University of Memphis Libraries

06/04/2026

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when news of emancipation reached enslaved people in Texas, marking an important moment in American history.

To recognize the occasion, the University Libraries has created a Juneteenth display featuring books that explore history, biography, culture, and the experiences of African Americans throughout the United States.

Looking for more? Visit our virtual Juneteenth book display: https://libguides.memphis.edu/virtual-book-display/juneteenth

The virtual display includes books, ebooks, videos, and films available through Kanopy, a streaming service accessible to current University of Memphis students and employees. Use your UofM ID to check out books from the display or access online resources.

06/04/2026

New to campus? Your University of Memphis Mobile ID puts your campus card right on your phone—and if you watch closely, you might spot a familiar place at the beginning of the video. 👀📚

The UofM Mobile ID makes it easy to access campus services, including library resources, without carrying a physical card.

Learn how to set up your Mobile ID: https://www.memphis.edu/campuscard/mobile-id.php

Welcome to the first week of classes, Tigers! 🐯

You must submit a photo and have it approved before you can claim your mobile campus card. University of Memphis faculty, staff, and students are eligible to add their Campus Card to their Apple or Android device to access doors of academic buildings, residential halls, libraries, the rec center a...

06/03/2026

📜 June Item of the Month

The first issue of the Mississippi Valley Collection (MVC) Newsletter, published in January 1977, documented an important addition to the University's growing historical collections: the Church family papers.

This photograph captures Roberta Church (center) with Memphis State University Library employees as they examine a seal-skin coat that once belonged to Anna Wright Church. The image was taken during a 1976 event celebrating the acquisition of the Church collection, one of the many significant collections preserved by the Mississippi Valley Collection.

The inaugural MVC Newsletter also highlights the acquisition of a map of President's Island documenting the activities of the U.S. Freedmen's Bureau in Memphis in 1862, offering a glimpse into the early efforts to preserve and share the history of Memphis and the Mid-South.

Nearly 50 years later, this first newsletter remains a fascinating record of the people, stories, and collections that continue to support research and discovery today.

Read the first issue and learn more:
https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/item-of-the-month/

Special Collections is part of the University Libraries at the University of Memphis

06/03/2026

McWherter Library makes a few appearances in the latest President’s Perspective video! 🌳📚

We love seeing the library and its surrounding green spaces featured as part of the University of Memphis' arboretum designation and beautiful campus landscape.

06/02/2026

📜 June Item of the Month

The first issue of the Mississippi Valley Collection (MVC) Newsletter, published in January 1977, offers a glimpse into the early efforts to preserve and share the history of the Mid-South.

Among the highlights in this inaugural issue are the donation of the Church family papers—including materials related to R.R. Church Sr., a formerly enslaved man who became one of Memphis's most successful entrepreneurs—and the acquisition of a map of President's Island documenting the activities of the U.S. Freedmen's Bureau in Memphis in 1862.

The photograph featured here is from Special Collections, too. It shows the train transfer boat William B. Duncan on the Mississippi River near Helena, Arkansas, in 1929. Piloted by Captain James A. Burnett and photographed by Jack Watson, the vessel transported Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Railroad trains across the river between Mississippi and Helena.

Nearly 50 years later, this first newsletter remains a fascinating record of the collections, stories, and historical resources that continue to support research and discovery today.

Learn more and read the first issue here: https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/item-of-the-month/

Special Collections is a part of the University Libraries at the University of Memphis.

06/02/2026

Looking for your next great read? 📚

Our Bestsellers display has been freshly stocked with new titles, including fiction, nonfiction, biographies and memoirs, historical fiction, science fiction and fantasy, mysteries and thrillers, and more.

Whether you're looking for an escape, a page-turner, inspiration, or a fascinating true story, something is waiting for you.

Use your University of Memphis ID to check out books at no cost and take home your next favorite read.

📍 McWherter Library Rotunda

Browse the complete virtual display: https://libguides.memphis.edu/virtual-book-display

05/29/2026

Late-night and weekend study hours return June 1 ☀️📚

McWherter Library is open:
• Monday–Thursday: 7:30 a.m.–midnight
• Friday: 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Sunday: 1–10 p.m.

The Health Sciences Library and Music Library are open Monday–Friday from 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. and closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Lambuth Library is open:
• Monday–Thursday: 8 a.m.–noon and 1–4 p.m.
• Friday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
• Saturday: Closed
• Sunday: 4–9 p.m.

All University Libraries locations will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth, and Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5, in observance of Independence Day, for University of Memphis holidays.

Please note: Hours will change again on August 8 as summer classes end and the fall semester approaches.

🕒 See all library locations and hours: https://libcal.memphis.edu/hours/

Longer days, summer classes and quiet study spots ☀️🌿📚

05/20/2026

Ready to make progress on your thesis or dissertation this summer? ✍️📚

Our Dissertation Writers Retreat returns July 21–23 with free sessions for University of Memphis graduate students designed to support your writing, research, literature reviews, formatting, burnout prevention, and more.

📅 Register by July 17. Students may sign up for one or both program formats.

💻 Tuesday, July 21 (Virtual)
• 10–11 a.m. — Mind the Research Gap with Writing & Communication Services
• 11 a.m.–Noon — Literature Reviews & Scite.ai with Libraries

📍 Wednesday, July 22 (In Person — McWherter Library)
Includes writing and research time plus sessions on research gaps and literature reviews.

📍 Thursday, July 23 (In Person — McWherter Library)
Includes writing blocks, lunch & learn, burnout panel, formatting guidance from the Graduate School, peer review activities, and post-retreat community building.

The retreat is sponsored by University Libraries, University of Memphis Graduate School, and Writing & Communication Services of the Center for Academic Success & Achievement (CASA).

🔗 To learn more and register, visit: https://www.memphis.edu/libraries/about/dwr.php

05/18/2026

📚☀️ Ready for a summer reading challenge?

Pick up a Summer Reading Bingo card from the University Libraries and see how many squares you can complete this summer. Read outside, try a graphic novel, check out a mystery, revisit a classic, and more. 🎯

Complete five in a row — or the whole card — and visit the Circulation Desk to collect a prize. ✨

Prefer digital reading? Your University of Memphis login also gives you access to ebooks and audiobooks all summer long.

Your UofM ID is your library card for checking out books and other materials.

Need ideas for your bingo squares? Browse our virtual book displays featuring themed reading lists, ebooks, and more: https://libguides.memphis.edu/virtual-book-display

05/13/2026

🦖 National Dinosaur Day is coming June 1, and we’ve got a roaring new book display in the McWherter Library Rotunda to celebrate!

Explore a prehistoric mix of fiction and nonfiction for kids and adults, plus ebooks and videos featuring dinosaurs, adventure, science, and more. 📚🦕

Browse the display in person or explore the full virtual book display here: https://libguides.memphis.edu/virtual-book-display/dinosaurs

University of Memphis students, faculty, and staff can check out books for free with a valid University of Memphis ID.