Smith named new director of county library

Brittnae Smith has been named the Director of the Philadelphia-Neshoba County Library.

“I am very excited about my new role,” said Smith of Philadelphia, who has worked for the library for seven years.

Smith said she had an interest in books since she was a child and after a friend told her about the job opening at the library seven years ago, she decided to apply and landed the job.

She said she has enjoyed working at the library and looks forward to taking the leadership role.

“Seeing children come in with such a love for books and reading as I did at that age is such an amazing joy,” Smith said of her work. 

Smith is a graduate of Neshoba Central High School, and she holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Mississippi University for Women. Her parents are Tyron and LaTonya Smith.

Smith said she is excited about the future of the library, especially since things are opening back up after being closed to in-person visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patrons can once come inside to access computers, fax, make copies and check out books from the library’s large selection, she said.

"After a year and a half of offering limited services, due to COVID-19 restrictions and having a new HVAC system installed, we are happy to say that the Neshoba County Public Library is fully opened," Smith said.

This summer, the library hosted its summer reading program with the theme "Tails and Tales" in which children were able to learn about animals while doing crafts.

At 10 a.m. Wednesdays, the library is now offering Preschool Story Time and from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, the library offers an after-school program called “Wind Down Wednesday.” 

Smith said she has a few adult programs in the works and she hopes to conduct a fall book sale. 

She said the library is constantly adding more collections of books.

"We welcome and encourage everyone to stop by and visit us," Smith said.

The library's Facebook page is (Neshoba County Library) and their website(www.neshobalibrary.net) for updates, or call the at 601-656-4911.