The Medgar Evers Library reopened Tuesday during a day packed with activities for Jackson children.
Mississippi Today previously reported that multiple branches in the Jackson/Hinds Library System had maintenance issues, including the Evers branch in northwest Jackson.
The library closed for two months for air conditioning repairs. David Burks Jr., vice-chairman of the Jackson/Hinds Library System’s board of trustees, confirmed that the building has a new HVAC system.
“People come here for everything, so we wanted to make sure we got it up and running,” he said during a back-to-school event at the library.
The library will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday to Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
On their first day back, the library held a Back-to-School Bash. Branch manager Anne Sanders said at least 400 children from the area attended for a day of music, food and fun.
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David Burks, Jr., vice-chairman of the Jackson/Hinds Library System’s board of trustees, in attendance at the reopening of the Medgar Evers Library, Tuesday, July 8, 2026, in Jackson. -
Jacqueline Jones, right, reads to children during the reopening celebration of the Medgar Evers Library, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Jackson. -
Hundreds of children from area daycare centers were treated to music, storytime, face-painting, play activities and snacks during the reopening celebration of the Medgar Evers Library, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Jackson. -
Hilda Wells, a retired college professor of 25-plus-years, cools off with a sip of water during the reopening celebration of the Medgar Evers Library, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Jackson. -
The Medgar Evers Branch Library reopened after months of closure due to a HVAC issue, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Jackson. -
Head Librarian Anne Sanders, left, welcomes Shella Wesley and children from Willowood Developmental Center to the reopening festivities at the Medgar Evers Library, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Jackson. -
Byron Brumfield, founder of Medgar Evers Reloaded – A Mission and a Movement, arranges backpacks to give away to children attending the reopening of the Medgar Evers Library, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Jackson. -
Byron Brumfield, founder of Medgar Evers Reloaded – A Mission and a Movement, arranges backpacks to give away to children attending the reopening of the Medgar Evers Library, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Jackson. -
The Medgar Evers Branch Library reopened after months of closure due to a HVAC issue, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Jackson. -
Children take a break from the bouncy house to read a plaque at the base of the Medgar Evers statue, located at the library bearing his name. The library reopened after months of closure, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Jackson. -
Children from area daycare centers were treated to music, storytime, face-painting, play activities and snacks during the reopening celebration of the Medgar Evers Library, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Jackson. -
Children amuse themselves with coloring and other playtime activities during the reopening celebration of the Medgar Evers Library, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Jackson. -
Marquis Davis, right, and friens from New Progressions of MS, visit the Medgar Evers statue during the reopening of the library that bears his name, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Jackson. -
Timothy White with the Youth Outreach Company, attended the Medgar Evers Library reopening festivities, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Jackson. -
Jacqueline Jones, left, reads to children during the reopening celebration of the Medgar Evers Library, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Jackson.
Music blasted in the library and the parking lot as children enjoyed a variety of activities: face painting; making arts and crafts; a bouncy castle; a dance party; interactive storytime and more. They also enjoyed popcorn, hot dogs and hamburgers. Donations made it possible for the library to give away hundreds of bags full of school supplies.
Sanders said the staff is overjoyed to get back to regular programming.
“It’s just an explosion of excitement,” she said. “We’re all just so glad to be back.”
She said when the library was closed, people called every day asking when it would reopen. Seeing the children happy and the community coming together was her favorite part of the day.
Sanders had help from over a dozen volunteers, one of whom was retired nurse Idessa Chiplin.
“We couldn’t wait until it opened back up again, because the people are like family,” Chiplin said.
Timothy White brought five children from The Youth Outreach Company to the event. His nonprofit organization provides enrichment and activities for at-risk Jackson youth.
Now that the library is open, he plans to bring a group of over 40 to 50 kids when the afterschool program begins in September.
“We got a room right here that we can do 20 to 30 kids at a time that we can tutor, mentor, help with homework. If they need help with reading, math, science or anything like that, we have a bigger area … at this library right here,” he said.
“I bring them here, pack it up, because they don’t have nothing to do at these apartment complexes,” he added.
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