The Changing Season Is Not Just About Falling Leaves

by Hulen Bivins, Executive Director

Schools across Mississippi have now started a new year of learning. This event affects the lives of both students and their parents. Also affected are the teachers who research and prepare lessons as well as the public librarians who, while serving their communities, aid the student’s research as well the research of parents who, in the home, help decipher the teachers’ educational assignments.

It is important to note, however, that this education process usually begins long before any child begins their formal studies in a brick/mortar building. Whether it is learning the primary colors, how to tie the laces of shoes, or learning one’s ABCs, it is an educational process at work. 

For me, the changing season brings memories of the NBC-TV show of the 1950s called “Ding Dong School” hosted by Miss Frances. On each show, she started with a loud ringing of her school bell and then immediately began her teachings of the day which included beginning math, vocabulary enrichment, and crafts. Indeed, “Ding Dong School” was a highlight probably exceeded only by the “Kukla, Fran and Ollie” show, also on NBC-TV.

So, as the summer months have now drawn to a close, it is time for many children and adults to strengthen their learning skills so that all family members can meet new challenges and learning experiences. While students may have apprehension about new teachers and new subjects, youth may wonder how they can juggle their respective curriculum and part-time work at a local retail business, and parents attempt to recall their learning during years prior, each shall have challenges. Questions such as Who was Chester Arthur? What is photosynthesis? How does the gene pool of a creature influence the color and traits of offspring? Or, where was the Three Mile Island Nuclear Station located and how did it become newsworthy?  

It is the common hope of all to have a successful learning process. To aid this quest for success, the Mississippi Library Commission provides a collection of databases that aids students, kindergarten to adult, and parents of any age. These databases feature a diverse collection of knowledge that can help be effective in an individual’s learning and importantly, in their self-esteem. These databases are designed to help any student pass any class and achieve those minimum standards that are required.



The availability of these databases is as close to any user as the user’s computer. And instructional assistance on how to use these databases is as close as the public library in the communities of Mississippi. The primary databases available are MAGNOLIA, Learning Express, and Britannica. Tips on how to use the databases can be obtained at the public library.

The Mississippi Library Commission provides training instructors who can conduct scheduled learning sessions at the local public library and other localities in Mississippi. Users need to have a library card to facilitate a login. There is no cost for usage.

Enjoy the changing season.

Pictured L-R are Megan Fleming, Talking Books Outreach; Miranda Loper, Talking Books Services Director; Jennifer Lena, Deputy Executive Director; and JD Burns, Talking Books Patron Services Coordinator.

The continuing education program is an important part of MLC’s services to the public library community. Each year the Mississippi Library Commission provides a skills development program with training opportunities in both traditional and emerging library services. Click the image for our continuing education options.

Need specific training for your library staff? Use our electronic form to get the training you need: Class Request Form

Stacks and Stories is a fun and informative podcast focusing on books, reading and Mississippi libraries. Use your favortie podcast app to listen in:

Stacks and Stories | Mississippi Library Commission (podbean.com)

Spotify, Amazon, and Podchaser. Or you can follow us on YouTube for the Pop-Up version of our podcast.