The Lott Learning Resources Center (LRC) at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Perkinston Campus has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the American Library Association’s (ALA) Building Library Capacity program for 2024. The grant, which is part of a three-year initiative funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, aims to enhance library services for incarcerated individuals and those re-entering society. The LRC is one of only sixteen libraries nationwide to receive this prestigious grant.

The ALA Building Library Capacity Grants are designed to strengthen library operations and services, including literacy and skill development, collection development, staffing, and outreach. The grants focus on adding capacity to different segments of the library community each year, with 2024 dedicated to libraries serving incarcerated persons and those re-entering society.

The grant project will commence in the fall 2024 semester and represents a collaborative effort between the George County Center, the Perkinston Campus, and the George County Regional Correctional Facility (GCRCF). The MGCCC LRC will use the grant to enhance resources and support for individuals at the GCRCF who are working towards various degrees. This includes increasing technology access, educational resources, and instructional support.

In addition, the LRC will partner with the Lucedale-George County Public Library, the Mississippi Center for Justice, and other organizations to provide comprehensive re-entry programming. These programs aim to equip incarcerated individuals with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful transition back into society.

Vanessa Ritchie, assistant dean of the LRC at the Perkinston Campus, expressed her enthusiasm for the project and the opportunities it will provide these underserved individuals. “The Perkinston Campus LRC is always on the lookout for ways to assist our community,” she said. “This grant presents us with a wonderful opportunity to help a portion of our community acquire skills that will benefit them upon their release and allow them to make a smoother transition back into society. We greatly look forward to working with everyone at the George County Correctional Facility by providing resources and education that are not available currently.”

The grant project team includes Shugana Williams as the project director, Laura Savage as the librarian, and Michael McKinney as the English instructor. The team has received vital support from Dr. Lisa Rhodes, dean at the George County Center, and Obey Parker, MGCCC instructor teaching classes at GCRCF.