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NATCHEZ—The Judge George W. Armstrong Library is closed today as staff members mourn the unexpected loss of its director, Michael Strawberry.

Strawberry died at his home sometime during the night of a suspected heart problem.

Cherish McCollum, president of the library’s board of trustees, said Strawberry has been the library’s director since July 2022.

“He has been really actively involved in seeking out grants for programming for kids, adults and teens. He is a force of joy about reading and what the library can do and be for people,” she said.

Strawberry was a Port Gibson native. He was acquisitions librarian and public services director at the J.D. Boyd Libray at Alcorn State University prior to coming to the Armstrong Library. He also worked as a high school English instructor at Central Alternative School in the Natchez-Adams School District.

Strawberry earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Alcorn State University and two master’s degrees: the first from Mississippi State University in Workforce Education and the second from the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, in Library and Information Science.

“The library is the only place some people can do job applications and search for employment sources. Michael worked hard to make sure the building is safe and accessible when people needed it as a place to provide heat or cooling,” McCollum said.

Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson said Strawberry’s death is “truly a sad thing for Natchez.

“Mr. Strawberry was such a kind person. He loved people, and I truly can say I never saw him when he was not smiling and offering a way to help someone else,” he said. “He had a heart, especially for children, as seen in all he did to create special events to draw our young citizens to the world of reading. He will be deeply missed, and our prayers are with his family and friends — and also with his co-workers and colleagues.”

McCollum said Strawberry was a consistent communicator who made certain everyone was informed about what was going on at the library. His unexpected death has left the library’s staff shocked, McCollum said.

“He and I were at the Music Arts League on Monday night. He was so encouraging to other new members,” she said.

“We want to continue Michael’s exuberance and enthusiasm and love for the library and hope it will inspire people to come and be a part of it,” McCollum said.