The historic Ricks Memorial Library has always been known for its loyal services, special collections and its role in the town's local history. However, the library’s dedicated staff wants the people of Yazoo City to know about the resources offered at the local library that benefit people of all ages.
“Nobody leaves the library unhappy,” said Daniel Quinn. “Everybody leaves happy.
Ricks Memorial Library is steeped in history when it comes to its Yazoo connection and in the state, serving as the one of the oldest library buildings in Mississippi. The library is owned and operated by the Yazoo Library Association. Founded Sept 8, 1838 and originally started as a membership library, the YLA was chartered by the Mississippi Legislature to provide public library service to Yazoo County.
For over sixty years, the Yazoo Library was housed in many different buildings. Thankfully, in 1900, Fannie Ricks adopted the library as her cause and funded the construction of the B. S. Ricks Memorial Library. She named it in honor of her late husband, General Benjamin Sherrod Ricks. This is the same building that is used today.
The library was opened to the public in 1901 and formally dedicated January 1, 1902. The Ricks Memorial Library continues to serve Yazoo County as a public library, and is the oldest public library building in continuous service in Mississippi.
“The combination of the historic physical building paired with the variety of services we offer is what makes Ricks Memorial Library so special,” said Director Craig Wooten. “We offer so much more than just checking out a book.”
Over the past year, over 46,235 patrons visited the local library. Its public access computers were used over 10,000 times, and the free wireless internet was used well over 3,200 times. Additionally, the library’s meeting rooms were used 149 times by 1,587 people, and the staff answered 1,788 reference questions.
The latest resource provided at the library focuses on workforce development and job opportunities. The Mississippi Department of Employment Security, in partnership with Central Mississippi Planning and Development District and South Central Mississippi Works, introduced the MDES Navigator. This pilot program features access stations where patrons can speak directly with an Employment Specialist. This innovative initiative aims to enhance employment services for Mississippians by bridging the gap between job seekers and essential resources, making face-to-face interactions with MDES representatives accessible to all, especially in underserved areas. The MDES Navigator offers valuable support in resume writing, interview preparation, and discovering job opportunities, empowering individuals to take charge of their job search journey.
In addition to the MDES Navigator, MDES will have a Career Coach on site at the Digital Access Center. The coach will be at the local library on the first and third Friday until May. Participants can receive assistance on resume writing, interview preparations, online job searches, and identifying training or skill programs.
This personal, hands-on support is what turns access to technology into true opportunity for the people of Yazoo County. During its last session, 30 attendees took advantage of the resource.
Books and audio books can also be mailed directly to patrons. There are also several options for those with disabilities including Braille books, audio books and large print editions thanks to the Mississippi Library Commission, which houses an extensive collection of materials.
Thanks to the state library commission and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the local library also has a vast collection of tools that can be checked out for free. A Tool Library, like any regular library, has a selection of items which members may need occasionally but don't necessarily want to purchase. From automotive to power tools to home project pieces to gardening tools…the local library has it.
“The tool library has been an unbelievable success,” Quinn said.
The local library even has a seed catalog available for gardeners to plant anything from flowers to vegetables and herbs.
The library also provides GED and tutorial programs. A private adult literacy tutoring program is also available.
With six total employees, Ricks Memorial Library holds a wealth of knowledge and resources at little to no cost.
The Ricks Memorial Library is a center for learning, trusted information and a critical avenue that the Yazoo community needs to thrive. The library connects people. It symbolizes strength, resourcefulness and continues to play an essential role within the community.
“Come visit us,” said the staff. “We’ll be happy to give you a tour of the oldest library in continuous use in Mississippi, assist you with your genealogy project, help you with your resume, recommend a good book, assist you with your research project, let you use one of our meeting rooms, show you a comfy spot to use our free wireless internet…… and the list goes on.”
