Over 100 Years of Service
Officially established as an operating, public library on October 1, 1914, employees of the Greenwood-Leflore Public Library System have been dedicated servants of our local Greenwood-Leflore residents for well over 100 years. Today the GLPLS continues to provide patrons with a gateway to different experiences, adventure, and knowledge, through books, technology, and programs.
The Greenwood Commonwealth reported on October 10, 1913 that the construction contract was awarded to build the library. Local historian and library Board of Trustees, President, Donny Whitehead said the contract was awarded to Humphries and McGinnis of Greenwood, thus, the construction of the original building was begun. The site of the original library, across the street from the current facility, was donated by Lizzie George Henderson, the youngest daughter of Sen. J.Z. George, and her husband, Dr. T.R. Henderson.
Lizzie George Henderson applied for a grant from the Carnegie Foundation and received $10,000 for the library project. The Henderson Family also directly donated to the construction of the library. The mayor and Board of Aldermen donated $2,500 annually toward maintenance and upkeep, and the Woman's Club raised $10,000 for an annex to the Carnegie Library, which is now the Confederate Memorial Building. Henderson was the president of the Woman's Club.
The Commonwealth reported that on Nov. 14, 1913, ground was broken at the northeast corner of Washington Avenue and Henderson Street. By March 1914, the construction for the library was reported to be "making good progress."
This assumption comes from a Works Progress Administration project in which local women in the 1930s put together a book of information about Greenwood and Leflore County. They recorded the library opened in the fall of 1914.
Henderson supplied the library's original collection of books. The donation came from her father's collection that was at the library at Cotesworth in North Carrollton, MS.
As the demand for library services continued to grow, the City of Greenwood and Leflore County added another wing to the original library building, tripling its size. Almost three decades later, continued demand and expansion of services lead to the need to increase the library's size again. Therefore, in 1979, the current location of the Greenwood-Leflore Public Library was opened.
Today, the library is still a thriving hub of local activity, with over 20,000 visits a year. The staff is composed of familiar local faces, all enthusiastic about books, knowledge, and sharing their passion with the community.
The library features an extensive print collection, for all ages, of nonfiction and fiction books, e-books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, and more. More than 20 public access computers are available at both locations and on both the first and second floors of the main branch.
To show your support, contact The Friends of the Library, a nonprofit organization that holds library fundraisers and offers many volunteering opportunities.
Make plans to visit today and become involved with your local library!
