Richard Greene, Executive Director of the Mid-Mississippi Regional Library System will be retiring on June 30, 2018 after 42 years of outstanding and dedicated service.  Richard began his career with the Library System in 1976.  Prior to becoming Executive Director of MMRLS, he served 2 years as Executive Director of the Starkville-Oktibbeha County Public Library System.

Richard obtained his Bachelor’s degree from Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester New York and his Master’s Degree in Library Science from Syracuse University in Syracuse New York and advanced business courses at Mississippi State University.

Richard is a Past President, Vice President and Legislative Chairman of the Mississippi Library Association.  He received the Association’s prestigious Peggy May State Service Award in 2000.

Richard successfully led the statewide efforts to have the Mississippi Legislature fund 100% statewide health insurance for all public library employees.

Active in his community, Richard received the 1986 Outstanding Citizen Award and the 1986 Golden Shovel Award from the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce.  He is a Past President and Vice President of the Kosciusko Lions Club. He served several years as Staff-Parish Chairman of the Kosciusko First United Methodist Church.

During the 42 years of Richard’s administration, all 13 system libraries have built new buildings or added additions to their buildings, installed public access internet computers, installed an automated circulation system, gained access to over 3.2 million books through the Mississippi Library Partnership, provided Wi-Fi service, and participated in ongoing staff training and development.