Yes, writing a book about the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library is a piece-of-cake, no doubt!

Beginning with the history, as well as the tenacity of the library organizers, the story of the early library is a lesson about the character of Meridian and her people. As early as 1869 there was an interest. A meeting was called at the Presbyterian Church for all persons interested in establishing a free library and reading room. Reportedly the meeting was well attended. It was just a mere five years beyond General Sherman’s infamous 1864 visit to our city during The Civil War and his quote of quotes, “Meridian no longer exists.”

But Meridian did exist – not only exist, but flourish with new life and new dreams. Among the dreams was the desire for education that placed the importance of a library as a top priority. The citizens wanted the collected wisdom of humanity at their fingertips that offered knowledge to all of the people.

In 1875 Miss Laura Fewell organized the Fortnightly Literary Club. Initially it was called The Cycle Club, but in 1885 renamed The Fortnightly Book and Magazine Club. The books these ladies accumulated formed the nucleus of a library collection for Meridian.

During this period of time, the charter was issued for a public library in Meridian and other financial evidence indicates that Mrs. W. T. Houston bought one share in the library association for $10.00.

It is interesting to note that the Fortnightly Club still exists in Meridian today and maintains its focus on reading books, among other worthy endeavors.

In my mind’s eye, I can imagine little ladies scurrying around in their elaborate upturned brim hats that sat forward upon their puffed and waved hair – the hat always tilted to one side and was secured with foot-long hatpin's that endangered the eye of anyone who stood too near. These determined ladies visited churches and other organizations promoting a library for their city. They organized bazaars, block parties, tea parties, cake sales, musical events, poetry readings, and many other events to raise money.

By 1908 an additional group of club women called a library meeting at The Hotel Meridian. Mrs. Henry Brooks acted as temporary chairperson. The group quickly grew to 220 bold and determined members. They wrote letters, studied other libraries, made trips, and successfully organized wide support for a library.

Finally, this group enlisted a leading citizen of Meridian, Mr. I. Marks, to approach Mr. Andrew Carnegie about library funding. It appears that Mr. Marks was an acquaintance of Mr. Carnegie, and in 1913 two Carnegie Libraries were opened in Meridian - one main library and one African American.

I must point out the significance of a early African American library facility in our city and it is as the result of compassionate historic leadership including, Professor Shaw, Professor Triplett, Dr. Howard, Jeff Wilson, Frank Berry, Henry Strayhorn, John Harris, and most importantly from the Jewish community, Mr. I. Marks. This library was located at 13th Street and 28th Avenue on land donated by the Methodist Church.

It must be noted that the Carnegie libraries were built with money donated by Scottish-American businessman Andrew Carnegie. The startling number of 2,509 indicated the number of Carnegie libraries built between 1883 and 1929, and out of this number, 1,689 were built in the United States. Mr. Carnegie earned the worthy nickname of Patron Saint of Libraries.

The original Carnegie main library building was located at 628 – 25th Avenue and is now home to The Meridian Museum of Art.

The first Librarian was Mrs. J. S. Hamm. Her salary was $100.00 per month and she continued with the position until 1933. One of the earliest library documents is a six-page book order dated June 13 1913. Included in the purchase: Shakespeare, Tennyson, and John Locke, plus others. The total cost of the purchase was $327.10 and was probably the library’s first book order.

When Mrs. Hamm resigned in 1933, her assistant Mrs. Nellah Massey Bailey took her place and served until 1945 when she left to join her husband who became the Governor of Mississippi.

Other significant dates for The Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library:

1948 – The Bookmobile was established.

1964 - With the passing of The Civil Rights Act, the library became an integrated facility.

1967 - The present day library building was opened.

1972 - Mailibrary began.

1996 – Library system automated by computers.



Library Services:

Library Card Catalog – access online – http://www.meridian.lib.ms.us

Adult Services – (601) 693-6771 Ext 221

Genealogy – email: cannj@meridian.lib.ms.us

Children’s Library – includes Storyline for a recorded story (601) 482-4444.

Mailibrary – (601) 693-6771 Ext. 226.

Friends of the Library – (601) 693-6771 or visit the library for more information.

Circulation – to obtain a library card (601) 693-6771 Ext 223.

Inter-Library Loans – A free service allows the Meridian Lauderdale County Public Library to borrow books from other libraries statewide and nationwide for Meridian patrons. Call (601) 693-6771 Ext 227.



Steve McCartney presently serves as Librarian along with a stable, dedicated, educated and hard working staff. There is a five (5) member appointed Board of Trustees, who hold open public meetings once a month, and governs the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library. The Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors appoints the trustees.

The dream and vision of a free library and reading room brought hope and encouragement to thousands of our residents in years past, and continues as the beacon of knowledge in our community.

I would like to thank Sarah Mutziger for the historical information included in this column.

Let’s read a book … see you at the Library!

The Library hours of operation: Monday – Saturday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and closed on Sunday.