You can never go wrong with a library. It's a great place to encourage literacy at any age. This location has 4 floors, including areas exclusively catered to young children and teens. There is a bargain bookstore and meeting rooms on the first floor, with study rooms, computers, and work areas on each floor. The library also has weekly and monthly meetups, activities, services that are helpful and supportive to the Memphis community. read more

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I've been to many libraries to study and do work at and I major in IT, so when there is an issue with certain websites cant be accessed to derail certain individuals it gets annoying. There shouldn't be a reason that I can't access the chime site; a site that has no bad rating. I ride the bus and for some odd reason the mata public site also cannot be accessed Whoever the network admin of this building is has fun debugging other individuals websites and playing with the information in such a way that prevents me from getting regular things done. This is discriminatory and illegal actually on many levels unless one can say that I was doing something illegal online which I wasn't and don't. Public of Memphis, I would be very cautious and think twice before doing anything at the computer lab. I actually come to do schoolwork, however there are many bums, junkies and homeless people that takeover the spot and go on rants and security just lets them yell it up (in a library). This facility has all the resources and access, but no structure whatsoever. Anyone reading this, go to the library and try those two sites. Police them. read more

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 read more

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! read more

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

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. read more

Memphis Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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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. read more

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. read more

Memphis Public Library - Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library - Libraries Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Some of the best things in life are free. And I have to say, the Memphis Public Library is one of them. The main library is in a brand new, absolutely beautiful building on Poplar, just across from Chickasaw Plaza. The architecture is amazing and it's worth a visit just to admire this aspect. And there is always something happening here. There's book clubs, classes and meetings. And lots of special events that come up throughout the year. Be sure and check out their website to find out what's going on. The children's book section is outstanding, and also charming with brightly painted furniture, colorful trees and decor that is bound to inspire a child's imagination. They have a great selection of books and lots of activities as well such as puppet shows, story telling hour and crafts. It's a great resource and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon with your children and introduce them to the joy and wonder of reading. There's also a great Genealogy department for those interested in research of that nature. And all sorts of community information and resource materials. Or maybe you just want to read a good book. Whatever your needs or interests, chances are you can find it at this wonderful addition to our city. read more

Memphis Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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. read more

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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. read more

The Benjamin L. Hooks Library is a beautiful building on Poplar Avenue that houses a huge treasure trove of books, music, film, and information. There are 4 floors of books, several meeting rooms, a children's section, a historical section, a cafe, and thousands upon thousands of stories just waiting to be read sitting behind those walls. The children's section is particularly awesome- a forest of brightly-colored trees lines the entrance. The section itself is huge, and offers books, computers, a small stain-glassed reading area in the back, as well as a huge room for Story Time. Speaking of Story Time, I think the Central Library offers one of the best in the city- a book reading followed by a craft and song and dance. So much fun for the youngsters. read more

Memphis Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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. read more

I can remember when this location was being built, and I was so excited when it opened up. While still a beautiful building, I am less impressed with the rest of it. The computers are ridiculously slow and frequently freeze up. The newspaper selection is a fraction of what used to be available. They recently decided to turn the popular (new) books room into a teen center, and now I can't find new releases anymore. I also had a negative experience with the woman the information desk. I had just gotten my hand crushed in the elevator door (seriously - what kind of elevator doesn't have a sensor to avoid that??) and the lady at the desk basically said I was an idiot for not pulling my hand out faster. Really? THAT'S your response? I'm used to the 'smarter' elevators on campus, and I found her insensitivity incredibly off-putting. I am very pro-library, but I'll take the tiny location on White Station over this one anyday. read more

The Central Library is a wonderful place to while away some hours. My personal favorite place in the entire building is the open air alcove accessible through the Children's Dept. There are lots of great places to secret yourself away and forget about time for a while. Because I alternate between working at home or in our downtown offices sometimes we'll have meetings in the community meeting rooms at the library. Great excuse for my office mates to get out of the office and saves me from having to drive all the way downtown. And don't forget Second Editions, the used book store on the main floor. It used to have a coffee kiosk in it but sadly it is gone. There you can buy high quality used books for 1 or 2 dollars. Terriffic. read more

Having fun isn't hard, when you've got a library card! I love going to the library. And although I've only been to this one twice, they were both good experiences. My most recent visit led to my discovery of the used book store at the front of the building with books that are dirt cheap! I picked up three vintage paperbacks for three dollars (plus tax)! The BLHCL has a huge selection of books and what I consider an impressive selection of graphic novels and comic books. At my previous library in Utah they had slimmer pickings. Also, libraries are known for being helpful to the community and this one is no different. read more

I've been reading since I was age three because of my mother. She was my first and best teacher. I have healed my library card since 1983 until now 2013. I had the best mother on the planet and every moment she pushed education and the power of how to use the library as a great learning tool. As a young one this library played a huge factor in teaching us young people how to be more responsible by keeping up with our own card and checking out books and returning them on time. The colors and styles of the card itself may have changed through out the years but the soul purpose of leaning and reading has never changed at this location. It's just a safe place to learn, read, grow and if your lucky teach. Learning can be very fun and the summer reading programs are a delight and young people of all ages can benefit from this summer reading programs just as I did. Its a nice place to get on the web and its got more than enough computers to go around and more than one floor to explore. Its a new building with a more modern feel to it. It's always something positive to be doing here at this location no matter your age. I learned to be more goal oriented right here at this location as a young adult. It was here that my Liberian took up private one on one time with me and helped me with a dream of being a author. Even now until this very day no matter what state I live in I still hold my Memphis Public Library Card as a treasure and I keep it with me always. No matter what your age I invite you to visit this location. This Library is the perfect example that learning does not stop because you leave a classroom. And not all teachers just do the teaching.Because if you visit the library you will find the Liberians teach as well. read more

Most midtowners lament the loss of the old public library at McLean and Peabody. But the new central library is a great resource for the city. The library regularly hosts events for children, teens and adults. The LINC system one of the best ways to find out about city services, as well as basic information about Memphis. They even have an 800 number: 866-735-7211. *Just inside the entrance to the right is one of the best kept secrets: a used bookstore with some of the best finds and best book bargains around. read more

Yes, the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library is doing great things in the community and all the little branches in the city. I love hanging out at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library especially watching the 901 Teen Center become a success for the teens. read more

Book selection is pretty good, building it self is nice. Don't have a lot of newer books. They charge for DVDs, CDs and books on tape. It's more expensive than redbox and the selection is poor. Also you have to take the empty case to the front and make the librarians walk across the lobby to get them (totally inefficient). I'm glad I moved away from Memphis to a city that supports library's. Also if your at the main lobby check out the Friends of the library book store. Great selection at affordable prices read more

Oh, man, I LOVE the central library! (The five stars are for the central library...I can't really speak as to the others.) It's enormous and, this sounds bad, but a lot nicer and more high-tech and more together than you'd expect of a Memphis public service (the library is a public service, right?) I love Memphis and I don't appreciate when people act like it's this terrible place to live, but I admit that considering some of the facilities, parks, etc, in other cities, what we have in Memphis often doesn't compare too favorably with them. But the central library is a kickass library no matter what city you're in, and I love that it's here in Memphis. Did you ever think you'd see the word "library" right after the word "kickass?" Yeah. It just happened. The library website is awesome because you can search a book, see which locations have it, and even get it transferred to your branch, all online. It exceeded my expectations for sure. Also, I am always asked by any person I make eye contact with if I need help any time I'm in the central library. The librarians here take their jobs (as gatekeepers to knowledge, not as shushing hall monitors) very seriously and you gotta love that. Also, there is a really cool glass elevator. I don't get out much. read more

You may not notice but there is no public stairwell in the library between the 1st and second floor. We were trapped for 20 minutes past closing because the elevators were not working. The librarians laughed at us. They said to just wait for the elevator because the escalator going down was shut off and blocked. The lady asked if they would take us down the stairs but they laughed and said again to wait for the elevator. The elevator never came to our floor. So when the up escalator finally stopped 10 minutes after they were closed we walked down it. The security guard at the bottom said we could not and to go back up to wait for the elevator. Should have just called the fire dept. Bet they would have let us use the stairs. Will do that next time. read more

This library is awesome. They have technology centers, free classes for computers and various software, book fairs, a discounted book store, media rooms, craft rooms for kids, etc. Plus 211 is stationed here. It is an amazing organization funded by United Way that does alot for the community. Check out the library this week. read more

This library is remarkable. The children's section is enticingly furnished and decorated so that even the smallest bookworms want to spend time there. The children's librarians seem to really like children (this is not actually the case of all children's librarians). There are free weekly storytimes for different ages of children (toddlers @10:15 on Wednesdays, preschoolers @10:15 on Thursdays). There are computers with internet access available for public use, a used bookstore at the entrance, and the "Popular Library" with a selection of digital resources to check out. You can actually take your books into the Popular Library to check out without having to wait in the longer line at the front of the library. All told, a great library! Go check it out! read more

Best. Public. Library. Of all the libraries in all the cities I've lived, this one takes the cake. read more

Quiet, clean, spacious, wifi. A very nice library. Has security officers on site. Kid section is off to the side and on the 1st floor. Most folk come in here to use computers, not to read books, even on a weekdays, the computers are booked. read more

Memphis Public Library - Cool columns with different languages on each one. - Libraries Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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I've never been without a place to sit, the facilities are new and well managed. As an added bonus, there's a wonderful bookstore downstairs with excellent bargains on books and some of the most helpful staff I've ever encountered. Some of the seating can be a little uncomfortable and there is a shortage of outlets, but other than that, I have no major complaints. read more

Easily the best choice of a public library in the city of Memphis. It is by far the most professional, organized, and cleanest. Looking at it from the outside gives you an idea of the quality of the service provided inside, and it suits it nicely. For the most part, sections are organized efficiently where you should be able to find almost anything on your own, but for the times I have needed assistance the staff has been nothing but polite and helpful. The same with setting up your library card account, it is quick and painless. Despite the vast selection of books, areas of comfort/entertainment, services, and extra activities such as classes/clubs/events/etc. (for adults and especially children) - my favorite part is the used book store right inside the entrance. I always find hidden gems every time I visit and they cost less than you would find anywhere else. read more

We have a hot plug @741.6J see fotos of setup access point 23 blinking 1red 3 green overhead 152/261 fing report on test wifi plus Ethernet 6.61down/11.39up read more

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Went to the fourth floor hoping to get help with 1880s addresses in Memphis. The staff was terrific! They had city directories and land ownership maps. A treasure trove. read more

I love this library! It's a bit out of my way but I go anyway because it's so amazing. This library has so many great features: the bottom floor has a second hand bookshop (super cheap and tons of great finds!), a huge kids books section, a club room for kids to learn coding and other awesome opportunities, a resource center for those seeking higher education, and I'm sure there's more. The second floor has a huge section of sheet music, records/cds and music history resources as well as a huge non fictions, Sci fi, and classics sections. The upper floors are more history and sciences sections. There are tons of great places to sit and read with plenty of tables, couches and even some rooms to reserve for group study sessions. The facilities themselves are amazing. The building is new, clean; it is beautifully decorated and is so spacious and full of natural light. It is perfect to get you in the mood to study and get work done or just to have somewhere fun and fresh to peruse and read a new book! read more

Memphis Public Library - Front entrance! - Libraries Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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This is a really nice library filled with rare books and just about anything else that you might want. My Grandma always comes here to do research on the family tree. If you can read a book still, I really recommend this library. read more

This library is good for Memphis. The one problem That I have seen is that people let their teens walk over & stay at the library until the parents can pick them up after school. I wish that Memphis would be more interested in education rather than making money. I lived in a small city that did not charge a fee for movies, audio nor software from the library, it was wonderful and I believe the people respected the borrowed items more so because they were not paying for them. read more

This library is huge. To be honest I haven't really explored too many of the myriad of programs, resources, and sections they have. We do, however, frequent the children's section, and go to many of the story times they offer. It's always a lot of fun for the kids and sometimes even the the grownups! They also have a lot of computers loaded with games that, I feel, are educational and appropriate for kids to play despite being surrounded by books. I love the bookstore up front, too. It takes a little digging, but usually I walk out with a couple of good gems for cheap. You can never have too many books! Love this library! read more

This is quite possibly one of the largest and nicest libraries that I have frequented. Bright and airy, it has several floors and boasts a huge amount of titles for each genre. The children's library is enormous and draws kids in with its bright entryway and colorful interior. The sheer magnitude of the place is somewhat overwhelming and if you're in need of anything in particular, you'll most likely find it there. The staff is very helpful and it's easy to get lost for hours poring over the genealogy reference books on the top floor. A great place to spend an hour or the day. read more

my favorite place to study, quiet open, and lots of room. It was a lot of money invested into a great library... money well spent!

love this place!! took a long time to build, but, since we are on a tectonic fault, who cares! it is the "taj mahal" of libraries! does anyone know the carpet in the main ante-room is made from real sheep's hair? love the fast, fast see-through elevators! i could look at them, ride them, look out of them, all day long! no, i am not weird, i just love machinery-always have. the librarians are always super-friendly, and kind, to me. they know me by my name, and call my name out. this means a lot in this day and age! i also love the linc dept., and, they have helped me rapidly, over and over! i am well aware that major funding was cut by the federal, and state, governments years ago. this really, really hurt everything. this country wastes so much money on gibberish-on nothing. like sarah palin's "bridge to nowhere"! this means, of course, that there is not the money to buy new books, movies, materials, etc. the one thing i miss, is the lack of record players, cassette players, cd players, so that i could listen to classical music, and plays, like i used to do. the one thing that really, really, bothers me, though, is they get rid of music, books, etc. , if the circulation of said items is slow-not enough people interested. this is what mcdonald's restaurant does with their food items, for crying out loud!! gerorge bernard shaw is not a big mac! or, a filet-o-fish! i go back to listen to dylan thomas on caedmaon 33.3 r.p.m. label, and, it is not there! i love the used book store, as well. i have stocked, i know, at least 300 33.3 r.p.m. classical records! i have dr. albert schweitzer playing johann sebastian bach on 33.3 r.p.m. records! i have guilini conducting mozart's "the marriage of figaro"! i have always loved main library-memphis. even as a boy! read more