JUNE NEWS | 2023

EXPLORE MEMPHIS

Explore Memphis

Summer is here, and it's time to Explore Memphis! We have hundreds of summer activities to keep people of all ages busy. Our Explore Memphest Festivals will occur at branches throughout the summer, including at the Officer Geoffrey Redd Branch on June 3 and Parkway Village on June 24. In addition, Explore Memphis is kicking off in Frayser with the Frayser Fun Fest, along with events at Cordova, and Randolph, on June 3. "All Together Now" is this summer's theme. In addition, you can sign up for our Explore Memphis Summer Reading Challenge, read, and you will be eligible for our weekly and grand prizes. Check out our event calendar for summer fun!

FEATURED EVENTS

ABC 24's Reading Wizards

Do you want to experience what it is like to deliver a newscast? ABC24 Morning anchor Yvonne Cooper will help guide K-3 students through an interactive reading experience. Students will participate in a mock newscast. Then, they will report, film, deliver and watch" the newscast centered around the book.

Memphis Arts Academy Jookin Class

Local Memphis Jookin Legends invite you to join them for this weekly class and dance session open to all ages and abilities. First, we will have a class, and then there will be a dance session and demonstrations. So please make sure you wear comfortable shoes and clothing to this event. 

POP-WHITE IS NOW OFFICER GEOFFREY REDD LIBRARY

Officer Geoffrey Redd Library

New name. New look. The same neighborhood branch. In April, Memphis City Council renamed the Poplar-White Station Library in honor of fallen Memphis Police Officer Geoffrey Redd. Redd was shot and killed responding to a call at the branch in February. Redd had been on the department for 15 years. New signage with Officer Redd's name on it has been ordered and should be installed shortly. 

FEATURED EVENTS

Cook It Up!

Let's Cook It Up! Come to the library and expand your skills by learning how to cook with UT Extension Services. Food and equipment are provided. All we need is you and your appetite to learn something new. This class is for tweens, teens, and adults.

Guitar Lessons

Learn to play guitar with singer-songwriter Justin "Dandelion" Williams. Classes begin June 10 and run for eight weeks. Guitars will be available for checkout and supplied at the event. Class size is limited, so register to guarantee your spot.

NO TEARS PROJECT

No Tears Project

The No Tears Project Memphis takes place June 10-14, 2023. It is a series of civil rights and arts education events by The Oxford American, Memphis Public Libraries, and the National Park Service. The multi-day event triangulates the American Civil Rights Movement legacies of Memphis; Jackson, Mississippi; and Little Rock, Arkansas. Featured events will include concerts with the world premiere of new music by Memphis native Robert "Bobby LaVell" Garner and conversations with civil rights heroes Dwania Kyles, Elizabeth Eckford, and Reena Evers-Everette.   You can find more information about the free concerts and events at memphislibrary.org  or register here. The majority of events will take place at Benjamin L Hooks Central Library. In addition, two Community Concerts will occur on June 11 at 2 PM and 6:30 PM at the Crosstown Arts Green Room. So if you love our 5 Fridays of Jazz series, or want to learn more about the American Civil Rights Movement, don't miss No Tears Project Memphis.

FEATURED EVENTS

Summer Camp Availability

While many MPL camps are full, beginning June 1, two additional summer camps are available. Teen Zine Camp will allow teens to discover the ins and outs of zines. LeMoyne Owen Cyber Security Camp for youth ages 9-12 is an engaging STEM camp.

Pop-up Whitehaven

Pop-up Whitehaven features small businesses and nonprofits from the Whitehaven area. In addition, music, food trucks, and games for the children will be there to celebrate what keeps the Whitehaven community alive, vibrant, and moving forward.

JUNETEENTH DREAM SUMMIT WEEKEND

Juneteenth Dream Summit Weekend: Empowering Freedom Through Financial Literacy

If you want to learn how to improve your finances from an all-star cast of self-made millionaires, influencers, industry experts, and motivational speakers, don't miss the FREE Juneteenth Dream Summit on June 17th at the Renasant Convention Center. The event focuses on empowering individuals through financial education and opportunities. Headlining the event is Milan Harris, also known as Milan Rouge. Harris owns the luxury streetwear brand Milano Di Rouge clothing line. Joining her is Marvin Mitchell, a Hall of Fame Financial Advisor and founder of Pathway to Prosperity. The star-studded lineup continues with James Dubose, General Manager and Director of Programming for Fox Soul, and Sir The Baptist, a Grammy Award-winning artist for Best Roots Gospel Album. This event is FREE! Click here to register!

JUNETEENTH

Juneteenth

Are you looking for a Juneteeth weekend event? There are several Juneteenth events. The Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library is excited to welcome back the Jazz Band Symmetry to commemorate Juneteeth. Symmetry will play the music of African-American jazz giants such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Louis Armstrong. The Cordova Branch will have a Juneteeth Arts Festival. Memphis artists will display and sell locally-made jewelry, apparel, bags, candles, soap, woodwork, and more. And a celebration at the Whitehaven Branch will have educational programs about Juneteenth's history.

FEATURED EVENTS

Les Passess Kids On The Block Puppet Show

The Les Passees Kids on the Block show will perform at Cordova and Benjamin L Hooks Central Library. The show educates, celebrates, and inspires young people within our community. The child-sized puppets talk about their hopes and dreams and let their personalities show while they air their troubles and discuss social issues that affect children.

Free Legal Clinic

Do you need FREE legal help? Every month at various MPL branches, we offer free legal clinics, thanks to legal groups such as Memphis Area Legal Services, Memphis Fair Housing Center, and other pro-bono attorneys. Frayser, Whitehaven, and the Benjamin L Hooks Central Library hold monthly clinics.

CHASTEN BUTTIGIEG

Chasten Buttigieg: I Have Something To Tell You

On June 17th, at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, meet Chasten Buttigieg and celebrate his recently published book, I Have Something to Tell You. Guests will hear from Chasten and have their books signed at the event. He is married and has two children with Pete Buttigieg, a former Democratic presidential candidate. This young adult adaptation of Chasten's original memoir hopes to inspire those who may not have always felt like they belong. In addition, Chasten's story speaks to the experiences of many LGBTQIA+ youth who fear coming out.

FEATURED EVENTS

MoveThat Body!

From learning how to prepare for a triathlon to yoga for adults and kids, get moving with MPL this summer while the weather is warm. Sassy Seniors chair exercise class helps build seniors' strength, and the Raleigh Chicks rock aerobics class twice weekly.

Make Your Masterpiece

From our Art to Grow series with the Dixon Gallery to Abstract Art with Creative Aging, we can keep you and your busy. We have classes for all ages. Sewing? Knitting? Painting? Collaging? Masking Tape Art? It is time to make things at the Memphis Public Libraries.

Summertime Storytime

Are you looking for something to do with the little ones? Take advantage of our summertime story times. From Father's Day storytime to story times in Spanish, or at the Memphis Zoo, stories about recycling or civil rights, we have story time and every branch and about almost anything.

Get Down To Business

Do you need help learning computer basics? Is that new phone or gadget confusing you? From learning Spanish to receiving support from a math tutor, you can find it at MPL. We have Job Fairs. The Baptist Mobile Mammography will be at Benjamin L Hooks Central Library, Business focus groups, and many ways to help you get to business. 

VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Volunteer Leadership Conference

We still have a few spots open for the Start Here Volunteer Leadership Conference. The Free conference is designed to engage and educate nonprofit and civic leaders on ways to develop their organization's volunteer program. This 2-day conference will consist of a welcome reception and nine educational sessions. Go to volunteer.memphislibrary.org to register.

GIMMIE 5!

Gimmie 5!

Do you love all the great programs, books, and spaces your library offers? Then help keep your library strong by giving your library 5!

For May, the 5th month of the year, the Memphis Library Foundation hopes you will "gimme 5!" Give $5, or $5/month! Join us in supporting your local libraries and all they offer by giving the Memphis Library Foundation 5!

BROADBAND SURVEY

The Broadband Office at the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development invites Tennessee residents to complete this short survey and share the barriers they face to accessing quality, high-speed internet. Take the survey here!

WAYS TO SUPPORT THE LIBRARY

TURN THE PAGE TO JULY

Memphis Jookin'

New Ballet Presents: Memphis Jookin' and African Dancing session will keep you moving