The State of Mississippi is taking steps to revitalize its long-neglected libraries, including the demolition of the Eudora Welty Library building in Jackson. The Jackson-Hinds Library Board of Trustees hopes that new funding and leadership will help address the system’s facility challenges and funding cuts.
Former executive director Floyd Council resigned after two years, citing significant growth under his leadership. However, the board had been struggling to maintain libraries due to a lack of funding for repairs and damage from thieves. In recent years, some libraries have fallen into disrepair, with the Richard Wright Library in South Jackson sitting boarded up for years.
The board is now searching for a new executive director and has received $3.75 million in federal grant funds to restore library service to downtown Jackson. President Joe Biden signed the spending bill in March, which included historic funding for the Eudora Welty Library.
Despite the progress, there are still concerns about how the funds will be allocated. The City of Jackson has proposed a $1.5-million endowment to support capital repairs at Jackson branches, but the library board and city officials have not yet finalized an agreement on how to use the funds. Both parties agree that the endowment will only be used for libraries within the city limits.
The new leadership hopes to revitalize the system and provide essential services to the community. As Board President Peyton Smith said, “For a lot of people, the library has not been a good story for a long time. And people need it.”
Source: https://www.mississippifreepress.org/million-dollar-endowment-would-fund-needed-repairs-at-jacksons-libraries-prevent-closures