschool Story Time
Raleigh Library
Thu., Jan. 23, 10:30 am

Storytime
Cordova Library
Thu., Jan. 23, 11:00 am

Long Live the King of Chess @ South
South Library
Thu., Jan. 23, 3:30 pm

Picture (Book) This!!!

Thu., Jan. 23, 4:00 pm

Beginning Spanish (Thursday nights currently on hold)
Whitehaven Library
Thu., Jan. 23, 5:30 pm

Story Time
Officer Geoffrey Redd Library
Fri., Jan. 24, 10:30 am

Sensory Story Time
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Fri., Jan. 24, 11:00 am

Nintendo Switch Game Night
Raleigh Library
Fri., Jan. 24, 3:30 pm

Embracing Autism
Raleigh Library
Sat., Jan. 25, 10:00 am

Family Fun – Popcorn Art
Cordova Library
Sat., Jan. 25, 11:00 am

Memphis Zoo Storytime
Connect Crew
Sat., Jan. 25, 11:00 am

Chat & Chew Tween Book Club
East Shelby Library
Sat., Jan. 25, 1:00 pm

2025 Dream Board
Whitehaven Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 2:30 pm

Worth the Risk Youth Arts

Wed., Jan. 22, 3:00 pm

Fiber Arts Club!
CLOUD901
Wed., Jan. 22, 3:00 pm

Digital art Exploratory
CLOUD901
Wed., Jan. 22, 3:30 pm

The Writer's Block
Connect Crew
Wed., Jan. 22, 6:00 pm

Sit-N-Stitch Crochet and Knitting Club
East Shelby Library
Thu., Jan. 23, 3:00 pm

Long Live the King of Chess @ South
South Library
Thu., Jan. 23, 3:30 pm

T.A.G. (Teens. Art. Gardens.) with Dixon Gallery and Gardens
Hollywood Library
Thu., Jan. 23, 4:00 pm

Beginning Spanish (Thursday nights currently on hold)
Whitehaven Library
Thu., Jan. 23, 5:30 pm

Getting Started with Excel 365
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Fri., Jan. 24, 10:30 am

Stacking Paper: Teen Finance 101 (Group A)
Hollywood Library
Fri., Jan. 24, 2:00 pm

Nintendo Switch Game Night
Raleigh Library
Fri., Jan. 24, 3:30 pm

Stacking Paper: Teen Finance 101 (Group B)
Hollywood Library
Fri., Jan. 24, 4:00 pm

Embracing Autism
Raleigh Library
Sat., Jan. 25, 10:00 am

Cherokee Crochet Club
Cherokee Library
Sat., Jan. 25, 10:30 am

Memphis Zoo Storytime
Connect Crew
Sat., Jan. 25, 11:00 am

Line Dancing with Craig
South Library
Sat., Jan. 25, 1:00 pm

Golden Stitches
Raleigh Library
Sat., Jan. 25, 1:00 pm

Electronics and Electricity Seminar
Whitehaven Library
Mon., Jan. 27, 10:00 am

Introduction to the MPL Nonprofit Resource Center
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 10:00 am

Line Dancing at Raleigh
Raleigh Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 10:00 am

Computer Basics
Parkway Village Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 10:30 am

Easy Step-By-Step Computer Class
Hollywood Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 11:00 am

Eat Smarter! Live Longer!
Cordova Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 12:00 pm

Learn to speak English
Cordova Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 4:00 pm

Do you want to become a U.S. citizen?
Cordova Library
Wed., Jan. 22, 5:00 pm

The Writer's Block
Connect Crew
Wed., Jan. 22, 6:00 pm

Aerobics Fitness Exercise at Raleigh
Raleigh Library
Thu., Jan. 23, 10:00 am

MALS Elder Law: Family Law Legal Clinic for Seniors (60+)
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Thu., Jan. 23, 10:00 am

Chair Yoga
Officer Geoffrey Redd Library
Thu., Jan. 23, 10:30 am

Mystery Book Club
Cordova Library
Thu., Jan. 23, 10:30 am

Applying For Warehouse Jobs? Put it in Writing.
Hollywood Library
Thu., Jan. 23, 11:00 am

How to become a U.S. Citizen
Cordova Library
Thu., Jan. 23, 2:00 pm

Sit-N-Stitch Crochet and Knitting Club
East Shelby Library
Thu., Jan. 23, 3:00 pm

English Coffee and Conversations-ESL
Cordova Library
Thu., Jan. 23, 4:30 pm

Beginning Spanish (Thursday nights currently on hold)
Whitehaven Library
Thu., Jan. 23, 5:30 pm

SBA Certifications
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Thu., Jan. 23, 6:00 pm

Zumba Fitness at Raleigh
Raleigh Library
Thu., Jan. 23, 6:30 pm

View our full calendar of events!


Best Sellers and Other Suggestions

Library Updates

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
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! 📚❤ 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
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Popular Resources

Start your genealogical journey today!

ancestry logo

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 – 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 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.

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

We’re excited to invite artists, collectible sellers, and craft artisans to share their work at Comic Con on May 31, 2025, from 10 AM to 3 PM. This is a great chance to connect with fans, promote your work, and be part of the community.

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

Gale Presents: Udemy is an online learning platform for adults who want to improve work-related skills or further develop a personal interest.

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!

Library Closing

All libraries are closed Monday January 20th for the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday.