MISSISSIPPI LIBRARY ASSOCIATION


Libraries from across the state have come together to develop a comprehensive map of library and academic parking lots in which folks can access free WiFi. Click here to view map of WiFi spots and click here for an excel sheet listing.


Links to helpful resources, including open/close status of libraries, can be found at the bottom of this page.

Messages from the MLA President:


Thursday, March 19, 2020


In lieu of the governor’s executive order of Thursday, March 19, 2020 to close all Mississippi public schools through April 17, 2020, the Mississippi Library Association, as an advocate and leader of libraries in the state, calls on all public, academic and special libraries to close their doors at this time reopening when guidance from public health officials indicates the risk from COVID-19 has significantly subsided.


The Center for Disease Control recommends that the best way to slow the spread of this virus is to engage in work from home whenever possible, avoid gatherings, and avoid discretionary travel. So we believe the safest course of action, both for our employees and our community members, is to stay home.  It is important for libraries to do their part to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and protect our staff and communities.  We encourage library administrators and Boards of Trustees to pay full wages and benefits including health coverage to library staff while libraries are closed.


I again commend everyone for your immense dedication and service to the communities you serve.  Please be safe and stay well. Let us know how we can help.


Sincerely,

Mary Beth Applin

President, Mississippi Library Association


__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Tuesday, March 17, 2020


Dear Mississippi Library Community,
I wanted to send out a note of support to each of you during this unprecedented and trying period of time. I hope everyone is faring well. I just wanted you to know that your Library Association is here to help in any way possible so please let us know if there are ways that we can assist you.

Our communities rely on our services and resources in times of crisis.  Closing our doors is certainly antithetical to our nature.  But during this unusual event, it is important that each of us implements what best serves our unique community - whether that be temporarily closing our doors or improvising creative measures to continue certain services. I urge each library to communicate with their local health officials who can advise on the level of transmission in the community and help decide the appropriate strategies and precautions that will keep your library staff and patrons safest.

Libraries play a critical role in helping patrons discern factual information from misinformation.  During this confusing and fast changing pandemic, it’s more important than ever for us to be able to share key resources to help our communities stay well informed.  As part of that effort, MLA is currently working on a web page of resources for its members that will include a listing of coronavirus informational sites, library closures, precautions libraries are taking, and more.

If you would like information posted to this MLA site concerning your library’s closure or precautions, please send us the information through this short form and we will post it as soon as we can.

MLA will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and continue to share information and resources as needed. We welcome any ideas or suggestions for anything we might overlook. As we move forward, I’d like to thank each of you for your immense dedication and service to the communities you serve.

Sincerely,
Mary Beth Applin
President, Mississippi Library Association




Websites About the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

American Library Association - Pandemic Preparedness (news, training, policy helper)


Center for Disease Control - Coronavirus (COVID-19) – What you need to know; Resources for the Community; Cases in the U.S.


Centers for Disease Control - How to Clean and Disinfect


Institute of Higher Ed - Coronavirus Updates and Information


Mississippi Department of Public Health's Mobile App - Sign up for mobile alerts


Mississippi Department of Education - Coronavirus Updates and Information


Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MSEMA) - COVID-19 Mississippi


Mississippi Government Website - Coronavirus Information


Mississippi Public Broadcasting - Coronavirus: What You Need to Know


Mississippi State Department of Health - Coronavirus Update (includes cases by county)


The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America


WHO - World Health Organization


World Health Organization - Daily Situation





Status of Mississippi Libraries


The following is under construction and will be updated continuously:


USM’s 2020 Children’s Book Festival, Ezra Jack Keats Awards Ceremony Cancelled.


ALA Legislative Fly-in scheduled in May - cancelled


Public Libraries

List of Mississippi Public Library System Closures due to COVID-19 pandemic - From the MS Library Commission


Mississippi Library Commission – closed beginning March 16th until further notice.


Waynesboro-Wayne County Library - Closed to the public on March 23, Free 24/7 Wi-Fi in the parking lot, Curbside service Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for books and DVDs.


University Libraries

Mississippi State University Libraries – list and status of services and centers


University of Mississippi – Hours and services during outbreak


Mississippi University for Women - Building is physically closed, but we are open virtually.


Community College Libraries

Co-Lin Community College Libraries – closed the week of March 16th and monitoring.


Hinds Community College Libraries – Spring Break extended and library doors temporarily closed while the college moves to online classes; library staff available online through chat and email.


Holmes Community College Libraries - Libraries on all campuses will be closed to students next week: March 15-22nd.


Northeast MS Community College Libraries - Northeast faculty and staff report next week to convert to online. Library will be open regular hours to assist faculty in finding online resources if they need help. Only current Northeast employees are allowed on the library. No face to face classes until at least March 30.


Northwest MS Community College Libraries – Libraries on campus closed and staff preparing plans for going online.


Additional Information

Jackson Hinds Library System - Instituted a closure through March 27th. At that time, any further closures will be considered pending Covid-1 directives from health officials.


Central Mississippi Regional Library System - All locations are closed to the public. Digital services available 24/7. Bookdrops are closed. No fines or fees will be accumulated during this period. Not accepting any material donations until further notice. All programs are cancelled until March 27. We will notify the public via Social Media and website about reopening




     

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MLA's mission is to provide professional leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.


Office Hours:
Tuesday: 11:00am-5:00pm

Wednesday: 1:00pm-5:00pm
Thursday: 11:00am-5:00pm
         

PO Box 13687, Jackson MS 39236-3687 
Phone: 601-981-4586
Email: info@misslib.org

  

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