MARCH RIGHT INTO ART MADNESS IN PEARL!

www.knowpickens.com

Every year right about now, the Pearl Public Library transforms into an art gallery. Seriously! Proud students from the Pearl Schools will fill the library with their artful creations in celebration of National Youth Art Month.

The art will stay up the entire month of March so you'll have plenty of opportunities to come on by and see it.

On Tues. March 3 there's the huge annual Youth Art Month reception, honoring all the kids at 6 p.m. You really don't want to miss this!

See you there!

THE PASTURE'S A GOOD PLACE TO BE IN PEARL!

The Pearl Library's Chapter 1 Book Club will discuss books in the FairAcres retirement series by Effie Leland Wilder on Thurs. March 12 at 6 p.m.

Cecelia, the group's leader, is reading Out to Pasture, But Not Over the Hill, and has been enjoying the humor. "There are a lot of funny stories in it, and it is very light reading," she said.  Some of the other titles include Older but Wilder, One More Time, and Over What Hill?  Titles are available at the Circulation Desk to check out.

That's really no surprise since Wilder was a late bloomer, publishing her first book at 85! By then life probably shouldn't be taken too seriously, don't ya think?!?!? Of course!

Wilder was born Aug. 28, 1909 in Rockingham, N.C. She died July 19, 2007 in Summerville, S.C. She lived her life mainly as a homemaker until she turned author later in life.  She authored five books. 

Quite the humanitarian, Wilder served on the Board of Directors for Lowcountry Red Cross, Summerville Meals on Wheels, the Timrod Library and the Dorchester Library. 

Wow! Someone like that should have her own day! That's exactly what South Carolina Governor, Jim Hodges, did! He proclaimed Aug. 28,2001, as Effie Wilder Day. 

Don't miss this Chapter 1 Book Club! You can see it's going to be a really good one as always!

Remember, you don't have to be a member to come join in the discussion. Light refreshments and door prizes provided.

See you there!

A LOVE FELT, MONTH OF DELIGHTFUL PROGRAMS IN PEARL!

Can you feel it? LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! Mmmmmmmm mmm mmmm! There's just something special about the month of February! The cards, candy and flowers that go with Valentine's Day are the best, right? RIIIIIIGHT!!!

 But, February is also LIBRARY LOVERS' MONTH, and that's where the Pearl Public Library comes into the picture!   There are programs galore including that wonderful patron favorite; the seventh annual Come in From the Cold With a Good Book.   In partnership with the Friends of the Pearl Library and local businesses, the Pearl Library is offering free coffee, donuts and cookies - thanks to Community Coffee, the Donut Factory in Pearl and Pearl Sam's Club - Fri., Feb. 13 at 9 a.m to 3 p.m. Friends of the Pearl Library members will be on hand to accept donations, answer questions and sign up new members!

Starting Mon., Feb. 2, I Love My Library, an adult program, kicks off giving patrons an opportunity to tell just how much they love the library. Visit the reference or circulation desk and fill out an entry including sweet words for a chance to win a nice gift basket. The program will run through Sat. Feb. 28 and  the drawing will be held Mon., March 2.

Another drawing will be held on March 2. A beautiful gift basket will be presented to the winner of the Adult Winter Reading program, Snuggle Up and Read that got underway Jan 1 and runs through Sat. Feb. 28.  For every five library books read and listed on a reading log, your name gets entered into the drawing

The Chapter 1 Book Club is Thurs. Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. Read any book by popular, Mississippi author John Floyd. No registration is needed and you don't have to be a member. Just stop on by for fun book discussions, light refreshments and door prizes!

In honor of Black History Month, the library presents Ann B. Brown, author of Backroad to Freedom as the Brown Bag guest speaker, Fri. Feb. 27 at 12 - noon. It's a free program. No reservations needed. Bring your lunch. Dessert and drinks provided by the Friends of the Pearl Library. 

You don't want to miss any of these delightful events!

We'll see you there!

A FAVORITE MS AUTHOR AT THE PEARL LIBRARY!

Popular, Mississippi author, John Floyd, will be the guest speaker at the Pearl Public Library's Brown Bag program Friday, Jan. 23 at noon. He will also be signing copies of his short story collection, Fifty Mysteries: The Angela Files.  Bring your lunch. Drinks and dessert are furnished by the Friends of the Pearl Library.

Floyd, a Rankin County resident and a graduate of Mississippi State University, has won the coveted Derringer Award for short mystery fiction.  In Fifty Mysteries, sheriff Charles "Chunky" Jones is up to his crime solving speed with retired school teacher, Angela "Angel" Potts helping him.

    

Floyd began writing professionally in 1994 and has published over 1,000 stories and features in widely-read publications like Woman’s World, Alfred Hitchcock's  Mystery Magazine, and The Saturday Evening Post. He teaches creative writing at Millsaps College’s Enrichment Program in Jackson.    Floyd is a former Air Force captain and worked for IBM Corporation for thirty years. He and his wife, Carolyn, have three grown children and six grandchildren and live in Brandon.

Come on by and join in the fun. The Brown Bag program is free and open to everyone.

We'll see you there!

CELEBRATE YOUR CHOICE OF READS AT THE PEARL LIBRARY!

Image from www.peterfaur.com

Do your New Year's resolutions include joining a book club or maybe checking out a book club? Here is your answer! Don't forget Cecelia's Chapter 1 Book Club at the Pearl Public Library is held every second Thursday of the month.  And, don't forget that January's meeting is reader's choice. Yep! It's your pick! The club will meet Thurs. Jan. 8 at 6 p.m. And, as always there will be prizes and light refreshments. You don't have to be a member or even join Chapter 1 to come on by and discuss some great reads!

We'll see you there!

A THANKSGIVING WINNER AT THE PEARL PUBLIC LIBRARY!

Robert McCarty, Sara Smith (L), Cecelia Sandifer

It's a happy day for one lucky fella at the Pearl Library! That would be Robert McCarty of Pearl. He entered the Thank Goodness for the Library drawing and won!

The prize was a turkey and gift card - $50 total value - donated by the Pearl Wal-Mart.

The Library's own Cecelia and Sara share the photo spotlight with Robert and his awesome winnings!

We hope Robert has a wonderfully, happy Thanksgiving, and we are so glad he is thankful for the Pearl Library!

The Pearl Library would like to thank Wal-Mart of Pearl for the generous $50 donation!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!

CMRLS Libraries Announce Cyber Monday Savings

Fines Half Off At Your Local Library!

Internet stores report their busiest sales day is the Monday after Thanksgiving, known as Cyber Monday. It is the online version of Black Friday, that Friday after Thanksgiving when we expect big savings on gift items. This year Central Mississippi Regional Library System libraries are participating in Cyber Monday in a very low tech manner. Visit any of the 20 CMRLS library branches in Rankin, Scott, Simpson, or Smith Counties on Monday, December 1, and all fines are 50% off. Yes, half off!

"We haven't offered a fine reduction lately," said Mara Polk, director of CMRLS. "School papers and projects will soon be due; we want to especially help these students clear up their fines and to have a successful school year. The offer to cut fines by 50% is open to all ages, for all fines; however this does not apply to collection fees." 

Come in to any CMRLS library during regular hours on Monday, December 1, to take advantage of half off fines. Your local library accepts cash or check. However, it will be possible to pay your fines by credit or debit card. You must visit your library to have staff apply the 50% savings to your account and then use a library computer or your personal device to finish the transaction. 

To find business hours for any CMRLS library on Monday, December 1, visit http://www.cmrls.lib.ms.us/BRANCHES.htm or call your local library. 

Happy holidays and good savings to you!

YOUR CHOICE MAKES THE CHAPTER 1 BOOK CLUB IN PEARL!

Image from www.prestonlibrary.org

The December Chapter 1 Book Club meeting at the Pearl Public Library is Reader's Choice. Uh-huh.  Any book your little 'ol heart desires!

You read the book and talk about it at the book club meeting. "You come to the meeting and share enough about the book to entice someone else to read it," said Cecelia, the Chapter 1 Book Club's facilitator.

You have to admit that sounds pretty fun! Hey! A holiday fiction book would be great. If you need one, the library has plenty.  In fact a whole display of holiday reads is up right now! And, more are going up on display soon!

Next month's Chapter 1 Book Club meeting is Thurs. Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. You don't need a reservation. You don't have to be a member. You don't even have to commit to becoming a member. Just come on by and join in! Remember, light refreshments and door prizes are always a part of the evening's fun program!

We'll see you there!

BEING THANKFUL HAS ITS REWARDS AT THE PEARL LIBRARY!

Thanksgiving and eating go together like turkey and dressing! That's the absolute truth!

That's why the month of November brings with it thoughts and the anticipation of that yummy Thanksgiving meal, right?! RIGHT!

Well, this year, the month of November also brings a special event at the Pearl Public Library.  Tell the library why you are thankful for its services for a chance to win the the grand prize of a frozen turkey from Wal-Mart as well as a Wal-Mart gift certificate - both donated by the Pearl Wal-Mart. That's a total value of $50 for one lucky winner!

All you have to do is stop by the reference or circulation desk and fill out an entry, telling why you are thankful for the library. It's that simple. Your entry goes into a grand prize drawing on Mon. Nov. 24. Entries will be taken through, Sat. Nov. 22.

Stop on by. We'll see you there!

PEARL LIBRARY'S BROWN BAG ENGAGING!

Left to Right: Eleanor Jones, Joe Lee, & Cecelia Sandifer

Mississippi author, Joe Lee, owner of Dogwood Press in Brandon, was the guest speaker at the Pearl Public Library's Brown Bag program on Friday. 

Director's Cut (2014) is Joe Lee's fifth installment of the critically acclaimed Oakdale suspense series. It is his seventh novel. 

"Joe Lee is a great speaker," said Eleanor. "He made me want to read all of the suspense series he's written! He really drew me in!"

There are always great programs going on at the Pearl Public Library. Don't forget the bag of books for $1 book sale going on right now. All the books you can fit into a bag. The proceeds go to benefit the Friends of the Pearl Library.

We'll see you there!

CHAPTER 1 BOOK CLUB FILLS UP ON A GREAT READ IN PEARL!

Author Fannie Flagg, of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe, Can't Wait to Get to Heaven and I Still Dream About You fame, has done it again.  

Flagg's latest book, The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion, is a hoot, and Cecelia's pick for the Chapter 1 Book Club meeting Thurs. Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Pearl Public Library.

Sookie Poole of Point Clear, Alabama has just embarked upon an empty nest, and is set to enjoy life with her husband Earle. She has just married off the last of her daughters and is looking to relax and perhaps even travel. But, then there's her mother to deal with; Lenore Simmons Krackenberry. Even at 88, Ms. Lenore is beautiful and loads of fun to everyone, except Sookie who pretty much thinks her mother is overbearing.

As it is with life's crazy twists and turns, Sookie finds out that Ms Lenore is not even her biological mother. That's a great thing to be hit with when you are Sookie's age, or what she thought was her age. Sookie finds out she's a year older!  She doesn't get the opportunity to gracefully segue into 60 from 59. Nope, she's slammed right into the big 6-0!

Sookie's real mother is Fritzi Willinka Jurdabralinski of Pulaski, Wisconsin, oldest child of Polish parents! Fritzi's father owns a service station but falls ill. Her brother goes off to war. That leaves Fritzi and her sisters to run the service station. With all girls running the shop, it became quite popular.  Fritzi later joins a flying circus. Then she enters the volunteer Women's Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) of World War II.

Naturally, all this news leaves poor Sookie in identity crisis mode!  For 59 years she was a full blown all-southern girl. Now, Sookie learns that she has deep Polish roots.  You just know the book is a fun read!

So, read the book and stop by to discuss Sookie's crazy life journey! No reservation needed and you don't have to be a member to participate. And, as always, there will be light refreshments and door prizes.

We'll see you there!

A BAG OF BOOKS FOR A BUCK AT THE PEARL LIBRARY!

A bag of books for a buck! Say that five times really fast.  Juuuuuuust kidding!

But, this is no joke.  For one dollar, you can buy a whole bag of book sale goodies at the Pearl Public Library!  This sweet, bagalicious , all-you-can-fit-into-one-bag, $1 book buffet will last as long as there are books for sale said Sara, the circulation supervisor. "That should be for at least two weeks." WOW! 

Don't miss out on this opportunity to bag you some real great deals. Remember, they make wonderful gifts too!  And, since all proceeds go to benefit the Friends of the Pearl Library, it can be your way of donating to a wonderful cause!!! You simply cannot beat that!

So, come on by the Pearl Library. The book sale items are near the circulation desk! 

We'll see you there!

PEARL LIBRARY PRESENTS JOE LEE'S "DIRECTOR'S CUT"!

The Pearl Public Library presents popular Mississippi author Joe Lee as the Brown Bag program guest speaker on Fri., Oct. 24 at 12-noon.

He will be discussing his latest work, Director’s Cut, (2014) the fifth of the critically acclaimed Oakdale suspense series. It is his seventh novel. A book signing will follow.

        

Lee, owner and Editor-in-Chief of Dogwood Press in Brandon, has appeared at the library before, and is an audience favorite.  “We’re happy to have Joe Lee back at the Pearl Library,” said Eleanor Jones who's in charge of adult programming at the library.  “He’s such a great asset to the community and to Mississippi. We can’t wait to hear about Director’s Cut.”

In Director’s Cut, Tripp Kelly is a laid back film professor at the University in Oakdale. He has everything. He’s popular among the student and faculty body. He’s newly and happily married to a former student named Dana. He loves his work which includes spearheading an annual, well attended independent film festival. He’s just a happy guy, and couldn’t be happier. He’s also a serial killer!  

THAT got your attention didn't it!?  See, you do not want to miss this Brown Bag special. No reservations needed. The program is free; desserts and drinks are supplied by the Friends of the Pearl Library!

We'll see you there!

CHAPTER 1 BOOK CLUB GETS DOWNRIGHT "DEVIOUS"!

Author Lisa Jackson

Did Cecelia, of Pearl Public Library, Chapter 1 Book Club
fame, really go there? Oh, yes she did! She picked a twisted one this time! One that's just right for the month of Halloween!

Devious is the title. Need anymore be said? Of course! It's a wicked crime. A heinous crime. For crying out loud, in the name of all things Holy, some crazed degenerate has gone and killed a  nun? Is that enough said? I didn't think so!

The crime scene: St. Marguerite's Cathedral in New Orleans. In a yellowed, bridal gown is how they found murdered Sister Camille, her body covered with an altar cloth. Even local, veteran detectives are freaked out about it!

Naturally, Valerie Houston (Val), Camille's sister, was just torn up by her sister's death. What made things worse is that she had pleaded with Camille to leave St. Marguerite, but Camille didn't always make the best choices. In fact, Camille ran to join the convent after falling in love with Slade,Val's soon-to-be ex-husband.

Like any distraught family member, Val, just didn't think the police were doing enough so she begins to investigate herself! And, here comes Slade trying to make some brownie points by helping. He is still into Val and wants to put their marriage back together.

As Val gets deeper into the investigation, she learns things are not as they seem. A normal, reverent convent is not what St. Marguerite is turning out to be, not by a loooooooooong shot! Father Frank O' Toole and Mother Superior are mighty suspicious themselves. Then Val learns that Camille had a hidden life. But, we all know things don't stay hidden forever. Somebody knew about Camille's past and uh, Val's too!

Now, Val has got to find this devious killer that is out to cleanse St. Marguerite's of all its sins. Plus, Val may be next on the list!

WOW! Don't you want to know more?!?! You have got to read this book! Hey, it's one of famed author Lisa Jackson's creations! You just know it's really good! Jackson has written more than 85 novels, and 30 of them have been best sellers!

Come on by the Chapter 1 Book Club meeting, Thurs. Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. No reservations needed, and as always, light refreshments and door prizes included!

We'll see you there!

LOOK AT THE SIMPLY CRAFTERS GO IN PEARL!

Denim Photo Frames Simply Crafts Sept. 9

Denim photo frames with bright flower embellishments, in the making, at the Pearl Public Library! Eleanor's September's  Simply Crafts' night was a massive success! The group enjoyed every minute of this fun time. They couldn't wait to show off their creations .

Sept. 9 Simply Crafts, Denim Photo Frame Proud Creators

Eleanor was so excited about the group's enthusiasm she couldn't wait to show them what's coming up in October. You really don't want to miss out on such a great craft night! The season is just right for this impressive Mason Jar Lid Pumpkin delight coming Tues. Oct. 14 at 6 p.m.!

OCT. 14 SIMPLY CRAFTS -MASON JAR LID PUMPKIN

Remember, Simply Crafts is every second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. No reservations required and all materials are supplied! Come on and join in the fun. Eleanor will be so happy to see you!

We'll see you there!

COMING UP! FANTASTIC SIMPLY CRAFTS IN PEARL!

SEPTEMBER'S DENIM FRAME WITH FLOWER 

OCTOBER'S MASON JAR LID PUMPKIN

NOVEMBER'S JAR LID OWLS

DECEMBER'S CINNAMON STICK SANTAS

Listen up! You have got to mark your calendars! Eleanor is on craft making  FIIIIIIIIIIUHHHH!  Uh-huh, she is red hot, blazing a nifty lineup of creative crafts all the way through December at the Pearl Public Library!  

Starting with a really cute Denim Photo Frame garnished with a pretty, bright flower for September's Simply Crafts on Tues. Sept. 9 at 6 p.m.  That is followed by an awesome  - Southern Living type craft - Mason Jar Lid Pumpkin on Tues. Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. Great stuff! 

Hey, who's feeling hootish?!? The jar lids make another stellar appearance as festive, colorful Jar Lid Owls on Tues. Nov. 11 at 6 p.m.. 

HO, HO, HO, Here comes Santa Claus. He's got quite a sweet, holiday smell. What is that? No, not cookies. Not this time.  It's CINNAMON!  You don't want to miss crafting Santa Cinnamon Sticks! No way! That's Tues. Dec. 9 at 6 p.m.

It would be terrible to miss out on any one of these. Remember, Simply Crafts is every second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. No reservations needed and all materials are supplied. 

We'll see you there!

CHAPTER 1 BOOK CLUB SOARS IN SEPTEMBER!

SUE MONK KIDD

Cecelia has picked another good title for her book clubbers!

The Chapter 1 Book Club, at the Pearl Public Library, will discuss author Sue Monk Kidd's most recent book, The Invention of Wings, a New York Times bestseller.   Kidd is also the author of The Secret Life of Bees, another bestseller and her first novel. 

The Invention of Wings was inspired by the true, 1830s story of southern, abolitionist sisters, Sarah and Angelina Grimke. The two were exiled from their home city of Charleston, S.C. for speaking against slavery and standing for liberty and equality. 

Kidd discovered that at the age of 11, Sarah's parents gave her the "human present" of 10-year-old slave girl Hetty as her handmaid. Sarah totally rebelled by teaching Hetty to read. It resulted in Hetty being punished with a beating so severe that it killed her. Kidd wanted her novel to bring Hetty back to life, and that's exactly what she did in this riveting story.

Published January of this year, The Invention of Wings, tells a lively story revolving around fictional Sarah and Hetty in a story of what might have been. Kidd begins the fictitious account with both girls cast in life circumstances they both despised, giving Hetty her own life of struggle and change. The story, which is immensely alive and believable, unfolds throughout years of the girls' lives.  

The Invention of Wings remained on the bestsellers' list for over five months. It has been translated into 20 languages, was chosen for Oprah's Book Club and there are plans to turn the book into a film.

Don't miss out on this sure-to-be stimulating discussion of The Invention of Wings. The Chapter 1 Book Club meeting is Thurs. Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. Don't miss out! No reservations needed. You don't even have to be a member to stop on by. Light refreshments and door prizes are always included.

We'll see you there!

PEARL'S CHAPTER 1 BOOK CLUB MEETING RESCHEDULED!

The Chapter 1 Book Club discussion of Tom Franklin's Crooked Letter Crooked, Crooked Letter, scheduled for tonight, Thurs. Aug. 14 at 6 p.m., has been moved to next Tues. Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. The book club will resume it's normal Thursday night schedule in September.

The Chapter 1 Book Club at the Pearl Public Library will feature Franklin's, Crooked Letter Crooked Letter Tues. Aug. 19 at 6 p.m.

Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter is set in the town of Chabot in the 1970s. Larry Ott, a product of a dysfunctional childhood with an overbearing, verbally abusive father, and Silas Jones were childhood pals. For that day and time, they could not have been more different.  Larry was white, from a middle class family and Silas was black, son of a single mother and poor.

A special friendship was shattered when tragedy struck. Larry's date that he had taken to a movie went missing. She was never found and everyone blamed Larry. Even though he never said he did it, in the local society's eyes, he was guilty as sin. Broken, Silas couldn't continue honoring the friendship and simply left town.

Larry never got passed the ostracism and pretty much kept to himself much as he had all his life outside the friendship with Silas. Two decades later, in a crazy twist of events, Silas returns as a constable.  He doesn't even cross paths with Larry until another girl goes missing,  Once again, Larry is blamed.  Now, it seems that the two, once friends, might just be on opposite ends of the law.

Franklin, an Alabama native, moved to Oxford, MS in 2000 as the John and Renee Grisham Writer-in-Residence at Ole Miss. Franklin won a 2001 Guggenheim Fellowship and taught at Sewannee during the 2002-2003 academic year. Today, Franklin and his wife, Beth Ann Fennelly, also an author, maintain a home in Oxford and both are English department faculty at Ole Miss. Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter is Franklin's third novel and was published in 2010.

You do not want to miss this Chapter 1 Book Club night. You don't need a reservation. You don't have to be a member and you don't even have to join. Just stop by. Light refreshments and door prizes included.

We'll see you there!

BACK TO COMPUTER BASICS AT THE PEARL LIBRARY!

Graphic from www.bishopbriggs.e-dunbarton.sch.uk

The Pearl Public Library is taking a break from teaching Facebook, Excel and PowerPoint this month. Yes, it's back to the basics, the real basics!

There will be three classes total starting with Introduction to the Internet today, Thurs. Aug. 7 at 4 p.m.  Following will be Introduction to Email on Thurs. Aug. 14 at 4 p.m. and Introduction to Microsoft Word on Thurs. Aug. 21 at 4 p.m.

No reservations required!

Now is the time to do what you have been putting off for a long time. Learning how to use the computer is easy and fun! And, it opens up a whole new world!

So, come on by.  It's free!

We'll see you there!

ELEANOR CRAFTS BEACH IMAGERY AT THE PEARL LIBRARY!

She just cannot get it off her mind!

Eleanor, that is. She has just returned from a wonderful vacay in Florida. And, that my friends, is how she came up with this fantastic Simply Crafts jewel!

It's fish stamped canvass that includes your painted first or last name. Now, that's a nice little craft to hang in your home or set on your desk!

Don't miss it. Simply Crafts night, Tues. Aug. 12 at 6 p.m at the Pearl Public Library. No reservations required and all materials supplied!

We'll see you there!

THE PEARL BOOK CLUB HOLDS A "CROOKED LETTER" DISCUSSION

Cecelia has picked another good one!

Remember how you were taught to spell MISSISSIPPI? Oh, yeah, let's all say it together. M - I crooked letter, crooked letter I crooked letter, crooked letter I humpback, humpback I...

That's how author Tom Franklin derived the title of this story about somewhat crooked happenings in a rural, Mississippi town.

The Chapter 1 Book Club at the Pearl Public Library will feature Franklin's, Crooked Letter Crooked Letter Thurs. Aug. 14 at 6 p.m.

Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter is set in the town of Chabot in the 1970s. Larry Ott, a product of a dysfunctional childhood with an overbearing, verbally abusive father, and Silas Jones were childhood pals. For that day and time, they could not have been more different.  Larry was white, from a middle class family and Silas was black, son of a single mother and poor.

A special friendship was shattered when tragedy struck. Larry's date that he had taken to a movie went missing. She was never found and everyone blamed Larry. Even though he never said he did it, in the local society's eyes, he was guilty as sin. Broken, Silas couldn't continue honoring the friendship and simply left town.

Larry never got passed the ostracism and pretty much kept to himself much as he had all his life outside the friendship with Silas. Two decades later, in a crazy twist of events, Silas returns as a constable.  He doesn't even cross paths with Larry until another girl goes missing,  Once again, Larry is blamed.  Now, it seems that the two, once friends, might just be on opposite ends of the law.

Franklin, an Alabama native, moved to Oxford, MS in 2000 as the John and Renee Grisham Writer-in-Residence at Ole Miss. Franklin won a 2001 Guggenheim Fellowship and taught at Sewannee during the 2002-2003 academic year. Today, Franklin and his wife, Beth Ann Fennelly, also an author, maintain a home in Oxford and both are English department faculty at Ole Miss. Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter is Franklin's third novel and was published in 2010.

You do not want to miss this Chapter 1 Book Club night. You don't need a reservation. You don't have to be a member and you don't even have to join. Just stop by. Light refreshments and door prizes included.

We'll see you there!

A FUNNY BOOK SALE AT THE PEARL LIBRARY!

DONATED COMIC BOOKS

HOLY BOOKPILE!  

The Pearl Public Library has received a donation of comic books! It's just in time for the huge book sale coming up on Sat. July 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m at the library!   It's all to benefit the Friends of the Pearl Library. 

The library always has a tremendous turnout for book sales! And, this one is gonna be even better. Comic books are great fun for all ages! For some, they are downright nostalgic!

But, that's not all! This special book sale will also include some copies of National Geographic as well as surplus, craft items that Eleanor and her Simply Crafts group have created in the past few months! 

Save the date! Don't miss out!

You know its ALWAYS good at the Pearl Public Libray!

See ya there!

ADULT SUMMER READING A "SHOUTIN'" GOOD TIME AT THE PEARL LIBRARY!

The Adult Summer Reading Program is still sizzling at the Pearl Public Library as the celebration of Literary Elements (ASRP theme) continues!

Come, join the Chapter 1 Book Club gathering on Thurs. July 10 at 6 p.m. to discuss the life of writer/ journalist Rick Bragg as written in his autobiography All Over but the Shoutin'.

Poverty ridden, Bragg grew up in Alabama with an unpromising future ahead of him. Somehow Bragg defied the odds and landed at The New York Times where he won a Pulitzer Prize. In this hold-nothing-back account, Bragg tells about the horrors of living with an alcoholic father, and shares his saintly mother's inspiring suffering and bravery in a moving story filled with brutal honesty.

You don't want to miss this Chapter 1 Book Club meeting!  No reservations required, and you don't have to be a member to attend. Just stop on by.

You know it's ALWAYS good at the Pearl Public Library!

We'll see you there!

A CRAFTY CHRISTMAS IN JULY AT THE PEARL PUBLIC LIBRARY!

Santa Spoon by Eleanor

The July Simply Crafts program is sure to bring some Christmas holiday cheer! It's never to soon for that is it?! NO WAY!

Hey, who doesn't love Santa!  This little jolly treasure is a hand painted spoon.  Can you believe it?!  DecoArt Snow Tex is used for the beard to give it that wonderful stucco effect!

Don't miss out! Come on and join Eleanor and the gang Tues. July 8 at 6 p.m. No reservations needed and materials are supplied!

You know it's ALWAYS good at the Pearl Public Library!

We'll see you there!

CRAFT AL FRESCO AT THE PEARL PUBLIC LIBRARY!

CRAFTING MERCURY GLASS IN PEARL

Oooooh, yeah, last night's Simply Crafts' group had to be moved outside. PRONTO!
Uh, huh... Yeah, apparently no matter how big the room is - the Pearl Library's meeting room is preeeeeeetty ginormous - spray painting indoors is just not a uh..cough, cough, excuse me... good idea. OK!

Eleanor learned that pretty darn quickly, and took it outdoors. Everyone had a great time turning simple glass into beautiful Mercury Glass (also called Silvered Glass) which sports that fabulous antique silver finish.

MERCURY GLASS BY ELEANOR

Remember that Simply Crafts meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. No reservations required and materials are supplied.

Eleanor is working on a great craft for Tues. July 8! Don't miss it!....... It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..la, dee, da, da, daaah... You're jolly curious aren't you?!!!.... Hey, keep tuned in right here to find out more!

You know it's  ALWAYS good at the Pearl Public Library!

We'll see you there!

BARBIE BASSETT TOPS ADULT SUMMER READING PROGRAM AT THE PEARL PUBLIC LIBRARY!

PUBLICITY PHOTO

The Pearl Public Library's Summer Reading Program - full of fun, free, no reservations required events - kicks off Mon. June 2. The Adult Theme is Literary Elements.

How better to celebrate Literary Elements than to bring in a local author. But, NOT just any author mind you.

The featured headliner is local celebrity and everybody's favorite meteorologist, Barbie Bassett, who will be the guest speaker at the library's Brown Bag program Fri. June 27 at 12 -noon. Bring your lunch. Refreshments and drinks provided.

Bassett will talk about and sign her new book Carry An Umbrella When There's No Rain in the Forecast: 365 Days of Living by Faith.  

"We are so honored and extremely excited to have Barbie as part of our Summer Reading Program," says Eleanor Jones, the library's Reference Supervisor and Adult Programs Coordinator. "She is loved by many and is a wonderful writer. This is a great opportunity for people to come, meet her for free.  You can't beat that! Also anyone that is interested, can buy one of her books and have her sign it for them. That would be something to treasure forever!"

More Literary Elements are celebrated at the Chapter 1 Book Club gathering, Thurs. June 12 at 6 p.m. with a discussion on Defending Jacob, a legal thriller by William Landay. Light refreshments and door prizes included.

Also on tap for June's Adult Summer Reading celebration is a special Simply Crafts night - headed up by Eleanor - showing how to make gorgeous Mercury Glass (also called Silvered Glass) on Tues. June 10 at 6 p.m. All materials supplied. 

On Fri. June 13 at 1 p.m., senior adults can enjoy a movie at the library during Senior Friday Flicks.

Hey, how about a chance to win a $50 Walmart gift card?! Sounds good doesn't it! Then get in on Literary Elements Tic-Tac-Toe starting Mon. June 2. Read books and magazines for a chance to win this fabulous prize!

Throughout the month of June and the entire span of the Summer Reading Program, which ends Thurs. July 10, there will be crossword puzzles and quizzes that come with a chance to win a prize from the library's Summer Reading prize vault!

Summer Reading registration is underway now at the library.  

That pretty much does it for June. Stay tuned to this blog for all of July's Adult Summer Reading events coming soon. To stay abreast of all Summer Reading Programming check out CMRLS' website calendar.

You don't want to miss a thing this summer at the Pearl Public Library!

We'll see you there!

BRANDON PUBLIC LIBRARY SUMMER READING

SUMMER READING 2014 is almost here and we are excited! We have over 40 programs lined up for you, from babies to high school seniors. Which group do you think will be launching catapults?!!

If you think reading is boring and library's have nothing but books, we're going to prove you WRONG! Because this year's theme, "Fizz, Boom, Read," is all about science! Not just any science either. The kind you wouldn't expect in a library. Shhh! Don't tell anyone but we will be blowing up things and making slime and spitting watermelon seeds. It will be a summer of fun.

Stop by the Brandon Library today to get your registration bag and calendar. As always, everything is free and you do not have to be registered at Brandon to attend any Brandon events.

Hope to see you soon!

SIMPLY TURN ORDINARY GLASS INTO FANCY SILVERED GLASS AT THE PEARL LIBRARY!

Mercury Glass by Eleanor

That's right! You can take any piece of glass, says Eleanor, and give it that gorgeous antique silver finish. It's Mercury Glass (also called Silvered Glass).

And that's the Pearl Public Library's June Simply Crafts feature -  DIY Mercury Glass. 

You know it can be reeeeeeeeeeeally expensive to buy Mercury Glass! So, how great is it that Eleanor is going to show you how to do it yourself! It's so simple. 

 "The supplies are a spray bottle with one (1) part water to one (1) part white vinegar and Krylon's Looking Glass Mirror Like Paint," she said. "The results are awesome!"

Tues. June 10 at 6 p.m. Don't miss it. Materials supplied and no reservation required.

We'll see you there!

MAKING FLOWERS WAS LIKE MUSICAL MAGIC AT THE PEARL LIBRARY!

Vinyl Record Flowers fill this big vase.

Vinyl Record Flower 

Simply Crafts night, Tues. May 13, at the Pearl Public Library, was a huge success said Eleanor. The group took vinyl records and turned them into long stemmed flowers!
These vinyl beauties look great in potted plants, as yard decorations or just bunched together in a large vase. "They really enjoyed watching the records melt in the oven," said Eleanor. "They generally loved the craft as whole!"

Some Simply Crafters showing off their Vinyl Record Flowers!

Eleanor is working very hard on ideas for next month's Simply Crafts coming up June 10 at 6 p.m. Remember it's free, all materials supplied and no reservation required! Come on and join in this fantastic monthly fun!

We will see you there!

BEAUTIFUL ART COLLECTION AT THE PEARL LIBRARY!

M.W. Stuart's, Pride of Mississippi (Water Color)

M.W. Stuart's There's Still Hope (Water Color)

As the first location for his 2014 Art Exhibits Tour, Mississippi artist M.W. Stuart is showing his Ross Barnett Collection at the Pearl Public Library through the month of May. 

Stuart is hosting an opening reception at the library on Sat. May 24 from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m, to officially kick off his art tour, and he invites everyone to come.

Stuart has been painting most of his life. Capturing a feeling or emotion or thought is what he strives to do in creating his magnificent pieces he says on his Artist page at www.talon-art.com. "I also prefer to make a painting interesting in its color, contract and subtlety, rather than focusing on detail and realism."

You can view Stuart's art collection in the library's Meeting Room during normal library hours.  Don't miss this wonderful art exhibit!

We'll see you there!

ELMORE LEONARD, A BOOK CLUB DELIGHT AT THE PEARL LIBRARY!

Photo from www.npr.org

It's all about famed author Elmore Leonard for the Pearl Library's  Chapter 1 Book Club's Thurs. May 8 meeting at 6 p.m.

It's not one particular title. It's any book by Elmore Leonard said Pearl Reference Librarian Cecelia, the group's leader, who is reading Forty Lashes Less One, a Western by Leonard. 

Elmore John Leonard, Jr. was born in New Orleans in Oct. 11, 1925.  He died less than a year ago, Aug. 20, 2013 in Detroit where his family had lived for years. He was 87.

Leonard's father Elmore John Leonard Sr. was a site locator for General Motors so the family moved around a lot finally settling in Detroit.

Leonard started out writing Westerns but went on to specialize in crime fiction and suspense thrillers.  Many of his books and stories have been made into movies.  He was not only a novelist but a successful screenwriter as well. 

His writing style has been described as "gritty realism" and "strong dialogue."

Some of his popular books include:  Get Shorty, SWAG, Three -Ten to Yuma, Rum Punch, Hombre, Out of Site, 52 Pickup, Kill Shot, Split Images and La Brava.

Please do come and enjoy the discussion, light refreshments and door prizes. No reservation is needed, and you don't have to join as an official member.  Just come on by!

We'll see you there!

YOU CAN ALMOST HEAR THE FLOWERS SING!

VINYL RECORD FLOWERS

Vinyl Record Flowers is what they are called.  How about these to brighten up any deck, porch or garden?!

Who found this simply, wonderful craft idea? Need you really ask?  

Eleanor, Pearl Library Reference Supervisor and queen of all things Simply Crafts! It's easy she said.

All it really takes are children's albums, decorative, glass pebbles or stones and garden stakes.

Wanna learn how to make them? Then do not miss the Pearl Library's  monthly Simply Crafts night on Tues. May 13 at 6 p.m. Eleanor will make sure everyone has a really good time!

Remember, no reservations needed and all materials are furnished. 

We'll see you there!

VINYL RECORD FLOWER

A BEAUTIFUL, MAGNETIC EVENING IN PEARL!

 WOOD SLICE BIRD MAGNET MAKING

Simply Crafts night, Tues. Apr. 8, at the Pearl Public Library, featuring Wood Slice Bird Magnets, was a huge success as you see participants hard at it in the photo!

Speaking of hard at it, Eleanor, the group's leader, is already working on ideas for next month's project. We'll be letting you know about that real soon!

Simply Crafts is fun and free. All materials furnished. It's the second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. Tell your friends and family. Bring them all!

We'll see you there!

WOOD SLICE BIRD MAGNETS