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