OCTOBER NEWS | 2023

GET READY FOR THE SOLAR ECLIPSE

Solar Eclipse

Pick up your free glasses at any Memphis Public Library branch and prepare to watch the Solar Eclipse. The October 5 "Solar Eclipse Science & Safety" event at the Benjamin l Hooks Central Library will kick off the free eclipse viewing glasses distribution at all MPL locations. The eclipse will occur on Saturday, October 14, 2023. when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, thereby totally or partly obscuring the image of the Sun for a viewer on Earth.

FEATURED EVENTS

Pumpkin Power

Do you have a favorite book character and love decorating pumpkins? Then, enter the Literary Pumpkin Contest. This month, you will find pumpkin paintings and pumpkin-themed story times, or you can create pumpkin-themed paper-bagged haunted houses. Check memphislibrary.org for more pumpkin-themed programs.

Spooky Season

From making mason jar ghosts to watching thrillers like Hotel Transylvania and Frankenstein or events like Nightmare on 3rd Street, if you want to get in the Halloween spirit, there is no shortage of programs that will entertain you and maybe even scare you simultaneously.  

Boooooks with Friends

Spend Halloween with us! On October 31, Kids 12 and under are invited to stop by the library for trick or treats, book giveaways, and take-home activities! There will also be a spine-tingling storytime. Remember your costume! The Friends of the Library sponsors this annual event.

Hollywood Halloween

In partnership with the Memphis Police, have a safe and scary good night with us at the Hollywood Library. The children will first go through a haunted house at the MPD Hollywood Precinct. The fun continues at the library, where we have crafts and Boo Books giveaways.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY FALL BOOK SALE

Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale

Get ready to grab gently used books at bargain prices. The Memphis Friends of the Library Book Sale will occur October 26-29. The sale starts Thursday, October 26 at 3 p.m. with a Preview Sale for Friends of the Library Members. The sale opens to the public on Friday, October 27, at 10 a.m. and runs until 6 p.m. Saturday, October 28, hours are from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The sale ends on Sunday. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friends of the Library get 10 percent off all purchases at the book sale, plus the Second Editions Bookstore. The money raised at this event supports library programming. 

FALL FUN AT MEMPHIS PUBLIC LIBRARIES

The Ghost of Cossitt : Halloween ARG (Alternate Reality Game)

If you like scavenger hunts and a thrilling mystery, join Memphis Public Libraries in The Ghost of Cossitt: Halloween ARG. This game follows an investigator unraveling the mysterious haunting of the newly renovated downtown library. As you watch this story, you'll be tasked with solving puzzles in the library digital archives. Once you find all the clues, prepare for a climactic conclusion at the Cossitt Library. Our first Alternate Reality Game (ARG) is fun for the whole family and an entertaining way to learn the history of Memphis Libraries!

FEATURED EVENTS

Cordova Outdoor Movie Night.

Join us every Thursday night in October and November at 7 p.m. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs as we set up the screen at the park, creating a cozy cinema under the stars. From heartwarming dramas to thrilling action, we've got something for every movie enthusiast!

Youth Action Council Applications Open

We are looking for youth to join the Youth Action Councils, a group of leaders creating spaces in neighborhood libraries for youth that are fun and welcoming. Applications will be accepted until October 18. Go to Memphislibrary.org for more information or to apply. 

MPL Richard Wright Literary Awards

Local authors, would you like to have your work considered for a Richard Wright Literary Award? If yes, please go to memphislibrary.org to submit your book. Works published between November 1, 2022 - November 31, 2023, are eligible to be submitted for the awards.

Rev. Wheeler Parker, Jr. Author Talk

Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr. was just 16 when his cousin and best friend, 14-year-old Emmett Till, was lynched. Till's murder would spur outrage and propel the Civil Rights Movement. Parker is the last living witness of the kidnapping. He will visit Memphis with his co-author Christopher Benson to discuss his book, A Few Days Full Of Trouble.

BANNED BOOK TALK

Banned Book Talk

Join us for a delightful evening on Tuesday, October 3, with Maureen Corrigan - NPR's Fresh Air book critic. Banning books is a hot-button political issue, and where else should you come to learn about this practice than at Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library? Tickets support your Memphis Public Libraries that bring beloved and life-changing programming to this city we all love!

FEATURED EVENTS

Explore Memphest- Levi Branch

Do you love Memphis? Join us in celebrating our city this Fall Break! Enjoy free food and live music, learn about what your libraries and community organizations offer, and for inspiring entertainment, go on a Storywalk with your child at this FREE family event at the Levi Branch.

Memphis Music Listening Room with Don Nix

October 16 is our next Memphis Music Listening Party. Don Nix is an American music legend who hails from Memphis. He is a musician, songwriter, composer, arranger, jack of all trades. Please join host Robert Gordon as we discuss Don’s masterful career through five of his songs

Get Crafty

From fabric dying to knitting to crocheting, we have plenty of ways to get crafty in October. You can make a fall wreath, decorate a vase, or even make clay jewelry. Check out the classes we are offering.

Get Fit

Get your Zumba on or take up line dancing. This fall, Memphis Public Libraries will keep you moving. At Steps and Stories, you will not only get your miles in but can read a book at the same time.

Cossitt Corner

Join us for the Eat This Book Festival on October 28. The festival celebrates Memphis Food Culture with chef demonstrations and food vendors. A new series called Frame By Frame teaches the art of storytelling. We will have a Tiny Kitchen Concert and much more.

Get Smart

Are you interested in learning how to use your new phone? Do you need to improve your computer skills? Are you interested in learning about operating a small business? We have group programs and sessions where you can meet with a librarian individually to get help.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Continuing Education

MPL has nearly 20 continuing education classes designed to allow people to grow in their personal lives by offering four intense weeks of study in various subject areas. Check out what we have available in October.

MLF COCKTAILS AND CONVERSATIONS

MLF Cocktails and Conversations

Join MLF for an evening of tasty treats and thoughtful conversation about the power of Memphis art. Zoe Kahr, Executive Director of The Brooks Museum, moderates a dynamic discussion on the power and diversity of art in Memphis with Amber Hamilton (ED of Memphis Music Initiative), Kimel Fryer (ED of Indie Memphis), Monica Sanchez (Artistic Director of Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre Group), and Tylur French (Owner of Youngblood Studio).

Before the panel starts, explore the Teen Arts Competition hosted by the Friends of the Library in the gallery, bid on art pieces by local artists in our silent auction, and visit the special presentations from local arts providers like the Whithers Gallery, Crosstown Arts, Overton Park Shell, Memphis Symphony Orchestra, the Orpheum, Collage, etc.

WAYS TO SUPPORT THE LIBRARY

TURN THE PAGE TO NOVEMBER

A Parade of Nations

This celebration will highlight, educate, and inform about cultural differences & resources within our community. 

Tunes and Tales

Come and enjoy a story with live, interactive music performed by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra! While the story is being read aloud, the musicians will play music to accompany the story!