Mission & History

The mission of the Mississippi Library Association is to provide professional leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.

MLA is a chapter of the American Library Association and the Southeastern Library Association.

History

The Mississippi Library Association was organized October 29, 1909, by Whitman Davis, librarian at Mississippi A & M College. On January 13, 1968, the Association became a corporation with its official name being Mississippi Library Association, Inc. Offices were established at Millsaps College in October 1978, and its first Executive Secretary was hired. The office was moved to the library at Mississippi College in January 1982, and in August 1987 it was moved to the Mississippi Library Commission building at 1221 Ellis Avenue, Jackson, Mississippi. With the completion of the new Mississippi Library Commission building in November 2005, the MLA office moved to that facility at 3881 Eastwood Drive, Jackson.

Past Presidents

Phillip Carter, 2023

Stephen Parks, 2022

Mara Villa-Polk, 2021

Mary Beth Applin, 2020

Sarah Chrisler-Ruskey, 2019

Sarah Mangrum, 2018

Jenniffer Stephenson, 2017

Molly McManus, 2016

Patsy C. Brewer, 2015

Amanda Powers, 2014

Lynn Shurden, 2013
Stephen Cunetto, 2012
Jennifer Smith, 2011
Ann Branton, 2010
Jan Willis, 2009
Jeff Slagell, 2008
Catherine Nathan, 2007
Susan Cassagne, 2006 (Officers stayed on an additional year due to Hurricane Katrina)
Susan Cassagne, 2005
Juanita Flanders, 2004
Prima Plauche, 2003
Terry Latour, 2002
Henry Ledet, 2001
Rhonda Tynes, 2000
Suzanna (Suzy) Turner, 1999
Paulette D. Entrekin, 1998
Glenda Segars, 1996, 1997
Charline Longino, 1995
Deb Mitchell, 1994
Sherry Laughlin, 1993
Kenneth P. Chapman, 1992
Richard Greene, 1991
June M. Breland, 1990
Sid Graves, 1989
Jane C. Bryan, 1988
Pamela S. (Lambert) Pridgen, 1987
Frances N. Coleman, 1986
Barbara Carroon, 1985
Anice Powell, 1984
Myra Jo Wilson, 1983
Jack Mulkey, 1982
Savan Tynes Wilson, 1981
Lelia Rhodes, 1980
Madel Morgan, 1979
Jim Parks, 1978
Jim Anderson, 1977
Jeannine Laughlin, 1976
LePoint Smith, 1975
Warren Tracy, 1974
Eleanor Drake, 1973
Iola Magee, 1972
Edith H. Everett, 1971
J. B. Howell, 1970
Frances Hardy, 1969
Margaret Peebles, 1968
Sybil Ann Hanna, 1967
Mary Emma Smith, 1966
Maxyne M. Grimes, 1965
Etta E. Pace, 1964
Maria F. Person, 1963
Glida L. Bethea, 1962
Alan G. Skelton, 1961
Mary Jo Magee Ross, 1960
Jeanne Broach, 1957-1959
Mary E. Love, 1953-1957
Manie L. Berry, 1952-1955
Anona Jenkins Falls, 1951-1953
Donald E. Thompson, 1949-1951
Augusta B. Richardson, 1947-1949