FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF EVENTS, CLICK HERE.
  

    
Easter Bunny,Egg, Date
 
BIG NEWS @ YOUR LIBRARY!
Library's 'Axis360' Introduces Readers to a World of New e-Books
 
Axis360_eBooks-MPLIC Library customers whose worlds revolve around e-books are sure to enjoy Axis360, the Memphis Public Library & Information Center's newest downloadable e-books service. Compatible with Windows personal computers, Macs, Apple and Android smartphones and tablets, and other e-reading devices, Axis360 offers Library customers more e-books on more topics than ever before!
 
"The Axis360 collection currently includes more than 500 titles, and it's growing all the time," noted Alan Stewart, library collections development manager. "As with all of our downloadable content services, Library customers can access a world of information and entertainment when it's convenient for them!"
 
The new service is both convenient and easily accessible also. Using their Library card and PIN numbers to log into the Axis360 website, customers of all ages can browse the titles of their choice such as The Hunger Games, The Adventures of Captain Underpants, Goosebumps, The 39 Clues, and even The Naked Lunch for adults.
 
"For young children, parents can choose from a wide variety of great picture books and early reader books," Stewart said. "A text-to-speech feature in many titles even lets children read along while the book is read aloud to them, which helps to build their reading skills!"
 
 
 
New Lab at Central Library Helps Customers Learn Their Electronic Gadgets and Gizmos
 
Gadget Lab @Central Library graphic Navigating the ever-changing world of electronic gadgets and gizmos is easier for Memphis Public Library customers thanks to a new e-Book and e-Audio Gadget Lab at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library (3030 Poplar Avenue).
 
"This lab is for customers who want to learn how to check out and download digital content from the Library's various collections," explained Staff Development Manager Damone Virgilio. "Customers now have an opportunity to meet one-on-one with a knowledgeable staff member who will assist them with learning or troubleshooting," he said.
 
Customers can bring their electronic devices to Central Library (computer lab L-50) on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. Helpful Library staff will offer hands-on assistance and answer questions regarding how to download music, e-books, and e-audiobooks to customers' devices.
 
Some devices customers may bring to the Lab include iPhones, iPads, tablets, Nooks, the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX, and more. Regardless of which device, Library staff is willing to help customers of all ages!
 
 

 

 

 
UPCOMING EVENTS
Eric Jerome Dickey Photo (credit Joseph Jones Photography) 

Author Eric Jerome Dickey

Photo: Joseph Jones Photography

Bookstock 2014 Welcomes Noted Authors to Central Library
 
The Memphis Public Library and Information Center is offering customers a chance to meet New York Times best-selling author Eric Jerome Dickey and several other noted authors at this year's Bookstock held Saturday, April 26, 2014, 10:30 am - 3:30 pm at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library (3030 Poplar Avenue).
 
The annual event has several new additions this year like a Writers' Workshop for aspiring authors, a "Summertime is Crime Time" panel with award-winning crime fiction writers discussing their upcoming novels, a cooking demonstration, and book talk entitled "More Than Ingredients," and other headlining authors. These festivities will add to the carnival-like setting of face painting, live music, balloon artistry, a scavenger hunt, food trucks, and lots of books!
 
"Bring your family out to meet and greet our keynote speaker Eric Jerome Dickey and more than 40 local authors," encouraged Wang-Ying Glasgow, event organizer and Library adult services coordinator. "Customers will realize that there are so many local authors whom they've never met. They will be inspired to write their own stories and can take pride that Memphis has so much talent!"
 
 
 
Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale Sprouts Lots of Great Deals
By: Na'Tasha Farr, Special to MPLIC
 
FOL Book Sale Where's a place that sells hardbacks and paperbacks, children's books, records, cassettes, magazines, CDs, and videos - all for $2 or less? It's at the Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale!
 
The action will take place at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library (3030 Poplar Avenue), 10 am - 4:30 pm on Friday, May 23 and Saturday, May 24, 2014. A special pre-sale for Friends of the Library members will be held from 8 am to 10 am on Friday, May 23.
 
Proceeds from the event will go toward Library programs and collections throughout the Memphis Public Library System. "The Friends of the Library has two book sales annually that bring in revenue to support the Library," said Nancy Knight, assistant director of community outreach and special projects. "The sales give customers a chance to get great books and give back at the same time!
 
 

 
CHILDREN
Toddler Storytimes at Poplar-White Station Library Jumpstart Early Literacy
By: Na'Tasha Farr, Special to MPLIC
 
Babies&Books Storytime, Poplar-WhiteStation Library Parents can jumpstart their toddlers' love for literacy during Toddler Storytimes at Poplar-White Station Library (5094 Poplar Avenue). Kids ages one to three will gain the confidence they need to learn early reading skills such as rhyming, singing songs, creating finger puppet plays, and working with board books.
 
During each storytime, toddlers repeat four rhymes to help them learn association. Along with rhyming, toddlers and parents read stories, review alphabet sounds while practicing words, and learn to associate words and actions using songs like "Itsy Bitsy Spider".
 
Click here for a complete list of April 2014 Toddler Storytimes at Poplar-White Station Library.
 
   
Click here for a complete list of Children's activities at the Library!
 
 
TEENS
Teens Can Apply Now for Teen Tech Camp 2014
 
Teen Tech Camp 2011 Today's teens hoping to become tomorrow's IT experts are encouraged to apply now for the Library's Teen Tech Camp 2014, an interactive workshop July 21 - 26, 2014 at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library (3030 Poplar Avenue) for young techies to learn cutting-edge software from industry professionals.

Celebrating the tenth anniversary of Teen Tech Camp, organizers say participants should beat the last-minute rush and apply early. The application deadline is Friday, May 16, 2014.

Teens ages 13 to 15 will learn coding, how to create their own video games, and how to use Scratch - specialized software designed by MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). IT experts from the Society for Information Management (Memphis chapter) will be on hand to teach new skills, answer questions, and to offer advice on pursuing technical careers.

In this camp, teens will get a good foundation to start their careers," explained Keshia Williams, Humanities librarian and event organizer. "If we succeed in lighting the spark in teens' eyes, there is no limit to where technology will lead them in the future!"

 
Earth Day - Cause for Celebrations at Memphis Public Libraries
By: Na'Tasha Farr, Special to MPLIC
  
MPLIC Earth Day Flyer Keeping the earth clean can be a major task, but making it fun can inspire teens to recycle, throw away trash, or even to make art! Library customers can grab a friend and get involved in Earth Day celebrations throughout the Memphis Public Library System.
 
Raleigh Branch Library (3157 Powers Road) will kick start the celebration on Earth Day (April 22) at 3 pm with some friendly competition in the Trash to Art Contest. During the event, teens will work independently or as teams to design original artwork using their imaginations and art skills. Everyone will receive a prize, but the contest winner will have his/her artwork displayed in Raleigh Library's Teen Section. Customers should call (901) 415-2778 to register.
 
The celebration doesn't end on Earth Day! On April 23, 2:30 pm at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library (3030 Poplar Avenue), teens can create artwork and repurpose recycled items at "Crafts for Teens". Then on April 24, 2:30 pm, Central Library teens will view the movie "Hoot" and discuss how they can help to make the world a better place!
 
 
 
Click here for a complete list of Teens' activities at the Library!
 
 
ADULTS
No Need to Fear, Tax Help is Here at Memphis Public Libraries!
 
Tax Help @ MPLIC The April 15 deadline to file 2013 taxes has some taxpayers screaming for "help", but Memphis Public Library customers are taking advantage of free tax assistanceoffered at several Library locations.
 
A partnership with AARP and VITA, this community service gives customers a reliable and worry-free way to file their federal income taxes. To get started, Memphis Public Libraries maintains a webpage of community tax resources  throughout Memphis, Shelby County, and the surrounding area.
 
"It can be a financial burden to pay a professional tax preparer for people with low to moderate income," noted Audrey May, LINC/2-1-1 public services supervisor. "Our role as the Library is to provide information and access to these services without the financial burden."
 
Primarily serving customers age 60 and over, AARP volunteers work on a first come, first served basis at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, Cordova Branch Library, and Bartlett Branch Library. VITA tax professionals will visit several Library locations to offer their services to customers of all ages with low to moderate income. Click here to view a schedule of AARP and VITA sessions!
 
Customers of all ages are asked to bring their social security card, income and tax documents, and any other information noting medical fees and charitable contributions (if itemizing). The previous year's income tax return is also helpful but not mandatory.
 
To beat the final rush, Super Tax Days are also available for customers 10 am to 4:30 pm on April 12, 14, and 15 at Central Library (3030 Poplar Avenue, meeting rooms A - C).

 

 
ON THE AIR
WYPL FM 89.3 Radio     
  
Let's talk about books during BOOK TALK! Tune in to WYPL FM 89.3 radio.
 
Join the conversation!
 
Saturday, April 5, 6 pm - Jessica Khoury, Vitro
  
Book Readings
 
Classic Book Talks, 12:30 pm, Mondays - Fridays - The best interviews from the past ten years
 
Memphis Music Revealed with Johnnie Walker, 6 pm, Sundays
 
African American Lives and Literature, 2 pm, Sundays, April 6 - May 11 - Ayana Mathis' The Twelve Tribes of Hattie
 
Biography, 3 pm, Mondays - Fridays, April 14 - May 2 - Anthony Shadid's House of Stone
 
Best Sellers, 4 pm, Mondays - Fridays, April 14 - April 22 - Gail Godwin's Flora
 
Classics, 2 pm - 4 pm, Saturdays, April 12 - May 17 - Victor Hugo's Les Miserables
 
WYPL studios are located at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library (3030 Poplar Avenue).
 
For more information, visit WYPL online.
 
 
BRANCH HIGHLIGHT
East Shelby Branch Library is Second Home for Customers

East Shelby Branch Library Photo Customers can make themselves at home at East Shelby Branch Library, a family-friendly place located at 7200 East Shelby Drive. The dedicated and friendly staff has gladly served the surrounding community since 1999. The 27,000 square-feet Library is a second home for book enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
 
"East Shelby Library was built early during the development of its neighborhood. For that reason, a creek runs through the property and is home to many types of wildlife like fish, geese, and deer," explained Branch Manager Deborah Stevens.
 
The attractive landscape and building are complemented by a variety of programs and services for customers to enjoy. Stevens said, "Our customers come from a wide range of ages and language groups. Our programs seek to reach as many individuals as we can." Specialized programs include Bilingual Family Storytimes, financial aid workshops for college-bound customers, adult computer classes, childcare provider workshops, and the GED Adult Learners' Program offered in partnership with Shelby County Schools.
 
With several high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools nearby, East Shelby Library offers students a vast collection of books, audiobooks, CDs, and more! Study rooms, laptops for check out, and more than 40 public desktop computers with Internet are also available for lifelong learners.
 
Stevens concluded, "Through the years, East Shelby Library customer have remained loyal and tremendously patient. Our staff is truly grateful for this loyalty and continually seeks ways to keep East Shelby Library an integral part of this wonderful and vibrant community!"
 
East Shelby Library is open 10 am to 5 pm on Mondays through Thursdays and Saturdays. For more information, call (901) 415-2767.
  
  
PLAN AHEAD
Mark Your Calendar!
 
Teen Tech Tuesdays 2014Teen Tech Tuesdays @ Central Library 
Click photo for details!
Teen Tech Tuesdays - Tuesdays, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; 2:30 pm - 5 pm @ Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
 
Read with Me, Sign with Me Storytime - Saturday, April 5, 11 am @ Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
 
Grow Your Own Vegetables - Tuesday, April 8, 3 pm - 4:30 pm @ Parkway Village Branch Library
  
Wider Angle Film Series: Three Worlds by Catherine Corsini - Wednesday, April 9, 6 pm @ Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
  
VITA Mobile Tax Services - Thursday, April 10, noon - 4 pm @ Gaston Park Branch Library
 
Free Saturday Legal Clinic - Saturday, April 12, 10 am - noon @ Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
 
A to Z of Used Car Buying - Saturday, April 12, 11:15 am @ Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
 
AARP Tax Services - Tuesday, April 15, 10 am - 1:30 pm @ Bartlett Branch Library
  
Teen Self-Defense Program - Thursday, April 17, 3 pm - 4 pm @ Poplar - White Station Branch Library
  
Teen Line Dancing - Saturday, April 19, 3 pm - 5 pm @ Parkway Village Library
  
Earth Day Celebration: Trash to Art Contest for Teens - Tuesday, April 22, 3 pm @ Raleigh Branch Library
Registration required. Call (901) 415-2778.
 
Childcare Provider Workshop: Child Abuse Prevention - Saturday, April 26, 10 am - 1pm @ Raleigh Branch Library
 
Bookstock 2014 - Saturday, April 26, 10:30 am - 3:30 pm @ Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
  
Click here for more Memphis Public Library events!
  

 
Did You Know?
 
Did you know that your Library card gives you access to thousands of your favorite e-books, e-audiobooks, and music - without worry of late fees? Click here to start downloading today!  
 
  

The Memphis Public Library is in the business of satisfying the customer's need to know!

Visit memphislibrary.org for more information.

 
CONTACT US
Memphis Public Library and Information Center
3030 Poplar Avenue
Memphis, TN 38111
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Click here for a complete list of Library events!