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graphic showing how a camera obscura functions by using light rays through a small hole to flip an item upside down

Pinhole Camera Obscuras

Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
South Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, STEAM arts, STEAM stem
Age Group:
Tweens (Age 8-12)

Have you ever wondered how a camera works? In this project, we'll be making camera obscuras to understand how light gets reflected off items to make copies of them for pictures.  

View Details
Library Branch: South Library
Age Group: Tweens (Age 8-12)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, STEAM arts, STEAM stem
Event Details:

Have you ever wondered how a camera works? In this project, we'll be making camera obscuras to understand how light gets reflected off items to make copies of them for pictures.  

Special Notes

Friends of the Library

This event made possible by the Friends of the Library.

Memphis Library Foundation

This event made possible by the Memphis Library Foundation.

Photograph Notice

This event may be recorded or photographed for use by the Memphis Public Libraries or the City of Memphis for media, social media, broadcast, and/or print purposes.

Chess!

Long Live the King of Chess @ South

Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Teen Innovation Center at South Library
Program Type:
Games, STEAM stem
Age Group:
Tweens (Age 8-12), Teens
View Details
Library Branch: South Library
Room: Teen Innovation Center
Age Group: Tweens (Age 8-12), Teens
Program Type: Games, STEAM stem
photograph of a young girl coloring in a coloring page with a purple marker

Pre-K Projects: Photo Decorating

Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Children's Area at South Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children (Age 0-5)

Kids will bring some color to black and white photographs with markers and crayons!

All Pre-K Projects will also include a read-aloud story related to the project.  

View Details
Library Branch: South Library
Room: Children's Area
Age Group: Children (Age 0-5)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Kids will bring some color to black and white photographs with markers and crayons!

All Pre-K Projects will also include a read-aloud story related to the project.  

Special Notes

Friends of the Library

This event made possible by the Friends of the Library.

Memphis Library Foundation

This event made possible by the Memphis Library Foundation.

Photograph Notice

This event may be recorded or photographed for use by the Memphis Public Libraries or the City of Memphis for media, social media, broadcast, and/or print purposes.

Chess!

Long Live the King of Chess @ South

Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Teen Innovation Center at South Library
Program Type:
Games, STEAM stem
Age Group:
Tweens (Age 8-12), Teens
View Details
Library Branch: South Library
Room: Teen Innovation Center
Age Group: Tweens (Age 8-12), Teens
Program Type: Games, STEAM stem
clipart of film clapboard, canister of film, two tickets, and a bucket of popcorn on a yellow background

Family Movie Day

Friday, June 20, 2025 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room (SOU) at South Library
Program Type:
Movies
Age Group:
Children (Age 0-5), Children (Age 6-8), Tweens (Age 8-12), Teens, Adults, Adults-Seniors

Grab the whole family for a fun movie day at the South Branch Library!

View Details
Library Branch: South Library
Room: Meeting Room (SOU)
Age Group: Children (Age 0-5), Children (Age 6-8), Tweens (Age 8-12), Teens, Adults, Adults-Seniors
Program Type: Movies
Event Details:

Grab the whole family for a fun movie day at the South Branch Library!

Special Notes

Friends of the Library

This event made possible by the Friends of the Library.

Memphis Library Foundation

This event made possible by the Memphis Library Foundation.

Photograph Notice

This event may be recorded or photographed for use by the Memphis Public Libraries or the City of Memphis for media, social media, broadcast, and/or print purposes.

graphic of a paintbrush leaving a path of rainbow colors behind it as it moves

Family Storytime - Painting

Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 11:00am - 11:45am
Children's Area at South Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Story Times
Age Group:
Children (Age 0-5), Children (Age 6-8)

Family storytimes are a great opportunity for children and caretakers to come together, hear stories, sing songs, and work together on crafts or other activities. Join us for a storytime about the fun and excitement of painting! 

View Details
Library Branch: South Library
Room: Children's Area
Age Group: Children (Age 0-5), Children (Age 6-8)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Story Times
Event Details:

Family storytimes are a great opportunity for children and caretakers to come together, hear stories, sing songs, and work together on crafts or other activities. Join us for a storytime about the fun and excitement of painting! 

Special Notes

Friends of the Library

This event made possible by the Friends of the Library.

Memphis Library Foundation

This event made possible by the Memphis Library Foundation.

Photograph Notice

This event may be recorded or photographed for use by the Memphis Public Libraries or the City of Memphis for media, social media, broadcast, and/or print purposes.

photo of a print in red, orange, and yellow being pulled off its stamp/printing press

Techniques in Print Making

Monday, June 23, 2025 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
South Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, STEAM arts
Age Group:
Children (Age 6-8), Tweens (Age 8-12)

Learn about and try out different print/stamp-making techniques! 

View Details
Library Branch: South Library
Age Group: Children (Age 6-8), Tweens (Age 8-12)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, STEAM arts
Event Details:

Learn about and try out different print/stamp-making techniques! 

Special Notes

Friends of the Library

This event made possible by the Friends of the Library.

Memphis Library Foundation

This event made possible by the Memphis Library Foundation.

Photograph Notice

This event may be recorded or photographed for use by the Memphis Public Libraries or the City of Memphis for media, social media, broadcast, and/or print purposes.

photo of homemade shakers made from toilet paper rolls, washi tape, and bottlecaps

Pre-K Projects: DIY Shakers

Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Children's Area at South Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Music
Age Group:
Children (Age 0-5)

Get ready to make some noise! In this Pre-K Project, we'll be making shakers out of household items and will hold a little jam session at the end.

All Pre-K Projects will also include a read-aloud story related to the project.  

View Details
Library Branch: South Library
Room: Children's Area
Age Group: Children (Age 0-5)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Music
Event Details:

Get ready to make some noise! In this Pre-K Project, we'll be making shakers out of household items and will hold a little jam session at the end.

All Pre-K Projects will also include a read-aloud story related to the project.  

Special Notes

Friends of the Library

This event made possible by the Friends of the Library.

Memphis Library Foundation

This event made possible by the Memphis Library Foundation.

Photograph Notice

This event may be recorded or photographed for use by the Memphis Public Libraries or the City of Memphis for media, social media, broadcast, and/or print purposes.

clipart of three books stacked with the middle book saying "encyclopedia" on the spine and the top book marked as "poetry". There are flowers coming out from behind the books.

Poetry Stations

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Meeting Room (SOU) at South Library
Program Type:
Poetry and Writing
Age Group:
Tweens (Age 8-12)

Try your hand at blackout, collage, shape poetry and more! 

View Details
Library Branch: South Library
Room: Meeting Room (SOU)
Age Group: Tweens (Age 8-12)
Program Type: Poetry and Writing
Event Details:

Try your hand at blackout, collage, shape poetry and more! 

Special Notes

Friends of the Library

This event made possible by the Friends of the Library.

Memphis Library Foundation

This event made possible by the Memphis Library Foundation.

Photograph Notice

This event may be recorded or photographed for use by the Memphis Public Libraries or the City of Memphis for media, social media, broadcast, and/or print purposes.

photo of a child covering their face with a decorated paper plate mask

Pre-K Projects: Paper Masks

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Children's Area at South Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children (Age 0-5)

Kids will explore their imaginations and practice motor skills while decorating masks.

All Pre-K Projects will also include a read-aloud story related to the project.  

View Details
Library Branch: South Library
Room: Children's Area
Age Group: Children (Age 0-5)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Kids will explore their imaginations and practice motor skills while decorating masks.

All Pre-K Projects will also include a read-aloud story related to the project.  

Special Notes

Friends of the Library

This event made possible by the Friends of the Library.

Memphis Library Foundation

This event made possible by the Memphis Library Foundation.

Photograph Notice

This event may be recorded or photographed for use by the Memphis Public Libraries or the City of Memphis for media, social media, broadcast, and/or print purposes.

two photos of painted ping pong balls over tea lights. The top picture is with the lights on and the bottom picture shows a dark room with the tea lights lit

Ping Pong Ball Lanterns

Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
South Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, STEAM stem
Age Group:
Children (Age 6-8), Tweens (Age 8-12)

Decorate ping pong balls and then see the light shine through them as you make your own ping pong ball lantern! 

View Details
Library Branch: South Library
Age Group: Children (Age 6-8), Tweens (Age 8-12)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, STEAM stem
Event Details:

Decorate ping pong balls and then see the light shine through them as you make your own ping pong ball lantern! 

Special Notes

Friends of the Library

This event made possible by the Friends of the Library.

Memphis Library Foundation

This event made possible by the Memphis Library Foundation.

Photograph Notice

This event may be recorded or photographed for use by the Memphis Public Libraries or the City of Memphis for media, social media, broadcast, and/or print purposes.

clipart of three children dancing with music notes above their heads

Family Storytime - Dance!

Saturday, July 5, 2025 at 11:00am - 11:45am
Children's Area at South Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Music, Story Times
Age Group:
Children (Age 0-5), Children (Age 6-8)

Family storytimes are a great opportunity for children and caretakers to come together, hear stories, sing songs, and work together on crafts or other activities. Dancing is a great way to move and express ourselves.

View Details
Library Branch: South Library
Room: Children's Area
Age Group: Children (Age 0-5), Children (Age 6-8)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Music, Story Times
Event Details:

Family storytimes are a great opportunity for children and caretakers to come together, hear stories, sing songs, and work together on crafts or other activities. Dancing is a great way to move and express ourselves.

Special Notes

Friends of the Library

This event made possible by the Friends of the Library.

Memphis Library Foundation

This event made possible by the Memphis Library Foundation.

Photograph Notice

This event may be recorded or photographed for use by the Memphis Public Libraries or the City of Memphis for media, social media, broadcast, and/or print purposes.

photo of a small sculpture made out of colored pipe cleaners and beads

Wire Sculptures

Monday, July 7, 2025 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Meeting Room (SOU) at South Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, STEAM arts
Age Group:
Tweens (Age 8-12)

Sculptures can be made of all different types of materials. Join us for this opportunity to express yourself with pipe cleaners, beads, and other materials. 

View Details
Library Branch: South Library
Room: Meeting Room (SOU)
Age Group: Tweens (Age 8-12)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, STEAM arts
Event Details:

Sculptures can be made of all different types of materials. Join us for this opportunity to express yourself with pipe cleaners, beads, and other materials. 

Special Notes

Friends of the Library

This event made possible by the Friends of the Library.

Memphis Library Foundation

This event made possible by the Memphis Library Foundation.

Photograph Notice

This event may be recorded or photographed for use by the Memphis Public Libraries or the City of Memphis for media, social media, broadcast, and/or print purposes.

photograph of a symmetry painting

Pre-K Projects: Symmetry Painting

Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Children's Area at South Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children (Age 0-5)

Let's learn about symmetry! This art project will allow kids to paint and see how symmetry works when items show up in the same spot on both sides of a fold. 

View Details
Library Branch: South Library
Room: Children's Area
Age Group: Children (Age 0-5)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Let's learn about symmetry! This art project will allow kids to paint and see how symmetry works when items show up in the same spot on both sides of a fold. 

Special Notes

Friends of the Library

This event made possible by the Friends of the Library.

Memphis Library Foundation

This event made possible by the Memphis Library Foundation.

Photograph Notice

This event may be recorded or photographed for use by the Memphis Public Libraries or the City of Memphis for media, social media, broadcast, and/or print purposes.

photo of a child finger knitting with magenta yarn

Finger Knitting

Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Meeting Room (SOU) at South Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Sewing, Needlework, etc.
Age Group:
Children (Age 6-8), Tweens (Age 8-12)

You might think that to knit you need knitting needles, but this project allows you to learn how to knit using just your fingers. 

View Details
Library Branch: South Library
Room: Meeting Room (SOU)
Age Group: Children (Age 6-8), Tweens (Age 8-12)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Sewing, Needlework, etc.
Event Details:

You might think that to knit you need knitting needles, but this project allows you to learn how to knit using just your fingers. 

Special Notes

Friends of the Library

This event made possible by the Friends of the Library.

Memphis Library Foundation

This event made possible by the Memphis Library Foundation.

Photograph Notice

This event may be recorded or photographed for use by the Memphis Public Libraries or the City of Memphis for media, social media, broadcast, and/or print purposes.

photograph of a homemade kaleidoscope, with the reflection of the inside slightly shown

Pre-K Projects: DIY Kaleidoscopes

Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Children's Area at South Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children (Age 0-5)

Little ones will explore a world of color and patterns with their homemade kaleidoscopes! 

All Pre-K Projects will also include a read-aloud story related to the project.  

View Details
Library Branch: South Library
Room: Children's Area
Age Group: Children (Age 0-5)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Little ones will explore a world of color and patterns with their homemade kaleidoscopes! 

All Pre-K Projects will also include a read-aloud story related to the project.  

Special Notes

Friends of the Library

This event made possible by the Friends of the Library.

Memphis Library Foundation

This event made possible by the Memphis Library Foundation.

Photograph Notice

This event may be recorded or photographed for use by the Memphis Public Libraries or the City of Memphis for media, social media, broadcast, and/or print purposes.

four photos in a grid of people making shadow puppets of a bird, camel, hare, and dog

Shadow Puppets

Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Children's Area at South Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Theater
Age Group:
Children (Age 6-8), Tweens (Age 8-12)

Join us to learn how to use your hands and cutouts of different characters to make a shadow puppet show of your own! 

View Details
Library Branch: South Library
Room: Children's Area
Age Group: Children (Age 6-8), Tweens (Age 8-12)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Theater
Event Details:

Join us to learn how to use your hands and cutouts of different characters to make a shadow puppet show of your own! 

Special Notes

Friends of the Library

This event made possible by the Friends of the Library.

Memphis Library Foundation

This event made possible by the Memphis Library Foundation.

Photograph Notice

This event may be recorded or photographed for use by the Memphis Public Libraries or the City of Memphis for media, social media, broadcast, and/or print purposes.

clipart of film clapboard, canister of film, two tickets, and a bucket of popcorn on a yellow background

Family Movie Day

Friday, July 18, 2025 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room (SOU) at South Library
Program Type:
Movies
Age Group:
Children (Age 0-5), Children (Age 6-8), Tweens (Age 8-12), Teens, Adults, Adults-Seniors

Grab the whole family for a fun movie day at the South Branch Library!

View Details
Library Branch: South Library
Room: Meeting Room (SOU)
Age Group: Children (Age 0-5), Children (Age 6-8), Tweens (Age 8-12), Teens, Adults, Adults-Seniors
Program Type: Movies
Event Details:

Grab the whole family for a fun movie day at the South Branch Library!

Special Notes

Friends of the Library

This event made possible by the Friends of the Library.

Memphis Library Foundation

This event made possible by the Memphis Library Foundation.

Photograph Notice

This event may be recorded or photographed for use by the Memphis Public Libraries or the City of Memphis for media, social media, broadcast, and/or print purposes.

black background with text "Back to School Block Party"in yellow red and blue coming bursting through the background

Back-to-School Block Party

Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
Main Floor at South Library
Program Type:
Community Information, Neighborhood Events
Age Group:
Children (Age 0-5), Children (Age 6-8), Tweens (Age 8-12), Teens, Adults

Get ready to go back to school with the South Branch! Join us for face painting, balloon animals, frozen treats, and more! A limited number of free school supply packs will also be available. 

View Details
Library Branch: South Library
Room: Main Floor
Age Group: Children (Age 0-5), Children (Age 6-8), Tweens (Age 8-12), Teens, Adults
Program Type: Community Information, Neighborhood Events
Event Details:

Get ready to go back to school with the South Branch! Join us for face painting, balloon animals, frozen treats, and more! A limited number of free school supply packs will also be available. 

Special Notes

Memphis Library Foundation

This event made possible by the Memphis Library Foundation.

Photograph Notice

This event may be recorded or photographed for use by the Memphis Public Libraries or the City of Memphis for media, social media, broadcast, and/or print purposes.

a print of Alma Woodsey Thomas's "Eclipse" painting. The sun in the middle is blue with concentric circles going out in red, orange, and yellow

Abstract Painting

Monday, July 21, 2025 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Meeting Room (SOU) at South Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children (Age 6-8), Tweens (Age 8-12)

Learn about the abstract painting style of artist Alma Woodsey Thomas and try her technique to make your own painting!

View Details
Library Branch: South Library
Room: Meeting Room (SOU)
Age Group: Children (Age 6-8), Tweens (Age 8-12)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Learn about the abstract painting style of artist Alma Woodsey Thomas and try her technique to make your own painting!

Special Notes

Friends of the Library

This event made possible by the Friends of the Library.

Memphis Library Foundation

This event made possible by the Memphis Library Foundation.

Photograph Notice

This event may be recorded or photographed for use by the Memphis Public Libraries or the City of Memphis for media, social media, broadcast, and/or print purposes.

photograph of a child's drawing of a rainbow on sandpaper

Pre-K Projects: Sandpaper Art

Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Children's Area at South Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children (Age 0-5)

Explore different textures with this art project where we'll use sandpaper instead of paper as our medium.

All Pre-K Projects will also include a read-aloud story related to the project.  

View Details
Library Branch: South Library
Room: Children's Area
Age Group: Children (Age 0-5)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Explore different textures with this art project where we'll use sandpaper instead of paper as our medium.

All Pre-K Projects will also include a read-aloud story related to the project.  

Special Notes

Friends of the Library

This event made possible by the Friends of the Library.

Memphis Library Foundation

This event made possible by the Memphis Library Foundation.

Photograph Notice

This event may be recorded or photographed for use by the Memphis Public Libraries or the City of Memphis for media, social media, broadcast, and/or print purposes.

clipart from Shutterstock of three children sitting at desks writing with imagination thought bubbles above their heads

Build-Your-Own Stories

Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Meeting Room (SOU) at South Library
Program Type:
Poetry and Writing
Age Group:
Tweens (Age 8-12)

Stretch your imagination with this writing program! Go from station to station, spending about 10 minutes at each working on starting a story based on a prompt/activity at that station. 

View Details
Library Branch: South Library
Room: Meeting Room (SOU)
Age Group: Tweens (Age 8-12)
Program Type: Poetry and Writing
Event Details:

Stretch your imagination with this writing program! Go from station to station, spending about 10 minutes at each working on starting a story based on a prompt/activity at that station. 

Special Notes

Friends of the Library

This event made possible by the Friends of the Library.

Memphis Library Foundation

This event made possible by the Memphis Library Foundation.

Photograph Notice

This event may be recorded or photographed for use by the Memphis Public Libraries or the City of Memphis for media, social media, broadcast, and/or print purposes.

photo of a butterfly made from construction paper and other materials in various shapes

Pre-K Projects: Shape Art

Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Children's Area at South Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children (Age 0-5)

Shapes are all around us! In this program, we'll discuss identify different shapes and then the little ones will be able to create their own art using cut out shapes in many colors. 

View Details
Library Branch: South Library
Room: Children's Area
Age Group: Children (Age 0-5)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Shapes are all around us! In this program, we'll discuss identify different shapes and then the little ones will be able to create their own art using cut out shapes in many colors. 

Special Notes

Friends of the Library

This event made possible by the Friends of the Library.

Memphis Library Foundation

This event made possible by the Memphis Library Foundation.

Photograph Notice

This event may be recorded or photographed for use by the Memphis Public Libraries or the City of Memphis for media, social media, broadcast, and/or print purposes.

The words "Yes..." and "and" in two separate word bubbles with three stage lights across the top of the picture

Improv Games

Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room (SOU) at South Library
Program Type:
Theater
Age Group:
Tweens (Age 8-12)

Improvisation (improv) helps you to think on your feet and come up with ideas without any preparation. Join us for some fun and silly improv games! 

View Details
Library Branch: South Library
Room: Meeting Room (SOU)
Age Group: Tweens (Age 8-12)
Program Type: Theater
Event Details:

Improvisation (improv) helps you to think on your feet and come up with ideas without any preparation. Join us for some fun and silly improv games! 

Special Notes

Friends of the Library

This event made possible by the Friends of the Library.

Memphis Library Foundation

This event made possible by the Memphis Library Foundation.

Photograph Notice

This event may be recorded or photographed for use by the Memphis Public Libraries or the City of Memphis for media, social media, broadcast, and/or print purposes.