Memphis Public Library

I love this library and am so grateful to live somewhere it is free and easy to access knowledge. I use libby, but have recently started checking out physical copies to reduce screen time. It has reminded me how much I love to hold a book in my hands, and searching through the shelves was part of the fun! It was hard to find some copies even though it said online it was in the library, when I got to its location it was not there. I am thinking of placing holds to pick up the next time. They also have a used book store on the first floor right by the entrance--great deals and also fun to sift through

The bookstore clerk is so sweet and amazing. He makes the bookstore feel so magical and welcoming.

I've visited many libraries from youth to adulthood, and this is one of the most beautiful modern libraries I've been to. We lived in Millington so we mostly went to our small, local library, but once in a while we would come here just for the experience. It is beautiful and well thought out. It's like an art exhibit or museum, and a library, the best of both worlds. The building is light and airy with lots of windows. As you come in, the walkway is engraved with beautiful patterns and quotes. Inside is colorful, with beautiful modern and historic displays. It is very busy, so prepare for a wait when checking out or needing services, but it's worth it.The only negatives I will say is that we had to get visitor cards and were limited on what and how much we could check out, because we didn't live in the Memphis city limits. (We're used to libraries being reciprocal within the same county in other states). Maybe this has changed since we lived there. We also had a couple of staff members who were rude, but everyone may have an off day. Visit and see this beautiful library for yourself!

I appreciate the support of the Foundation in making the Library a wonderful place. I hang out at least once a week.

I love this Library! I have spent many mornings and nights here as a grad and undergrad student. They have awesome technology, private areas and rooms, and many resources to help complete an assignment. I also like this book for my daughter. They have many programs for the entire family including workshops for elders, reading activities for toddlers, a media room for teenagers, and conferences for adults. I love to checkout books here and/or just go to relax and focus on my work. This library is an important and needed asset to the Memphis community. They go above and beyond to make sure that visitors have a quality experience.

Gargantuan library/beautiful building. To be honest I've never read or checked out a book but I'm pretty sure they'll have what I'm looking for when I'm ready. I visited to renew my drivers license at the Drivers License Renewal Kiosk in the lobby. Unfortunately, there's another person in Connecticut with a name similar to mine with a suspended drivers license, so I was prohibited from doing that, but oh well.....such is life.

Used a meeting space at the library. We were allowed to bring in food and have our meeting in a quiet space. I would recommend using this space, just makes sure to reserve the spot in a timely manner.

Arrived 40 minutes prior to close needing to print. Staff was great (especially Dara in the children's section who was very friendly and helpful despite closing time approaching). This place is great.

Memphis is a city with a past - a big, messy, important, fascinating past. We've got a surplus of history here in the Bluff City, and for those wanting to know more, it can be a bit intimidating.That's why I love the Memphis and Shelby County Room at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library. It's a cozy (if a little chilly), quiet room on the 4th floor that houses documents, records, photos, recordings, and periodicals from Memphis' past.There are card catalogs stuffed with photos of Memphis that remind me of an analog Google Streetview. I tried to find a photo of my house, to no avail. If you find a photo that you like, you can make copies, scan it or take photos of it for publication. If you want to read the Commercial Appeal from the day Elvis died, you can. If you want to know who was born, married, or died in Memphis in 1865, you can find it.Many of the items in the Memphis and Shelby County Room are part of the closed collection, meaning that you'll have to ask one of the insanely knowledgeable librarians for assistance.The Memphis and Shelby County room is open during the main library's regular hours.

Beautiful library. Great location! Love that they have a little used book store on the first floor near the entrance. Found some great reads there at very reasonable prices! Only complaint was that none of the books I went looking for were available for checkout. I'm sure I will have better luck on a future trip.