Richard Greene will have logged 44 years of service — 42 in management — when he retires as director of the Mid-Mississippi Regional Library System on July 1. As director, he has managed the 13 public libraries in Attala, Leake, Winston, Montgomery and Holmes counties.
The native of Syracuse, NY, was recruited by the Mississippi Library Commission from Starkville, where he had worked the first two years of his career.
Greene said change has been a constant throughout his career, most of which has been worked from his office in the Attala County Library in Kosciusko.
“Every library has been affected. Several new libraries have been built in the region and additions have been made in some,” he said. Some libraries have also had staff increases over the years, he added.
Greene said he watched libraries become more than books, with electronics playing a major role in bringing changes and new services to all libraries.
Dial-A-Story is on such service which has been added in every library in the region. Book check out has also advanced, transitioning from use of the old-school date due stamp to the current use of integrated, computerized data base.
Electronics has allowed the regional library system to improve access to a wider range of materials. Partnership with the Mississippi Library Commission allows electronic access to millions of titles from 52 libraries as opposed to providing reference books.
The availability of eBooks, movies and music have also expanded library services to the community, he said.
Greene was instrumental in the establishment of the Wall of Fame recognizing librarians, trustees and volunteers making a contribution to their communities through libraries. Their pictures are placed on the Wall of Fame at the Attala Library following a program of recognition.
In continuing its services, Greene said plans are underway to install an LED message board at the Attala facility to help library and community events.
Apart from his work in the libraries, Greene has been active in the community through the Lions Club, serving as President one point, as well as Chairman of the Christmas Basket Project for 10 years. He has also been the recipient of the Golden Shovel and Outstanding Citizen of Attala County awards.
Greene said he is grateful for the support he and the library system have received from city and county officials through the years, as well as from state and congressional delegations.
Greene said that in retirement, he expects to stay busy.
“I plan to stay active in my church, volunteer at the Visitor Center, learn to play golf and be a regular customer at the Attala Library,” he said.
A reception in Greene’s honor will be held in the Attala County Library Meeting Room from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 28.
