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Our Simpson County librarians are loved! These ladies touch the lives of people of all ages. In celebration of National Library week, an Appreciation Dinner was held at the Mendenhall Community Center Thursday night, April 10, 2025. Kathie Ward welcomed everyone. Richard Rankin led in prayer.
Guest speaker was hometown girl Katina Rankin who presented an inspiring talk on the importance of the library and using our abilities to push forward in life.

National Honor Society students served the attendees. (And just let me say, they did an awesome job—those kids have manners and knowledge)

The delicious meal was catered by Smokey Mountain Grill located in Mendenhall.
Several county and city officials attended the event.


If you have not visited your local library lately, you will be amazed at the changes to our libraries. The library is not just about books. Simpson County libraries have moved into the digital world with programs that promote learning at a new level.
Pictured on home page:
Starting from Left to Right
Back Row: Kathie Ward, Mendenhall Branch Manager; Brenette Nichols, CMRLS Assistant Director; Mara Polk, CMRLS Director.
Front Row: Chelsea Downs, Mendenhall Circulation Clerk; Carrie Brown, Programming Coordinator, Katina Rankin; Alice Green, Magee Branch Manager; Barbara Gauthier, Magee Circulation Clerk.
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