The Mississippi Library Commission extends a special thank-you to Jennifer McCullough and the Franklin County Library in Meadville, Mississippi, for organizing and facilitating a Day of Veterans’ Stories in collaboration with MLC.
As part of this event, MLC interviewed and recorded local veterans to help expand the U.S. Library of Congress Veterans History Project, preserving firsthand accounts of military service for future generations.
Featured veterans include:
1. Sergeant Major Ric Wege
U.S. Army, Vietnam Non-Combat, and Army National Guard, Desert Storm
2. Staff Sergeant Mike Corban
U.S. Army, Vietnam
3. Petty Officer Second Class Joe Bowlin
U.S. Navy, Vietnam
4. Corporal Joseph Ingram
U.S. Army, Global War on Terrorism, OEF Afghanistan, and OIF Iraq
5. Colonel Murray “Ray” Carlock
Army National Guard, Global War on Terrorism, OEF Afghanistan
6. Sergeant Josh Herring
U.S. Marine, Global War on Terrorism, OEF Afghanistan, and OIF Iraq
Through their stories, these veterans help preserve the history of service, sacrifice, and courage that continues to shape our nation.
As America prepares to mark 250 years, MLC is honored to help document and share the voices of those who served.
Thank you to our United States veterans.
#VeteransHistoryProject #LibraryOfCongress #MississippiLibraries #Veterans #America250 #MLC
MLC 100 in Retrospect!
In 1972, the Revenue Sharing Act had a significant impact on the growth of Mississippi public libraries, helping support continued development across the state.
That same year, the establishment of multi-county library systems continued with the formation of the Marion-Jefferson Davis Regional System. In 1977, the system changed its name to the South Mississippi Regional Library System.
Together, these milestones reflected a continued push toward stronger public library service and regional cooperation in Mississippi.
#MLC100 #MSLibraries #LibraryHistory #MississippiHistory #PublicLibraries
Alt text:
Historic photo of a federal bill-signing ceremony for the Revenue Sharing Act in 1972. A seated official signs a document at a desk while several people stand nearby, with an audience gathered in front. The image is used in an MLC 100 in Retrospect post about the impact of revenue sharing on the growth of Mississippi public libraries in 1972. The MLC 100 logo is placed in the bottom right corner.
#TBT to a creative way libraries encouraged young readers to return their books.
This old-school idea from the archives used “library mailboxes” for preschool children. After the children returned their books, a small prize was placed inside their mailbox. When the red flag was up, they knew a treat was waiting.
According to the original note, “This was a big hit!”
A sweet reminder that libraries have always found fun ways to build reading habits, responsibility, and excitement around books.
#ThrowbackThursday #MSLibraries #LibraryHistory #MLC100 #MississippiLibraries
Alt text:
Historic color photograph of a young child standing beside a library shelf filled with small white mailboxes and books. The child is wearing a maroon Mississippi State outfit and holding an elephant-shaped mask over their face. The library area includes shelves, books, and children’s materials.
Image source: Mississippi Digital Library
It’s National Dance Like a Chicken Day and we're clucking with excitement at MLC!
Your library can bring extra fun to storytime, library programs, or special events too! The Mississippi Library Commission has a collection of costumes available for Mississippi public libraries to check out for library use.
If you are a public library and want to reserve a costume, contact our Special Collections Coordinator, Charlie Simpkins, at [email protected].
You can find the complete selection of costumes here: /mlc-special-collections
#NationalDanceLikeAChickenDay #MLCSpecialCollections #MississippiLibraries #LibraryPrograms #StorytimeFun
Alt Text: Video created for National Dance Like a Chicken Day. Five MLC staff dance to the chicken dance song while also walking. One staff member is wearing an inflatable chicken costume and one is wearing an inflatable t-rex costume. The end frame says "A little fun goes a long way at your Mississippi Public Library." "Happy National Chicken Dance Day." with an animated chicken head under the words.
MLC 100 in Retrospect
In 1970, Mississippi reached a major public library milestone.
That year, all 82 counties were reportedly supporting public library service, marking an important step toward broader library access across the state.
This milestone reflected decades of work to expand public library service beyond individual towns and cities and into communities throughout Mississippi.
Explore more milestones as we celebrate 100 years of library service in Mississippi.
#MLC100 #MSLibraries #LibraryHistory #PublicLibraries #MississippiHistory
Alt Text:
Graphic for MLC 100 in Retrospect featuring a blue map of Mississippi divided by county lines. Large text reads, “All 82 Counties Supporting Public Libraries.” Additional text reads, “Mississippi Library Commission, MLC 100 in Retrospect, 1970.”
MLC 100-in Retrospect!
In 1970, Mississippi’s network of multi-county library systems continued to grow with the formation of the Jackson-George Regional Library System.
The development of regional systems helped expand public library service, strengthen local support, and connect more communities with shared library resources.
This continued growth reflected MLC’s ongoing work to support public library development across Mississippi.
Explore more milestones as we celebrate 100 years of library service in Mississippi.
#MLC100 #MSLibraries #LibraryHistory #RegionalLibraries #PublicLibraries #MississippiHistory
Alt Text:
Graphic or historic image representing the formation of the Jackson-George Regional Library System in 1970 and the continued growth of multi-county library service in Mississippi.
Celebrate National Apple Pie Day!
Apple pie has long been part of America’s story — shared at family tables, community gatherings, church suppers, and holiday celebrations across generations.
As we look toward America 250, Mississippi libraries continue to do their part to preserve recipes, cookbooks, family histories, and local stories that connect us to our communities and traditions.
What apple pie recipe or tradition has been passed down from your family or friends? Share it in the comments!
Learn more about your local library at: www.mlc.lib.ms.us
#NationalApplePieDay #America250 #MLC100 #MississippiLibraries
Credit: Courtesy of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History
AltText: Black-and-white vintage photo celebrating National Apple Pie Day. A Mississippi woman in a dress and apron places a pie into an oven during what appears to be a baking competition or fair. Signs for North Carolina, Mississippi, and Virginia are visible in the background. Large text reads “National Apple Pie Day!” with an apple pie graphic replacing the “O” in “National.” Mississippi Library Commission and America 250 Mississippi logos appear at the bottom.
MLC 100 in Retrospect!
In 1970, the Mississippi Library Commission expanded access for readers with disabilities.
With federal funds provided under Title IV-B, the Blind and Physically Handicapped Department was created and formally opened on July 15, 1970, as part of MLC.
This service, now known as Talking Book Services, provides free reading materials in accessible formats to Mississippians with visual, physical, or other reading disabilities through a partnership with the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled.
Explore more milestones as we celebrate 100 years of library service in Mississippi.
#MLC100 #MSLibraries #LibraryHistory #TalkingBooks #AccessibleLibraries #DisabilityAccess #MississippiHistory
Alt Text:
Black-and-white newspaper clipping from The Clarion-Ledger Jackson Daily News dated Sunday, May 7, 1972. The photo shows a staff member from the Mississippi Library Commission demonstrating a talking book machine to a blind woman who is examining a set of headphones during a conference for the blind in Jackson. The article headline reads “Talking Book,” and the MLC 100 logo appears in the bottom right corner of the graphic.
Are you ready to set sail?
Calling all readers ages 11–13 in 6th–8th grade to "Come Read With Us!"
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with "Links to Liberty" by Robert J. Skead with Robert A. Skead. Discover mystery, courage, and history woven together in a fast-paced story perfect for middle-grade readers.
Whether you love action, historical fiction, or stories about friendship and bravery, this book is a great pick for your next read. Visit your local library to check it out and explore even more great books for young readers.
Explore the full “Come Read With Us” book list at:
https://www.mlc.lib.ms.us/america-250/come-read-with-us-2/
#ComeReadWithUs #AM250 #MSLibraries
Alt Text:
Graphic promoting “Come Read With Us” featuring the book cover “Links to Liberty” by Robert J. Skead with Robert A. Skead for readers ages 11–13 in 6th through 8th grade. The graphic features the book cover, with two young boys kneeling on a hill. One holding a gun and the other pointing his finger towards the ocean. The design uses patriotic colors, includes the Mississippi Library Commission logo, and a QR code and link URL that directs users to a related book list.
We’re hiring!
The Mississippi Library Commission is seeking a Facility Operations Director to support agency operations and help ensure effective services for staff and public libraries across Mississippi.
In this role, you will assist with coordinating internal processes, supporting organizational functions, and helping maintain efficient day-to-day operations.
Apply for the Facility Operations Director position at the Mississippi Library Commission: /datv19n
Alt Text: Animated video with on-screen text announcing a job opening for an Operations Director at the Mississippi Library Commission and directing viewers to apply online.
MLC 100 in Retrospect
Public Library Summer Reading programs began in Mississippi in 1969.
What started as a statewide library milestone became a lasting tradition that continues to encourage reading, learning, discovery, and library visits for children and families each summer.
More than five decades later, Summer Reading remains one of the most recognizable and beloved public library programs in Mississippi.
This year (2026) , public libraries across the state are inviting readers to “Unearth a Story” through books, programs, activities, and summer adventures for all ages.
Check with your local public library to see what Summer Reading programs are happening near you.
#MLC100 #MSLibraries #LibraryHistory #SummerReading #MississippiLibraries #UnearthAStory
Alt text: Illustrated summer reading graphic with the words “Summer Reading” and “Unearth a Story” at the top. In the center, a child dressed as an archaeologist holds a magnifying glass and stands surrounded by archaeology-themed objects including pottery pieces, maps, a shovel, fossils, a Jeep, pickaxes, a tent, a campfire, palm trees, books, and artifacts. The MLC 100 logo appears in the bottom right corner.
MLC 100-in Retrospect!
In 1969, the Mississippi Legislature adopted a unique state aid program - the Personnel Incentive Grant Program. The purpose was to upgrade public library personnel and to bring salaries in line with those of other states. In the same year, MLC established a central purchasing and processing center to support public libraries that lacked the staff to do so. Public libraries' summer reading programs also began in 1969. Additionally, in 1969, the Shelby Memorial Library in Columbia signed a contract with the Pike Amite Library System to provide a bookmobile service that would visit 33 stops in Marion County on a biweekly basis. The establishment of multi-county library systems in the state continued with the formation of the Kemper Newton System in 1969.
Alt Text: Black and white photo of a woman standing on a ladder, shelving books smiling.
