Remembering the Past, Thinking About the Future

Remembering the Past, Thinking About the Future

It began with great excitement in the air on the morning of March 8, 2002. Opening and dedication ceremonies for a brand new, state-of-the-art, 25,000-square-foot library in Flowood, Mississippi, were about to begin. Inspired vision, planning, and leadership had made that day possible. The mayor welcomed dignitaries, city, county, and state officials. Representatives of J H & H Architects, Belk Construction, Central Mississippi Regional Library System, Mississippi Library Commission, newly hired staff, and citizens from Flowood and around the state were present.

The city dedicated and named the library to honor the life and career of G. Chastaine Flynt, Flowood’s first mayor, who served from 1953 until his retirement in 1989. Members of the Flynt family proudly cut the ribbon and the doors opened for everyone to come inside.

Flowood Library began with a collection of approximately 20,000 items with ample space to grow. Over the past 20 years tremendous growth and technological advances within the library system have helped to meet the needs of Flowood’s booming population and assist in its economic expansion. The collection has now grown to approximately 75,000 items. Services such as free Wi-Fi, high-speed internet, and new data bases for reading, study and research are available. Customers can download free books and music. Copy, facsimile, and notary services are available. The children’s and reference departments continue to grow and add value.

Over the years people discovered that the Flowood Library is a desirable place to visit and do research. Education and libraries go hand in hand. Good schools and libraries matter. An average of 10,000 people visit the library every month.

Yet, some people ask the question, “Why do we even need libraries?”  Frequent visitors are happy to answer. The library plays a critical role in our community. It is a place where people can come together, where everyone is treated equally, and all are welcome!

Through the years patrons of all ages have attended a variety of programs including music and concerts, drama, fine arts, speakers, author visits, crafting, and seminars. Story time and summer reading events for children have been vital for families. The free cultural programing for adults meant that people did not have to leave their neighborhoods to experience something wonderful.

In addition, Flowood Library has served as a community center. Seniors gathered to socialize and play games, common interest groups such as writers, poets, knitters, gamers, students, quilters, and gardeners have met for enjoyment and support. Human interest stories of the way libraries have changed lives prove that there is no ordinary day in a library.

People continue to come for help in applying for jobs, to learn and improve their English, take a free practice test for SAT or LSAT exams, to utilize private study and meeting rooms, or to find information about a newly diagnosed medical condition. Internet access allows people to send and receive emails, connect with family, or check social media. And most importantly, seeing friends and neighbors here makes people feel that they are a part of a community.

So much has happened here since the Flowood Library opened. The library is proud to be a part of the city’s identity. Administrators and staff will continue to work every day to enrich lives and make a difference in our community.

Epilogue

Today, after many years of service to the community, the Flowood Library is undergoing renovation, a complete overhaul that may take some time to complete. The roof has been replaced ensuring that there will be no more leaks when it rains. Security cameras have been installed to ensure that the library will remain a reasonably safe environment for patrons and library staff.

The city is currently planning to replace light fixtures so patrons can find books and other items they are looking for. The library will be painted and the old carpet will be replaced. Other renovations will be made as needed. The end result will be a more modern library capable of meeting the many challenges of an ever changing future.

Are libraries worth the time, money and effort to build and maintain?

In reflecting on this question I'm reminded of a quote,

“Whatever the cost of our libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation.”

― Walter Cronkite

The Magee Public Library

     What does it take to start up a library in your community? A strong desire from the people that live in the community. And that is how it all begins in Magee, Mississippi.

    The Library began in 1935 on the 2nd floor of the State Guaranty Bank under the leadership of Ms. Maude Turner. The WPA (Works Progress Administration). 

    Fast forward to 1937, the Library is now in a far left section of the Community House and is renamed Mims Williams Memorial Library. Mims Williams was a prominent and highly respected business owner in Magee. Mrs. Williams was very active in bringing culture and education to her community. 

    In 1974, Mrs. Inez Shannon became the Librarian of Magee. Thanks to her tireless efforts, as well as the support of the Women's Club and local leaders, a new building was constructed which still stands to this day. I always love hearing stories from patrons who helped move books from the Community House to the new library building. Apparently, someone would pass the books out the window for others to carry over. It sounds like everyone had a great time helping out. This was just one example of how Mrs. Inez knew how to bring her community together. 

In a small town like Magee, the library was more about the librarians themselves rather than the building. Patrons fondly remember Inez Shannon (on the far left), Billie Terrell (my mentor, on the far right), Marge King, Mrs. Tootsie, Mrs. Mary, Garnet Craft, and Peggy Nowell for their invaluable help to the community and their enjoyable programs. I'm personally convinced that Mrs. Inez could have written a book about all the interesting things patrons have shared with me. For instance, one person (whose name I won't share) admitted to placing a possum in the book drop when they were a teenager. Luckily, Mrs. Inez was the one who discovered it. She forgave the prankster of their misdeed and allowed them back in the library. I'm certain she knew every child in the school.

    Mrs. Tootsie, Mrs. Mary, and Mrs. Peggy, all helped in making this library an inviting place to be in the community. The kids from the schoolhouse always found their way down the block after school to the library. The Librarians always kept them in control cause the kids knew the Librarians knew their moms and dads and sometimes their coaches! I don't know who the football players were more scared of, their parents or the coach? It was funny seeing their faces!

    To this day, we still have the beginning library collection. It is housed in the grey cabinets in the hall area. Do we ever plan to get rid of them? I hope not, I think it is a standing tribute to the hard work and dedication of Maude Turner and the Women's Club of Magee. 

    With the community's help, I hope to see the library still vibrant in the years to come.