History of our Libraries

The 1890's

September 23, 1891 – The Biloxi Library Association files with the State of Mississippi for a Charter.

About 1893 – A subscription library (borrowers pay an annual fee) is in operation in Pass Christian. The Library continued this operation for several years.

April 8, 1893 – A newspaper article reports on efforts to organize a public library in Biloxi.

1898 – King’s Daughters found first free public library in Mississippi, in Biloxi. It was destroyed by fire in 1900, but reestablished in the Creole Cottage.

A newspaper clipping titled “A PUBLIC LIBRARY” dated April 8, 1893. The article announces a meeting of the Biloxi Library Association at the Biloxi Academy building to organize and discuss plans for a public library. It encourages residents to attend, noting the benefits of adding valuable books and magazines to the community and promoting intellectual and social advantages for Biloxi as a summer resort. — April 4, 1893 Article

The 1900's

November 9, 1900 – Fire in Downtown Biloxi destroys 90 buildings, including the King’s Daughters Library building.

A newspaper clipping titled “State’s First Library” with the subtitle “Biloxi Landmark in Bicentennial Plaza.” The article describes a historic white cottage, once a tourist home and later Mississippi’s first public library, now located in Biloxi’s Bicentennial Plaza. The photo shows a small white wooden cottage with a triangular roof, front porch, and four columns, with a person standing near the entrance. — Creole Cottage - November 21, 1976 - Clarion Ledger

The 1910's

March 23, 1911 – More than 1,000 volumes had been loaned out since January 1, 1911 from The King’s Daughters Library in Biloxi. Collection totals 3,000. <<Newspaper article.>>

October 27, 1911 – First steps were taken to organize a Library Association in Gulfport. A meeting was held at the Gulfport City Hall.

A vintage newspaper clipping with a headline about committee appointments on a constitution and by-laws, followed by text describing a woman’s literary club raising funds to start a library.

A vintage newspaper clipping titled “Committees,” describing the decision to appoint a five-member committee to draft a constitution and by‑laws and study examples used by other library associations.

About 1912 – Gulfport City Ordinance No. 337 establishes a free public library in a section of Gulfport City Hall.

1913 – King’s Daughters operates a small free library under staircase in Gulfport City Hall.

March, 1916 – Mayor George M. Foote of Gulfport reported that the Andrew Carnegie Corporation had made an appropriation of $10,000 for a 2,800 square foot Carnegie Library in Gulfport.

November 20, 1916 – Time Capsule Ceremonies are held for the new Gulfport-Carnegie Public Library, still under construction.

A historical photograph showing a large crowd gathered in two long lines along a wooden walkway, with buildings and additional people visible in the background.

A newspaper page titled “Carnegie Library opened the book,” featuring multiple columns of text, a small portrait image, and a photograph at the bottom showing a building.

April 2, 1917 – After six months of construction, the Gulfport-Carnegie Public Library officially opens. Mrs. S. M. Williams is named Librarian. The City of Gulfport budgets a monthly “allowance” of $35.00 for Mrs. Williams salary and to purchase books and supplies.

A newspaper clipping titled “Work on the King’s Daughters Library” with the subheading “More Than One Thousand Volumes Have Been Loaned Out Since First of the Year.” The article, dated March 23, 1911, reports that 1,099 volumes have been loaned out since January from the King’s Daughters Library, which holds 3,000 volumes and numerous magazines. It includes comments from librarian Miss Mollie Rodenberg about popular reading habits among tourists and locals, the variety of reference books and dictionaries available, and the library’s role in serving the community. — March 23, 1911

The 1920's

June 1, 1925 – Biloxi Library moves from the Creole Cottage to its new building at 124 Lameuse Street designed by local architect Carl Matthes.

1925-1926 – Automobile carrying boxes of books begins service to county areas from the Gulfport Carnegie Library.

1926 – Gulfport-Carnegie Library opens a county extension department, and the library begins to receive county funds on an annual basis.

1926 – Virgie Fayard becomes the librarian of the Biloxi Public Library.

A black‑and‑white photograph of a two‑story building with ornate architectural details, featuring a central arched doorway, curved exterior staircases on both sides, and tall windows framed with decorative trim. — 1924 Biloxi Library

The 1930's

June 25, 1930 – Mollie Rodenberg, former Librarian of the Biloxi Library (1905-1925), passes away at age 82.

1931 – Florence Freidhoff named the Head Librarian of the Biloxi Public Library

1935 – Harrison County Rural Library stations and auto routes were established under Hyacinth Yerger with primarily funding from the Works Progress Administration

A newspaper clipping titled “Former Librarian Died This Morning.” The article reports the death of Miss Mollie Rodenberg, age 82, a longtime Biloxi resident and former librarian. It highlights her contributions as a teacher, private school operator, and librarian at the King’s Daughters Library, her dedication to education and reference work, and her extensive reading. The obituary lists surviving family members and funeral arrangements at the Church of the Redeemer with burial in Biloxi Cemetery. — June 25, 1930

The 1940's

1941 – Harrison County purchases a bookmobile.

1941-1943 – Harrison County Rural Library evolves into Harrison County Library and moves from the Gulf and Ship Island Building in Gulfport to an office on 25th Avenue in Gulfport.

1944 – Miss Maria Person appointed as the Head of the Harrison County Library. She is the first library science degree holder to be employed by a library in Harrison County.

February, 1947 – With funding from Harrison County and the Lions Club, the Gulfport-Carnegie Library opens a branch at the corner of 19th Street and 43rd Avenue in Gulfport. It later becomes known as the West Branch.

October, 1947 – The Harrison County Library and the Gulfport Carnegie Library merge. The new Library is known as the Gulfport Carnegie-Harrison County Library. Maria Person is appointed as Head Librarian.

The 1950's

1951 – Gulfport Carnegie-Harrison County Library opens a second branch, the East Branch, in the Soria City area of Gulfport.

1953 – Gulfport Carnegie-Harrison County Library purchases a new bookmobile to replace the l94l vehicle.

A black‑and‑white photo showing a group of people gathered beside a bookmobile, with a librarian standing at the vehicle's open door as others wait in line.

A black‑and‑white photograph showing a bookmobile parked in front of a building while a crowd of people stands nearby, some approaching the vehicle.

A black‑and‑white photograph showing a bookmobile parked on a tree‑lined street while a large group of children sits on the ground nearby, listening to an adult who appears to be reading or speaking.

A black‑and‑white photograph of a bookmobile parked along a shaded road as a large group of children gathers around the vehicle and stands in a line nearby.

A black‑and‑white photograph of children sitting and standing inside a bookmobile, reading books while shelves of books line the walls.

A black‑and‑white photograph of several women seated and standing inside a bookmobile, reading and discussing books while shelves filled with books line the walls.

A black‑and‑white photograph of four adults inside a bookmobile, standing and conversing near the front counter with bookshelves lining the walls.

The 1960's

1961 – The Pass Christian Library Commission forms to promote the establishment of public library service in Pass Christian.

1962 – Biloxi Public Library opens the Division Street Station in Biloxi. Later designated a branch, it becomes a Children’s Library.

1963 – Maria Person, Gulfport Head Librarian, serves as the President of the Mississippi Library Association.

1964 – House Bill No. 716 passed by legislature. Bill provides the legal framework for construction and operation of a new City-County main library to replace the aging and over-crowded Carnegie building in downtown Gulfport. The bill establishes a ten-person board (five appointed by supervisors; five by Gulfport City Commission) to control the library and provides a new formula for the continual support of the library (three-fourths of funding from Harrison County, one-fourth from City of Gulfport).

1965 – Gulfport Carnegie-Harrison County Library purchases a new bookmobile to replace the l953 vehicle.

July 1965 – Construction begins on the new Gulfport-Harrison County Public Library on 21st Ave at 14th Street.

July 1966 – The new Gulfport-Harrison County Library opens. The building’s $892,000 cost is financed from bonds issued by Harrison County.

A newspaper clipping featuring a large photo of a woman standing on a spiral staircase inside a library, followed by an article titled “New Library… Opened To The Public,” describing the opening of the Gulfport–Harrison County Library.

A newspaper clipping featuring two photographs: the top image shows the exterior of the Gulfport–Harrison County Library at night with tall columns lit from below, and the bottom image shows the library’s interior with bookshelves, round tables, and a librarian shelving books.

A newspaper clipping containing a long column of text titled “New Library,” describing study areas, a law library collection, administrative offices, and the architectural design philosophy behind the new Gulfport–Harrison County Library.

A newspaper clipping featuring a photograph of the two‑story entrance foyer of the Gulfport–Harrison County Library, showing bookshelves on both floors and large hanging light fixtures, accompanied by an article describing interior features such as reading areas, display spaces, children’s areas, and design elements.

A black‑and‑white photograph of a modern two‑story library building featuring tall vertical columns, large floor‑to‑ceiling windows, and landscaped grounds, viewed from across the street with tree branches framing the scene.

A black‑and‑white photograph of a modern library building’s exterior featuring tall vertical columns, floor‑to‑ceiling windows, landscaped greenery, and a narrow reflecting pool beside a walkway.

A black‑and‑white photograph of a spacious library interior featuring a long central service desk, tiled floors, textured support columns, overhead geometric light fixtures, bookshelves, and tables with chairs.

A black‑and‑white photograph of a sweeping spiral staircase inside a library, with carpeted steps, glass railings, potted plants, and seating arranged beneath the upper level’s circular balcony.

A black‑and‑white photograph of a library interior showing low bookshelves filled with materials, round tables and chairs, long benches around a slanted display table, and textured support columns beneath large circular ceiling lights.

A black‑and‑white photograph of a library interior featuring rows of tall bookshelves, round and rectangular tables with molded plastic chairs, tiled floors, and large circular ceiling lights.

A black‑and‑white photograph of a library’s upper floor showing tiled floors, textured support columns, glass railings overlooking the lower level, bookshelves, and seating areas arranged beneath large circular ceiling lights.

A black‑and‑white nighttime photograph of a library’s exterior, featuring tall illuminated columns, floor‑to‑ceiling windows, and landscaped planters along a narrow reflecting pool.

November 27, 1966 – Formal Dedication Ceremonies are held for the new Gulfport-Harrison County Library building.

A speaker stands at a podium in front of the library’s modern glass-and-column exterior, with American flags displayed behind and attendees standing in the background.

A speaker addresses the audience from a podium marked “WELCOME,” surrounded by formally dressed guests seated in front of the library’s tall windows.

A dedication ceremony taking place outside the library, with two speakers standing at a podium draped in patriotic fabric while a crowd and color guard stand nearby. The building’s tall modern columns and large windows form the backdrop.

A speaker stands at a podium with a “WELCOME” banner, surrounded by seated guests arranged in rows in front of the library’s tall windows.

A large crowd gathered on the library lawn listens to a speaker at a podium, with rows of chairs set up for dignitaries and the building’s columned façade extending along the right side.

A wide shot of the dedication ceremony showing attendees seated on the lawn, a speaker at the podium, and groups of spectators gathered near the sidewalk beneath large overhanging tree branches.

A black‑and‑white image of the library’s exterior showing tall columns, floor‑to‑ceiling windows, landscaped planters, and a reflecting pool, overlaid with text announcing the formal dedication of the Gulfport‑Harrison County Library on November 27, 1966.

A printed dedication program listing county officials, city commissioners, library board members, architects, contractors, staff, and the event schedule for the library’s formal opening ceremony.

1968 – The Biloxi Public Libraries’ West Biloxi Library Branch opens.

August, 1969 – The new library building in Gulfport is seriously damaged by Hurricane Camille, the only public library in the county to be badly damaged. Services are suspended for some weeks. Approximately 45,000 volumes were lost in the storm.

A damaged library room with empty bookshelves, exposed ceiling framing, and leaning ladders and panels stacked near the back wall. Light enters through a large window, highlighting the disarray of the space.

A black‑and‑white photo of a heavily damaged library interior with collapsed ceiling pieces, scattered debris, broken furniture, and books displaced across the floor. Support columns and shelving remain standing amid the destruction.

A damaged library interior with ceiling tiles missing, debris on tables and floors, and furniture pushed into disorganized arrangements. Light filters through uncovered windows, illuminating the cluttered room.

A black‑and‑white photo of a library interior with ceiling panels removed, exposed wiring, scattered shelving, and furniture displaced across the room. The space appears mid‑cleanup or repair following structural damage.

A library interior showing rows of open cabinets and scattered files beneath a partially dismantled ceiling grid. Various pieces of furniture and shelving are pushed into uneven positions as the room undergoes cleanup.

A black‑and‑white exterior view of a modern library building with large windows, surrounded by debris, mud, and standing water after severe storm damage. Several cars are parked near the entrance with visible destruction in the surrounding area.

A newspaper clipping titled “Gulfport-Harrison County Library Building Construction Underway” from the Clarion-Ledger dated June 27, 1965. The article describes the construction of a new library on Highway 90 in Gulfport, highlighting its modern design, two floors, children’s department, reference areas, and spiral staircase. The photo shows an architectural rendering of the future library building with a series of tall arches and a landscaped exterior. — June 27, 1965

The 1970's

March, 1970 – B. W. Finkbiner is hired as the Business Manager for the Gulfport-Harrison County Library.

1971 – Friends of the Pass Christian Library organization forms.

1971 – After some years of declining use, the East and West Gulfport Branches are closed.

July, 1972 – Maria Person , Gulfport Head Librarian for over twenty-seven years, passes away. B. W. Finkbiner, Business Manager, takes over as head of the Gulfport-Harrison County Library.

September 5, 1972 – Florence Freidhoff, Head Librarian of the Biloxi Public Library for forty years, passes away.

September 1972 – Blondie Broom Hartmann is named the Acting Head Librarian for the Biloxi Public Library.

December, 1972 – Chairman of the Gulfport-Harrison County Library Board signs an agreement with the Mississippi Library Commission that makes Harrison County public libraries eligible for funds from the Commission’s Personnel Grants Incentive Program. Terms for participating in this program require recipients to be in a county or multi-county library system headed by a director who holds a master’s degree from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited library school.

In fiscal year 1972-1973, libraries in Harrison County receive $143,227 from the grant, including salary for a professional librarian recently employed in Pass Christian where a new library building is under construction.

May, 1973 – Using a Mississippi Library Commission owned bookmobile as a temporary building, the Gulfport-Harrison County Library opens regular branch library service in the Orange Grove area of the county. The Bookmobile is soon replaced by a mobile home also loaned by the Commission.

June, 1973 – Announcement of plans to build a new library in Orange Grove. Also, Mr. Finkbiner, implementing the library system concept, sets up a centralized interlibrary loan office in the Gulfport-Harrison County Library and a twice-a-week intralibrary delivery service.

June, 1973 – Norman Graham is employed as director of the Gulfport-Harrison County Library. The State Library Commission regards his employment as fulfilling the requirement that the county library system be headed by a qualified librarian.

June, 1973 – New public library building opens in Pass Christian. Funds for building from: Harrison County – $50,000; Hurricane Camille “we care” funds – $72,716; City of Pass Christian, $16,000.

October, 1973 – A newspaper article reports that Biloxi’s oldest library (The Creole Cottage) is to be relocated and restored.

1974 – Friends of the Gulfport-Harrison County Library organize.

May, 1974 – Gulfport-Harrison County Library establishes Harrison County Library System Technical Processing Center serving all the library jurisdictions in the county.

September, 1974 – Gulfport-Harrison County Library receives a grant of $51,293 from Mississippi Library Commission to produce the Mississippi Union List of Periodicals, a computer generated listing of the periodical holdings of some 40 of the largest libraries in the state. This immensely complicated project, the first major computerized publication ever produced in the state, is successfully completed in June, 1975. William E. Stant is hired to complete this complex project.

December, 1974 – The Orange Grove Branch moves into the Norwood Village Shopping Center.

May, 1975 – Friends of the Biloxi Library organization holds its first meeting.

September, 1975 – A scale model of Biloxi’s proposed $1.6 million Library and Cultural Center is exhibited at the first general meeting of the Friends of the Biloxi Library.

September 1975 – A proposed contract for the new Harrison County Library System is completed. The contract left local library autonomy intact and created a representative Advisory Board.

October, 1975 – Ground breaking ceremonies are scheduled and held for the new Biloxi Public Library-Cultural Center.

A newspaper clipping dated October 24, 1975, featuring an artist’s sketch of the planned Biloxi Library-Cultural Center above an article announcing the upcoming groundbreaking ceremony. The article describes the $1.6 million project, its location on Lameuse Street, and details about the event and planned features of the new facility. A newspaper clipping showing three people using shovels during a ceremonial groundbreaking for the new Biloxi library‑cultural center. The article describes the October 1975 event, noting participants, the symbolism of the ceremony, and details about the $1.6 million construction project.

February 1976 – The Advisory Board of the Harrison County Library System holds its initial meeting. Norman Graham was appointed Acting Director of the Harrison County Library System.

May, 1976 – The Pass Christian Public Library becomes a member of the system.

September, 1976 – A library branch opens in the North Bay (now D’Iberville) area of Harrison County.

September 1, 1976 – Blondie Broom Hartmann retires from the Biloxi Public Library after twenty years of service.

October 1976 – The Harrison County Library System begins its first fiscal year of operation. System Headquarters, housed in the Gulfport-Harrison County Library, runs a technical processing center, bookkeeping office, and interlibrary loan office.

September 11, 1977 – The Biloxi Library and Cultural Center at 139 Lameuse Street officially opens in a 33,400 square foot building.

September 1977 – The system Bookmobile service is retired, and a route serving nursing and retirement homes, the County Farm, day care centers, and the Juvenile Court is established.

December 1978 – The new Orange Grove Branch building opens.

March 1979 – The new D’Iberville Library Branch building opens.

A newspaper clipping titled “Orange Grove community to get new library” dated June 1973. The article announces plans for a new branch library in the Orange Grove community, with construction expected to begin in late summer. It mentions temporary facilities, population growth, and the establishment of an interlibrary reference system. — June 1973

A newspaper clipping titled “Biloxi’s oldest library to be relocated, restored” from the Daily Herald dated October 24, 1973. The article explains plans to move and restore Mississippi’s first public library, known as the old Biloxi Library, to become part of the present Biloxi Public Library. The photo shows a small wooden cottage with a triangular roof, front porch, and multiple windows, described as the historic library building. — October 24, 1973

A newspaper clipping titled “Stant appointed to head library’s adult services.” The article announces that William E. Stant Jr. has been appointed head of the Gulfport-Harrison County Library’s Adult Services. It explains his responsibilities, including supervising reference and circulation departments and working on the Mississippi Union List of Periodicals project. The article also mentions his educational background, professional affiliations, and residence in Gulfport. — September 24, 1974

A newspaper clipping titled “A newspaper clipping titled “Library model…” showing two individuals standing beside a scale model of Biloxi’s proposed $1.6 million library cultural center. The article explains that the model was exhibited at the first general meeting of the Friends of the Biloxi Library, with guest speakers discussing the architecture and plans for construction at Lameuse and Jackson streets. — September 17, 1975

The 1980's

September 1982 – Charline Longino is named the Head Librarian for the Biloxi Public Libraries.

August 8, 1983 – Harrison County supervisors, by resolution of August 8, 1983, creates the Harrison County Public Library System, under control of a five-member board made up of representatives from the municipal library boards, the city-county board, and one member from the county at large.

August 1, 1984 – The Genealogy Room at the Biloxi Public Library is dedicated in memory of Blondie Broom Hartmann

October, 1988 – Japanese children provide a doll lost in Camille to the Gulfport Public Library.

A newspaper clipping titled “Japanese kids replace doll lost in Camille” with the subheading “Students pitch in their yen for new symbol of friendship.” The article describes how Japanese schoolchildren donated a new friendship doll to replace one lost during Hurricane Camille in 1969. The photo shows a person holding a traditional Japanese doll dressed in a colorful kimono, seated in a box. — October 26, 1988

The 1990's

March 1, 1993 – Norman Graham retires after nearly 20 years of service as the Director of the Harrison County Library System. Gulfport librarian Coleen Byrd is the Acting Director.

August 8, 1993 – Richard Mobley is hired as the Director of the Harrison County Library System.

November, 1994 – The Harrison County Library System launches a $100,000 fund raising campaign to help pay for a new computerized card catalog system.

1995 – Charline Longino, Head Librarian of the Biloxi Public Libraries, serves as the President of the Mississippi Library Association.

May 2, 1995 – New D’Iberville Public Library opens on Auto Mall Parkway.

1996 – Celia Barrett named the Head Librarian for the Gulfport Public Libraries.

September 1996 – Richard Mobley resigns as the Director of the Harrison County Library System. Norman Graham named Acting Director.

September 1996 – The long awaited computerized card catalog system is installed, linking all eight libraries together, and centralizing the card catalog system.

April 15, 1997 – Robert Lipscomb named Director of the Harrison County Library System.

November 5, 1997 – The Harrison County Library System launches its web site at www.harrison.lib.ms.us.

January – March, 1998 – The Harrison County Library System purchases twenty-five computers for placement in public areas of the eight libraries for Internet access, word processing, and card catalog access.

April, 1999 – The Harrison County Library System receives a grant for the purchase of computer equipment from the Gates Library Foundation, a non-profit organization now known as Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

August – December, 1999 – The General Services Administration (GSA), an agency of the Federal Government, wants to purchase the Gulfport Public Library site for the construction of a new federal courthouse. A group of over 300 library supporters form and rally to save the Gulfport Library from demolition. In February 2000, GSA announces that it will not tear down the Gulfport Library.

A newspaper clipping titled “Library seeks financial help for upgrade” with a subheading “$100,000 fund-raising campaign launched.” The article discusses the Harrison County Library System’s plan to raise funds for a computerized card catalog system, mentions a $200,000 grant requirement, and includes statements from library officials about automation and contributions from civic groups. — November 29, 1994

The 2000's

February 18, 2000 – Robert Lipscomb, Director, announces plans to locally raise $300,000 and apply for $300,000 in state matching funds to renovate and restore the thirty-four year old Gulfport Library.

December 12, 2002 – The groundbreaking ceremony for the addition of the Margaret S. Sherry Library is held.

A decorated sheet cake features a drawing of a tree growing from an open book with the words “Growing With A Growing Community” written beside it. The cake is bordered with colorful icing flowers.

A group of people gathers outdoors as a woman with a microphone addresses the crowd near a line of ceremonial gold shovels. Attendees stand on a paved area beside a lawn under an overcast sky.

A man addresses a crowd at an outdoor gathering near a patch of grass while several gold ceremonial shovels stand upright nearby. Children wearing yellow hard hats and holding toy shovels stand at the front of the audience.

A row of gold ceremonial shovels leans against a low hedge beside a building wall. The shovels are arranged closely in a diagonal line.

Adults and children wearing yellow hard hats gather outdoors holding gold ceremonial shovels and bright plastic toy shovels. The group stands on grass near a parking area during a groundbreaking event.

A crowd of families and community members, including children holding toy shovels, stands outdoors on a paved area near a grassy lawn during a groundbreaking ceremony. Trees and utility lines are visible in the background.

A group of adults and children, some wearing yellow hard hats, pose together outdoors holding ceremonial and toy shovels. The setting appears to be a grassy area beside a parking lot.

Children wearing yellow hard hats and holding plastic toy shovels stand with a group of adults at an outdoor groundbreaking event. The attendees form a line facing the speaker’s area near a grassy patch.

A crowd of people inside a library decorated with holiday garlands and hanging snowflakes gathers near bookshelves and service desks. Guests mingle and converse during a community event.

A library filled with holiday decorations hosts a gathering where people stand and converse near bookshelves and service desks. Snowflake cutouts and festive garlands hang from the ceiling.

A woman cuts a large decorated sheet cake during a community gathering inside a library. People stand in line behind the table as refreshments are served.

January 16, 2004 – Grand Reopening of the Margaret S. Sherry Memorial Library Branch.

April 22, 2005 – Murella H. Powell retires from the Biloxi Public Library after thirty-three years of service. The Local History & Genealogy Department collections are renamed “The Murella H. Powell Local History & Genealogy Collection.”

August 29, 2005 – Several libraries within the Harrison County Library System are either destroyed or severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Photographs

September 2005 – Sally James becomes the Head Librarian of the Pass Christian Library.

September 2005 – Library service in the Harrison County Library System resumes on a limited basis. Many branches remained closed due to destruction.

October 2005 – The Biloxi Public Library is awarded a National Endowment for the Humanities Chairman’s Grant to help stabilize and preserve the Local History & Genealogy Department Collections.

November 5, 2005 – The Pass Christian Library reopens in War Memorial Park with the donation of two trailers from DuPont DeLisle Plant.

January 2, 2007 – The D’Iberville Public Library reopens.

June 14, 2007 – Ribbon Cutting ceremonies are held at the East Biloxi Temporary Library (150 Bellman St., Biloxi, MS) and the Woolmarket Temporary Library (8455 Woolmarket Rd, Biloxi, MS). Grant funding for the temporary library trailers provided by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and SOLINET.

June 15, 2007 – Ribbon Cutting ceremony held at the Gulfport Temporary Library located at 47 Maples Drive in Gulfport, MS. Grant funding for the temporary library trailer provided by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and SOLINET.

November 2007 – The Local History & Genealogy Department was awarded a grant from the Connecticut Book Party for programming and relocation expenses.

June 20, 2008 – D’Iberville Head Librarian Nancy Soder retires. Lucienne Gautier named the new Head Librarian for D’Iberville.

July 31, 2008 – The D’Iberville Public Library is officially renamed the Jerry Lawrence Memorial Library in honor of the late Mr. Lawrence’s contributions to the city and his service as the first mayor of the city.

August 2008 – Bush Clinton Katrina Funds are awarded to the West Biloxi Library for post-Katrina repairs to the existing building. Funds of $300,000 are allocated to the library for roof reconstruction.

September 2008 – Bush Clinton Katrina Funds are awarded to the Pass Christian Library to assist in re-building a new library for Pass Christian. Funds totaling $300,000 are allocated to the library project.

October 27, 2008 – The Biloxi Public Library’s Local History & Genealogy Department officially reopens in downtown Biloxi after relocating to 135 Main Street on the third floor of the Biloxi Post Office. The ceremonies mark the first time since 2005 that the HCLS historical collections are consolidated in one location.

December 8, 2008 – The Orange Grove Library celebrates its 30th Annivesary with an holiday-themed open house and refreshments.

February 20, 2009 – The groundbreaking ceremonies are held for the new Pass Christian Library. An open house at the Pass Christian Library’s War Memorial Park location was held afterwards where shrimp and grits and other luncheon items were served.

This page was last updated on 2/20/2009

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