MEMPHIS, Tenn — According to Memphis Public Libraries, the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library will be closed until Monday, July 29.
Officials announced the closure on Monday, July 22, after an incident led to a police investigation around noon.
The library was holding a fundraising event called Library Love is Permanent, where book lovers could get literary-themed tattoos, but the event was canceled around the time it was meant to start.
"Due to unforeseen, and tragic events, the library benefit is postponed," said a statement from Underground Art, the tattoo and piercing shop assisting with the event. "We don’t know when it will be rescheduled, but we will post when we know more."
Memphis Public Libraries issued the following statement:
"A situation at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library prompted branch closure this morning.
This is a heartbreaking and tragic incident that speaks to the importance of mental health care in our community. The Benjamin L. Hooks Library will remain closed until Monday, July 29, so our library staff and community can process and have time to access mental health and wellness resources, including grief counselors.
All other Memphis Public Library branches will remain open to the public.
If you or someone you know needs mental health assistance, Memphis Public Libraries has social workers on staff to help anyone in the community. Please do not hesitate to call 211 for help."
