Jan Willis, director of the Lee-Itawamba Library System.


"I began using our Lee County Library when I was 4 years old. My mom brought me in, and I met Manie Berry of the library and Dr. Seuss books all on the same day!

I grew up in my hometown library,
and jumped at my first chance to work
here as a student page in 1976.

After graduating from the University of Mississippi, I joined the staff full time and worked in almost every department until I became a Reference Librarian. That direct contact with library users, as a Reference Librarian, made me want to wake up every day to discover what I could learn and apply with our patrons.

After serving as the Assistant Director of the Dixie Regional Library System for 17 years,
I rejoined my hometown library in 2004
when I was chosen to be its director.


In 2009, I still thoroughly enjoy waking up each day
to a calling that allows this library system
to enrich the lives of our community.

There is no better feeling than putting
into practice what libraries do
to change the lives of the people
who enter our doors, from babies to students
to lifelong learning adults."