Jackson Hinds Library System Rolls Out its Strategic Plan for the Next Five Years
After a year or more of planning, the Jackson Hinds Library System (JHLS) has completed and released its 2025 - 2030 Strategic Plan. Prepared by Library Strategies with input from the community and staff, this plan is a roadmap for improving library services, casting a wider net for increased resources, and optimizing community engagement across Hinds County. “Our libraries are more than just broken buildings and a printing service — they’re a central hub for education, creativity, and connection,” said Morgan Hedglin, interim director of JHLS. “Our strategic plan will guide us in delivering equitable access to resources and ensuring that all residents of Hinds County have the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing digital age.”
Willie Morris Library
The Willie Morris Library is conveniently located on Old Canton Road in northeast Jackson. The Autism Resource Center is also located here.
The 2025 - 2030 JHLS Strategic Plan has six key priorities:
GOAL 1: Restore and Revitalize Facilities – JHLS will transform its libraries into welcoming, state-of-the-art spaces and immediately repair damaged facilities. There is also a plan to reconstruct a new flagship location to replace the former Eudora Welty Library in Downtown Jackson.
GOAL 2: Timely, Trusted Communications – JHLS will improve transparent communication with its community across improved, user-friendly digital platforms and expand library awareness to underserved locations.
GOAL 3: Firm Financial Foundation – JHLS will expand its public and private funding to complete multifaceted goals for short-term and long-term library needs.
GOAL 4: Shelves Full of Wisdom and Wonder – JHLS wants to encourage lifelong learning and enrichment by offering a wide variety of materials that meet the public’s needs.
GOAL 5: A Trusted Community Hub for Learning, Culture, Connection, and Digital Life – The public values and wants more library programs, spaces, and technology for personal, study, and professional use. JHLS will expand its deserved reputation for services and library programs through time-tested, cost-effective practices.
GOAL 6: Committed and Competent Staff and Leadership Advocates – Friendly and knowledgeable staff are the foundation of a public library. Patrons highly commend JHLS employees. Library trustees and supporters are passionate about protecting the community’s interest in the library. JHLS will attract talented employees and trustees that assure the public’s trust.
Out of these six priorities, JHLS is currently focused on Goal 2: Timely, Trusted Communications. The organization has hired a company to optimize its website. “The first thing we’re working on is getting our website more workable, accessible, and attainable,” said JHLS board member Sylvia Walker, who also serves on the JAN board. “That’s number one, and we have plans and budget for a rollout.” The same company is also planning to implement a mobile library on wheels. JHLS is also in the process of ordering new computers. “We want all of this to be streamlined so when the new website is launched and the new computers are installed, the community can come into the library, and we show them how to work the whole system,” Walker said. JHLS has also hired a firm to conduct a national search for a new executive director, thus working towards Goal 6, Committed and Competent Staff and Leadership Advocates. The deadline to apply for the role is Sunday, February 23.
“The dumbing down of our community is something real. We need to stand up and say we need our libraries.”
-Sylvia Walker, JHLS Board
Libraries play a vital role in the community by providing free access to knowledge, resources, and technology. They serve as hubs that support literacy and lifelong learning for people of all ages. Just as JHLS is working to serve its community better, the community should advocate for its public libraries to ensure they remain valuable resources for all stakeholders. “We need more Friends of the Library. We need more help from public and private-sector businesses. The community should let politicians and statesmen know not to cut our budget,” Walker said. I always believe that when people visit different places or consider relocating, they check out libraries and the cultural climate. That’s what makes a community stand out above other communities.”
Additionally, libraries preserve local history and culture, ensuring that future generations can connect with their heritage. By promoting learning, inclusion, and accessibility, libraries contribute to the overall well-being and development of a thriving community. “The dumbing down of our community is something real. We need to stand up and say we need our libraries,” Walker said. “The more the community is involved, the more it has to stay in the limelight and politicians have to pay attention.”
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