ABOUT US
Jackson Friends of the Library (“JFOL”) is a non-profit organization that exists to support and enhance the Jackson-based branches of the Jackson-Hinds Library System based in Jackson, Mississippi. These branches, scattered across the Capital City, serve 146,000 residents and currently include the Bolden/Moore Library, Fannie Lou Hamer Library, Margaret Walker Alexander Library, Medgar Evers Library, Willie Morris Library.
JFOL was founded in 1985 and has historically provided supplemental funding for the summer reading program along with contributions to the collection, most notably the donation of a world class collection of 755 books from the New York Review of Books and the creation and acquisition of the Wells Collection, comprising 728 award-winning books not previously part of the System's collection.
In 2022 a small group of us began working to revitalize JFOL with hopes of carrying on the legacy of the Friends group from earlier years while also expanding the scope of impact JFOL has on our city’s libraries moving forward. In recent years participation and interest in the Jackson Friends of the Library diminished and the group had become dormant. Given the City's many difficult problems, the Library System needs Friends, volunteers and corporate partners to step up to stand in the gap.
We want to see a flourishing urban library system that reaches Jackson’s many diverse citizens with the inspiration, education, information and connection that libraries can provide. We believe our Library System cannot reach its full potential without a flourishing Friends group behind it. In June 2023, JFOL officially celebrated its relaunch. JFOL hosts an Annual Book Sale as well as an annual Author Event to raise funds for our libraries. We have received grants and corporate funds to provide large-scale public art in Jackson’s libraries. In 2024, Margaret Walker Alexander Library received the first art installation and we hope to continue across the city, bringing beauty and engagement to these vital community spaces.
Have ideas? Want to find out how you can get more involved? Please contact us today!
JFOL is a 100% volunteer-based organization and needs committed and creative citizens, small local businesses, and large corporations that care about our city and our libraries. Together we can make a difference!