Mississippi Library Commission

In 1976, the Mississippi Library Commission marked 50 years of statewide library service.

Established by the Mississippi Legislature in 1926, MLC was created to support library development, traveling library service, library data collection, and annual reporting to the Legislature.

During MLC’s 50th year, public library growth continued across Mississippi. On the Gulf Coast, the Harrison County Library System began its first fiscal year of operation in October 1976. In South Mississippi, the Lucedale/George County Public Library opened a new library in April 1976 with state revenue funds, and the building now housing the Frank L. Leggett Public Library in Bassfield was constructed in 1976.

MLC also participated in the nation’s Bicentennial through Books for the Mansion, a project sponsored by former First Lady Carroll Waller, that collected autographed books by Mississippi authors for the Governor’s Mansion.

Together, these milestones show a year of anniversary, transition, cultural preservation, and continued investment in public library access across Mississippi.



Alt text: Black-and-white historic photograph of a large public gathering outside a newly constructed building. The background is green and gold, and the MLC 100 logo is in the bottom right corner.

We’ll be sharing Summer Reading Program highlights from libraries across Mississippi all summer long!

These programs show just how much happens at our public libraries, from reading and storytelling to STEAM learning, hands-on activities, creativity, community connection, and plenty of summer fun. Programs like this help children and families keep learning, exploring, and building a love of reading all summer long.

Great work, Jackson Public Schools!