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.