Harriette Person Memorial Library
🏢 Harriette Person Memorial Library · Port Gibson, Mississippi
Harriette Person Memorial Library
Port Gibson holds the oldest library charter in Mississippi — granted by the state legislature in January 1818 as the "Mississippi Literary and Library Company of Gibson Port." More than a century later, Miss Harriette Person organized a free subscription library in 1914, and the Harriette Person Memorial Library she inspired has occupied its historic Main Street district building since 1994, serving Claiborne County ever since.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9am–5pm |
| Tuesday | 9am–5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–5pm |
| Thursday | 9am–5pm |
| Friday | 9am–5pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 606 Market Street, Port Gibson, MS 39150
Phone: (601) 437-5202
Website: hpml.lib.ms.us
Plus Code: 863FX247+JG (Port Gibson, MS)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Harriette Person Memorial Library
The Harriette Person Memorial Library is the public library of Port Gibson and Claiborne County, Mississippi, located at 606 Market Street in the city's historic downtown. Port Gibson holds a unique place in Mississippi library history: the state legislature granted its first library charter in January 1818, to the "Mississippi Literary and Library Company of Gibson Port" — the oldest such charter in the state. The modern library was born in 1914 when Miss Harriette Person returned from a summer at Chautauqua, New York and organized a subscription library under the auspices of the Pathfinder Chapter of the D.A.R., opening with 230 books and seven periodicals. Miss Person herself served as librarian for twenty-one years until her death in 1937, at which point the library was renamed in her honor. After decades in various Port Gibson buildings including the Irwin Russell Memorial Building, the library moved in 1994 into its current renovated historic structure on Market Street, designed by Belinda Stewart Architects. Funded by the City of Port Gibson, Claiborne County, and the Mississippi Library Commission, it provides free library services and access to the statewide MAGNOLIA research databases. Note: the library closes for lunch daily from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Port Gibson holds the oldest library charter in Mississippi — granted by the state legislature in January 1818 to the 'Mississippi Literary and Library Company of Gibson Port'
- Founded in 1914 by Miss Harriette Person, who organized a subscription library after studying at the Chautauqua Library School
- Named the Harriette Person Memorial Library in 1937 upon the death of its founder, who served as librarian for 21 years
- Moved into its current renovated historic building on Market Street in 1994, designed by Belinda Stewart Architects
- GED classes, summer reading, and storytime programs serving Claiborne County residents of all ages
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Harriette Person Memorial Library cardholders have free access to Mississippi's statewide digital resources:
📚 Services
- Circulating book, audiobook, and DVD collection
- MAGNOLIA statewide research databases
- GED preparation classes
- Library card applications for adults and youth (PDF available online)
- Public computers and internet access
- Storytime and children's programming
- Summer Library Program
- Reference assistance
🎸 Programs
- GED classes for adult learners
- Children's storytime (including outreach to local Head Start centers)
- Summer Library Program
- Community and cultural events
📍 Nearby Libraries in Southwest Mississippi
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Port Gibson · Browse all Mississippi libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Port Gibson's library history unique in Mississippi?
Port Gibson holds the oldest library charter in Mississippi. In January 1818, the state legislature granted the very first library charter in Mississippi to the 'Mississippi Literary and Library Company of Gibson Port' — predating any other public library in the state. Although that early organization did not survive, the city's library tradition was revived in 1914 by Harriette Person and has continued ever since.
Who was Harriette Person, and why is the library named for her?
Harriette Person was a Port Gibson resident who, in 1914, returned from a summer at the Chautauqua Library School in New York inspired to bring a free public library to her hometown. She organized a subscription library under the D.A.R., opened it with 230 books, and served as its librarian for 21 years until her death in 1937 — at which point the trustees renamed it the Harriette Person Memorial Library in her honor.
Does the library close for lunch?
Yes. The Harriette Person Memorial Library is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. but closes daily for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. It is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Call ahead at (601) 437-5202 if you have questions.
Can I apply for a library card online?
The library offers downloadable PDF card applications for adults and youth at hpml.lib.ms.us — print, complete, and bring the form along with valid ID to the library at 606 Market Street, Port Gibson MS 39150. Your card gives you access to the circulating collection and the statewide MAGNOLIA research databases.
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