Monthly, between 3,500-4,000 individuals utilize the Winston County Library to explore the possibilities for creativity, imagination, and learning. And the library plans to grow and evolve to benefit them more over time.
“We have a wealth of knowledge accessible here from books and digital resources to programs, services, and activities for all ages,” said Beth Edwards, librarian. “However, beyond all of that, we offer a way for people to be very connected with the community.”
An upcoming enhancement for the library will be a new, two-sided digital sign placed across from First Baptist Church in Louisville. Once available, the sign will help the library better communicate with the community.
The Winston County Library has some 4,395 registered users (cardholders) who utilize its resources. For instance, cardholders can access Talking Book Services by the Mississippi Library Commission. This new program allows patrons to receive digital audio, Braille, and large print materials directly at their homes, along with specialized Talking Book Players. All items on loan may be returned via the U.S. Postal Service in the packaging provided at no cost.
A new program for the Mid-Mississippi Regional Library System is 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, which encourages parents and caregivers to read aloud to young children. This fosters an early love for reading, boosts vocabulary and comprehension skills, and prepares children for academic classes. Families can sign up at the Winston County Library. For every 100 books read, children should visit the library for a photo, a small prize, and a new reading log. Attainment of the 1,000 books read goal, brings a special, personalized prize.
In April, Edwards will mark 28 years as Winston County librarian. She is joined in her endeavors by fellow staff, Denise Dickerson, assistant librarian; Andy Childress, youth services librarian; and Jennifer Wright, library clerk.
Winston County Library extends its reach in various ways. Childress, known affectionately as Mr. Andy, visits most schools in the Louisville area for programs. The mobile library also delivers books to nursing home and assisted living facilities and provides outreach once a month for the Winston-Choctaw County Regional Correctional Facility.
Upcoming, Edwards reminds patrons of National Library Week, April 6-12, with two author events. On Monday April 7, Mississippi Blood Services will make their stop at the library from 11am-3pm; each donor will receive $15 Visa gift cards. And Wednesday, April 9, will feature a 10 a.m. craft and chat for adults to make complimentary door hangers. Next up, the Red Hills Arts Competition will be Saturday, May 10 at the Winston County Library. All submitted art will be displayed in the library meeting room.
June will bring the annual month-long summer library program with a theme of “All About the Arts.” The program has something for pre-school, elementary children, teens, and adults. “June is a great month for volunteers, and our Summer Reading Program provides a wonderful way for students to assist us and gain service hours,” Edwards said.
Nonpaid library volunteers must be at least 16 with parental permission. Forms are available at the library.
Presently, monthly in-house activities include Art Club, Bingo, Chess Club, Homeschool Learners, Lego Club, Teen Theatre, Adult Sip & Draw (coloring), and Adult Social Hour (crafts). And Tech Tutors gives people one-on-one assistance with personal electronic devices.
Winston County Library offers public access computers and children’s playaway tablets and emailing, printing, copying, faxing, scanning, laminating, and even notary services. Free Wi-Fi and tax forms (formerly at the U.S. Post Office) are available.
A public meeting room can be scheduled, and a genealogy room is available for historical research. Edwards reminds people of school yearbooks as resources. “Although not for check out, we do house local school annuals and are happy to accept those,” she said.
The Winston County Library receives no state funding, however, the City of Louisville and Winston County provide some support. The non-profit Friends of the Winston County Library organization spearheads fundraisers and provides brown bag lunches for the first 12 attendees of author events. Officers include Marion Jones and Cindy Ward as co-presidents and Rhonda Porter as treasurer. Membership drives are every December/January, but anyone can apply and join at any time. Along with the Friends group, the Louisville Garden Club, Winston Garden Club, and Town and Country Garden Club provide floral arrangements for the library’s entryway each month.
The library is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, follow The Winston County Library on social media or telephone (662) 773-3212.
