WHAT’S NEW AT THE BRANDON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Summer vacation is almost over, but that doesn’t mean we ever (and we mean EVER) stop doing fun stuff at the Brandon Library! Here’s a taste of some of the things we have coming up:

• Brandon Library Story Walk: The Brandon Library, with the help of Boy Scout Aaron Stapp, has installed a story walk just for you! Beginning at the walking trail by the playground and leading through the park, follow the path of the wooden markers that hold each month’s story inside!

• Trivia Night: Join us on August 7 at 6:00 PM for our monthly trivia night at Lost Pizza Co. in Brandon, just across the street from the library! All ages are welcome, and the first prize is a $50 gift card to Lost Pizza!

• Medicare Education: Are you a senior looking into Medicare? Do you need to know how much a Medicare plan costs, or which coverage plan is right for you? Join us on August 9 at 10:30 AM and learn about the ABC's of Medicare from Humana!

• Social Security: Truth or Consequences: On August 14 at 6:00 PM, Roy and Diane Thompson, National Social Security Advisers, will be discussing Social Security and the Restricted Application process. Come find out how this process can benefit you!

• Inventory Notice: Don’t forget, the Brandon Library will be closed August 20 – 23 for inventory. Don’t worry, though—We’ll be reopening on Friday, August 24, with a fun surprise!

• Genealogy Surprise: On August 24 at 10:30 am, the Brandon Library will have a visitor! Anne Vanderleest, former Genealogist of the Brandon Library, will stop in to catch up with old friends and celebrate her birthday—which means that, yes, there will be food. Join us!

Remember, these are just some of the things we have coming up here at the Brandon Library. Call 601-825-2672 for more details or check the calendar under the Events Tab on the website for our other August events. We hope to see you soon!

COMING SOON TO THE PEARL PUBLIC LIBRARY!

     It's an exciting time at the Pearl Public Library with some new programs on the horizon starting in August!  

    Hey, it's a great time to be a baby!  Pearl Pee-Wees, will be held Saturday mornings, at 10 a.m., starting August 4, for birth to 24 months.  During the program the children will have two easy picture books read to them. There will also be songs and rhymes where the children can practice such things as clapping their hands, tapping their toes and recognizing shapes and colors with the help of their parents. The parent and child will experience an enrichment playtime which may involve playing with balls, blocks, scarves or even parachutes.  

    Give me a B - I - N - G - O! What's that spell?! BINGO for Books!  A great adult program that's back by popular demand! It will be held on the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. 

    If that's not your thing, how 'bout relaxing with a movie? Got that too for adults complete with popcorn and drinks! Third Thursday Flicks will be every third Thursday at 5:30 p.m.  

    Hey, wanna learn some Spanish? Or maybe you already speak Spanish but want to learn English. You are not going to believe this, but the Pearl Public Library has that too! Spanish for Beginners, lead by Dianne Lee, a retired Pearl High School and Hinds Community College Spanish teacher, will be offered on Fridays at 10 a.m. starting in August.  

    That's not all! In addition to the already exciting Chapter 1 Book Club, which meets every second Tuesday of the month at 6 pm., a new daytime book club for adults is coming. The  Morning Book Club will begin Wednesday, August 1 at 10 a.m. and will meet every other Wednesday. 

     See, great stuff is happening at the Pearl Public Library, and you do NOT want to miss out! Remember all programs are FREE!

      We'll see you there!

An Evening with James Meredith at Brandon Public Library!

Come to the Brandon Library for An Evening with James Meredith!

Join the Brandon and Rankin County Genealogical and Historical Societies at the Brandon Library on Tuesday, July 17 at 7:00pm for their bi-monthly meeting.

Our special guest is James Meredith, the first African American to attend the University of Mississippi and a prominent figure of the Civil Rights Movement!

Here’s a bit of info about James Meredith, courtesy of Biography.com:

Born in Mississippi in 1933, James Meredith was raised on a farm with nine siblings. He joined the military after high school and attended an all-black college before becoming the first black student at the University of Mississippi in 1962. After he graduated, Meredith earned a law degree and became involved in politics. He lives in Jackson, Mississippi, and continues to be active in civil rights.

A "Daughter's" Life of Love, Pain, Forgiveness and Healing! Talk About It At the Pearl Public Library!

It's another good read at the Pearl Public Library! Amy's next Chapter 1 Book Club meeting, which is on Tues. July 10 at 6 p.m., is sure to spark emotional conversation!

Her Daughter’s Dream by Francine Rivers spans from the 1950s to present day. It’s about destructive familial sorrows, and the forgiveness that heals even the worst of pains.

    

In a situation that would make life tough for anyone, little Carolyn Arundel sure didn’t have life easy.  For a time her mother Hildemara (Hildie) was quarantined to her bedroom with tuberculosis during which time Carolyn’s grandmother Marta was there to help. Carolyn forms a special bond with her grandmother that she thinks caused tensions between Hildie and Marta.

   

Well, Hildie gets better and goes back to work which allowed Marta to return to her home. This was during the Cold War when fear was rampant throughout the world, and it was a time when Carolyn and her brother, as latchkey kids, fended for themselves.

   

Time goes on and Carolyn sees college as an opportunity to find herself. When a family tragedy threatens her independence, she doesn’t go home but rather cuts all ties and escapes into the nonconforming culture of San Francisco. Two years later she returns home to rebuild a life for her and her daughter May Flower Dawn.

   

As often is the case, history repeats itself, and May Flower Dawn forms a special relationship with her grandmother Hildie. Another kink between generations ensues. But, May Flower Dawn wants to do everything possible to avoid the same mistakes of the past. Her aim is to be a stepping stone in her family to build relationships and not a stumbling  block that separates.

   

Her Daughter’s Dream is the conclusion to the New York Times best seller Her Mother’s Hope. Author Francine Rivers, in this final chapter about mothers’ sacrifices for their daughters, illustrates the amazing essence of unconditional love.

    

WOW! You can’t miss this!  No reservation or membership is needed. Just stop on by and join in the discussion.

Remember, the Chapter 1 Book Club is a free adult program that meets every second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. 

     

We’ll see you there!

Brandon’s Summer Library Program Ends with a Bang!

As our Summer Library Program comes to a close, we at the Brandon Library are going all out for our finale—you guessed it, it’s our annual summer carnival!

Patrons of all ages are invited to join us on Thursday, July 12 from 6pm-7pm as we play games, get our faces painted, eat popcorn and ice pops, and make ourselves dizzy in the bouncy houses! We’ll also have a special visit from the Brandon Fire Department to show us their rides!

(Pro tip: Don’t jump in the bouncy house directly after eating unless you’re feeling brave.)

Then, on Saturday, July 14 from 12pm-1:30pm, come play our last game of Summer Bingo! We had a blast last time, and there are even MORE amazing prizes to choose from if you win! And don’t forget, our blackout winner will receive a $25 gift card to our local Cinemark Theater!

Crafting Is Like A Cool Breeze Across The Face At the Pearl Public Library!

And, you know why? 

It's because the Pearl Library's own craft enthusiast Becky is always thinking about the next exciting creation for her Come Craft With Us! program!

A decorative, Japanese Fan that's good for keeping yourself cool during the hot, Mississippi summer or displaying as decorative art is what she has cooked up for the Tues., July 3 Come Craft With Us! at 5:30 p.m.

WOW! Such a simple creation to be so beautiful.  It's easy too! 

"It's a  homemade fan made of sticks, glue, and paper," Becky said. "It's great fun to make and use for the summer time."

There you have it! You simply must not miss it!

Come Craft With US! formerly Simply Crafts is a FREE adult crafting and crochet group that meets at the Pearl Public Library every Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. Come and bring a current crochet project or learn a new craft and work among friends!

No reservation is needed and materials are provided for the craft.

SO! Leave your cares behind and come get lost in Japanese Fan making with Becky! 

We'll see you there!

Black Light Painting A Big Hit At The Pearl Public Library With More Fun On The Way!

The 2018 Summer Library Program at the Pearl Library is underway and glowing with excitement!

BLACK LIGHT PAINTING DREW ENTHUSIASTIC FANS

Pearl Library Youth Services Supervisor, Kristen Hillman, couldn't be more pleased with last night's response to the Black Light Painting teen program, the first program of the 2018 Summer Library Program - Libraries Rock!  "The teens had such a wonderful time and said it was the most fun library program they had done in a long time,"she said. "They just had a great time!"

How could they not! Black lights, glow sticks, and neon glow paint! OH MY! The teens did finger painting and made head bands and bracelets with glow-in-the-dark pipe cleaners! 

As big of a hit that the Black Light Painting program was, there's even more great stuff on tap Kristen said!  "The teens are so excited about all of our programs coming up in these six weeks of summer programming especially our very last program." 

That would be the Library Mini Golf program on Monday, July 9 at 5:30 p.m. "We are gong to transform the teens/young adult and the children's sections into an 18-hole mini golf course," she said.

Other teen programs, which are all on Monday night at 5:30  p.m., include African Instrument Making on June 11,"I Pick You" Guitar Pick Bracelet making on June 18, Rock 'N' Roll Trivia Madness on June 25, and Pre-4th of July Cookout and Games on July 2.

The excitement doesn't stop with the teen programming! 

The children's programs have kids jumping up and down in anticipation! All the programs are on Tuesday at 6 p.m. The Pearl Puppets are June 5, the Snakeman is June 12, Animal Tales on June 19, Dorian the Magician is June 26 and Inky the Clown is July 10. "These programs are such an exciting time for kids and families!, " Kristen said.  "They are so excited about Animal Tales coming and about seeing the wolf dog pup!"  

HUH?!  A real live wolf dog pup?! Yep, a real one. And, they are bringing Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches too! And, more! They'll be teaching the kids about the different sounds each animal makes! That's because this year's Summer Library Program theme is Libraries Rock!

The 2018 Summer Library Program is not complete without reading! The kids are tracking their reading with color-coded stickers.  For every 20 minutes a day they read, they apply a sticker. When they fill it up they can bring the log in and get a prize! Can't beat that with a stick!

Dancin' Dan the Banjo Man

Hey, there's more! Don't forget about adult programming on tap for the 2018 Summer Library Program (all on Thursdays) with Dancin' Dan the Banjo Man coming up June 7 at 3 p.m. There's Musical Movie Night at 5:30 p.m. on June 14, Story Time for Grown Ups at 6 p.m. on June 21 and Karaoke Night on June 28 at 6 p.m.

There's so much you do not want to miss!

We'll see you there!

Central Perks for CMRLS Friends

Join the FRIENDS of Your CMRLS Library and receive perks to be used throughout the membership year!

Our FRIENDS make materials, equipment, and activities possible during the year with membership dues, donations, and book sales. All dues and proceeds from book sales go into your library for these much-needed items. The FRIENDS also sponsor, coordinate, and conduct programs for adults, teens, and children during the year, the largest of these are National Library Week and Summer Library Program. You may be as active as you wish with the FRIENDS of Your Library or you may choose to simply be an advocate for Your Library in your community. Library advocacy is an often overlooked task, but one with great impact on the library and community. For instance, how many of your community leaders know that nearly 80% of the citizens of Rankin, Scott, Simpson, and Smith Counties hold a CMRLS library card? That is important information your community and its leaders need to know!

FRIENDS’ memberships vary between libraries but most begin as low as $2.00 for students. Central Perks is worth a total of $12.00 in FREE fines and copies. Everyone can use perks like that! 

Ask about perks at your library and enjoy the PERKS of being a FRIEND of a CMRLS Library.

It's The Super Bowl of All Library Programming Seasons, And The Pearl Library Will Be A'rockin'!

You read that right! Summer is almost upon us and the Pearl Public Library is gearing up for the annual six week, Summer Library Program that runs from June 4 through July 14. The 2018 Summer Library Program is themed Libraries Rock!

PRE-REGISTRATION STARTS MONDAY, MAY 21!

The six-week program, formerly for years a children's season, has morphed into a celebration that embraces all ages... children, teens and adults! Libraries Rock connotes a musical theme, but in addition to that it simply means, libraries are AWESOME!!!!

The Pearl Library's program lineup shows that too. There's some music involved and then there's some other really cool programs!

Don't miss out on Dancin' Dan the Banjo Man who headlines adult programming the whole family can enjoy! That's Thursday, June 7 at 3 p.m. 

There's loads of program you and your family do not want to miss. There's something for everyone. Pearl Puppets, The Snakeman, Animal Tales, Dorian the Magician and Inky the Clown are on tap for children. 

Black Light Painting, African Instrument Making, "I Pick You": Guitar Pick Bracelets, Rock 'n' Roll Trivia Madness and Pre 4th of July Cookout and Games for Teens. 

For adults there's Karaoke Night. Watch a musical on the big screen and enjoy popcorn and drinks. There's story time for adults where you can enjoy short stories and music. Read a biography about any famous musician and come talk about it at the Chapter 1 Book Club meeting!

See! There's something for everyone. Check out the EVENTS Calendar on the Central Mississippi Regional Library website at www.cmrls.lib.ms.us to find more information on Summer Library Program dates and times for not only the Pearl Library, but all 20 CMRLS libraries.  

We'll see you there!

Save The Dates! It's A Big One On The Horizon At The Pearl Public Library!

Hey, Nothing makes folks happier than a good ol' library book sale. And, the Pearl Library has a mighty fine one coming up! 

The Friends of the Pearl Library Big Book Sale will run for three days starting Thurs. May 3 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Fri. May 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sat. May 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

According to Carolyn, the library's circulation supervisor and book sale coordinator, there's a whole lot to choose from. There's, as they say, something for everyone! 

Among the inventory are plenty of adult fiction and nonfiction books and books for the kiddos and young adults. There are cookbooks galore and paperbacks, audio/visual material including DVDs and some CDs (audio books). Hey, there's even vintage books from the time period between 1920 and 1970. And, yes, this too. A favorite of so many... National Geographic Magazine!

OMG!  I just cannot wait. What a book sale this is going to be! But, there's more!

For the E-N-T-I-R-E last day of the book sale (that's Sat. May 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m), it's five-bucks-a-bag-sale!  Oh, yeah!  Everything you can get into a large, plastic, grocery bag for $5. The whole day long! What?! What?!  Yes! Yes!

The book sale is cash only, no checks or cards please. For the first two days of the book sale, prices will range from .25 cents to $5. 

It's called the Friends of the Pearl Library Big Book Sale for a reason. Book sales are the primary fundraisers to help the Friends' group, and they deserve it! The Friends support the library in many ways such as in buying equipment, volunteering for and funding library programs.

By the way, this is a wonderful time to join the Friends of the Pearl Library! Registration forms will be available for anyone interested in becoming a member. An individual membership is $5 a year.  Anyone wishing to donate to the Friends can also make donations during the book sale. You know donations are ALWAYS welcome!

Don't miss out on this BIG time!

We'll see you there!

Stop By the Pearl Library, Swap Howdies with a Staffer during National Library Week and Win a Sweet Treat!

April is a big month for libraries everywhere. That's when National Library Week is celebrated. This year it's April 8 -14 with the theme "Libraries Lead."  

You know what? Libraries as leaders is nothing new! 

You see, back in 1958 is when the first National Library Week was observed by the American Library Association (ALA).  

This is how it came about. Back in the 1950s folks were spending less time on reading books. Yep, they were into radio, television and music, especially musical instruments. Well, that really got the attention of the ALA and the American Book Publishers. They formed a nonprofit citizens organization called the National Book Committee in 1954.

Let me tell you this committee had some big goals that ranged from encouraging people to use their leisure time to read to "improving incomes and health" and "developing strong and happy family life." 

See what I mean? Libraries as important role models for communities has been part of libraries' goals and accomplishments for years!

In 1957 a plan was developed for National Library Week in an effort to motivate people to read so that they would support and use libraries. In 1958 sporting the theme "Wake Up and Read!", the first National Library Week was observed.  National Library Week was observed again in 1959 and continued yearly. When the National Book Committee disbanded in 1974, the ALA assumed the lead sponsorship.

At the Pearl Library, the goal is to make National Library Week very special. So, in an effort to get patrons connected not only to the Pearl Library, but to library staffers, Amy, the adult program coordinator, has come up with a sweet, great way to do that! 

Oh, yes! Come on in and introduce yourself to a staffer April 9 -13, write the staffer's name on a slip of paper provided for you and get a sweet treat in return. 

That's not all Amy has up her sleeve. Check out some of the other great National Library Week events!

Do not miss out!

We'll see you there!

YAM! BAM! Thank You...Young, Creative Artists!

Yes, That's right. Thank you Pearl School District students for sharing your creative side during Youth Art Month (YAM) at the Pearl Public Library! The library has been covered in the students' art all month long! 

This is the tenth year that the Pearl Library has embraced National Youth Art Month by showcasing the Pearl students' art during the month of March. It's great to see family members trickle into the library proudly looking for their loved ones' art!   

On Thursday, March 29 at 5 p.m. there will be a free reception, hosted by the Pearl Library and the Friends of the Pearl Library! This serves as the "official" viewing of the art work.

Loads of people are expected to attend. 

We hope you bring the whole family out for this wonderful evening!

Remember it's free. No invitation needed. You don't want to miss it!

We'll see you there!

Pregnancy: It's Not Just A Woman's World Anymore! A Pearl Public Library Program Spotlights Dads!

Have you noticed how many ads you see now with fathers holding, playing and caring for their tiny little babies?  You see it even in real life too. But, hey, years ago, it really wasn't like that.

No sireeedeedee! Uh-uh! 

Remember? It was considered the "woman's job" to deal with the stress of pregnancy on her own and to see about the little kiddies when they arrived. Dad's job was bringing home the bacon and well, cuttin' the lawn! The baby would cry and good 'ol dad would alert mom that the baby was in fact crying. Like she couldn't hear it herself! A poopy diaper would send dad gagging and running out of the house! LOL!!!!!!! OK, maybe not that bad!

Not now though. More and more dads are getting involved very early on, even during the pregnancy. 

And, then there are men out there that still don't have a clue, but would love to know more. 

Well, thank goodness that Amy, the Pearl Public Library's adult program coordinator, is on top of things!

To help new dads learn how to effectively prepare for the world of pregnancy, the Pearl Library is hosting a Magnolia Health, FREE, "Dads" program Thursday, March, 22 at 6 p.m. 

The program will be based on a book titled Dad: Little Word, Big Deal. Your Guide to the Father Situation, provided by the Centene Corporation, the parent company to Magnolia Health. A free copy of the book will be given to all program attendees.

“It’s really an open conversation talking about emotions that his partner goes through during pregnancy. It’s to help the father or father-to-be with what’s going on with his significant other,” said Becky Hill Martin, Community Relations Representative for Magnolia Health. Basically it’s “what to expect while expecting,” she said.

Martin will be assisting Magnolia Health’s primary presenter for this program, Jasmine Richardson, RN. 

It's so important for dads to be involved in their children's lives.  According to the Centene Corporation (www.centene.com), children are more likely to live in poverty and abuse drugs, be abused and neglected and develop emotional or behavioral problems when the father is not present in the child’s life.

What an important program new dads and moms too simply cannot miss! No registration required!

We'll see you there!

Get your "Craic" on at the Pearl Public LIbrary!

Oh, yeah! Craic is good. Pronounced (crack), it's an Irish slang word that means a fun, entertaining time! And, a good time is what everyone loves!

 You know where you can find it? Uh-huh, at the Pearl Public Library. 

Here's a real cool, free event to get you all geared up for  St. Patrick's Day. 

Come on into the library and see the Jackson Irish Dancers next Tuesday, March 13 at 6 p.m. It's family night directed by Tonia, the Youth Services Supervisor at the library, and she's not about to let you down!

www.jacksonirishdancers.org

You know, the Jackson Irish Dancers have been performing and offering classes for 20 years, since 1998.  They perform, teach, and even compete sometimes.  

They have classes for children and adults.  You can book them for festivals, school and church events, clubs and yes, libraries too!

“Libraries are among the best places to put on a program,” said Margaret Cupples, President of the Jackson Irish Dancers. “Libraries are always fun because families and kids get involved,” she said. “What we do is traditional Irish dance which is fun to participate in.” 

They’ll perform Irish dances, like Ceili (pronounced Kay-Lee) which is a square dance type group dancing, the solo, up-on-your-toes, Riverdance-style dance and also Sean-nos dance which is an old style, more traditional dance. “Sean-nos is lower to the ground, not on your toes so much,” said Cupples. “It’s a little bit less formal and you use your arms a little.”

       

Hey, you wanna learn some of the moves during the program? They'll be happy to teach some!

You can't possible miss this CRAIC-ING night! No reservations needed, and again, it's FREE! Bring the whole family!

We'll see you there!

A Reading Challenge You Don't Want to Miss! It Will Make Your Life More Than Bliss!

“Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!”

OK! QUICK! What's the above quote from? 

You guessed it. Happy Birthday to You! by Dr. Seuss (1959).

Hey, I bet you are a good reader. Then why not join the Pearl Public Library's celebration of the National Education Association's Read Across America Day which occurs each year on or near Dr. Seuss' birthday (March 2).   

The really good news is that the Pearl Library's celebration runs all month long starting today!  Amy, adult programming, and Kristen, teen programming, have joined forces to put on this challenge to see who reads the most books. 

This is a wonderful time for the whole family to join in the READING celebration! Throughout the month tell what great read you recently enjoyed and be entered into a FREE drawing to win. The prize is a gift certificate to Bay Window Books in Brandon and an ice cream cake from Dairy Queen Grill and Chill in Pearl! The drawing is April 2. 

While you are here, take a look at all the creative art from students of the Pearl School District.  This is the 10th year that the Pearl Library has celebrated National Youth Art Month by canvassing the library with the students' art for the entire month of March. On Thurs. March 29, there is a free reception for all sponsored by the Friends of the Pearl Library from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

WOW! So, much you do not want to miss!

We'll see you there!

So What Does Love Really Have To With It? A Lot this Library Lovers' Month at the Pearl Public Library!

    Yes, February is Library Lovers' Month, and it's a time that the Pearl Public Library staff and their patrons have a real love fest! This is the 10-year anniversary of the library's Come In From the Cold With a Good Book program that offers the patrons free cookies, donuts and coffee.
   The program will run for three days on Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 14 (VALENTINE'S DAY!) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.!
    It's a must participate in event when the library transforms the front entrance into a lovely cafe complete with a huge Community Coffee bar and wonderful donuts and cookies. It's a free program with all goodies donated by Community Coffee, Dunkin Donuts, The Donut Factory, Sam's of Pearl, Walmart of Pearl, Simply Southern and That Special Touch. Thanks so much to our business partners!
   The program, also sponsored by the Friends of the Pearl Library,  serves as a Friends membership drive. There will be Friends members on hand to answer questions and take membership applications. Donations to the Friends will, of course, be happily accepted.
    But, that's not all the library has going on this month!
    On Thursday, Feb. 15, while you are getting your sweet tooth and caffeine on, Amy, the reference supervisor in charge of all adult programming says save room for some Chinese food treats starting at 6 p.m.

     That's right. It's a Chinese New Year celebration with speaker the Reverend Linda Smith, a former missionary in China. There will also be some tasty Chinese food sampling. So, come and get it while supplies last! It's free!
      Speaking of free, special programs...

      ...starting tonight Simply Crafts, led by Becky, will merge with the Crochet Group. That's every first Tuesday of the month, from 5:30 to 7:30. Two fun times in one. Can't beat that with stick!
       There's something for everyone. How about a good book?! One can always be found with the Chapter 1 Book Club, led by Amy!
         

      This month's book is Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. The book club is free and meets every second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m.
      Again all these programs are free with no reservation required! 
      You don't want to miss any of them!
       We'll see you there!

Grandma Boot Camp at the Brandon Library!

Things have really changed since we raised our babies! If you are a new grandmother or soon-to-be grandmother, this information session at the Brandon Library is for you!  Saturday, January 6^th from 1:00pm to 3:30pm, the Brandon Public Library will host a one-time special event: Grandma Boot Camp! There will be discussions, guest speakers, and new grandmother goodies for door prizes. We will cover topics such as how modern babies are raised, baby nutrition, and baby safety.

One grandmother recently said, “My best advice is to train for a marathon. Physically, grandmothering is a very strenuous job.” To help you get ready, we will also talk about how you can stay active and sharp and ready to play with baby! Our speakers will include Angelia Pryor from the Brandon Senior Center, Nutritionist Natasha Haynes, Time for Toys owner Bethany Mathis, and Dr. Carmen Wolfe from Vanderbilt Hospital Emergency Department. Bring your questions and concerns and we will help get everything sorted out. 

Please register by calling the Brandon Library at 601-825-2672 or on the events tab of our website, www.cmrls.lib.ms.us.  The Brandon Library is located at 1475 West Government Street. The library is part of the Central Mississippi Regional Library System serving Rankin, Scott, Simpson, and Smith counties.

Half-off Library Fines on Cyber Monday!

For several years now, online stores have reported the Monday after Thanksgiving Day is their busiest. It is Cyber Monday and we have come to expect the big annual savings we find for gift items, and without standing in the long lines on Black Friday. Central Mississippi Regional Library System libraries are offering big savings for Cyber Monday, also. Visit any of the 20 CMRLS library branches in Rankin, Scott, Simpson, or Smith Counties on Monday, November 27, and all fines are 50% off. Yes, half off!

 

"Because Cyber Monday has become a huge hit among our patrons, CMRLS and its Board of Trustees are in full support of it!" said CMRLS Director Mara Polk. "We invite all of our patrons to take advantage of 50% savings, however, it will not apply to collection fees.  Further, we invite our patrons to check out our newest services and revisit our traditional ones!"

Come in to any CMRLS library during regular hours on Monday, November 27, to take advantage of half off fines. Your local library accepts cash or check. However, it will be possible to pay your fines online by debit or credit card. First, you must visit your library to have staff manually apply the 50% savings to your account and then you may use a library computer or your personal device to finish the transaction.

 

To find business hours for any CMRLS library on Monday, November 27, visit http://cmrls.lib.ms.us/cmrlsbranches or call your local library. Happy holidays and good savings to you!

###

Local Libraries Celebrate National Library Card Sign-up Month

September marks the 30th anniversary of Library Card Sign-up Month—a time when the American Library Association (ALA) joins public libraries nationwide to highlight the value of a library card. Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. Libraries work to remind parents and youth that signing up for a library card is the first step towards academic achievement and lifelong learning.

Throughout the school year, Central Mississippi Regional Library System’s library staff will assist parents and caregivers with saving hundreds of dollars on educational resources and services for students. From free access to programs/activities, in-person and virtual homework help, technology workshops, to the expertise of librarians, a library card is one of the most cost-effective back to school supplies available.   

How much money can a free Library Card save you? If you borrow one adult book ($17.00), one children’s book ($17.00), one eBook ($15.00), read one magazine ($5.00), watch one movie ($4.00), download 5 songs ($5.00), and access World Book Online one time ($19.95) your Library Card would have saved you $82.95! In reality, your CMRLS Library Card could save you as much as $1,000.00 or more each year! This is one reason approximately two-thirds of Americans have library cards.

During Library Card Sign-up Month crime fighting DC Super Heroes, the Teen Titans, are teaming up with the ALA to encourage k-12 students to sign-up for a free library card. Students with CMRLS Library Cards have free access to the superpower of approximately 500,000 books, magazines, numerous databases for research, public access computers, free Wi-Fi, and friendly, knowledgeable staff to help find material needed for homework assignments.

CMRLS Library Cards are free to anyone living, working, or attending school in Rankin, Scott, Simpson, and Smith Counties. Youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian with a current ID and address to apply for a Library Card. For further information contact a CMRLS Library near you. These are located in Flowood, Pearl, Brandon, Puckett, Pelahatchie, Florence, at the Reservoir, Richland,  and Sandhill in Rankin County; Forest, Morton, Sebastopol, and Lake in Scott County; Magee, Mendenhall, and Harrisville in Simpson County; and Mize, Polkville, Raleigh, and Taylorsville in Smith County. 

The Solar Eclipse May Have Darkened things for a Bit, But the Light Is Shining Brightly Now on the Pearl Library's HIGHLIGHT Adult Programs! s

   Starting with last night's  Personal Safety & Situational Awareness, a big August highlight, free program featuring Madison County Sheriff Deputy and Senior Director for St. Dominic's Health Services,  Bill Scruggs at 6 p.m. Let's check in with Amy to see how it went!
    Amy Lee, who heads up all the Pearl Library's adult programming was SOLD! She thought Mr. Scruggs' presentation was right on point and a huge help to everyone that attended. 
     "The Pearl public library is honored to have had such a wonderful talk presented by Mr. Scruggs and St. Dominic's "New directions for over 55" program," she said. "This program and Mr. Scrugg's information was very essential to me.  In today's world, ensuring safety everywhere you go is key.  Most important, you have to make sure you have a plan in place so you can be prepared in any situation.

Let's segue right into September. It's the month when the season of fall begins, leaves are falling, people smiling and wonderful library treats are on hand! September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. Amy has designed a drawing for the event. Every time you use your library card or sign up for another one, you earn an entry in the drawing to receive a FABULOUS PRIZE! Don't miss out!  Note:  If you have had a card before,there is a replacement fee of $3.00 to get a new one.

Another big hit will be a free Magnolia Healthy Presentation at the Pearl Library entitled My Route To Health, Thursday, Sept. 28 at 6 p.m. A free health book that has a journal, calendar and diet and exercise plan. Can't beat that with a stick!

Calls Pour Into the Pearl Library As Anxious and Excited Patrons Await Total Solar Eclipse!

Poor Carolyn, Katrina and Beverly - Circulation Librarians! One call after the other, here at the Pearl Library, today after broadcast television news help spread the word that some libraries would be giving out eclipse glasses.  The same response to eager callers. "Yes, We will be giving out eclipse glasses. Not today though."

" We've had 91 calls so far today Katrina excitingly tells a blog writer. I bet 80 of them have been about the glasses folks thought we were giving out today.

SORRY!  NOT TODAY!. NOT TOMORROW!. NOT THE NEXT OR THE NEXT!  

ECLIPSE GLASSES WILL BE GIVEN OUT ON MONDAY, AUG. 21. STARTING  AT 9:00 A.M. WHEN THE LIBRARY OPENS. LIMITED SUPPLY! 

But one thing is for sure, you just can't beat that wonderful feeling of community coming together for a common interest!   2017 Total Solar Eclipse! HERE WE COME!!!

After all, according to NASA statistics, at https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov, it's been 38 years since we've been treated to such a glorious moment! A total Solar Eclipse is a celestial event, a solar eclipse in which the moon passes between the sun and Earth and blocks all or part of the sun for up to about three hours, from beginning to end, as viewed from a given location.  For this eclipse, the longest period when the moon completely blocks the sun from any given location along the path will be about two minutes and 40 seconds.  The last time the contiguous U.S. saw a total eclipse was in 1979.


Don't miss out! Watch the Total Solar Eclipse! Just be safe! Don't forget the GLASSES!!!!

First Coding Camp held at Brandon Library

The Brandon Public Library had great success with their first-ever Coding Camp! Ten children from age 8 to 13 participated in the camp, July 24-July 27.

The children used the coding utility “Scratch” to build projects and even their own games. Branch Manager Linda Wolfe would take five to ten minutes before each computer session to teach the kids about different aspects of coding, and then Reference Specialist William Simmons led them through computer sessions. They learned how to make their own versions of art-making programs and how to make a musical program and their own music. They created and played their own video games, and then moved into more complicated coding to make their games more elaborate. The last day had their favorite session, “Sound Party,” where the children got to create animations that reacted to different songs that they played through the code!

In between computer sessions, we had the children do hands-on activities that applied aspects of coding without the computer. The children had to write out very specific instructions in order to “code” their partners in cup stacking games, graph paper replicas, and tangrams. Their final activity was a treasure hunt, which taught them how bugs in code could lead them in circles, much like a frozen computer. Even their snack times involved real-life coding and debugging problems!

At the end of each day, they got to use the Maker Space Snap Circuit kits to make their own tiny electrical circuits. They worked together on specialty kits, and after using the instruction booklet to gain a basic understanding of how the kits worked, competed with one another to see how fast they could build their own circuits. They also tried the game Littlcodr, which required them to use coding cards to direct their partner through their own designed obstacle courses.

Maker Space Kits were available through an LSTA grant from the Mississippi Library Commission. This program was funded by Priority One Bank and the Friends of the Brandon Library. Thank you for your support.

All in all, everyone had a blast learning to code at the Brandon Library. We can’t wait to do it again!