One of those often forgotten gems in Charleston is the Tallahatchie County Library System branch located on Walnut Street.
This small town library is actually big on technology improvements and new additions to its literacy collection. Over the past three years, the Charleston location has updated its technology systems, added numerous books to its collection and completed many cosmetic improvements.
Funding for these advances has been a combination of federal grants, state grants and donations from foundations and local community members.
Technology updates began for the library in the fall of 2020, when 10 new computers were purchased to update the computer lab for patron use. The Charleston location added a laptop to their collection the following year in order to allow patrons to show presentations in their meeting room.
As time progressed, a wide-format printer, laminator, new fax machine and two new printers for public use were also added to the technology resources that the library provides to the Charleston community.
Many of the funds used to add books to the collection were from federal grants and foundational grants. These funds were used to add non-fiction adult books, juvenile fiction and non-fiction titles, and children’s books to the current library collection.
The library also purchased 150 new adult fiction audio books in 2022. Selections for the children’s literacy area included picture books, chapter books and all genres of works in between.
In total, the Charleston library has added over 800 books to its collection in the past three years.
Along with technology updates and numerous new titles for the collection, one will find a very clean and well-organized library today. The circulation desk has been moved to allow library staff easier access to assist patrons and provide support for copies and faxes.
Tutoring and literacy areas have been established, while the Mississippi Room houses photos and documents from the rich heritage of Tallahatchie County. The entire library collection has been re-organized and weeded to ensure that the current titles are up to date.
New paint adds the final touch to welcome members of the community, young and old alike, to enjoy the many resources that the library has to offer.
Take a minute to stop by the local library today to see the new improvements and new additions to this community gem.
