Library Closing

All Memphis Public Libraries will be closed Friday April 18th for Good Friday and April 20th for Easter.

Support the Library

Continuing Education & Lifelong Learning

Register Today!

Browse our Spring 2025 Continuing Education & Lifelong Learning offerings. Subjects include art, business, technology, health, financial literacy, and more. Review the courses and register today!

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Five Fridays of Jazz 2025

March 7 – April 11
6:30 PM

Fridays have never sounded so good! Join us for 5 Fridays of Jazz at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library (3030 Poplar Avenue). Offered in partnership with the Overton Park Shell and the Memphis Library Foundation.

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MPL Comic Con Art Contest

Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
May 31, 10 AM – 3 PM

Art Contest now taking submissions!

Calling all comic artists! Submissions are now open for the Memphis Public Libraries Comic Con Art Contest—if accepted, your artwork will be displayed at the Benjamin L. Hooks’ Goodwyn Art Gallery throughout May and entered for a chance to win awesome prizes. Winners will be announced at Memphis Public Libraries Comic Con on Saturday, May 31

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Bookstock

Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
May 3, 11AM

Bookstock is the largest annual local authors festival in Memphis! This free, family-friendly event features a fantastic lineup of keynote speakers, performances, workshops, exhibits, and activities for all ages. Keynote speakers Roxane Gay and Shamichael Hallman.

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The Undugu III

Connect Crew at Levi Library
April 26, 3-5 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. Don’t miss out as we celebrate the unique talent of Memphis hip-hop, also known as MemHop! 

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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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MPL Repair Cafe Volunteers Needed

We are excited to announce that Memphis Public Library will be hosting regular Repair Days in 2025 in partnership with the international Repair Café organization! If you have special skills and would like to volunteer for this effort, let us know here!

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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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Teen Reading Challenge

Various locations
January – May

Get a free book each month, handpicked for teens. Explore new genres and find your next favorite read! After reading, share your review online and tag CLOUD901 or tell us what you liked (or didn’t). Read all 5 books for a pizza party and a chance to win a Nintendo Switch!

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Memphis Public Libraries Newsletter

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

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Upcoming Events

View our full calendar of events!

MALS Domestic Violence Clinic
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 10:00 am

AARP Free Tax Preparation
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 10:00 am

Free Tax Prep – United Way
Raleigh Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 10:00 am

Story Time!
Officer Geoffrey Redd Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 10:30 am

Designing with Canva.com
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 10:30 am

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

Tribute to Women–Live Show Harriet Tubman
Levi Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 2:00 pm

Magnetic Poetry & Reading
Cordova Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 2:00 pm

MALS – Consumer/Benefits/Tax Advice Clinic
Whitehaven Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 2:00 pm

Garden Club – Keeping your landscape looking good all summer 
Officer Geoffrey Redd Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 2:30 pm

Teen Takeover: Content Creators Unite – Part Two
Orange Mound Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 3:00 pm

Open Art Session
Randolph Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 3:30 pm

Guitar Club
South Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 4:00 pm

LEGO of Your Imagination
Raleigh Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 4:00 pm

Friday at the Movies
Frayser Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 4:00 pm

Five Fridays of Jazz
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 6:30 pm

Drop Everything and Read
Raleigh Library
Sat., Apr. 12, 12:00 am

Second Saturday Legal Advice Clinic
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Sat., Apr. 12, 10:00 am

Free Tax Preparation by United Way Mid-South
South Library
Sat., Apr. 12, 10:00 am

AARP Free Tax Preparation
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Sat., Apr. 12, 10:00 am

Story Time!
Officer Geoffrey Redd Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 10:30 am

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

Open Art Session
Randolph Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 3:30 pm

LEGO of Your Imagination
Raleigh Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 4:00 pm

Friday at the Movies
Frayser Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 4:00 pm

Five Fridays of Jazz
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 6:30 pm

Drop Everything and Read
Raleigh Library
Sat., Apr. 12, 12:00 am

Japanese Culture Club
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Sat., Apr. 12, 10:30 am

Family Storytime
Frayser Library
Sat., Apr. 12, 11:00 am

Family Storytime – Rain
South Library
Sat., Apr. 12, 11:00 am

Magical Creatures Day!
Cordova Library
Sat., Apr. 12, 11:00 am

Lego Club
Randolph Library
Sat., Apr. 12, 3:00 pm

Preschool Story Time
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Mon., Apr. 14, 10:15 am

Toddler Storytime
Randolph Library
Mon., Apr. 14, 10:30 am

Baby Story Time
Raleigh Library
Mon., Apr. 14, 10:30 am

Family Storytime
East Shelby Library
Mon., Apr. 14, 11:00 am

Hop, Skip & Egg-Splore Egg Hunt!
Whitehaven Library
Mon., Apr. 14, 3:30 pm

Crafternoon
Randolph Library
Mon., Apr. 14, 4:00 pm

Paint Party!
South Library
Mon., Apr. 14, 4:00 pm

MALS – Consumer/Benefits/Tax Advice Clinic
Whitehaven Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 2:00 pm

Open Art Session
Randolph Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 3:30 pm

Guitar Club
South Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 4:00 pm

Friday at the Movies
Frayser Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 4:00 pm

Five Fridays of Jazz
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 6:30 pm

Drop Everything and Read
Raleigh Library
Sat., Apr. 12, 12:00 am

Japanese Culture Club
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Sat., Apr. 12, 10:30 am

Family Storytime
Frayser Library
Sat., Apr. 12, 11:00 am

Money Moves: Financial Skills for Teens
East Shelby Library
Sat., Apr. 12, 12:00 pm

The People's Poetry Club

Sat., Apr. 12, 1:00 pm

Electronics and Electricity Seminar
Whitehaven Library
Mon., Apr. 14, 10:00 am

MALS Domestic Violence Clinic
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 10:00 am

AARP Free Tax Preparation
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 10:00 am

Free Tax Prep – United Way
Raleigh Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 10:00 am

Designing with Canva.com
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 10:30 am

Tribute to Women–Live Show Harriet Tubman
Levi Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 2:00 pm

Magnetic Poetry & Reading
Cordova Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 2:00 pm

MALS – Consumer/Benefits/Tax Advice Clinic
Whitehaven Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 2:00 pm

Garden Club – Keeping your landscape looking good all summer 
Officer Geoffrey Redd Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 2:30 pm

Five Fridays of Jazz
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Fri., Apr. 11, 6:30 pm

Drop Everything and Read
Raleigh Library
Sat., Apr. 12, 12:00 am

Second Saturday Legal Advice Clinic
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Sat., Apr. 12, 10:00 am

Free Tax Preparation by United Way Mid-South
South Library
Sat., Apr. 12, 10:00 am

AARP Free Tax Preparation
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Sat., Apr. 12, 10:00 am

Free Tax Prep – United Way
Raleigh Library
Sat., Apr. 12, 10:00 am

Japanese Culture Club
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Sat., Apr. 12, 10:30 am

Family Storytime
Frayser Library
Sat., Apr. 12, 11:00 am

Cossitt's 132 Year Anniversary
Cossitt Library
Sat., Apr. 12, 11:00 am

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

Haunted Mansion Series

Our teen social at Hollywood was a great! We enjoyed pizza, ice cream, and games!!! Then our tweens crashed the…

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Popular Resources

Start your genealogical journey today!

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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!

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.

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!