Changes: What’s Going On?

by Hulen Bivins, Executive Director

The time of “now” is changing rapidly. For the past ten-plus decades, the changes in “now” came at a slower pace with methodical and precise actions. Today, changes are being put forward on a bullet train that is quickly bringing changes to social structures, long-standing norms, and what were formerly considered to be well-established behaviors.

These changes, which are often grouped under the heading of social changes seem to be driven by numerous factors including technological advancements, political movements, economic shifts, demographic changes, cultural influences, and natural disasters.

Regarding the rapid changes in libraries, there has been a reconsideration of who is the constituency of the library. Discussions are being held to note the characteristics of who the library serves and how that service is provided. For many libraries, these discussions call for decisions as to whether the library is an information gateway or is it an information gatekeeper.



But even with all the changes, libraries remain for citizens as the starting place for whatever you, the information seeker, want to be next. Indeed, libraries are the information outlet for all citizens who might need assistance in life’s transitions, and it is the gathering place purposely designed to serve all of any community with knowledge.

Libraries have always done more than just deliver information. The real story is what happens before and after information gets into the hands of any community’s people. 

Today, social structures, norms, beliefs, and behaviors are constantly evolving with no single aspect of any community remaining static. Indeed, it is a fundamental principle that change is the only constant within a community or culture.

All of these considerations illustrate the thoughts of the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus, who famously said "You cannot step into the same river twice," signifying that everything is in a state of flux including changes in past standards and changes in new actions that are introduced under the heading of advancement.

Christmas Cheer at the Tallahatchie County Library System

The team at the Tallahatchie County Library System expressed their excitement about the recent Christmas at the Library event held in Charleston on December 12th. The festivities were a tremendous success, drawing over 100 children and their parents for an evening filled with holiday joy.

The night featured a range of enjoyable activities, including various crafts and treats that delighted attendees of all ages. A highlight of the evening was the chance for children to meet Santa, creating memorable moments captured in treasured photos.

In a spirit of generosity, the library distributed approximately 130 books to the children, nurturing a love for reading that is sure to last well beyond the holiday season. Pictured above are staff and volunteers.

Visit https://tallahatchie.lib.ms.us/ for more information.

Tech Services Installs New Computers For Tombigbee

Technology Services Division provides free limited technical assistance, technical training, and technical consulting to public library staff. Technology Services also acts as a liaison between the library, library vendors and C-Spire to handle issues such as internet outages, internet filtering, internet firewalls, and email problems.

IT Support Technician Jeremy Hammack worked on installing a computers at the Tombigbee Regional Library System with IT Support Technician Neil Machowski (below) at Eupora, Wren, Nettleton, and Amory branches, installing new computers and fixing various other issues they were having with equipment.

Libraries may contact the Technology Services Help Desk via a toll-free telephone number or via email.

Contact the Help Desk at: 1.877.652.8324 or helpdesk@mlc.lib.ms.us.

Talking Book Services at the Attala County Library Braille Symposium

During Braille Literacy Month in January, Talking Book Services participated in the Attala County Library Braille Symposium in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Numerous service providers and resource organizations around the state gathered to showcase services available for braille readers as well as provided braille information for community members to explore.

The TBS booth featured demonstrations for our accessible devices; braille materials such as magazines, Twin Vision books, and tactile books; and plenty of informational materials for patrons. This symposium provided the community with an opportunity of connecting through learning. Megan Fleming, TBS Outreach Librarian, is available to collaborate with librarians on programming or partnerships in their community.

To contact our department, email talkingbooks@mlc.lib.ms.us or call 601-432-4151. 

Waynesboro Mayoral Match Challenge

In November, Waynesboro Mayor Richard Johnson challenged the Waynesboro-Wayne County Library to raise $20,000 by January 31, promising to match the amount. The community responded with $25,620 from 75 patrons, seven organizations, and six businesses. With the Mayor's match, the total reached $45,620.

The library expressed gratitude for the financial and in-kind support, including donations of books and volunteer time. Last year, it served 52,390 visitors. Director Patsy C. Brewer plans to use the funds to enhance programs, expand the Seed Library, host a children’s exhibit, and upgrade security systems after a recent robbery.

The library board and staff thank Mayor Johnson for his vital support, which enhances their community services and partnerships. Find out more about the Waynesboro-Wayne County Library at https://wwcls.lib.ms.us/.

As a part of her services to public library systems, Ruth Jinkiri offers a robust range of autism and disability support resources, including weekly meetings online and in-person.

Ruth participates in community-based parent support groups for learners with autism as well as teaching Mississippi public libraries how to organize and host these support groups. Having a support group in public libraries across the state, Jinkiri says, encourages caregivers the opportunity to share and learn from each other about health and wellness resources. It also encourages attendees to be involved with relevant and supportive programs in the library, while strengthening community and library relations.

If your library would like to work towards hosting a support group, you can reach Ruth at rjinkiri@mlc.lib.ms.us or at (601) 432-4035.

The USDA Forest Service is excited to learn about how the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge went at your location. If you can please take just a few moments to complete the following survey, that would be greatly appreciated: https://forms.office.com/g/QQq84KgKut.Your responses will provide vital information regarding the program’s reach across the country. The Forest Service also welcomes any additional stories, pictures, or other information you would like to share about the challenge that you are not able to include in the survey response (email rachel.bayer@usda.gov).

Talk Story 2025 Grant

Talk Story: Sharing Stories, Sharing Culture is a family literacy initiative that connects Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI), and American Indigenous or Alaskan Native (AIAN) communities across generations. The Talk Story micro-grant celebrates and explores AANHPI and AIAN stories through books, oral traditions, and cultural arts to provide interactive and enriching experiences for all ages. This grant provides financial support to libraries and community organizations who are motivated to promote intergenerational literacy through programming, services, and collections. Talk Story programs may be conducted in-person or virtually. 

The Grant Information and Application fields can be accessed on the APALA website: apalaweb.org/talkstorytogether/grant/ and the AILA website: ailanet.org.

To submit your proposal, please use the online form: https://forms.gle/3vUy3EuCFUxBuiKZ9

Deadline: March 15, 2025

Awards Announced: May 1, 2025

Grant Amount: $500

Grants Offered: 4 total

Grant Period: May 1, 2025 - November 30, 2025

It’s that time of the year for the Friends to file their IRS 990 e-Postcards, and renew their membership with the Friends of Mississippi Libraries, Inc. Please remember to fill out the entire membership form. This is what is used to develop a list of emails to contact regarding any important Friends of the Library business. We've added a new question the membership form regarding the sharing of your contact email with other Friends groups around the state.

The renewal form is attached to this email in PDF and MS Word formats. We ask that you forward this email to any newly responsible party if you no longer serve in this capacity for your Friends organization.

• The deadline for the e-Postcard and annual renewal is May 15th, 2025.

• Use this link for filing: File IRS Form 990 e-Postcard
• The Friends should NOT be charged for filing the 990 e-Postcard with the IRS. There is no paper form.
• You must use your individual EIN and NOT the EIN affiliated with the state Friends. For questions about your individual EIN please contact us before filing.

Remember, even if your Friends did not raise any money in 2024 the e-Postcard still needs to be filed to remain in good standing with the state Friends and the IRS.

In addition to the above, there is a new REQUIRED form through the MS Business Services & Regulations Division that all non-profits, including Friends of the Library groups, must fill out. The Business Services & Regulations Division processes the formation of Mississippi corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other business and non-profit entities. I have included information about what will be required to submit below. You can read more about that legal update here: House Bill (HB) 1344.

• Deadline is May 15^th.

You will be required to create/use your previous login for the Charities division at the Business Services division to file this new form. You will be required to input your personal information to verify you’re a real person. Do not use the same address for personal and business sections of the form; it causes an error that requires someone to call you. There is $0 fee for filing this form with the Secretary of State’s office.

Need Help? Contact Sharon Davis at 601.432.4005 or email at sdavis@mlc.lib.ms.us.