Friends of Mississippi Libraries Inc. (FML) has two new officers, both from Columbus. Anne Freeze has accepted the responsibilities of interim president, while Jo Shumake will serve as interim secretary of the statewide organization that serves approximately 120 Friends groups in Mississippi. Freeze and Shumake are volunteers with the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library Friends of the Library. Freeze has served as secretary this past year; Shumake has been president.
As part of its mission, the FML serves as an advocate for library issues on local, state and national levels, encourages the enhancement of local library services, and promotes reading and enjoyment of books. It also assists local communities in establishing or revitalizing Friends chapters.
“The FML also helps libraries in need,” Shumake noted. “For example, after Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, it was able to provide funds to help rebuild libraries.”
As part of the organization’s new leadership selected in January, Freeze and Shumake will help explore more that the state entity can do to support local libraries.
FOL award
At the most recent Mississippi Library Association conference, held in Vicksburg this past fall, the Columbus library’s Friends were presented the Chapter One Award. The honor is given annually to a local chapter for outstanding volunteer contributions, exemplary service, community engagement and outreach.
In 2014, membership in the Columbus chapter grew. It currently stands at 230, up from 87 in 2012. Book sale revenues increased to $8,740, and the Mother Goose Endowment Fund for Children’s Literacy, established in honor of Edwina Williams, is up to $58,451, Shumake reported.
The Columbus FOL is a “great organization to work with and belong to,” she continued. “All the money we raise is used to enhance the library. Members donate their time and money to keep our library system strong, and we can always use even more help.”
Freeze added, “I’m immensely proud of the work our local FOL has done to start the Mother Goose Endowment Fund, our support of events at the library, our funding of further education and conferences for the librarians and our ability to purchase books for the library. I think our library is key to a strong community, and it’s always in danger of losing funds.”
To learn more about the local chapter, contact the library at 662-329-5300.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.