A Tribute to Mike Ayers

Mike Ayers was a tireless supporter of books, reading and the library. He is pictured with Clifford the Big Red Dog puppet at Coffeeville Elementary School. Ayers passed away on Nov. 22, 2022.

In 2022, our community sadly lost Mike Ayers, a great man who meant so much to our town and especially to Coffeeville Public Library and Friends of the Library. Mike served as President of Friends of the Library for a number of years and was a tireless supporter of books, reading, and the library. He was a big believer in books for children and loved going to Coffeeville Elementary School each year to read and give books to first graders with the Friends’ First Books for First Readers program.

Whether he was delivering books to first graders with Friends, chairing a meeting, or attending library events, Mike always served with humility and a big smile.

Coffeeville Public Library and Yalobusha County Public Library System honor and remember Mike’s legacy of community involvement through the many roles he fulfilled in Coffeeville. We are thankful for his enthusiastic leadership, dedication, and service. He was a friend to all who is missed tremendously, and we extend our condolences and gratitude to his beloved family.

Patty M. Bailey, Director; Library Staff; and Administrative Board members of Yalobusha County Public Library System