The Helen Foster Award, named in memory of Helen Foster, who served as Lee County Library director from 1943 to 1947, was created in 2016 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the library’s establishment and is bestowed annually to recognize individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the Lee County Library, through acts of advocacy, service, and support.

Helen Foster was an energetic supporter of the Lee County Library for most of her adult life. She served various roles in civic groups, clubs, and organizations, including the Woman’s Club, the Mutual Culture Club, Pilot Club, Board of Stewards, as chair of the Lee County Tuberculosis Chapter drive, and a charter member of Philathea Sunday School class of First Methodist Church.  Foster’s relationship with the Lee County Library began as a volunteer and continued as she became director. She is responsible for establishing the library’s bookmobile, which was the first bookmobile in Mississippi and remains the oldest continuously serving bookmobile service in the state.

Anyone who lives, works, or attends school in Lee County may nominate someone to receive the Helen Foster Award, or may be nominated themselves. Nominations should be sent to Bonnie Gaines, administrative assistant, by email or in-person at the Lee County Library, at 219 North Madison Street in Tupelo. The library’s Administrative Board of Trustees will evaluate submitted nominations and choose the award recipient at their meeting in July.