Thankful for Libraries

We've rushed through the first months of the year at breakneck speed and now 2024's last days are dwindling away. With shorter, cooler days ahead and the holidays around the corner, it's the perfect time to focus on the important things in life, like the people we love and the things that bring us joy. While libraries might not necessarily be at the top of your "thankful for" list, they're wholesome, community-driven institutions that provide loads of enriching and educational services for nearly everyone. Back in 2013, a PEW report found that 94% of those polled believed that public libraries "improved the quality of life in a community". Moreover, 81% said that public libraries provided "many services people would have a hard time finding elsewhere". What's more to be grateful for? Check out what Mississippi Library Commission staff had to say below.

It's A Picture Book Thanksgiving!

It's November, one of our favorite months because, hello! It's Picture Book Month! With Thanksgiving right around the corner, today we're focusing on picture books that are all about family, for which we are ever thankful.

We're thankful for Moms:

The Kissing Hand

written by Audrey Penn

illustrated by Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak

And we're thankful for Dads:

Owl Moon

written by Jane Yolen

illustrated by John Schoenherr

We're thankful for Grandmas:

The Patchwork Quilt

written by Valerie Flournoy

illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

And we're thankful for Grandpas:

Grandfather's Journey

written and illustrated by Allen Say


We're thankful for Aunts:

Tia Isa Wants a Car 

written by Meg Medina

illustrated by Claudia Munoz

And we're thankful for Uncles:

 Uncle Jed's Barbershop

written by Margaree King Mitchell

illustrated by James E. Ransome

We're thankful for Sisters:

Outside Over There

written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak

And we're thankful for Brothers:

The New Small Person

written and illustrated by Lauren Child
 

We're thankful for families and we're thankful for picture books. Happy Thanksgiving!