By Sue Opalewski
If you have a few dollars and a little time to spare, you may want to take advantage of a very special opportunity. For a small investment, local women may join the Ladies’ Library Auxiliary. Founded in 1891 as the Ladies’ Library Association, the group has a strong tradition of providing library services to the Vicksburg community.
Until 1944 when the group deeded the library property and the collection to the Village of Vicksburg, these ladies administered the facility and the collection which evolved into what we know today as the Vicksburg District Library. More importantly, they have nurtured a quest for knowledge and awareness in a community some distance away from metropolitan library services.
The history of the auxiliary is rich and full. Today, a little more than a century after its inception, the spirit lives on. The group’s members continue to contribute their time, energy and enthusiasm to the library and the community. Through dues and donations, they also support World Relief Mission, Lending Hands, YWCA Domestic Assault, Generous Hands, South County Holiday Baskets, Books for Babies and the Vicksburg Library Summer Reading Program.
This group meets the first Friday of the month, September through December and March through June, at 1 p.m. The location of the meeting place changes from time to time. Interested persons are encouraged to check with library staff for a schedule of their meetings and membership information.
If your schedule does not allow full participation, an associate membership is available. All interested ladies are invited to join the Vicksburg Ladies’ Library Auxiliary. The members look forward to meeting you.