MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Cossitt Library, the first public library and museum in Memphis, is reopening after a 5-year renovation process.
Closed since 2018, the revamped Cossitt Branch hopes to be an information hub for a new generation.
"Often times when you're collecting information you hear, ‘If I only had this, I would.’ We're eliminating that excuse, if you will, because we want to help people,” said Brian Lyles, Senior Manager of Cossitt Library. “The better people are, the better they are for our community, the better they are for our city, the better they become the best versions of themselves.”
There will be a podcasting studio, café, and more.
The library, formerly known for its red sandstone arches, castle-like entryway and long, exterior stairway, originally opened in 1893 as the city's first public library. For its first year, it had no books, but Memphians began donating their own to fill the shelves.
The library was also at the center of a civil rights fight. In 1958, Jesse Turner Sr. sued the city for not having equal access to library materials. And in 1960 sit-ins were held at the library. A mural of the day those sit-in demostrators is now in the lobby.
In 1959, the face of the building was demolished and replaced with a more modern look for the time.
According to Memphis Public Libraries (MPL), Cossitt Libraries became part of MPL in 1955 and was then used as a reference library.
Today the library system has 18 branches. Cossitt Library will officially reopen its doors Tuesday, April 11.