Memphis Library Hours 2025
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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 Central Library
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.
Central Library - Main Branch
📍 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 |
Memphis and Shelby County Room - Music Research Paradise
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.
Popular Neighborhood Branches
Poplar-White Station Branch
📍 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.
Germantown Branch
📍 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.
Cossitt Branch (Historic Downtown)
📍 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!
Bartlett Branch
📍 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 |
Collierville Burch Library
📍 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 |
East Shelby Branch
📍 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 |
All 18 Memphis Public Library Branches
Memphis Public Libraries operates 18 branches throughout Shelby County. Here's the complete list with addresses:
Central Library
📍 3030 Poplar Avenue
📞 (901) 415-2700
Bartlett
📍 6382 Stage Road
📞 (901) 386-8968
Cherokee
📍 3300 Sharpe Avenue
📞 (901) 415-2710
Collierville Burch
📍 501 Poplar View Parkway
📞 (901) 457-2650
Cordova
📍 8457 Trinity Road
📞 (901) 754-8181
Cossitt
📍 33 South Front Street
📞 (901) 415-2726
Raleigh
📍 3157 Powers Road
📞 (901) 386-1012
East Shelby
📍 7200 East Shelby Drive
📞 (901) 751-7360
Frayser
📍 3712 Argonne Street
📞 (901) 357-4115
Gaston Park
📍 1040 South Third Street
📞 (901) 942-0836
Germantown
📍 1925 Exeter Road
📞 (901) 757-7323
Highland
📍 460 South Highland Street
📞 (901) 415-2735
Hollywood
📍 1530 North Hollywood Street
📞 (901) 323-6201
Levi
📍 3676 Highway 61 South
📞 (901) 789-3160
Millington
📍 4858 Navy Road
📞 (901) 872-1585
North
📍 1192 Vollintine Avenue
📞 (901) 415-2740
Poplar-White Station
📍 5094 Poplar Avenue
📞 (901) 415-2750
Whitehaven
📍 4120 Millbranch Road
📞 (901) 396-2665
University Libraries in Memphis
Memphis is home to several excellent university libraries with extended hours and specialized collections. Most allow community borrowing privileges.
University of Memphis - Ned R. McWherter Library
📍 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.
Rhodes College - Paul Barret Jr. Library
📍 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.
Christian Brothers University - Plough Library
📍 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 |
LeMoyne-Owen College - Hollis F. Price Library
📍 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.
University of Tennessee Health Science Center - Library
📍 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.
Insider Tips for 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.
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 digital resources does Memphis Library offer?
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.
Is the historic Cossitt Library still open?
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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Verified Info: Our team personally contacts libraries to verify hours. Data last confirmed: December 2025
Common Questions About Memphis Libraries
What time do libraries open in Memphis?
Most public libraries in Memphis open at 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM on weekdays. Weekend hours typically start at 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM. Academic and university libraries may open earlier, around 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM during the semester.
Are Memphis libraries open on weekends?
Yes, most Memphis public libraries are open on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Sunday hours vary by location, with many libraries operating reduced hours (12:00 PM to 5:00 PM) or remaining closed.
Do I need a library card to visit Memphis libraries?
No, you can visit and use library facilities without a card. However, borrowing books, accessing computers, and using certain services require a free library card. Residents can get one with valid ID and proof of address.