The Mississippi Library Commission (MLC) kicked off its salute to America 250 in September at the Mississippi Book Festival. It was the beginning of a year and a half of activities lasting through December 2026 – as America celebrates 250 years of Independence, MLC commemorates 100 years of support to Mississippi, “strengthening and enhancing libraries and library services for all Mississippians.” The AM250-MS semiquincentennial and MLC centennial highlights America’s and Mississippi’s stories of 2.5 centuries.
Later in September, MLC joined Dr. Roscoe Barnes, Director of Visit Natchez to share a screener from Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) of the newest Ken Burns documentary, The American Revolution! The event took place in one of Mississippi’s oldest cities and first state capital, Natchez.
On October 9, 2025, MLC partnered with the GRAMMY Museum of Mississippi and the Mississippi Coding Academy to provide surrounding Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers with professional development aligned to the America 250-MS theme. Breakfast and Lunch were provided by the Ella Fitzgerald Foundation.
MLC provided information on several of their initiatives that support America’s 250-year story intermingled with snippets from the new Ken Burns documentary, The American Revolution. MLC Talking Books Services staff demonstrated the access and use of audio players, BARD-Braille and Audio Reading Download, and physical Braille. Each service included titles that reinforce the patriotic theme, demonstrating that all students may participate. MLC Magnolia Database staff demonstrated the broad access and application of searches available to support AM250 reading and research.
The GRAMMY Museum of MS staff led participants through a review of the impact of The Music and Influence of Ella Fitzgerald on America’s 250-year Story. The Mississippi Coding Academy collaborated by adding information about the President’s AI Challenge, Using AI to write your own story, and other technology-based opportunities available to teachers and students in Mississippi.
The afternoon breakout sessions featured more intensive dives into ways of supporting PK-5 literacy and 6th-12th grade reading and writing across the curriculum. Activities highlighted connections to the Mississippi Department of Education standards aligning the themes of America 250 to the Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards.
On Friday, November 14, MLC was invited to provide professional development for librarians in the Jackson Public School District. With a little background on America’s 250th Birthday, they were provided information regarding the related initiatives including the America-250 Commission and K-12 opportunities.
The approximately three dozen participants were made aware of the aligned reading and literacy initiatives, the related state and national student competitions, the upcoming The American Revolution documentary, and inspiring activities to support literacy and learning.
The Mississippi Library Commission’s 100th Birthday was also highlighted!
On Tuesday, December 16, MLC was invited to present information on the America 250 resources and to provide professional development for school librarians at the University of Mississippi School Library Symposium in Oxford. MLC staff provided information regarding the initiatives related to the America-250 Commission and extended K-12 opportunities.
The fifty participants representing more than a dozen school districts across north Mississippi were made aware of the aligned reading and literacy initiatives, the related state and national student competitions, PBS’s streaming The American Revolution documentary, and inspiring activities to support literacy and learning through research and alternative reading needs.
In addition to interacting with school librarians, MLC was proud to introduce one of our collaborating authors, Marshall Ramsey, and to award one participant with a door prize from the Mississippi Library Commission!
The Westin Hotel was the site for the Mississippi Municipal League 2026 Mid-Winter Legislative Conference, January 13-15. The MLC AM250 Display welcomed participants in the main lobby as they arrived each day for the event. Just around the corner, a video opportunity was available for attendees to record their Happy Birthday wishes for America’s 250 years of freedom as well as for the Mississippi Library Commission’s 100 years of service – At times, there was a line of those waiting for their opportunity to add to the celebratory remarks!
MLC staff also appreciated the partnership of those at the AM250-MS pre-conference area booth on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning who sent many mayors and city council members to the lobby so that they could convey birthday best wishes!
