I’ve always loved walking into libraries, whether large public libraries in metropolitan cities or personal libraries in a friend’s home. Books offer the opportunity to travel to times and places different from my own, knowledge and skill building, and entertainment. Today’s libraries provide resources far beyond books to educate our citizens, create more successful communities and therefore, greater opportunities for all our citizens.

Having served as treasurer and board member for about 10 years has given me insight into the generosity of the public and the special place called The Hancock Library where you would be surprised with the offerings to it's patrons. I value my time spent serving our community. An educated community with a great library will prosper!!

I grew up going to the Hancock County Library. As a very young child, my mother would take me to story hour when the library was located at the corner of Ulman Ave. and Dunbar Ave. The staff all knew my name and I knew theirs. Our library system has a special place in my heart and I’m honored to be able to serve on this Library Foundation board!

Growing up in Pearlington, my sisters and I anxiously awaited for the Bookmobile to come. It was usually once a week in the summer and we were always excited to participate in the summer reading programs. From an early age I had a love of reading and each book was an adventure--that still holds true today!! Our current-day library selections and offerings are vast, ever changing with new and innovative ways to provide the most information for all age groups. It is an absolute honor to serve on the Library Foundation Board.

After serving 28 years as a classroom teacher and currently as a local Realtor®, I understand the need for additional educational resources and programs in local communities. I am excited to serve along with the rest of our dedicated board members to help support our library system in their efforts to promote lifelong learning throughout all of Hancock County.

I’m excited to be part of the Library Foundation, to be part of doing good for the community. The library is doing important work in the community to bridge gaps, especially for youth and teens. Every day I’m telling people about the library and what’s available at the library.

I can't remember a time when going to the public library wasn’t a party of my life. As a child my mother would take me weekly. As an adult, when I have moved to a new town one of the 1st things I do is get my library card. I believe the public library system is the best thing we do together as a community.

Books were an integral part of my childhood with us regularly visiting libraries or bookmobiles. When our family moved to the Bay in 1964, we were frequent visitors to the Hancock County Library on Court Street. My dad served on the Library Board in the 1970s and my mother read for Children’s Story Hour. I often filled in for her. Once I had children, we visited the library on a regular basis. The Hancock County Library has always been near and dear to me. Now that my retirement is close, I knew I needed to find a way to give back to the community but wasn’t sure how. When I received the invitation to the Hancock Library Foundation, I was delighted. I’m looking forward to working with this board.

I am honored to be once again on the Board of the Library Foundation. Our libraries are the core of the communities they serve. They provide a place for education, for access to equipment, for networking, and for creating opportunities for people of all ages. The Board of the Foundation has an important job to do, to build funds so that our library system can continue to grow and provide what is needed in each of our towns.

Mary Perkins worked for Hancock County Library system for 25 years, retiring in 2018 as the Public Affairs and Development Officer. Mary has tirelessly advocated for the Library, serving as the Executive Secretary for many years. She continues to be a source of information about the history and contributions of the Library in the community.