You've Got a Friend...

Elisabeth Scott

Reference Librarian

Winter, spring, summer, or fall, all you have to do is call, and the Friends of Libraries will be there to help! Carole King lyrics aside, we wanted to give Friends of Libraries groups across the state an effusive and grateful thank you this National Friends of Libraries Week. These groups are essential to the vitality and growth of libraries across Mississippi. Registered as charitable organizations with the Secretary of State's office, Friends groups do a lot of nitty-gritty work for libraries. They are heavily focused on fundraising, yes, but also on connecting the community with their local library through hands-on volunteer work. We encourage you to reach out to your local library to join their Friends group. If they don't have a Friends group, you might consider starting one for them. Work with your library and use the resources listed here to start a Friends group or help your current group grow.

If you're already involved and think your Friends group is amazing, you should nominate them for one of two annual awards given by the Friends of Mississippi Libraries yearly at the Mississippi Library Association annual conference. Nominations typically begin each August.

This year's winner of the Chapter One Award, given to a local Friends group for outstanding volunteer contributions in the area of service to libraries during the year, went to the Friends of Winona-Montgomery County Library and was accepted by president and former librarian Virginia “Bootsie” Weed. Under her leadership, the Winona-Montgomery Friends funded a wildly successful community gardening extravaganza led by Felder Rushing during this year's National Library Week. Aside from hosting this and many other author events for adults, the Winona-Montgomery Friends have also assisted with programs for children. The library's annual pajama party wouldn't have been the same without their gift and snack bags. This Friends group also supplied much-needed blinds for the library's meeting room, adding versatility and a new look for the space.

The winner of this year's Ruby Assaf Presidential Award, which honors an outstanding individual volunteer for a local Friends chapter, was Friends of Madison Library president Jean Garrett. She is an active patron of the Madison Library and frequently recruits new members for their Friends group. Also on the Board of Trustees, Garrett has driven the effort for exterior repair and cosmetic work at the library and has now turned her gaze to the interior of the building. She also led a grassroots effort to persuade the Mississippi legislature to leave access to public libraries unfettered.

Another great resource for Friends groups in Mississippi is the annual, competitive Margaret Murray Grant. This grant honors former MLC employee, Margaret Murray, who helped start over 100 local Friends groups in Mississippi. This grant is currently open and receiving applications. Funds awarded should be used to advance library programming and literacy at the Friends' library. The application deadline is February 29, 2024; grantees will be announced April 1, 2024. 

If you want to get more involved in the impact your public library has on its community, the Friends will be there, yes, they will. (Sadly, songwriter and singer extraordinaire Carole King will not actually be there.)

Save Libraries, Save Museums, Save IMLS!

Maybe you've seen the proposed national budget for FY20 and maybe you haven't, but it eliminates federal funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). That means essential programs provided by libraries and museums across Mississippi will no longer have the money to continue. This covers everything from your local public library, your child's school library, and university libraries to the Delta Blues Museum, the Mississippi Museum of Art, and the Mississippi Children's Museum. It also means that LSTA grant funds, which launch innovative programs across the state and are distributed by IMLS, will no longer be available. Both Loida Garcia-Febo, president of the American Library Association, and Kathryn K. Matthew, director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, have issued responses regarding the proposed budget, and people across the country are rallying to our museums' and libraries' defense.

We want you to join the fight to fund museums and libraries. Take a look below at a small sample of Mississippi public library programs funded by IMLS in the past few years. Then click the Dear Appropriator letter at the bottom of the page to send an email to your congresspeople urging full funding of IMLS.

Lee-Itawamba Library System

The Lunching with Books program, made possible through LSTA grant funds, is a vital resource for information and socialization of learners who can no longer visit the library due to physical disabilities, advanced age, and/or lack of transportation. In order to serve these citizens, the library purchased the necessary equipment to record, archive, and live-stream the programs to offsite patrons. The program can be viewed at any time from the Lee-Itawamba Library System website. The library partnered with a local retirement home to screen the program on-site in a common area. Live-streaming the program off-site allowed patrons no longer able to attend in person the ability to actively participate in educational and entertaining library activities. This library system is in Mississippi's Congressional District 1, which is served by Representative Trent Kelly.

Sunflower County Library System

The Seniors Acquiring Computer Skills and the Senior Adults Moving Forward in Technology programs at Sunflower County Library System were designed to provide computer skills training to senior citizens who want to become computer literate. Using LSTA grant funds, the library provides computer literacy classes for small groups in slowly-paced sessions. Attendees learn essential basic computer skills, like word processing in order to produce letters and forms, spreadsheets to track financial information, and Internet competency, including search skills and database usage. After a sixteen-week training period, participants are able to use everything from email to Word and beyond, critical skills for the 21st century. This library system is in Mississippi's Congressional District 2, which is served by Representative Bennie Thompson.

Central Mississippi Regional Library System

New Maker Space Kits, acquired with LSTA funds by the Central Mississippi Regional Library System, travel back and forth between their 20 branches. The Makey Makey Kit, Snap Circuits Kit, Video Maker Kit, Strawbees Kit, and Jewelry Tool Kit emphasize STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities for K-12 through adult patrons. Every age group served has been excited and eager to learn and explore with the kits, making this an incredibly successful idea. These items give Mississippi citizens an understanding of how circuitry works and help them understand how to apply this new knowledge in their everyday lives. This library system is in Mississippi's Congressional District 3, which is served by Representative Michael Guest.

Laurel-Jones County Library System

An Early Childhood Library Development Center project garnered LSTA grant funds for the Laurel-Jones County Library System. It enables both libraries in the system to provide a fun and safe area where children can learn through imaginative play. The centers have an assortment of building blocks, interlocking and connective toys, matching and sorting games, and puzzles. These activities teach young patrons basic math and language skills, hand-eye coordination, counting, color and letter identification, motor skills, and social interaction skills. This library system is in Mississippi's Congressional District 4, which is served by Representative Steven Palazzo.

These programs, which cater to a wide range of interests, target people of all ages and walks of life. If you think that the learning, cultural, and social opportunities Mississippi libraries and museums provide are critical to keeping our citizens on the cutting edge of society, then help us out. Contact your congressperson and ask them to sign the Dear Appropriator letter. Then share this post in your email, on Facebook, or however else you reach your friends and family, and ask them to do the same. Thank you!

Do Not Be Silent

“Do not be silent; there is no limit to the power that may be released through you.” 
-Howard Thurman, Deep is the Hunger

Mississippi librarians and library advocates at the Mississippi Capitol on Library Day at the Capitol, March 12, 2019

The sound of a multitude of voices is powerful and lends itself to change. During the 2019 legislative session, there have been dedicated library advocates at the Capitol each week, from librarians and Mississippi Library Association members, to library friends, trustees, and patrons. They've been sharing the powerful stories of how libraries change the lives of residents of their communities.

On Tuesday, March 12, advocacy efforts peaked with "Library Day at the Capitol", when the voices of over 200 library supporters were heard by Mississippi's lawmakers. The entire first floor of the historic building was filled with advocates who shared information about the value of Mississippi's public libraries.

Meredith Wickham, Director of the First Regional Library System, has created a helpful thank you letter that you can send your legislators. Feel free to copy and paste it into your own document or email and modify it to fit your particular needs before sending it on to your senators and congresspeople. Check the Mississippi Legislature's website for your senator addresses and representative addresses. Not sure who your legislators are? You can find them at Open States.

Go ahead and mark your calendars for next year's Library Day at the Capitol. We're scheduled for March 10, 2020, from 11 am-2 pm, and have reserved the same large area of the first floor of the Rotunda and hallways as this year.

Make your voice heard... Become an advocate... Do not be silent.

The Power of a Post

Lately, everyone has been focused on the Facebook data scandal, but Facebook--and other social media platforms--still have the potential to jump-start change. Late last summer, the world was fascinated by a total solar eclipse. Libraries in particular used the event to draw crowds, pairing the wonders of natural science with informative speakers and hands-on activities. Martha Diehl, the branch manager of Jane Blaine Brewer Memorial Library in tiny Mount Olive, MS (2010 population estimate: 982¹,) got the entire town involved with a "Sun Party" blowout that included food stands, a mini "train" ride, and of course, plenty of solar eclipse viewing glasses.

Pictures from the library's Sun Party

Diehl shared a picture advertising the event on her library system's Facebook page. The picture was seen by Julia Brewer Daily, the daughter of the woman for whom the library was named. Daily wanted to make a donation to replace the makeshift triple office desk with a real circulation desk. Her family has gotten on board and made additional donations to buy more books and standard office equipment and supplies. Grants are being explored as well, and could help with expansion into the vacated fire department next door. The local newspaper, The News-Commercial in Collins, MS, even ran a front page story on the sudden windfall.

The new desk has been installed and the staff say that it, along with the other donations are, a dream come true. It's amazing that one small post on Facebook led to a wealth of opportunity for this small Mississippi library.

If you'd like to make a donation to your local library for improvements, books, or other supplies, check with the library's branch manager first to see what they need. Donations can be made to libraries' friends organizations or go directly to the library if they're earmarked for a specific purpose.

¹American FactFinder

A Year-Long Proposition

 
The dust is settling. The new budget maintains the funding level of 2018 for the Personnel Incentive Grants, MAGNOLIA, and MLC operations, as well as funding to cover the health insurance premium increase for public librarians. The reality that libraries can face the coming year with a huge sigh of relief on a state funding level is just being recognized. This hasn't been our reality for the last couple of tumultuous years. This relief is thanks, in part, to a tremendous amount of hard work by so many people. Library supporters, library directors, legislators, local funding authorities, and so many more who heeded the call and spoke up for the needs of libraries across Mississippi...Thinking this is a time to step back and revel in a hard-fought effort is correct, but only for a moment. Now is the time to be thankful. Reach out to those who supported this effort. Make sure everyone who had a part in this victory knows what it means and how it will affect things moving forward. Speak up about how invaluable the efforts were and how library service will be affected for all Mississippi communities.

It will soon be time to get busy again. Do not think advocacy efforts will wait until January. This job is a year-long proposition. Here are just a few ideas to get started:

• Take photos of an activity in your library; email them to your legislators with a note letting them know that level funding helped make the event a reality.
• Send invitations to local and state lawmakers to all of your events.
• Send stories to your newspapers about an exciting program so news about your library will be in print for lawmakers to read.
• Invite a local radio station out to your summer library program and ask them to broadcast live from the event. Give a shout-out on the air to your legislators and thank them for their support.

There are so many ways to keep advocacy efforts going all year long. The ultimate goal will be that when legislators head to the capitol in January, they will have a clear picture of the value of public libraries across Mississippi.

Thank you all for all your diligent efforts. Your hard work paid off, and we all can move forward with a little less fearful anticipation. Now jot down March 12, 2019 on your calendar; that's the date of next year's Library Day at the Capitol. Decide now what you can do each month between now and then to advocate for libraries and take action. Let's be even more prepared for 2019!

Finding Your Voice

Speaking up about what is important to us has become a significant part of the times. Social networking has made it possible for campaigns to sweep across large regions and countries in little to no time. For example, the #MeToo movement has changed the way people feel about harassment, and the momentum has empowered women to speak up for what they think is right.

Believing in things is part of the human experience. It gives us hope... something to fight for and protect. I'm a huge believer in libraries. They empower and educated people. The list of reasons why libraries are important grows with each passing day.

Picture the small town in rural Mississippi... the one with little else going on but the activities at the library. I have had the pleasure of experiencing what they do for a small community. They help children learn and thrive, they help people find jobs, and they serve as a gathering place. In today's turbulent times, libraries are facing an unknown future. Government funding has fallen terribly short, and it seems as though library supporters aren't speaking up, as least not loud enough. If something doesn't change, these small town libraries may have to cut hours or even close their doors.

If you believe in the power of libraries, speak up. Libraries are a valuable resource to all of Mississippi's communities. It is time to make your voices heard in support of libraries. Not sure what to say? In the coming days, MLC will be sharing some Library Advocacy Talking Points on social media. We hope they will help you find your voice and that you will speak up in support of libraries.

Join MLC and library supporters from across the state for Library Day at the Capitol on March 13 from 11:00am to 2:00pm.

Storytelling Through a Lens

I'm a movie buff... always have been. I remember seeing Gone with the Wind with my folks when I was a child; when Clark Gable first came on screen all the women in the audience gasped. For a film created in the 1930s it was beautifully done, despite its somewhat distasteful story line. That experience stuck with me; not the story, but how the imagery and music made me feel. Films do that to us. They invoke our inner-most feelings, whether good or bad.

Today, filmmaking has become something that anyone can do thanks to the technologies most of us are afforded. Just pick up your iPhone and you too can tell a story. Most folks do it all the time and don't even realize it. They film their dog or their grandchildren doing the cute things they do and post it on Instagram or Facebook. They are telling a story through film.

Now imagine an important topic or passion that you want to share. Put a little more planning into the message and it can become a story told through film. Who could be a part of the film to properly convey your story? What location would make the most sense to serve as your backdrop? Now take that iPhone and get these images and interviews on camera. There is even simple software on your iPhone that will allow you to edit and add music. Now you have something that can truly achieve benefits for your passion projects.

My class partner, David Rae Morris, and me shooting our film
Drawing on a Dream featuring deceased Delta artist, Duff Durrough

In 2011, I had the pleasure of attending a month-long workshop in Clarksdale to learn about documentary filmmaking by the talented folks of Barefoot Workshops. It was a transformative experience for me. I learned the power of storytelling through the lens. I also learned to tell a compelling story in the time it takes for someone to sit down, turn on their computer, and drink a cup of coffee. In this day and age, instant and quick messages are the most effective.

I encourage librarians to use these tools to share the stories of their outstanding work. I have traveled across the state and have seen first-hand the dynamic, life-changing programs going on. Let's get these on film and share them with lawmakers and stakeholders. We need decision-makers to know how valuable libraries are to Mississippi communities.

I'm grateful that my chosen profession has allowed me the opportunity to see some interesting places, to meet some great folks, and to be able to tell their story through my lens. Too bad Clark Gable is no longer with us... it would have been really fun to make women gasp!

Visit MLC's YouTube channel to check out the stories we've told through film. Look for more to come very soon.

More Stories from the Road...

It's been too long since I've updated my travels. I've been from one end of the state to the other and almost every spot in between (or so it feels!) Mississippi is such a great place to just get out and wander, so I really enjoy this part of my work here at MLC.

A couple of months ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Bay St. Louis with MLC's Executive Director Susan Cassagne to attend a Board of Supervisors meeting regarding the privatization of the Hancock County Library System. A company called LS&S had approached the Board of Supervisors claiming they could save the county money by making the library system a private entity. Needless to say, library supporters were not happy about the possibility and showed up in great numbers to the supervisors' meeting. The issue is ongoing, but this particular night proved to the supervisors that the residents of Hancock County do not support this idea. It was great to see the power of advocacy at work for this outstanding library system.

Hancock County Library Supporters

Next stop... Coffeeville! Have you ever met someone who made you feel like you have been friends forever? Patty Bailey, Director of the Yalobusha Library System, and I became fast friends when I visited her library a few weeks ago. Coffeeville is such a charming place, and she has created a space that is inviting and educational for the members of her community.

Patron computers at the Coffeeville Library

I was intrigued by a book in her collection, as it is one of my favorites. When John Grisham released his first novel, A Time to Kill, in 1984 he made a stop at the Coffeeville Library to promote the book.  He left a signed copy for the patrons of the library to enjoy.

Signed copy of John Grisham's first novel, Coffeeville Public Library

Last week, Susan Cassagne and I traveled to Starkville for a wonderful celebration the Starkville-Oktibbeha County Library held recognizing their "Mississippi Star Library" status through MLC. Late in 2016, MLC awarded star status to twelve libraries across the state based on per capita rates in four different areas including visits, circulation, program attendance, and public internet usage.

Mississippi Star Library celebration at Starkville

Parker Wiseman, Mayor of Starkville at the Starkville-Oktibbeha County Library

Board members, local dignitaries, and patrons of the library came out that day to recognize the staff for a job well done and we were honored to be a part of the festivities. Congratulations to all!

I'll be on the road again soon heading to McComb. I'm looking forward to learning about the great things going on with the Pike-Amite-Walthall Library System. Stay tuned for more from the road!

Library Love Letters

I really miss writing letters. When I was in my early teens, my mom would buy me beautiful boxed stationary kits with the melting wax and an initial stamp to seal the back. The paper always smelled so good coming out of the box and it was so much fun writing a letter to, say, my cousin about what I had been up to all summer.

As the years have passed, I don't write letters so much anymore. Recently we ran out of envelopes here at MLC, which is really an unusual thing. We never use many of them throughout the year... most of our contact is done by email and over the phone. Of course, it's that way for everyone these days. We are all so busy with such hectic lives, and with cell phone in hand we dash off a text to keep in touch in an instant.

I've had to sit down and actually write a few things down lately and I noticed a significant change in my handwriting. It's not as pretty and fluid as it used to be... a bit rusty you might say. My fingertips can move in a flash across a keyboard, but put a pen in my hand and I have to really think about it for a minute before putting that pen to paper.

With the upcoming legislative session, I want to encourage you to put your rusty writing skills to good use. The Mississippi Library Association is currently promoting Library Love Letters, a library advocacy program. Participating libraries can provide you with a postcard that can be sent to your lawmakers showing them that you support the library in your community. What has it meant to you and your family? Were you able to take a practice test, or land that better-paying job because of using their computers? Did your child attend an outstanding summer reading program?  Share your stories and experiences about your library. Just ask your librarian for a postcard to get started. If your local library isn't participating, it doesn't mean you can't join in. Contact mlcref@mlc.lib.ms.us and say you want to write your legislator about the importance of your library. They can provide you with your legislators' names and contact information.

Unless we all stand together in support of libraries and their value, state and local funding will continue to dwindle. Join me... write a letter. You can make a difference!

For more information about the Library Love Letters advocacy program, contact MLA's Advocacy Committee Chair, Jennifer Smith at jensmith@holmescc.edu.

Tips on How to Get Outside the Lines, Mississippi

By Mac Buntin, Senior Library Consultant and

Elisabeth Scott, Reference Librarian/Social Media Coordinator

 

We're pretty excited: Get Outside the Lines week is next week! The 13th annual Librarianship 101 coincides with this special week, so MLC's Get Outside the Lines event will be a literary pub quiz at Hal and Mal's for 101 participants. We can't wait to see what the other fourteen participating Mississippi libraries have up their sleeves. If you're looking to join this year's event, it's not too late; you can sign up here. If you need one or two (or three or four) ways to celebrate the vast array of services available at libraries beyond just books, we've put on our thinking caps and come up with a few good ideas.

We'll be back tomorrow with more ideas to help you get outside the lines!

Get Outside the Lines, Mississippi!

By Susan Liles, PR Director

Congratulations to the Mississippi libraries that are participating in this year's Outside the Lines! We're so pleased that fifteen Mississippi libraries are taking part in this year's events. This worldwide program works for those who are committed to engaging with your community to show the relevance of libraries today!

While many people support libraries, they may not understand that advocacy for libraries requires more than a simple appreciation of services. Library advocacy requires a willingness to tell a library's story and to sue advocacy daily to reach the desired outcome... increased funding and greater support! For those libraries that are on board (and those who are thinking about it!) below are a few tips to use during the week of September 11-17.

• Get your entire staff involved!
  Passionate librarians are a force to be reckoned with! Get them engaged to post on social media and to share information with patrons.
• Identify your resources!
  Do you have a great contact at the newspaper? Are you connected with the healthcare community in your area? Plan an event for the elders in your area and involve healthcare providers. Invite the media and make a big day of it! This won't cost you anything but a little time. The rewards are big! This is just an example... anything will work!
• Look for the small things!
  Even if you aren't having an event that week, look for small moments to capture. A child comes in to get their first library card; someone has great luck with a job application; a student does an outstanding report due to the help of your library... those sort of stories make a huge impact.
• Spread the word!
  Be sure to let your lawmakers know that you are participating in this week-long international initiative to show the importance of libraries today. Invited them to come in to read for storytime that week and take their photo. Post it everywhere... your social media, your website... you get the drift! Be sure to share it with your lawmakers too. Ask them to share it... and on and on and on.
• Use the hashtags!
  Make sure that all the other libraries involved know that Mississippi libraries mean business when it comes to telling our story. During that week, whenever you post something to social media be sure to use the hashtag - #getOTL and our Mississippi hashtag - #getOTLMS.

If you need assistance in any way, contact Susan Liles at MLC.

Join us later this week for more fun tips that will help you Get Outside the Lines!

This article previously appeared in the Fall 2016 issue of our enewsletter, On the Same Page, the best place to catch important MLC and MS library news.

Library Stories: Mississippi's Congressional District 4

The fourth Congressional District in Mississippi reaches across the southern region of the state and includes all of the Gulf Coast, stretching 90 miles between the Alabama border and the Louisiana border. It also extends north into the Pine Belt, and includes three of Mississippi's four most heavily populated cities: Biloxi, Gulfport, and Hattiesburg.

The residents of this large area are represented by Representative Steven Palazzo of Gulfport. Did you know that Senator Thad Cochran represented the area from January 3, 1973 to December 26, 1978? He resigned to take his seat on the United States Senate and continues to serve in that capacity today. His fellow senator is Senator Roger Wicker.

As we visit this district, the last in our series, I am reminded of what a beautiful and diverse area of the state it covers. From the Piney Woods to the Gulf Coast, it is one of the most visited areas in our state. Many outstanding libraries with a vast list of services cater to the needs of the citizens of this area.

Two of the projects from libraries included in the brochure I put together for our Washington "Library Advocacy Day" travelers were from this district. The Library of Hattiesburg, Petal, and Forrest County is one of the most beautiful libraries in the area. With its expansive space and beautiful artwork, it is a testament to the dedication of this community to providing outstanding library services. One of the projects they completed with LSTA funding was something that is crucial to the success of our children: providing ample computers so that they may conduct research, complete homework projects and reports, and improve their digital skills.

The Jackson-George Regional Library System also used their LSTA funding to impact the lives of children in their area. The Vancleave Public Library is now equipped with an Early Literacy Station to help children ages eight and under learn about digital literacy through a variety of interactive and entertaining programs. The station is also used by a group of older special-needs students from Vancleave High School.

Now that you've seen the great benefits of LSTA funding in this series of stories, you hopefully have a better understanding of the importance of federal dollars for our state's libraries. Please take a moment to email, call, or write your United States Representative, as well as Senators Cochran and Wicker, to let them know that these funds are being put to good use in communities across Mississippi. Stay tuned for more important Mississippi library advocacy tips, news, and stories!

Library Stories: Mississippi's Congressional District 3

The third congressional district of Mississippi covers a large area of central Mississippi and meanders from the Louisiana border on the west to the Alabama border on the east. The capital city of Jackson is a part of this district, along with the towns of Meridian, Starkville, and Natchez. This area is represented in Washington by Congressman Gregg Harper, a resident of Brandon, along with Senator Thad Cochran and Senator Roger Wicker.

Mississippi's 3rd Congressional District (in beige)

Over the last couple of months, I have shared some information about Districts 1 and 2; now you'll learn about the great LSTA projects going on in Congressional District 3! This group had one of my favorite projects, the LEGO Club at the Pike-Amite-Walthall Library System. This is a fantastic way for children to practice fine motor skills, to learn how to share, and to spend some time simply having fun. Just look at those faces!

In Lincoln-Lawrence-Franklin Regional Library branches, staff were able to install AWE Early Literacy Stations. These are very popular among young patrons and even many older children. The workstations contain literacy games, puzzles, and stories presented in a colorful, child-friendly format. These stations provide pleasurable and fun learning experiences for children and help them become life-long learners.

The funds distributed to libraries through LSTA grants are vital to successful programing in the communities across our state. Be sure to write your congressmen and senators to tell them how much you appreciate their support of federal funding for libraries. It really does make a difference! Soon we will travel to Congressional District 4 and learn about our final group of projects. Stay tuned!

Library Stories: Mississippi's Congressional District 2

Congressional District 2
Jackson area highlighted

Covering much of western Mississippi, Congressional District 2 is over 275 miles long and 180 miles wide with the Mississippi River as its border. It encompasses Jackson and much of the Delta region of the state, and is home to four public colleges and universities. Representative Bennie Thompson serves the interests of this region in Washington, D.C., along with Senator Thad Cochran and Senator Roger Wicker, who represent the entire state.

A few weeks ago, I talked about the fantastic work being done with LSTA grant funds in libraries in Congressional District 1. These folks are doing great work and I continue to be amazed at what they accomplish for their patrons. This week I'd like to highlight some of the terrific projects in Congressional District 2 that are funded by the Grants to States program. Grants to States projects support the purposes and priorities outlined in the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

The terrific projects in this district have made a huge impact on their communities. Copiah-Jefferson Regional Library System wanted to expand their services and introduce Urban Fiction and African-American subject matter in sufficient quantities to meet the demands of their library community. They were able to purchase over 300 books on these subjects and have seen a 53% circulation rate of the new materials.

A patron enjoying one of the new books.

The Sunflower County Library System focused on the needs of their senior adult patrons by offering a basic computer training class to help these members of their library family acquire skills in word processing, basic internet searches, and keyboarding. One of their classes decided to put together a group of recipes and shared them with each other as their final class project!

Senior adult computer class graduates in Drew, Mississippi

These important projects are just part of what makes Mississippi's libraries vital to communities across the state. Our libraries are changing lives. Next time, learn about what great projects are happening in Congressional District 3!

Library Stories: Mississippi's Congressional District 1

Recently, we posted a story about representatives from Mississippi attending the National Library Legislative Day in Washington, D.C. to advocate for libraries on a federal level. For those of you who are not familiar with this, the agency's funding comes not only from the Mississippi Legislature, but also receives support from the federal government. Each year, over 2,500 Grants to States projects support the purposes and priorities outlined in the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). Grants to States funds have been used to meet the needs of children, teenagers, adult learners, senior citizens, and others across America.

When she began planning her trip to Washington with members of MLC's Board of Commissioners, Susan C.asked me to put together a brochure for the group to take with them to share with Mississippi's members of Congress. I couldn't wait to get started! She chose a few of the projects funded by LSTA grants from each of the four Congressional Districts and my work began. Showing our members of Congress what these funds mean to their communities here in Mississippi made the task even more exciting. As I began to contact the libraries of the selected projects, I was incredibly moved by the stories I was told about what these funds are able to help libraries achieve. Once our officials have a chance to review the projects, we hope they will push for greater funding for us on a federal level.

Mississippi Congressional District 1

I've always found the workings of our government on a state and national level to be a bit daunting and hard to understand. Once I began my public service career over 10 years ago, it all started to make more sense. On a national level, Mississippi has two senators: The Honorable Thad Cochran and The Honorable Roger Wicker represent the entire state. On the House of Representatives side, the state is broken down into four districts, with one representative from each district.

Congressional District 1 is in the northeast corner of Mississippi and includes the communities of Columbus, Oxford, Southaven, and Tupelo. The Honorable Trent Kelly of Saltillo represents this district in the House of Representatives. Libraries in Congressional District 1 have accomplished a great deal with their LSTA grant funds.

The Benton County Library System used their 2015 LSTA grant funds to purchase new books for their young adult collection. This group of preteens and teens is a vital part of their library family. The young readers were excited to have the expanded, updated collection and were thrilled with the new selection of choices. They began to visit the library more often and the library realized an eight percent increase in visits from this group. Shannon L., age 14, read approximately 45 of the new books over the summer.

The LSTA grant allowed the Yalobusha County Public Library System to address specific development gaps in their collection. Materials for children and large print books for adults were their focus and they were able to acquire 37 large print titles and 60 children's titles. The new books in their collection were a very welcome addition. Library system director Patty Bailey stated, "Our library system is small and underfunded. Without LSTA grant funds, we could not keep up with the local need for books and materials. The funds give us a much-needed boost so we can provide better materials for our patrons."

Stay tuned for more great LSTA grant projects happening in Mississippi libraries!

Mississippians Participate in National Library Legislative Day

May 2 and 3 marked the annual advocacy gathering of hundreds of librarians and library supporters in Washington, D.C. for National Library Legislative Day. A diverse group of Mississippi Library Association librarians--from public, school, academic, and state libraries--made the trip: Dr. Glenda Segars, Jolee Hussey, Pamela Pridgen, Suzanne Poyner, Ann Marsh, Susan Cassagne, Jenniffer Stephenson, Erin Busbea, and Cecelia Parks were in attendance.

Out and about in Washington, D.C.

The librarians spoke with our legislators about a variety of issues and programs happening in libraries in the United States, including these, which are especially important for Mississippians:

• The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) is the only federally funded program for libraries. Mississippi libraries have used this funding on a variety of programs and projects. To name just a few, they've implemented innovative autism resource centers, bought new computers for public use, and now offer much-needed computer classes for students, seniors, and job seekers. Stay tuned--we'll be sharing Mississippi's LSTA success stories on this blog in the coming months.
• Innovative Approaches to Literacy Funding is an important program that assists with books and literacy programs in our school libraries.
• Programs that keep us up-to-date and competitive in areas where we are technologically deficient, including support of public WiFi access, network neutrality, and the Lifeline program, which would help fund broadband.
• The Marrakesh Treaty affects over 107,000 Mississippians with print disabilities. It will make print materials available in accessible digitized formats.

The Mississippi contingent

Sessions were hosted by the American Library Association

Planning the day

Waiting in Senator Roger Wicker's office to meet
with his Legislative Assistant, Sarah Lloyd Stevenson

MLC Executive Director Susan Cassagne said of the conference, "It is always an honor to represent Mississippi's libraries and visit with our congressional delegates.The visits give us the opportunity to tell the stories of how the services our libraries provide and their services are positively impacting citizens and communities across our state. Libraries do transform!"

Library Advocacy with a Side of BBQ

By Lacy Ellinwood

Senior Library Consultant

Mississippi Library Commission

March 8^th, 2016 marked a successful partnership between two Mississippi library advocacy organizations, the Friends of Mississippi Libraries and the Mississippi Library Association. Mississippi Library Day was split between two awareness events. The morning was spent at the State Capitol Building in the first floor rotunda. Librarians and library supporters from around the state convened to talk to legislators about issues that are affecting Mississippi public libraries, such as the Mississippi Library Commission Statewide Broadband initiative, as well as issues that impact local library systems. There was ample opportunity to share support on social media, using the event hashtag #MSLibraryDay.

Check out Pete the Cat and the Cat in the Hat showing support for local libraries.

That evening, “The Legislative Lawn Party: Bluegrass, Brews, and Barbeque” was hosted at the Mississippi Library Commission. This event provided the opportunity for local legislators and librarians to enjoy library advocacy in a more informal environment. Nearly 40 senators and representatives attended this event, which allowed for library directors and supporters to spend a little extra one on one time with their legislators. Thirty-three local Friends of the library organizations supported this event, representing libraries from Pascagoula to Pelahatchie. The event would not have been possible without support from local business, Lucky Town Brewing Company, as well as the musical stylings of The Angel Bandits.

The Angel Bandits

Legislators, librarians, and librarians mingle on the grounds of the
Mississippi Library Commission.

The Mississippi Library Association and Friends of the Library organizations look forward to partnering for next year’s library advocacy event. Now go to your local library and ask them how their work changes lives!