Memphis Library Hours 2026
The Memphis Public Libraries serve the birthplace of rock 'n' roll, blues, and soul music with 18 branches throughout Shelby County. From the flagship Central Library on Poplar Avenue to the historic Cossitt Branch downtown near Beale Street, Memphis libraries offer world-class resources including the renowned Memphis and Shelby County Room - an essential destination for researchers exploring Elvis Presley, Sun Records, Stax, and the city's unparalleled musical heritage. With 1.5 million annual visitors and connections to the Bluff City's rich history from the Civil Rights Movement to the cotton trade, these libraries are true community treasures.
Memphis Public Libraries Library - Main Branch
The Central Library is the flagship of the Memphis Public Library system, located in the heart of Midtown at 3030 Poplar Avenue. This modern 86,000 square foot facility serves as the administrative headquarters and features the most extensive collections and services in the system. The building underwent a major renovation and is now a model of modern library design while maintaining its community focus.
Location
📍 3030 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111
📞 (901) 415-2700 | Official Website →
| Monday - Thursday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
About Memphis Libraries
The Memphis and Shelby County Room at Central Library is a treasure trove for music historians, genealogists, and anyone fascinated by the Bluff City's incredible history. This special collection houses:
- Elvis Presley Archives: Rare photographs, newspaper clippings, concert memorabilia, and research files from the King's Memphis years
- Sun Records Collection: Documents from the legendary studio where rock 'n' roll was born - Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins
- Stax Museum Materials: Resources on Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, Booker T. & the M.G.'s and Memphis soul
- Beale Street History: Maps, photos, and documents from the birthplace of the blues dating to the 1800s
- Civil Rights Archives: Materials on the 1968 Sanitation Workers' Strike and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s final days in Memphis
- Genealogy Resources: Census records, city directories, and family history resources for Shelby County dating to 1819
Access: Free with any Memphis Public Library card. Staff genealogists available for consultation. Located on the 2nd floor of Central Library.
About Memphis Libraries
Location
📍 5094 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38117
📞 (901) 415-2750
| Monday - Thursday | 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
One of the busiest branches serving East Memphis with excellent children's programming.
Weekly Hours
📍 1925 Exeter Road, Germantown, TN 38138
📞 (901) 757-7323
| Monday - Thursday | 9:30 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Newest and largest suburban branch with cutting-edge technology and maker space equipment.
Hours & Schedule
📍 33 South Front Street, Memphis, TN 38103
📞 (901) 415-2726
| Monday - Friday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Saturday - Sunday | Closed |
📝 Memphis's original library (1893) in a stunning Romanesque building. Walking distance to Beale Street - perfect for tourists wanting a library card!
Weekly Hours
📍 6382 Stage Road, Bartlett, TN 38134
📞 (901) 386-8968
| Monday - Thursday | 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Weekly Hours
📍 501 Poplar View Parkway, Collierville, TN 38017
📞 (901) 457-2650
| Monday - Thursday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Weekly Hours
📍 7200 East Shelby Drive, Memphis, TN 38125
📞 (901) 751-7360
| Monday - Thursday | 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
About Memphis Libraries
Memphis Public Libraries operates 18 branches throughout Shelby County. Here's the complete list with addresses:
3030 Poplar Avenue
📍 3030 Poplar Avenue
📞 (901) 415-2700
6382 Stage Road
📍 6382 Stage Road
📞 (901) 386-8968
3300 Sharpe Avenue
📍 3300 Sharpe Avenue
📞 (901) 415-2710
501 Poplar View Parkway
📍 501 Poplar View Parkway
📞 (901) 457-2650
8457 Trinity Road
📍 8457 Trinity Road
📞 (901) 754-8181
33 South Front Street
📍 33 South Front Street
📞 (901) 415-2726
3157 Powers Road
📍 3157 Powers Road
📞 (901) 386-1012
7200 East Shelby Drive
📍 7200 East Shelby Drive
📞 (901) 751-7360
3712 Argonne Street
📍 3712 Argonne Street
📞 (901) 357-4115
1040 South Third Street
📍 1040 South Third Street
📞 (901) 942-0836
1925 Exeter Road
📍 1925 Exeter Road
📞 (901) 757-7323
460 South Highland Street
📍 460 South Highland Street
📞 (901) 415-2735
1530 North Hollywood Street
📍 1530 North Hollywood Street
📞 (901) 323-6201
3676 Highway 61 South
📍 3676 Highway 61 South
📞 (901) 789-3160
4858 Navy Road
📍 4858 Navy Road
📞 (901) 872-1585
1192 Vollintine Avenue
📍 1192 Vollintine Avenue
📞 (901) 415-2740
5094 Poplar Avenue
📍 5094 Poplar Avenue
📞 (901) 415-2750
4120 Millbranch Road
📍 4120 Millbranch Road
📞 (901) 396-2665
About Memphis Libraries
Memphis is home to several excellent university libraries with extended hours and specialized collections. Most allow community borrowing privileges.
About Memphis Libraries
📍 3785 Norriswood Avenue, Memphis, TN 38152
📞 (901) 678-2201 | libraries.memphis.edu
| Monday - Thursday | 7:30 AM - 12:00 AM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 12:00 AM |
The largest academic library in Memphis with 1.3 million volumes. Home to the Mississippi Valley Collection documenting regional history.
About Memphis Libraries
📍 2000 North Parkway, Memphis, TN 38112
📞 (901) 843-3940 | library.rhodes.edu
| Monday - Thursday | 8:00 AM - 2:00 AM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM |
Beautiful Gothic architecture on one of America's most scenic campuses. Strong humanities and sciences collections.
Location
📍 650 East Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38104
📞 (901) 321-3432
| Monday - Thursday | 7:30 AM - 11:00 PM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
Hours & Schedule
📍 807 Walker Avenue, Memphis, TN 38126
📞 (901) 435-1380
| Monday - Thursday | 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Historically Black college with important African American history collections and Civil Rights Movement archives.
Location
📍 877 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38163
📞 (901) 448-5634
| Monday - Thursday | 7:00 AM - 12:00 AM |
| Friday | 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Saturday - Sunday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Premier medical library in the Mid-South with extensive health sciences resources and St. Jude research connections.
About Memphis Libraries
- Music history paradise: The Memphis and Shelby County Room at Central Library has free access to Elvis archives, Sun Records materials, and Stax/Beale Street history - researchers come from around the world!
- Free parking: Central Library has a large free parking lot behind the building - a rarity in Midtown Memphis. Enter from Goodlett Street.
- Sunday options: Only Central Library, Germantown, and Collierville Burch are open Sundays (1-5 PM) - plan your weekend visits accordingly.
- Tourist tip: The historic Cossitt Branch downtown is walking distance from Beale Street and the river - grab a library card between touring Sun Studio and Graceland!
- Summer reading: Memphis libraries run excellent summer programs with prizes and performances - great for keeping kids reading during the hot Memphis summer.
- Genealogy help: Central Library has dedicated genealogy staff in the Memphis Room who can help trace Shelby County family histories back to 1819.
- Late night studying: For late hours, head to University of Memphis McWherter Library (open until midnight) or Rhodes College Barret Library (open until 2 AM during semesters).
- Job seekers: Most branches offer free resume help, job search computers, and LinkedIn Learning access with your library card.
About Memphis Libraries
The Memphis public library system serves the community with multiple branches offering free access to books, digital resources, computers, and community programs. As a publicly funded institution, the library provides essential services to residents of all ages and backgrounds.
Notable Fact
Memphis's library system reflects the city's unique character and community needs. Like most American public library systems, it operates on the principle that information access should be free and equitable. The library serves as both a quiet study space and a vibrant community center, adapting its programs to serve Memphis's diverse population.
Access & Membership
Library cards are free for Memphis residents. Visit any branch with a valid photo ID and proof of your Memphis address. Most branches issue cards on the spot. Many Memphis libraries also offer instant digital cards through their website, giving you immediate access to eBooks, audiobooks, and online databases before you even visit a branch.
Memphis libraries offer far more than just book lending
Memphis libraries offer far more than just book lending. Most branches provide free WiFi and computer access, meeting room rentals, printing and scanning services, children's storytimes, teen programs, and adult education classes. Many branches also offer job search assistance, tax preparation help during filing season, and notary services.
Visitor Tip: Check Memphis library's website for their events calendar before visiting. Many branches host free workshops, author talks, and community events that aren't widely advertised. Weekday mornings tend to be the quietest times to visit for focused study or research.
Did you know? American public libraries circulate more than 2 billion items per year. The Memphis library system contributes to this by serving its community with resources worth hundreds of dollars per household annually — all completely free with a library card.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Memphis Central Library hours?
Memphis Central Library at 3030 Poplar Avenue has the longest hours in the system: Monday-Thursday 9AM-9PM, Friday-Saturday 9AM-6PM, and Sunday 1PM-5PM. It's one of the few Memphis branches open on Sundays.
Does Memphis Public Library have free WiFi?
Yes! All 18 Memphis Public Library branches offer free WiFi during library hours. Simply connect to the library network - no password required. Computer stations with internet access are also available at every branch.
How do I get a Memphis library card?
Memphis library cards are free for all Shelby County residents. Bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport) and proof of current address to any branch. Cards are issued immediately. Non-residents can purchase an annual card for $50. Your card works at all 18 branches plus provides access to digital resources.
Where can I research Elvis and Memphis music history?
The Memphis and Shelby County Room at Central Library (2nd floor) is your destination. This special collection has extensive archives on Elvis Presley, Sun Records, Stax Records, Beale Street blues, and Memphis soul music. Access is free with any library card, and staff genealogists and historians are available for research assistance.
Which Memphis library branches are open on Sunday?
Only three branches offer Sunday hours: Central Library (1PM-5PM), Germantown Branch (1PM-5PM), and Collierville Burch Library (1PM-5PM). All other branches are closed on Sundays.
What are Memphis library hours?
Your Memphis library card unlocks free access to: Libby (ebooks and audiobooks), Hoopla (movies, music, comics, audiobooks), Kanopy (streaming films and documentaries), LinkedIn Learning (professional courses), Ancestry.com (genealogy research), Consumer Reports, and many academic databases. All accessible from home 24/7.
How many library branches are in Memphis?
Yes! The Cossitt Branch at 33 South Front Street is Memphis's original library, opened in 1893 in a beautiful Romanesque building. It's open Monday-Friday 10AM-5PM and is located downtown near Beale Street, making it perfect for tourists who want a library card.
Last updated: January 2025 | Verified by Library Hours 24 Editorial Team
Please verify hours with memphislibrary.org before visiting, especially on holidays.
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