This week, Mississippi State University is celebrating 2002 National Library Week with festivities at the Mitchell Memorial Library. All around the world the American Library Association will be helping libraries celebrate the contributions of libraries and librarians and
promoting library use and support.
There are all kinds of special programs going on National Library Week to encourage users to learn more about the wide range of new and traditional
resources available to the public.
Instruction Services Librarian Jill Grogg said the program was started in 1958 as a way for libraries, whether research or public, to promote themselves of the services they provide.
“We also want to promote the services librarians provide,” Grogg said.
The week started off last nigth with a performance of “Bus Stop” by the Starkville Community Theatre on in the library auditorium on the first floor.
Today, the MSU library will have a Poetry Slam on the front steps of Mitchell Memorial Library on the Drill Field entrance.
“It is first come first serve,” Grogg said. “Participants need to show up five minutes before hand and find me.”
Those who want to participate need to have three to six poems, either by a well-known poet or some of thier own work, ready to read.
There is an awards luncheon on Wednesday, and all throughout the week, celebrity librarians will be working in the library.
Vice President of Student Affairs Jimmy Abraham worked in the library yesterday. Sharon Fanning, the head women’s basketball coach will be working in Current Journal Section at 11 a.m. Thursday; and Hannah Britton, Assistant Professor of Political Science will be at the Access Services desk at 3 p.m. on Wednesday.
On Thursday, Mississippi native Willie Morris’ widow, JoAnne Prichard Morris, will speak at Mitchell Memorial Library at 6 p.m. in the John Grisham Room. Prichard, currently living in Jackson, owns a small publishing house, J. Prichard Morris, which produces books for regional trade and private clients. She is also an independent acquiring editor for Crown Publishing Company.
“She speaks frequently to groups about her work in the literary world,” Grogg said.
Morris’ speaking is made possible by Mississippi University Libraries as well as the friends of Mississippi University Libraries. Morris worked with her husband on many of his books, and after his death, she prepared his novel Taps for publication. Finally on Friday, there will be a Faculty and Staff Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. till 1 p.m.
“We’re very excited about the public participating in National Library Week,” Grogg said. “It is a way to give exposure to all that the library does and is a celebration of that.