Welcome to the Howell Library!

Named for the school’s founding headmaster, the Jesse L. Howell, Jr. Library seeks to foster the search for knowledge and to encourage reading for pleasure.
The Howell Library hours of operation are 7:30-3:30 Monday through Friday.

History

Before the school buildings were completed, the holdings of what was to become the Howell Library were already being assembled. Jane Bailey, the founding librarian at Jackson Prep, ordered books and had them delivered to her home for cataloging and processing. When the facility was complete, the books were ready to be shelved. Thus, the library opened when the school did and has been an integral part of academics on the campus from the very beginning.

In 1997 the Library relocated to its present position in the McRae Building. In this space the library serves all grades equally well and lies at the very heart of the campus.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Library’s mission is to support the school curriculum at all levels, to foster information literacy among users and to encourage students to become independent readers, critical researchers, and ethical users of information in a variety of formats. Librarians support faculty by assisting teachers in planning and implementing class projects employing the resources of the Library.

List of 6 items.

  • About the Collection

    The Howell Library collects with an eye towards fulfilling the needs of the curriculum, encompassing all areas of study at Jackson Prep. In addition, the Library also collects pleasure reading materials intended to appeal to the varying age groups of the students.

    The Howell Library offers a variety of formats:
    • Nearly 15,000 books
    • Twenty-four Extended Reality stations
    • Nine subscription online databases
    • Extensive audio-visual holdings
    • Networked computers for student use
    • Wireless Internet access
    • Printers for both color and black and white
    • Photocopier for student use
  • The Eudora Welty Exhibit

    Located in the entrance to the Howell Library is the Eudora Welty Exhibit.  Donated to the Jackson Prep by Miss Welty herself and members of her family, this collection comprises art, photos, awards, and signed first editions.
  • The Mississippi Collection

    A prominent feature of the Howell Library is The Mississippi Collection.  Books about Mississippi, about Mississippians, and by Mississippians are grouped in this exhibit.
  • Using the Library

    Once used exclusively for quiet study, reading, and research, the Jesse L. Howell, Jr. Library has evolved into a collaborative space that mixes tradition with cutting edge educational technology.  

    The library is a place for students to visit during free time or study hall, and take advantage of educational resources as well as  three collaboration rooms used  for group projects or for quit studying.
  • Library Policies

    The term for regular check-out is two weeks but may be renewed for an additional two weeks. Overdue fines for regular books are $.10 per day.

    Should a student lose a book, the replacement cost will be charged.

    All books and materials are turned in at the end of each semester. Students are not permitted to take their exams until all library obligations have been cleared.  
  • About the Librarian

    NORMA COX – LIBRARIAN
     
    Norma Cox received her BAE degree in Library Science from Ole Miss. She has previously worked as a K-12 librarian and as a reference librarian at Biola University in La Mirada, California. Before coming to Jackson Prep, she worked as a bookseller at Lemuria Bookstore in Jackson and authored the book, Camp DeSoto: A History.

    She brings to Jackson Prep a lifelong passion for reading and libraries and hopes to share that enthusiasm with students and faculty.
     

Contact

List of 1 members.

  • Photo of Norma Cox

    Norma Cox 

An independent, coeducational day school serving preschool through grade twelve.