Memphis Public Library closed until July 29 after incident

MEMPHIS, Tennessee – According to Memphis Public Libraries, the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library will be closed until Monday, July 29.

Authorities announced the closure on Monday, July 22, after an incident around midday led to a police investigation.

The library hosted a charity event called “Library Love is Permanent,” where book lovers could get literary-themed tattoos, but the event was canceled around the time it was supposed to begin.

“Due to unforeseen and tragic events, the library fundraiser is being postponed,” said a statement from Underground Art, the tattoo and piercing studio sponsoring the event. “We don’t know when the date will be rescheduled, but we will post as soon as we know more.”

The Memphis Public Libraries issued the following statement:

“A situation at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library resulted in the closure of a branch this morning.

This is a heartbreaking and tragic incident that highlights the importance of mental health care in our community. The Benjamin L. Hooks Library will remain closed until Monday, July 29, to allow our library staff and community to process the incident and have time to access mental health and wellness resources, including grief counselors.

All other branches of the Memphis Public Library remain open to the public.

If you or someone you know needs mental health help, social workers are available at Memphis Public Libraries to help anyone in the community. Please don’t hesitate to call 211 if you need help.”