At this time last year the Choctaw County Library was not even in operation, but since reopening on May 7, 2018 the library has added many important and needed services to the county.
According to Choctaw County Library System Director, Cristin Henson, the library was formerly a part of the Tombigbee Regional Library System. However, the Board of Supervisors felt that the library was not receiving a good enough return for the investment being made, and made a decision to close the doors for several months. The closure allowed for the necessary work to be done for the library to reopen as an independent entity.
The library, which is funded by the County and some grants, is governed by a five-member board: Jere’ Littlejohn, Jaime Blake, Billy Ganann, Maddie McDaniel and Gail Shurden; these board members were appointed by the Board of Supervisors.
The library offer public computer access, free internet access, free wireless access, genealogy resources, all genres and types of books, audio books and music CDs.
Since reopening, there have been 742 new library cards issued; 8,783 items circulated (books, movies, CDs, etc. checked out and returned); about 1.6K users of public computers; and about 2.4K wireless internet access users. Combined there have been almost 16K points of service to patrons and community members.
The library also offers a number of adult and youth programs. Henson stated that one of the programs she is most proud of is the Summer Reading Program. This past summer 96 children participated, and read a total of almost 1.6K books.
Henson added that she was thrilled with the participation, and is hoping for a bigger response this year when the program theme will be A Universe of Stories. Participants can expect space presentations, movie days, singers, animals, prizes and more.
Every Monday afternoon the Library hosts T-Lounge which is a time for teens to lounge, play games, use computers or just hang out. And for students ages 8-18, the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Club meets every Tuesday until May 28.
Silver Socials meets at 9:00 every Monday morning and is a time for older adult to come together and fellowship. Henson stated that this had become a regular event for a number of people in the group.
The Library also hosts regular movie nights and the Yarn Spinners Club which features a storytelling time with local authors. And there are numerous other activities and programs available for Choctaw County residents.
Though much has been accomplished in a few short months there is still more to do, including plans to reopen the Weir branch of the library system.
Henson stated that all of this would not be possible without the help of fellow employees, Lara Taylor and Jean Ann Brock, and the work and support of the library board and the Board of Supervisors.
The library is open six days a week from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., except for Wednesdays and Saturdays when it closes at 1 p.m. Anyone with questions about the library and its services can call: (662) 285-6348 or come by for a visit and see what a vibrant and necessary asset the Choctaw County Library System has become.
MISSISSIPPI LIBRARY COMMISSION AWARDS OVER $7 MILLION
IN GRANTS TO PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Jackson, Miss. – At the conclusion of fiscal year 2018, the Mississippi Library Commission (MLC) provided over $7 million in financial assistance to Mississippi’s 53 public library systems through state and federal funding. These funds were administered as grants and statewide services. Of the total amount provided, the State of Mississippi was the source of $6,737,643, with the balance of the funding provided by the federal government under the “Grants to States” program administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
Funding from the State of Mississippi provided employee benefits throughout the state for library staff members; these funds also enabled each of the 53 public library systems to maintain highly qualified library professionals. The MAGNOLIA information database collection is an example of statewide services provided to public libraries through state funding made available to every citizen of Mississippi.
With federal funding, Mississippi’s public libraries can apply to MLC for grants used for a variety of purposes, such as purchasing new public access computers, administering innovative community programming, and acquiring new books for their libraries.
Choctaw County Library system received $11,197 total fund with $5,197 from the state and $6,000 from federal funds
Following the tabulation of monies reported for FY18, MLC Executive Director Hulen Bivins noted that, “The Mississippi Library Commission has worked with the state’s public libraries to both strengthen and enhance library services for the benefit of the state’s citizenry. This work has provided homework aid, business development assistance, and a furtherance of knowledge regarding issues in the fields of finance, law, and medicine.” Bivens added, “The achievements accomplished are a direct result of the cooperation and tremendous work of the 53 public library systems in using the funding made available by MLC in an efficient, cost-conscious manner.”
In addition to providing funding to the state’s libraries, MLC offers a wide variety of services to public libraries, including year-long continuing education opportunities, technology services and support, computer network support, and interlibrary loan of materials.
The Mississippi Library Commission supports innovative programs and initiatives to strengthen and enhance library services for all Mississippians. The agency is funded by the Mississippi Legislature, with additional funding provided through the Institute of Museum and Library Services under provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), offering leadership in library services, advocacy, and training for library professionals and paraprofessionals.
