NOVEMBER NEWS | 2023

GIVING THANKS THIS NOVEMBER

Giving Thanks this November

It's hard to believe Thanksgiving is almost here. We at Memphis Public Libraries are so thankful to have a robust library system that allows the opportunity to bring you innovative and informative programming year-round. We've got you covered if you are looking for Thanksgiving-related programming. Here are a few examples. The North Branch will hold "Just Because We Care" to get you in the holiday mood." on November 16. The event will have giveaways, and they will be raffling off free Thanksgiving Baskets. The Attitudes of Gratitude program on November 21 will remind you what you must be thankful for. Memphis Public Library will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on November 23 and 24.

FEATURED EVENTS

Cossitt Corner

Championship SZN: How to Become an Award-Winning Podcaster Workshop. Award-winning podcaster Dominic Lawson will guide participants through the nuances of creating award-winning content. It's one of many things happening at Cossitt this month.

Tunes and Tales

Tunes and Tales with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra will take place on November 4 at the Bartlett Public Library and the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library. We will read The Bear Ate Your Sandwich by Julia Sarcone-Roach as the musicians play along. 

Richard Wright Literacy Awards

Time is running out if you plan to nominate someone for the Richard Wright Literary Awards. The deadline is November 15. If you plan to nominate a local author, works published between November 1, 2022 - November 31, 2023, will be considered.

Memphis Music Listening Party

The band Lucero once sang, "Cory Branan's got an evil streak/And a way with words that'll bring you to your knees." That's a common opinion from folks who have heard any of Cory's six records. Join Robert Gordon as he talks to Cory about his career.

PARADE OF NATIONS FESTIVAL

Parade of Nations Festival

If you want to feel like you traveled the globe without ever leaving Memphis, attend our Parade of Nations International Festival. This celebration will highlight, educate, and inform about cultural differences & resources within our community. This event will demonstrate our diverse world, from Italy and Ireland to India and Africa.

FEATURED EVENTS

Write a Veteran Letter

Let's honor our Veterans' sacrifice to us and our country by writing them a heartfelt letter! Drop into the Bartlett Library between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Monday, November 6, to write letters to veterans. We will hand deliver the letters to veterans.

Coat Drive

We are collecting coats for our 3rd Annual Boys Winter Coat Drive from November 1 - December 7, 2023, at the Whitehaven Branch Library. Donations of medium, large, XL, and 2XL coats will be accepted during regular library hours.

Harmony @ The Haven: Acoustic Jam Series

Make noise at this acoustic jam series in Whitehaven! Bring your instrument or use a guitar, bass, drum, or other noise maker we provide. Let's play music and jam! 

Medicare Help for Seniors

 If you know a senior or someone disabled who needs help enrolling in Medicaid, the Aging Commission of the Mid-South is holding sign-up sessions at Memphis Public Libraries to assist those in need. 

EAT THIS BOOK FESTIVAL

Eat This Book Festival

If you like to eat, this festival at the Cossitt Library is for you. Celebrate Memphis Food Culture with vendors, food trucks, free samples, crafts, and more! This year's fall holiday-themed Eat This Book Festival, headlined by Chef Eli, will be the best yet!

FEATURED EVENTS

TEEN ARTS FESTIVAL

Teen Arts Festival

Meet some of Memphis' most talented teen artists. Teen Arts Fest is a celebration with youth arts organizations. There will be music, a fashion show, and more! The 13-19 artists will showcase and sell their artwork at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 11am - 2pm. 

LIFE-LONG LEARNING

Get Crafty

So many crafts, so little time. You can learn how to knit, sew, and make baskets. The list goes on. Check out this month's programs.

Get Fit

From Zumba to yoga, line dancing to healthy eating classes. We have classes to improve your health if you want to get fit.

Get Help

Do you need legal help, social services, or help with your new baby? See what we offer this month that could help improve your life. 

Get Smart

Do you need help with a new device? Want to sharpen your basic computer skills or learn Excel? We can help! 

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 DECEMBER

Santa visits Memphis Public Libraries

Come see and take pictures with ole St. Nick!

Holiday Choirs

Local school choirs will perform at select branches in December to get you in the holiday spirit.

 Officer Geoffrey Redd Toys for Tots Drive

We will collect toys to honor fallen Officer Geoffrey Redd from December 1- 15 at the Officer Geoffrey Redd Branch Library at 5094 Poplar Ave., Memphis Police Department Appling Station, and Ridgeway Precincts.