SUMMARY: Mississippi is central to America’s musical heritage, originating the blues and shaping gospel, soul, country, rock, and hip-hop. Legends like Robert Johnson, B.B. King, Faith Hill, and contemporary artists reflect Mississippi’s influence across genres. Songs inspired by the state explore its towns, people, struggles, and the Mississippi River, celebrating its rich and complex history. From Delta blues classics to Southern rock, country, pop, and rap, Mississippi remains the heartbeat of American music. The state is rightly known as “The Birthplace of America’s Music,” with hundreds of songs echoing its enduring cultural and musical legacy.

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SUMMARY: In Goodman, Mississippi, the small library housed in a former church transformed under Rachel Floyd’s leadership since 2021. Despite the town’s high poverty and limited opportunities, the library has become a vibrant sanctuary for children. Its unique features, like a spiral staircase leading to a kids’ area and displays of local art, create a welcoming, lively environment. Rachel’s dedication to diverse programs—storytimes, crafts, STEAM clubs—boosted book checkouts from 83 to 823 over three years. More than a library, it is a community hub where children feel valued, inspired, and free to explore, learn, and grow.

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The de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection at The University of Southern Mississippi houses the papers of H.A. and Margret Rey, creators of Curious George. From October 23-28, the Rey family visits Hattiesburg for a reunion celebrating their legacy with exhibitions, children’s activities, a musical, and a documentary screening. The Curious George: Original Works on Paper exhibit features rare Rey materials, including original art and letters. The collection, founded by Dr. Lena de Grummond, holds manuscripts of over 1,400 authors and illustrators. The Reys created Curious George during their 1940 flight from France, later publishing the beloved series in New York.

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