The Friends of the Poplarville Library will soon hold their annual potluck supper to discuss upcoming events and elect officers to the positions of president, vice president and secretary.

Poplarville Library Branch Manager Denise Davis said the Friends of the Library is currently operating without people in those positions, making it difficult for regular members to conduct operations. She said without strong leadership within the group, they are unable to do their job as effectively.

The Friends of the Poplarville Library was founded in 2004 to benefit the library. Members of the group act as liaisons between the library and the rest of the community, Davis said. The group holds periodic fundraisers for the library, the proceeds of which implement important community programs, such as the children’s summer reading program and purchase computers and pay for public access to the Internet for those who need it.

Davis said the library offers more than just access to books. The computers there are available for those who are taking online classes and looking for jobs, among other things. The children’s programs promote early childhood development, she said.

Without the Friends of the Poplarville Library, none of this would be possible, she said. Without a group to engage the community and raise funds, the library would not be able to afford the additional programs, Davis said. Money brought in through fundraisers is also put toward the purchase of new books, allowing the library to keep the community updated.

Because the group is so important, having strong leadership within the group is important as well. This is why Davis encourages anyone who is interested to attend the potluck supper and get involved. She said all they ask is that each participant brings their favorite dish or finger food.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. in the library’s meeting room, Davis said. Members will be discussing officer elections and upcoming events such as the story hour, silent auction and the cracker and soup bazaar.

Davis said that if anyone is interested in becoming a member before the meeting, applications are available at the library’s front desk. She said that if anyone thinks they have the qualifications to serve as an officer, they should submit their name for consideration.

For more information, the library can be reached at 601-795-8411.