Harrisville Public Library, Where the Community Comes Together

         Before we get to the story of the Harrisville Library, I feel that you need to know a little bit about the history of the community.

    Harrisville is located 13 miles West of Mendenhall. The community wasn't always known as Harrisville. When the community was established it was called "Buck Snort". When they established the post office in 1860, the name was changed to Harrisville after H. H. Harris who settled in the community prior to 1860. 

    Driving through Harrisville now you wouldn't believe it was once a bustling little town. H. C. Carrot was the first postmaster, along with running the post office he ran a general store. J. T. Rodger built a grist mill & sawmill in the early days. The school was taught in the Methodist Church until 1890 when a nice two-story schoolhouse was built. in the 1900s a rice mill, a cotton gin, and a blacksmith shop were also built. At the turn of the century, Harrisville boasted three general stores, a drug store, a blacksmith shop, four doctors, two churches, a school, and a Masonic Lodge. All that was missing was a library.

    In 1974 The Harrisville Library Committee was formed. It was sponsored by the Senior Citizens Club. When the library was first formed it was first located in a storage room of a store owned by the Iveys'. It contained about four shelves and had about five hundred books that were supplied by the MS Library Commission. In 1977, Willie Jean Shorter, who was a member of the Friends of the Library Group was drafted by the community as a volunteer Librarian. She served in a volunteer capacity for many years before becoming a paid staff member. Harrisville Public Library became part of the Jackson Metropolitan Library, then in 1986 the system split and Rankin, Scott, Smith, and Simpson formed the Central Mississippi Regional Library System.

    When the library began to outgrow the location at Ivey's store, two more buildings were used, one at the school and the other at a small building not far from its current location. That building is still standing but in bad shape. Patrons that were children at the time tell me that it had a small room downstairs where Mrs. Shorter held story time and library events.

    The community wanted more, they wanted a "real" library. In 1990 the Friends started fundraising and seeking donations from businesses and private donors. On April 17, 1991, groundbreaking ceremonies were held on land donated by the county. The community did it, through fundraising and donations they raised the money to build their real library. To help keep down the cost of the building, community members donated their time, skills, and labor to build the library. In February 1993, the Harrisville Community cut the ribbon to open their new building. On April 18, 1993, they held a dedication ceremony inviting the public and state representatives to enjoy their new library. There is a plaque in the library with the names of individuals, businesses, and organizations that helped build the library.

    Mrs. Willie Jean Shorter went on the serve as a librarian for many more years until her retirement. After Mrs. Shorter's retirement, Harrisville Library had several more librarians until June 2013, when Kathie Ward was hired for the position.

    The summer library program has always been very popular and continues to bring in kids from all over the community. We have added more programs over the years such as bingo, family game night, craft programs, etc. We also have computers for the public to use along with free WiFI. Services we offer include, faxing, black & white and color printing, and scanning to email. We have several digital resources as well including, World Book Encyclopedia, Freegal Music (free legal music - downloads and streaming), Cloud Library (eBook & e Audios), Rocket Language, Flipster (digital magazines), and so much more and more to come.

    The Harrisville Library has come a long way since 1974. If you haven't been in the library in a while, I would like to encourage you to stop by. Check out our new books, and our DVD collection, or just stop in for a visit with Mrs. Kathie.

    I wanted to include some photos that I found while searching for information on the library. Some are articles from past programs at the old library(s) and others are pictures from the school and community. 

Picture of County Librarians at a reception for the retirement of  Marian Lyons, director in charge of extension from the Metropolitan Library System. Willie Jean Shorter is on the far right end. 

Date unknown

Old Tally-Ho parked in front of Harrisville Consolidated School pictured was dated 1918.

A fleet of eight T-model open touring buses -"Tally-hos" - transported high school as well as elementary students.

Santa Visits the Library. These boys and girls made sure to stop by and let Santa know that they were on the nice list this year. Date unknown

Summer Reading Program winners and participants. Date unknown.

Dr. Neely served the community for 50+ years. On his 50th anniversary of serving the community, 

the community gave him a 1949 Ford.

Last is a poem written by one of the local citizens titled

"Who's Who in Harrisville" included you will see a picture of what downtown Harrisville looked like.

Lake Library Through the Years

                 In 1935 in a small building that had been a barber shop and had the Masonic Lodge as its upstairs neighbor, the first Lake Library was formed.  It was started as part of the Economic Recovery Act (a depression program.  Mrs. Edyth Jones Mc Combs was the first librarian.  Her salary was small and provided from funds through the Works Progress Administration.  This enabled her to be open a few hours each week to allow people to check out books and hold a story hour as it was called then. 

                In 1937, women and children from the community gathered in the Sunday School rooms of the Lake Baptist Church for a fundraiser sponsored by the Rose Garden Club.  It was a lemonade tea party.  Each person brought a lemon and when the lemon was cut, every seed was counted.  For each seed, a penny was paid into a fund to buy books for the town library.  After the seeds were counted and the money was paid, the lemons were used to make lemonade and served with cookies.  Even a penny was a sacrifice in those days, but in a world with no televisions or internet, books were a much-needed pastime as well.  This is one of many types of fundraisers practiced through the years.

                Sometime around 1937-8, the library was moved into a small room in the new grammar school and remained there for over a decade. In 1942, Mrs. McCombs moved to Hattiesburg and the library was run by volunteers including Mrs. Erline Street, Mrs. Myrtle Monk, and Mrs. Gussie Wilkerson. They would travel to the Forest Library, which was partly funded through county taxes, each week and borrow several boxes of books.  This gave a wider variety of books for the readers to choose from. 

                During WWII, Mrs. Laura Cole Smythe became the volunteer librarian.  There were more books on the shelf by now, but fundraising was still needed.  The Rose Garden Club continued to offer a variety of programs to help with this.  One that was very popular was held on July 22, 1949.  It was an entertainment program that included a “Tom Thumb Wedding” and raised $200!

                The Town Board of Lake has always been a great supporter of the library.  On November 5, 1946, they passed an order to contribute a monthly sum of $7.50 to the library, and on October 7, 1947, it was voted to continue the support for an indefinite period.  This money could have been used to give Mrs. Smythe a small salary or to purchase books and supplies.  In August 1948, $100 was given to purchase books.  In November 1950, a committee was formed to sponsor the library and by February 1951, Mrs. Smythe’s salary was increased to $30 a month which included her shared duties as the librarian and town clerk.

                In August 1952 Mrs. Smythe resigned and Mrs. Mary Weems was employed to succeed her.  It was during this time that Scott County entered the Capital Area Regional Library System.  You can still find books in the Lake Library with the stamp from this system today. 

                In 1955, under the approval of the CARL System and town board, the library was moved to a new location.  There was a town building that was partially rented as a grocery store by Mr. Thornton.  The area used as the feed room was remodeled and then used for the town office, the post office, and the library.  Now with more space, Mrs. Weems was able to have classes visit from the school and have special programs for the children in the summer.

                Mrs. Weems retired after fifteen years in 1967.  She was succeeded by Mrs. Mary Lucy Monk who served until October 1970.  Then Mrs. Brenda Martin was hired, and she served in this position until January 1981. Her mother, Mrs. Rachel Vance was then hired and worked until October 1986.

                During this time, the library continued to be housed in the same location.  It had been almost twenty years and the building was starting to deteriorate.  The roof was leaking, and the foundation had shifted causing cracks in the walls.  The post office moved to a new building in 1964.  The town had been saving to either renovate or build a new building.  After the front façade and part of the top of the building collapsed onto the sidewalk in front of the door to the library, it was decided to tear down the current building and rebuild on the same site.  The library and town office were temporarily moved into the home of Mr. and Mrs. M. B. Harris for ten months.  On July 5, 1976, a Bicentennial program was held with a ribbon cutting at the new building.  

                Buildings weren’t the only changes taking place.  The Capital Area Regional Library System merged with the Jackson Metropolitan Library System and Lake Library remained there until the Central Mississippi Regional Library System was formed in October 1986.  Mrs. Rachel Vance remained through all these changes, but Mrs. Jean Evans started in November 1986 with the system that the library is still under today.  While Mrs. Evans was the librarian, the mayor (her husband) gave the library his office for use because it needed more space.  This allowed her to move the library desk from the foyer to the office and have some room for storage and checking out books. She resigned in November 1994 after the passing of her husband.   

                Mrs. Dorothy Vance took over in 1995 and the current librarian, Mrs. Selena Swink was hired in March 1997.  The library still wasn’t done growing either.  In 1999, it was automated, and books were no longer stamped at check out or cards signed to keep track of who had them. Everything was now done on the computer.  In 2008, the “new” town hall underwent a remodel.  The garage in the back of the building which had housed the fire department was transformed into a modern library.  The area of the building that had once held the library became a meeting room that could also be used for library programs too large to fit in the library.  The library has gone from being open nine hours a week in 1997 to being open twenty hours a week in 2014. It has also won branch of the year in CMRLS in the years 2013, 2016, and most recently 2022. 

                Every achievement that Lake Library has seen through the years is because of the support of the community.  In Lake, we know we are small and humble, so we appreciate what we have and work to promote progress in our town and we aren’t done growing yet.

Library Lovers Month

National Library Lover’s Month is celebrated in February and is dedicated to the people who love libraries. 

Libraries provide so much more than just books.

• Libraries provide Story Time for Preschoolers. They offer activities, music, art, and friendship.
• Many communities rely on their libraries for meeting space for public groups, meetings, fundraisers, and classes.
• They provide resources for researching family and community heritage.
• Libraries lend media like movies and music.
• They offer digital resources like ebooks and Audiobooks for the entire community to use.

So this month, check out what your library has to offer!

Florence

 The Florence Flashback and Fun Facts

Steen's Creek, one of Rankin County's oldest settlements, was named for the Steen family in the southwestern part of the County. Brothers William, Silas, Robert, and Elias came to the area as early as 1823 with other settlers from the Carolinas. Streams of water were valuable to settlers, so often, the early communities originated near a creek. The creek and community, in this case, were named after the Steens.  

When the Gulf and Ship Island Railroad was built through this region; the railroad objected

to the name because of its length. This led to Steen's Creek becoming Florence in honor of the wife of W.C. Ellis. Mrs. Ellis was the daughter of Thomas Norrell. The town would officially be named Florence in 1901.  

The first home in Florence, built with hand-cut logs, belonged to William Steen. At the time, William Steen owned most of the land that is now the City of Florence. A church was soon organized with Jesse Woodall as the first pastor. The large log building was built on

land donated by Carroll J. Steen, son of William Steen. After the Civil War, slaves who were

now free asked for letters of dismissal so that they could organize a church for themselves. Spring Hill Church was formed around 1866, and it is the oldest black church in the county.  

The first merchant in Florence was John B. Lewis who owned and operated a cotton gin. Vicksburg was the nearest market, and these trips were usually made by ox wagon. This led to the Pearl and Big Black Rivers being forded due to the lack of bridges then.  

Florence was and is still today well known for its school, which was originally a log cabin.

It would soon grow into a boarding school and attract students from a large area. Today there are four school buildings which are Steen's Creek, Florence Elementary, Florence Middle, and Florence High. This year, Florence Elementary School was awarded Mississippi’s 2022 National Blue-Ribbon Schools award from the U.S. Department of Education. Florence also has a private Christian school, Discovery Christian.

Spookiness:

The town had one of the first undertakers in the area. Mr. and Mrs. J.L.

Evans, also known as "Uncle John and Aunt Loulie" owned and operated the two-story factory near the creek. Uncle John was also the editor of the town paper, the "Steen's Creek

Times". Later, Dr. R.N. Whitfield was editor of the "Florence Weekly".  

The oldest marked grave to be found anywhere in the county is located in Florence and

belongs to Scyrena Steen, a young girl who died on September 30, 1824.  

So far, there is not another community that had such a dramatic name change that took 77

years to implement.

Also, in the documentary “The House In Between,” you can learn even more Florence facts. Just follow this link

 ABOUT | The House In Between

Lastly, Florence Public Library was renovated in 2007, becoming the building it is in today, and is 1 of 20 branches in the Central Mississippi Regional Library System. We value education here at the Florence Public Library and love our small community. We strive to provide resources, services, and programs to foster creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning to all that visit us. Stop by your city public library today!

Mendenhall Public Library: Home of Mississippi's Tallest Totem Pole

 

According to an article by RoadsideAmerica.com dated 2015, the tallest totem pole in Mississippi is located at the Mendenhall Public Library. The totem pole was a project by local artist and woodcarver, Johnny Knight. Before his death in 2003 he donated the totem pole to his hometown and the town decided that its home would be the Mendenhall Public Library. He also built an amazing tree house known as The Johnny Knight Tree House. You really should see it.

When I was tasked with writing an article about the Mendenhall Library, I knew that I wanted to include the totem pole in my article, after all, it's kind of hard to miss. As I was looking for information on the totem pole and about the library in general, I found an old scrapbook full of old articles. There are articles from libraries all across the state, so looking for information about the Mendenhall Library was interesting. 

Now I could not find any information on the original opening of the Mendenhall Library. I did see in one article I found, dated 1961 that stated the library started out in the "old grammar room in the school building" before being moved to "a small building located across from the courthouse." Is that the location in the picture? I'm not sure, I can't tell you when the article pictured below was written or when the picture below was taken, or if that is even the building mentioned in the article. As I looked through the scrapbook of gold, the historians that put it together forgot about adding the dates of the articles or the location of the pictures. We have all done it, clipped an article for a paper or magazine about family or friends, never thinking to include the details, such as the who, why, where, what, or when. They had the right idea of preserving history but as we age and the historians of the community go on, we forget the details of the stories we think that the stories will live on long after we are gone. Sometimes they do live on but the details change. I never knew the library was ever located anywhere other than where it is today. I was born and raised in Simpson County and for as long as I can remember the library has always been here. We will get to that in a minute.

Something else I discovered while looking for information about the library was the use of bookmobiles. Did you know that the Mississippi Library Commission also had a bookmobile that delivered books to the libraries in the state? I only know this now because of the scrapbook and the articles that I found. I can't tell you when the bookmobiles were in service or for how long. 

I can tell you that the library has been holding summer programs for the area's children for a long time. In the article below the library was part of the Capital Area Regional Library System. I do know from the history of CMRLS that in 1952, the Board of Supervisors in Hinds, Rankin, Scott, and Simpson established the Capital Area Regional Library System. In 1986, the Central Mississippi Regional Library System was born serving the residents of Rankin, Scott, Smith, and Simpson.

Eventually, the library outgrew its location and had to find a forever home. According to the plaque on the wall outside the door of the library that happened in 1975. With funds from the City of Mendenhall and State Funds via the Mississippi Library Commission, the brand-new Mendenhall Library was constructed at its current location (I also found the original blueprints). The city has added a community center to the rear of the library and renovated the inside as the needs and services of the library have changed over time. 

Life is all about change. 

 I was born and raised right here in Simpson County and in all those years, the library has sat in its current location. 

 

Get Yeti to Read! Winter Reading Challenge 2023

 From January 1 to January 31, CMRLS is participating in the Winter Reading Challenge.

 

The Winter Reading Challenge encourages readers of all ages to explore diversity, empathy, and action through literature. We challenge you to read at least 3 books during the month and keep track of those books on Beanstack. Share your progress on social media using #WinterRead2023.

 

REGISTER for the challenge and read away your Library fines. Read 3 books and be entered into a drawing for a $50 Gift Card, read 6 books, be entered a second time, and read 9 books to be entered a third time for the $50 gift card and also receive CMRLS Friends Perks. This is to be used within the year and includes $5 FREE fines, 10 free b/w copies, and 10 free color copies; compliments of CMRLS Friends of Your Library.

Don't have fines? Just enjoy the challenge and good luck on the drawing. Happy reading, CMRLS patrons!

Registration begins December 27. 

Morton Library - Growing Stronger Every Day

 

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.

Pelahatchie Public Library - A Little Bit Truth, A Little Bit Tale

The definition of folk tale is “a story originating in popular culture, typically passed on by word of mouth.” Part of the history of libraries in Pelahatchie could be defined as a folk tale, because this writer was unable to find much irrefutable evidence but quite a bit of “this is what I remember” from local town residents.

What is known for sure is the library has been a part of the Central Mississippi Regional Library System since its inception in 1986. At that time, the library was located in town in a small building off Highway 80. On January 14, 1991, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for a new 1,600-square-foot building to be located on Highway 80 (where the Masonic Lodge is today). This project was a joint venture of the Rankin County Board of Supervisors and the Town of Pelahatchie. The library remained in this location until moved to its current location in 2009. In 2009, the town added on to an existing community center to establish a new library facility in Muscadine Park. The new library was larger and included a meeting room allowing for larger program attendance. It opened on February 13, 2009, the same date the town museum opened and the Mississippi Blues Marker tribute for Rubin Lacy was revealed. Recently, the Town of Pelahatchie updated the library facilities by installing new signage and replacing the carpet in the main area with laminate flooring.

Prior to 1986 is the start of our folklore. Patrons tell me in the 1940s books could be borrowed in the rear of a local merchant’s store. Memories include a bookmobile that stopped in town on a regular basis. At some point, a small library might have been established on Rankin County school property, but there was an issue with flooding so it was moved into town. The town has had a number of librarians through the years. One gentleman mentions Marjorie Murray, who he remembers from when he was a child in the early 1950s. He tells me she was the town librarian and her husband worked at the railroad depot. They both walked to work each morning.   Altus Rhodes was the librarian at the time of the 1991 groundbreaking, and Janice Gailey was the librarian when the current facility was under construction.

Several months ago, a picture appeared on social media that showed the front of the post office here in Pelahatchie from around 1940. In the photograph, Pelahatchie was spelled Pelahatchee. It sure started some conversations around town about when and why the spelling of the town’s name changed. When you have a reference question, where do you go? To the library, of course. After researching old newspapers, interviewing senior citizens in the area, and searching resources online, we never did discover exactly why the town name's spelling was changed. We did find that from 1859 through 1890, the post office was Pelahatchee Depot; from 1890 through 1950, it was Pelahatchee; and on December 1, 1950, the spelling was changed to Pelahatchie.

From the history of the local library to the spelling of the town’s name, two somewhat inconsequential events in the grand scheme of things, it has become apparent to me how important it is for us to document our history. You just never know when someone will want to discover more. Let’s leave it for them to find.                                              

 

Raleigh Public Library - 79 Years Old and Learning by Susan Cobb, Branch Manager

 The Raleigh Public Library was started in 1943 by the Raleigh Woman's Club. The library was in a room in the Crumpton Insurance building. The town of Raleigh paid the rent for the room where the library was located. The State Library Commission furnished the library with furniture and books. Members of the Federated Woman's Club acted as Librarians.

In 1952, the Board of Supervisors in Hinds, Rankin, Scott, and Simpson Counties established the Capital Area Regional Library System.

In 1963, Smith County became a member of the Capital Regional Library System and Raleigh had a paid Librarian.

In 1965 the home of Mrs. Floyd J. Robinson was given to the town of Raleigh for a Library by her two daughters, Mrs. Sarah R. Mitz and Mrs. May R. Killibrew.

The dedication of the library was on March 21, 1965.

Capital Area Regional Library System merged with Jackson Metropolitan Library System in 1973, where 500,000 books were available by request. These books were delivered every Wednesday afternoon by a station wagon from Jackson. It took one to two weeks for the requests to be at Raleigh Public Library. The Librarian worked 20 hours weekly in the library.

In 1978, the Floyd J. Robinson Memorial Library was built on its present site. It was a part of the Jackson Metropolitan Library System. 

In October 1986, Rankin, Scott, Simpson, and Smith County formed the Central Mississippi Regional Library System. 

At the present time, 20 libraries are part of the Central Mississippi Regional Library System. 

The Floyd J. Robinson Memorial Library is located at 150 Main Street in Raleigh, Ms. Our hours of operation are Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. closing for lunch from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.  We look forward to you visiting our library. Our contact information is 601-782-4277 and feel free to contact me at rlbm@cmrls.lib.ms.us. 

Our library has survived World War 2 to the present day with COVID. We look forward to serving you at Raleigh Public Library. #cmrlsraleigh

Brandon Public Library- We've come a long way!

 Brandon Public Library- History Personified (Look How Far We've Come!)

by Amy Lee, Brandon Public Library Branch Manager

The City of Brandon is chockfull of history.  Today, Brandon, Mississippi is currently paving the way for today's modernized society.  A valuable gem of this charming southern town, withstanding the true test of time, is the Brandon Public Library.  Located off of West Government Street, the Brandon Public Library is conveniently nestled between the older and newer parts of the city, providing the ideal meeting point.  The sleek, modern building, built and designed in 2003 for multipurpose use, has been the bridge of connection to endless possibilities. 

While today's current library facilities have been around for almost two decades, what many of you may not know is the fascinating history behind them.  Specifically, "once upon a time...," this library was not the shiny, gorgeous "house of learning" that serves us today.   Here's a bit of a backstory...

History:

The oldest records trace back to 1830 when the City of Brandon had humble, simpler roots.  In 1830, an academic learning group, called the "Brandon Library Society" was formed.  Later, in the 1970s,  the Brandon Public Library building was built.  By 1993, a study of the old library building was done, after concerns about the lack of space.   Around 1997, plans to construct a new library building were presented to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen.  By 1998, the news spread throughout the city for a call for not only a new library but for more space.  Branch Manager, Ann Graham brought forth to the board that the old building, being at only 3,900 square feet, was running out of room.  Graham, additional library staff, and Friends of the Brandon Library officers supported the need for a new library building, with at least 20,000 square feet of additional space.   In addition, a member of the City Board supported library staff and patrons, stating that the city "deserved a new library."  The Mayor and board seemed to agree, but one major issue stood in the way- funds.  Soon, the Mayor devised a plan for a new Restaurant Tax.  Specifically, all restaurants in Brandon would add a 2% tax to all customers' bills.  As predicted, many citizens in Brandon and local restaurant owners did not take to this very well, especially as reflected on many voters' ballots, when the new tax was proposed.   As a result, the library saw a significant decrease in participation, including volunteers from the Friends of the Library group.   Later, after much persuasion and push from local officials and citizens, plans to rebuild a new Brandon Library, City Park, and Tennis Courts, as well as a new multipurpose center attached to the new library, began to take place.  Johnson, Bailey, Henderson, and McNeel designed the new library, and by 2003, the new (and current) Brandon Public Library building opened for service, and the rest is history! 

Current Brandon Public Library Building (opened in 2003)

Services:

As previously mentioned, the Brandon Public Library is a valuable gem of the city of Brandon, MS.  Much of this value comes from the awesome programs and services the library has to offer, warmly welcoming its community.  

We have staff members who are certified notaries, and notary services are offered Monday through Friday, and Saturday (by appointment only).  There is a nominal fee of $3.00.  Office services, including black and white ($0.25 per page)  and color printing ($0.50 per page), faxing ($1.00 per page), scanning ($0.50 per page), and copying are also available.  There is also an industrial-strength shredder, provided generously through our Friends of the Brandon Library, and all patrons and staff can use it for free.  Patron computers, as well as free Wi-Fi, are also available. We also offer proctoring test services for college students.

We also offer a variety of programs, including, but not limited to, DNA discovery and Genealogical society monthly meetings, a monthly book club, Family Night, weekly Preschool Story Time, monthly Teen programs,  Quilting, a Coin Club, VMA Veteran's monthly meetings, the Friends of the Brandon Library group (monthly meetings), and more!  

Genealogy Room:

Speaking of more, did you know that the Brandon Public Library has its own Genealogy Room?  That's right!   When the Brandon Library's new 2003 building opened, the plans included a special room, designed for Genealogical services. The collection started with 2,000 items, but it has grown so so much, since then.  Today, the room houses City Almanacs and Directories, yearbooks, slideshow/photo CDs of historic city events, city scrapbooks, artwork by local MS artists, newspaper clippings, maps, cookbooks, and so much more!  In addition, many wonderful organizations, such as the RCHS Red Jacket Chapter, MS State Society, and DAR have generously donated a huge selection of materials for our Genealogy Collection. We also have three computers with access to Ancestry.com, as well as a cool feature where users can not only discover their roots but can design their own family tree!  As previously mentioned, our DNA Discovery Group and Genealogical Society meet every month at the library.  The meeting/program is free for anyone to attend.  

Brandon Public Library Genealogy Room

The Brandon Public Library is located at 1475 W. Government Street in Brandon, MS.  We are open     9-8 Monday through Thursday, 9-5 on Friday, and 9-4 on Saturday (closed on Sunday).  For more information, please feel free to visit us in person, or contact us at 601-825-2672 or at brbm@cmrls.lib.ms.us.   We look forward to having you visit us!   I hope you have enjoyed today's visit down memory lane.  I am firmly convinced that the Brandon Public Library holds the key, which enables the past, present, and future of Brandon's community (as well as its people) to make and "unlock" these connections.   

The Forest Public Library -- From Grit to Great

by Dianne McLaurin, Forest Public Library Branch Manager

GRIT: in psychology is a positive non-cognitive trait based on an individual's passion for a particular long-term goal or end state, coupled with a powerful motivation to achieve their respective objective. This perseverance of effort promotes the overcoming of obstacles or challenges that lie within a gritty individual's path to accomplishment and serves as a driving force in achievement realization. 

For a more hands-on definition, visit the Forest Public Library and read the library's well-documented history. After perusing a binder filled with primary sources, one word comes to mind - GRIT. The Scott County Library (as it was named for years) started in the home of Miss Mary Katherine Knoblock. It was organized in 1933 by Rev. Jim W. Sells during the time of the Works Progress Administration. The WPA supplied paid jobs to the unemployed during the Great Depression to build up public infrastructure. According to an article in the Scott County Times, dated Thursday, January 21, 1954, only a few books were available at the beginning; however, through the efforts of Rev. Sellers, some collections were sent from Boston and other places.

The next ten years consisted of packing and moving, changing directors and assistants, and setting up library stations throughout the county. The following is a quote from the article: "The going was rough and the very existence of the library was often threatened. Funds were extremely low and sometimes nonexistent, and the library was constantly being moved due to various reasons."  The article also states that the library moved three times in as many years, from the high school to the county agent's office to the community house. GRIT.

In 1936, Miss Carrie Pevey began serving as the director with various assistants. Later, in 1943, the library closed for several months. Miss Pevey was so interested in the work of the library that she continued to work without pay. She became ill and died in February of 1945. That summer, Mrs. H.E. Bishop, Mrs. Ollie Ott, Mrs. V.R. Lackey, and Mr. Beamon Triplett met with the Scott County board of supervisors and succeeded in re-opening the library with a donation of $1200. GRIT.

A library board was established and met in the home of Mrs. V. R. Lackey. Board members included Mrs. Lackey, Mrs. H.E. Bishop, Mrs. W.W. Gaddis, Mr. Beamon Triplett, and Mr. Lamar Rigby. Mrs. Bishop was appointed to serve as the librarian, and Mrs. Ollie Ott assumed her vacated spot on the board. Throughout the summer of 1945, Mrs. Bishop salvaged through the neglected books. Another quote from the article records her efforts. "They (the books) had been scattered all over the room, torn, and abused until the task seemed hopeless. Practically all the records had been destroyed. Many of the books were obsolete and were later discarded." At the final count, 1,713 books were placed on the shelves of a new location above the W.F. Stevens store on the corner of Main Street. GRIT.

Still, more moves would be part of the library's future. The article documents a move to the upstairs floor of the Masonic Lodge in the summer of 1948, and by the date of the article in 1954, the library was housed on the street floor of the building. According to the article, "This is the most desirable location." 

Little did they know nor would they see how their seeds of grit would grow. According to an entry in the Scott County Mississippi History and Families, 1830-2002, the old band hall at 210 South Raleigh Street was remodeled in 1967 with funds provided by the city of Forest and the Library Services and Construction Act in cooperation with the Mississippi Library Commission. In 1986, after the merge and split of two library systems, the Forest Public Library became part of the Central Mississippi Regional Library System, which currently serves public libraries in Rankin, Scott, Simpson, and Smith counties. Then in 1988, the library was remodeled again.

In 2010, those seeds of grit would grow into a great achievement realization. The new construction of the current Forest Public Library began - a city block of 28,000 square feet which would include 15,300 square feet of building area, 23 total parking spaces on the lot, and landscaped areas surrounding three sides of the library at a construction cost of $2,230,230.00 and an architect cost of $96,000 covered by the city of Forest. Approximately $100,000 additional dollars were donated by businesses, groups, organizations, and individuals to furnish the new library building.

Primary sources provide documentation of the magnitude of the building process. All the contents of the library were moved to the Community Bank annex building during the construction process. The old band hall, the renovated library, the remodeled library...demolished down to the ground, and in its place would stand a beacon for all those gritty individuals who never gave up. TRUE GRIT.

A Mississippi news anchor once described the Forest Public Library as "the Taj Mahal of Mississippi libraries." With its high ceilings, large columns, floor-to-ceiling windows, and impressive facade, the current library houses 12 access computer stations, five work computers, a conference room, a large meeting room, a children's story room, 13 individual study tables, two large sitting areas, a kitchen, two public restrooms, a genealogy room, two employee work rooms, a branch manager office, a reference room, and an employee restroom. The library is a one-of-a-kind civic structure, not only in the county but also in the state. The library boasts the newest technology, an up-to-date collection of circulation items, and a community presence that is both relevant and recognized. From the library's humble beginnings to its promising future, the GRIT of many became something GREAT for all.  

Auto Repair Source

 

Auto Repair Source

 

It could happen to anyone. You're on your honeymoon and the next thing you know you're having car trouble. Then you find yourself at a garage after hours faced with the enormous task of spending the night rebuilding a car engine. The mechanic is going home for the evening. He doesn't do overtime. He leaves the garage open and in your capable hands for you to work on your car. Meanwhile, your spouse is not happy. He goes next door and checks into a hotel.

 

Then you see a light in the distance. It's a Starbucks. You retrieve your iPad from the back seat, close the doors and venture off into the night. As you walk next door to a Starbucks you find that Wi-Fi is available. Access to the CMRLS website is available. Auto Repair Source under the Virtual Collection weblink is also available. After some quick research you order a Mocha Frappuccino and return to the garage. It's going to be a long night.

 

While at Starbucks you opened the Auto Repair Source website by typing in your library card number. Never leave home without it! It can cost $3.00 to replace a library card. Then you type in the Year, Make, Model and Engine to access information on this vehicle. Then a virtual plethora of information appears and becomes available at your fingertips. Categories ranging from oil changes to transmission systems to digital electronics to internal components of car engines.

 

Now you can take apart the car engine, find the source of the problem and put the car engine back together and be reasonably sure that there won't be any nuts and bolts leftover. Sure hope there's no antifreeze in the engine block. That's no fun at all.

 

Not everyone can rebuild a car engine by memory, but imagine having this information resource available when you need it the most.

 

The mechanic checks in on you later in the night and you talk shop, auto shop that is. Then you are left alone to continue with the most daunting of tasks. Meanwhile your husband is in a nice comfortable hotel room watching late night television.

 

Working on a car is probably not what most people do on a wedding night.

 

An hour later it starts to rain.

Magnolia Databases

 

Magnolia:  Scholarly Research with a Twist by Amy Lee- Branch Manager- Brandon Public Library

At some point during our school years (as well as throughout adulthood), we were required to at least one project that required extensive, involved research on our part.   Usually, this meant using at least one type of database or online search engine.   Today, new resources and innovative technology are on the rise, racing to meet user demands.   While research of all ages and ability levels is something that is not disappearing anytime soon, there will, indeed, be a need for reliable resources with even more reliable and up-to-date, accurate information.    This is where your local library can help!  With a CMRLS card, patrons have access to a variety of print and digital resources, including Magnolia.

Magnolia is an online database that can be easily accessed through Central Mississippi Regional Library System’s virtual reference page.    With Magnolia, users can peruse a variety of scholarly books, journals, and/or journal articles, and other materials, as well as create a unique research experience.   The familiar basic search bar is available at the top of the EBSCOhost software page, but users can perform an advanced search and choose one or more enhancing features, including maps, photographs, type of publication, specific limiters, publication date(s), number of pages, language, and more.  Ebscohost also offers additional information features, including Newspaper Source, Business Source Complete, and Academic Search Premiere, further assisting in tailoring to a user’s research needs.

Not only does Magnolia feature familiar, user-friendly search features for its online database through EBSCOhost, but patrons also have access to more specialized databases, which are tailored to specific subject-based topics, as well as links to resources that are free to CMRLS cardholders.  For example, Magnolia features a clean layout of links, including access to online reference tools, including AutoRepair Source for cars, Novelist Plus online reader’s advisory resource, and Flipster (e-magazines).  

Additional resources that can be accessed through Magnolia’s online database include Explora- a reference informational database designed for Elementary and Middle School students.  Another helpful feature for businesses and organizations can be accessed through Magnolia.  Business Searching Interface offers a large selection of articles and information relating to major organizations and businesses.  Users can also view business profiles, including specific information and marketing reports.  Lastly, patrons have access to up-to-date information in the medical field through various articles, an index with A-to-Z information on common ailments and/or conditions, as well as a database containing natural alternative treatments, and medication listings with information on potential harmful drug interactions and side effects.  A translated feature is also built in for the Spanish-speaking community.

Phew!  This is a lot of information to take in, but the good news is that it is organized by Magnolia’s easy-to-use database and webpage layout.  Also, feel free to stop by your local CMRLS Library Branch, and our staff will be more than happy to assist you with instruction or assistance with any type of information.    It’s one more reason libraries rock and are needed today more than ever!