Ellisville Public Library grand opening
On July 9, the Friends of the Ellisville Public Library and the Jones County Economic Development Authority hosted the grand opening of the new Ellisville Public Library facility. Attended by over 150 people, the event drew state and local officials as well as local residents. Three grants made up the majority of the funding needed for the new facility. Senator Thad Cochran sponsored a $250,000 line item grant through Housing and Urban Development. A $275,000 grant came from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development Authority. A $300,000 Public Library Capital Improvement Grant from the Mississippi Legislature was administered by the Mississippi Library Commission. The City of Ellisville and Jones County Board of Supervisors provided money to match grants as well as pay for other needs that arose during construction.
The Friends provided refreshments, balloons and bookmarks for the event. Children attending the event were entered in a drawing for two gift cards to a local bookstore donated by an area business.
“We were so thrilled to have a great crowd for the opening of our beautiful new facility,” said Director Mary Louise Breland. “The community has been campaigning for this new facility for a while and it is finally complete.”
After over seven years of planning and securing funding, the new facility quietly opened its doors to the public on May 26. In the first month alone, the library saw an increase in library visits of over 300%. Circulation soared as well, jumping from over 400 items in May to over 1,600 items in June. The new facility provides room for programs. The library already hosted the Summer Reading program. A weekly Toddler Time is scheduled to being in August.
“Community response to the new facility has been great,” said Assistant Director Carolyn Russell. “We received an Institute of Museum and Library Services Library Services and Technology Act grant from the Mississippi Library Commission to develop a children’s collection.” The children in the community have responded with circulation jumping by 800 items in one month alone. The new facility boasts eight public access computers courtesy of a Gates grant as well.
“I am just so thankful the new library is finally completed,” said Breland. “It has been a long wait but the beautiful new facility and the community response prove it was worth it.”
From L to R Front Row: State Representative Bobby Shows; Mr. Frank Williams, Alderman, City of Ellisville; Mr. James Holifield, Alderman, City of Ellisville; Mrs. Pat Holifield, President, Friends of the Ellisville Public Library; Mrs. Julie Laird, Laurel-Jones County Library System, Inc. Board of Trustees; Mayor Tim Waldrup of Ellisville; Mrs. Carolyn Mason, Laurel-Jones County Library System, Inc. Board of Trustees; Miss Michelle Rogers, Ellisville Branch Librarian
Back Row: Mr. Andy Dial, President, Jones County Board of Supervisors; State Representative Gary Staples; Mr. Win Ellington, Senator Thad Cochran’s Office; Mr. Doug Landrum, Alderman, City of Ellisville; Mrs. Jeannette Walker, President, Laurel-Jones County Library System, Inc. Board of Trustees; Mrs. Paulette Entrekin, former Director of Laurel-Jones County Library System, Inc.; Ms. Mary Louise Breland, Director, Laurel-Jones County Library System, Inc.
Entry Filed under: News
Posted on: August 20th, 2009
