Union County Library one of top 12 in state, continues to expand services

The Union County Library System continues to gain honors and expand services under the leadership of Director Sissy Bullock.

This past week the library was given Star Library status for the second year in a row.

The designation is based on usage, including item circulation, program participation and electronic use and participation.

The libraries are divided into four groups based on budget with Union County in the lowest and rating represents nationally recognized standards in library service. Only 12 libraries in the state were granted Star Library status.

The other two libraries in Union County’s group were Sharkey-Issaquena and Marks-Quitman.

The winning libraries will receive a certificate and a Mississippi Star Library star to feature on their website.

Andi Thompson, left, will present Storytime. At right is branch manager Leanne George.

Myrtle Nance-McNeely Library

Hours of service are expanding at the Myrtle branch and a regular Storytime for Children is being added.

Library hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Branch Manager Leanne George will be aided by New Albany staffer Andi Thompson, who will present the story time at 10 a.m. Saturday. She also presents story time in New Albany.

Outgoing Friends of the Library President Anita Buster, right, presents Golden Book Award to Linda Everett.

Golden Book Award and Friends of the Library

Friends President Anita Buster presented the Golden Book Award to Linda Everett at the February program, in recognition of her history of service to the library. The previous winners are listed on a plaque in the meeting room. Buster also announced that she was relinquishing her position after 15 years and that Cathy Garrett will assume the position of president.

Myrtle librarian Leanne George with some of the 101 children’s books purchased with the grant

Pilcrow Foundation Grant

The library has received a grant from the Pilcrow Foundation which will allow the acquisition of 101 children’s books. The foundation’s mission is to provide new, quality, hardcover children’s books to rural public libraries across the United States. Pilcrow is the name of the graphic symbol used in text to mark the beginning of a new paragraph.

Matthew Clements with the first micro library

The first micro library

A new feature is the micro library, designed to make it easier for some to check out books, particularly at locations they may be for a while.

The first one is at Nichols Foods and Deli on Clarke Street. A cart with current books and magazines is available and to check a book out, one texts a three-digit number to 662-598-1786. To check the book back in, text the number in again when you return the book.

Director Bullock hopes to have more of the micro libraries in other locations in New Albany. “We want to make the library accessible to all,” she said.

New Albany Garden Club members, from left, Mary Webb, Carol Riddell and Betty Campbell

Other projects

An exhibit on birds is on display in a case in the library that was done by members of the New Albany Garden Club.

On March 2, Amy Andrews will present her program on decorating eggs with clients of New Haven Center for Special Needs Adults in attendance.