Library of Hattiesburg, Petal, and Forrest County

09/12/2026

We are excited to participate in Downtown Hattiesburg's PARK(ing) Day event next week!

PARK(ing) Day is a global event where people temporarily turn parking spaces into creative public spaces for community, relaxation, and connection. Stop by our parking space next Friday for a free book and a children's take home craft!

🚗🌿 Your PARK(ing) Day Agenda is in! 🎉

In just one week, join us for a day of community, creativity, live music, performances, and fun on Main Street in Downtown Hattiesburg!

📚 11 AM | Main Street Storytime
Join us on Main Street for storytime and choose a FREE book from our Little Free Library!

🎶 11:30 AM–1:30 PM | Live Music
Enjoy live music from Holley Rumbarger while you explore Main Street.

🎭 2–4 PM | Spotlight Performances
Enjoy a variety of performances presented by Hattiesburg Parks and Recreation, RSJ Community Arts Center, and the Hattiesburg Arts Council.

📚 3 PM | Main Street Storytime
Another chance to gather on Main Street for storytime and pick out a FREE book from our Little Free Library!

🍽️ Grab Lunch Downtown!
Jamba Jollof and Sugar Daddy Bakery will have pop-up shops set up right on Main Street, while eYrthBeat Coffee Company, Southern Prohibition, and Trattoria Pizzeria will be offering special in-house eats and drinks throughout the day.

Grab lunch, bring your friends, and meet us on Main Street for PARK(ing) Day, a celebration of community, creativity, and all the possibilities of public space!

Friday, September 18 | 11 AM–4 PM | Downtown Hattiesburg Main Street

09/11/2026

Don't forget to visit our Hattiesburg branch tomorrow from 11am - 1pm for our book bedazzle party!

09/11/2026

Join us on Saturday at 11am!!

We had such a great turnout for our Book Bedazzling Party last month, we're doing it again! Visit us Saturday, September 12th from 11am-1pm to bling out your favorite book!

All supplies are included, even some books. Email [email protected] with any questions!

09/09/2026

We had another delicious cooking lesson courtesy of State University Extension Service! Last week our participants cooked baked catfish and veggie pasta.

Want to join the fun at home? Visit https://happyhealthy.extension.msstate.edu/ for these and other healthy recipes or come to the library and check out one of the many cookbooks we have to offer!

09/05/2026

Show off your creativity and design a bookmark for the library! Pick up a form at the Hattiesburg or Petal Library (or copy template from the comments), and submit your entry for a chance to have your artwork featured on an official library bookmark. One winner per category.

Categories/Ages:
☐ 0 -5
☐ 6-12
☐ 13-17
☐ 18+
☐ Staff

09/04/2026

We are excited to offer yet another unique adult program - this time for our Petal branch!

Come paint with us at the Petal Library! The Art Cottage - Petal, MS will bring custom canvases and we will paint while we enjoy mockmosas and muffins. No experience necessary - just bring your imagination! Enjoy a relaxed morning of painting, refreshments, and fun at the library on Saturday, September 19th at 11am. All materials provided!

Reservations are required as spots are limited. To reserve your spot, email Brittany Tibbett at [email protected].

This is an adult program, but teens are also welcome.

09/03/2026

Thank you to Heart Stone Wellness and Movement for our yoga classes this summer! What better place to try something new than your local library?

Come visit us on Monday, September 28th at 6pm for our next class!

09/02/2026

We had such a great turnout for our Book Bedazzling Party last month, we're doing it again! Visit us Saturday, September 12th from 11am-1pm to bling out your favorite book!

All supplies are included, even some books. Email [email protected] with any questions!

09/01/2026

We were proud to host the kickoff of the 2026 Evelyn Gandy Leadership Academy for Young Women! This six-session program empowers young women in the Hattiesburg community to embrace their leadership potential, build confidence, and become more engaged in their community.

We enjoyed welcoming this year’s participants to the library and look forward to seeing all they accomplish throughout the program!

08/26/2026

We had an amazing time at our August Junk Journal Club meetings at both Hattiesburg and Petal! Join us in September at both branches to create your own junk journal. All experience levels are welcome.