Memphis Public Library

Memphis Public Library. The library system serves the citizens of Memphis, Tennessee, and Shelby County, Tennessee, with a collection of over 1.5 million items, including books, DVDs, CDs, and eBooks from OverDrive. The library is a member of the Tennessee State Library and Archives and participates in the Tennessee Library Association. The library's mission is to provide free and equal access to information, Shelby County Schools support, and community resources, in partnership with organizations like the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and the Pink Palace Museum.

● History

The library was established in 1893, with the first location opening on Front Street in Downtown Memphis. The library's early years were marked by significant growth, with the addition of new locations, including the Cossitt Library, which was designed by Edward Everett Potter and opened in 1893. The library system has undergone several transformations over the years, including the construction of the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library in 2001, which was named after the civil rights leader Benjamin L. Hooks. The library has also been recognized for its innovative programs and services, including its participation in the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Library of Congress's National Book Festival. The library has hosted authors such as John Grisham, Alice Walker, and Toni Morrison, and has partnered with organizations like the National Civil Rights Museum and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

● Collections and Services

The library's collections include a wide range of materials, including fiction and non-fiction books, Audiobooks from Audible, eBooks from Project Gutenberg, and Digital media from Hoopla Digital. The library also offers a variety of services, including Interlibrary loan through OCLC, Test preparation resources from Kaplan, Inc., and Career development tools from LinkedIn. The library's Digital collections include access to JSTOR, ProQuest, and EBSCO Information Services, as well as online resources like Lynda.com and Coursera. The library has also partnered with organizations like the Memphis Zoo and the Pink Palace Museum to offer Museum passes and other cultural resources. The library's collections and services are designed to support the needs of the community, including students from University of Memphis, Rhodes College, and Christian Brothers University.

● Branches and Locations

The library system has a total of 18 locations throughout Memphis, Tennessee, and Shelby County, Tennessee, including the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, which serves as the main location. Other branches include the Cossitt Library, the Frayser Branch, and the Germantown Branch, which are located in Frayser and Germantown, Tennessee. The library also offers Bookmobile services to reach communities in Raleigh and Whitehaven. The library's locations are designed to be accessible and convenient, with many branches located near Memphis Area Transit Authority bus routes and Shelby County Schools. The library has also partnered with organizations like the Memphis Botanic Garden and the Overton Park to offer Outdoor programs and events.

● Programs and Events

The library offers a wide range of programs and events for adults, children, and teens, including Author readings with authors like Neil Gaiman and Joyce Carol Oates, Book clubs focused on Pulitzer Prize winners, and Children's storytime sessions with Caldecott Medal winners. The library also hosts Concerts and Film screenings in partnership with organizations like the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and the Indie Memphis Film Festival. The library's Summer reading program is designed to encourage children to read during the summer months, with prizes and incentives from Scholastic and Penguin Random House. The library has also partnered with organizations like the National Park Service and the Tennessee State Parks to offer Outdoor programs and events, including Hiking and Birdwatching trips. The library's programs and events are designed to be engaging and informative, with a focus on Literacy and Community outreach. Category:Libraries in Tennessee