Is It Summer Yet?

Summer Library Programs don't kick off until June, but the Mississippi Library Commission (MLC) is already preparing children's librarians across the state for this summer's fun. Last week, librarians from twelve Mississippi library systems gathered for the first of three workshops about "Libraries Rock!," this summer's theme from the Collaborative Summer Library Program. (The twelve systems with attendees were Bolivar County Library System, Central Mississippi Regional Library System, East Mississippi Regional Library, Jackson Hinds Library System, Judge George W. Armstrong Library, Madison County Library System, Noxubee County Public Library, Pearl River County Library System, Pike-Amite-Walthall Library System, Sharkey-Issaquena County Library System, Sunflower County Library, and Warren County Vicksburg Public Library.)

Librarians experiment with the way sound waves work at this STEM station. They'll adapt these

experiments and recreate them this summer for Mississippi Summer Library Program participants.

 

The librarians split into groups to explore possible Mississippi Music programs. Teamwork and brainstorming ideas are the beginnings to fun summer events.

These children's librarians also explored animal sounds bingo and created their own banjos, both activities that can be adapted in their home libraries.

These new music kits are a new addition to MLC's Special Collections. They'll be available on a first-come, first-serve basis for use in programs related to this summer's theme.

We can't wait to see all of the music themed programs this summer. Don't forget: Libraries rock! Until next time, happy reading!

Stories From The Road: Nettleton

The community of Nettleton sits on the boundary between Lee County on the north and Monroe County on the south. With a little over 2,000 residents, this friendly town's roots were forged in the late 1800s through the railroad. George Henry Nettleton, then president of the KCM&B Railroad was instrumental in founding the city. Today, members of this community work together to ensure the continued growth and success of their lovely city.

Recently, the Dorothy J. Lowe Memorial Library, a branch of the Tombigbee Regional Library System, opened its doors in a new location in Nettleton... a former funeral home that was owned by Plantersville resident Representative Steve Holland. The library's previous location was about 576 square feet and opened in 1987. The new library has over 5,000 square feet, allowing ample space for more public access computers and an area for children's programming.

Maridelle Dickerson, the longtime branch librarian, is thrilled with the new space. The day of our visit she couldn't have been prouder to show us around the new library.

Branch librarian, Maridelle Dickerson (right), talks with MLC's Lacy Ellinwood about the new facility.

The branch has a very active Friends of the Library group whose members have all worked tirelessly to make sure this new library location has everything it needs to make it a tremendous new addition to the community. We had the pleasure of meeting a few of these hard-working volunteers along with Mem Riley, Mayor of Nettleton, and former mayor, Brandon Presley, who now serves as Northern District Public Service Commissioner.

Pictured from left:  Maridelle Dickerson, branch librarian, Annette Whitlock,
Friends of the Library, Lacy Ellinwood, MLC Library Development Director,
Maria Bynum, Friends of the Library, Brandon Presley, Northern District Public
Service Commissioner, Tanna Taylor, Tombigbee Regional Library Director,
Mem Riley, Mayor of Nettleton, and Sharman Bridges Smith, MLC Interim Executive Director

The new library location is on Main Street in the heart of the community. This warm and inviting space offers lots of comfortable seating, a bright and fun children's area, and a public meeting room with audio-visual capabilities.

The library has received a great deal of support from the Nettleton residents. The Friends group  sold t-shirts, held fundraisers, and applied for grants to fund the move. It has truly been a labor of love for a large group of supporters... and it shows!

Libraries are truly one of the most important services a community can provide to its residents.  The city of Nettleton understands that and with the support of the Director of the Tombigbee Regional Library System, Tanna Taylor, this library will continue to be a tremendous asset to the residents.  Congratulations, Nettleton!