The Morton Public Library was first opened in the 1930s. The library was located in one room above Morton City Hall. It was once said that they had a desk but no books! Books were supplied in the 1930s by the WPA. After this funding, the library was sponsored by the Morton Climbers Club.
These women were members of the Mississippi Federation of Women's Club, which in 1925 pressed for library service in every county in the state. The club adopted the city library as their main project with each member being challenged to collect and donate books.
In 1952, the boards of supervisors in Hinds, Scott, Rankin, and Simpson counties established the Capital Area Regional Library and agreed to support a cooperative library. Scott County Libraries began a bookmobile service. Raymond served as headquarters for the Morton Branch.
In October 1986, Hinds county decided to become a separate library system and became the Jackson-Hinds Library System. Rankin, Scott, Smith, and Simpson counties formed the Central Mississippi Regional Library System which is made up of twenty branches.
On January 22,1991, groundbreaking ceremonies were held for an addition to double the size of the Morton Library. Fundraising for the addition began in the fall of 1987 with many events. Pledges, memorials, and honorariums played a major role in the fundraising efforts. Local businesses and industries made up the bulk of the money. On November 17,1991 the dedication of the 2,486 square foot addition was held.
In October 2022, we received funding from the City of Morton and the Friends of the Morton Library to remodel the interior of the library. We received new flooring, paint, furniture, and lighting. The flooring was made possible by the City of Morton and the paint and furniture were provided by the Friends of the Morton Library and was made possible through fundraising events.
We are extremely proud of our library and know our services will continue to grow to further enhance the quality of life for all our patrons.
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