Simply Crafts @ Pearl Library

Have you ever tried looking for a four-leaf clover? It's like trying to find a needle in a haystack! But why search for good luck when you can make your own? Join us Tuesday, March 13 @ 6 p.m. for Simply Crafts, where we will be making four-leaf clover pendants and magnets. If these don't bring you good luck, at least you can avoid being pinched on St. Patrick's Day! All materials will be provided. We hope to see you there!

Florence - Crochet Club

Florence Library Crochet Club Invites You to come Join the Fun! Crocheting is a fun, fairly inexpensive way to create handmade treasures. Come join us at the Florence Public Library where you can share your love of yarn with like-minded individuals in a safe environment. Bring your crochet projects to each meeting where we will gather together and crochet as we swap patterns and discuss various day to day topics. If working on a new project and you find yourself stuck, feel free to seek the guidance of other members.

Our Free take home pattern for the week is for this lovely Rose.

Chapter One Book Club @ Pearl

Any history buffs out there? Join us for this month’s Chapter One Book Club @ Pearl Library, where we will discuss The Free State of Jones.

“From 1863 to 1865, residents of Jones County, Mississippi engaged in an insurrection against the Confederacy that would have repercussions far beyond the scope of the Civil War. Their defiance became legendary, and the line between fact and fiction faded with each passing year. Until now…”

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 8. There will be door prizes! Light refreshments will be provided. We hope to see you there!

Homemade Soda?

Homemade Soda

I took a look at this book mostly out of curiosity! Can I really make soda at home? Fruit fizzes I know about, but homemade soda? I had a mental picture of the old westerns we used to watch and the one teetotaler cowboy that asks the bartender for a sarsaparilla.

Well I've not started my own "lib-blogger bottling" but I did find recipes that sounded great and there weren't too many ingredients or sound like something too difficult. The author, Andrew Schloss, gives recipes for sodas that you would expect to find on most any grocery store shelf--cola, root beer, fruit flavors and then there are those that I'm not sure I would try just because I'm not much of an experimentalist when it comes to sodas. I first saw them listed on the cover--"herbal and healing waters, sparkling teas and coffees, shrubs and switchels, cream sodas and floats, and other carbonated concoctions". I thought, floats are good, anything with ice cream on top. However, someone who does like to experiment with tastes could truly check out this book and have fun with it. Schloss makes it sound easy and fun, and he does explain what shrubs and switchels are!

If you are looking for something different to do for those hot summer days or just want to really be sure of what your family is drinking, check out Homemade Soda, by Andrew Schloss!

Encore: Marta Szlubowska @ Flowood

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

Marta Szlubowska, Violinist and Concertmaster of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, will be performing at the Flowood Library on Tuesday, February 28th at 6:30 pm.

Some reviews of Marta's previous performances:

"Especially gripping was Szlubowska's performance of the Sonata for Unaccompanied Violin by the unjustly neglected Grazyna Bacewicz (1909-1960). Its hints of Bartok and neoclassical rigor suited Szlubowska's no-nonsense demeanor well; she held interest from first note to last..."

- The Washington Post

Washington, DC

"Her (Szlubowska's) tender, sweet, highest tones were exceptional. She played with strength and vigor throughout the Tchaikovsky Concerto. The cadenza was especially noteworthy for its wide range of expression and nuance, not to mention the technical feats."

- The News & Observer

Raleigh, North Carolina

For more information about Marta, please see Mississippi Symphony Orchestra or Marta Szlubowska.

Black History Film Series @ Brandon Library

Join us @ the Brandon Library for a Black History Film Series this Saturday from Noon to 4pm!!
We will be showing fascinating films delving into various aspects of Black History!
On the film roll: History Channel's "America's Black Warriors: Two Wars to Win" about the Tuskagee Airmen,History Channel's "Underground Railroad," and... History Channel's "Slave Catchers, Slave Resisters"
Stop by and enjoy all these films... or just one!

Florence - Library Lover's Month Raffle

Congratulations, Frankie Musgrove for Winning the Florence Library Lover's Month Raffle. We would also like to Thank Avon Rep. Tanisha Varnado for donating the Basket of goodies and The Friends of the Library for all of their support.

Library Lovers Month @ Pearl Library

In order to celebrate Library Lovers' Month, the Friends of the Pearl Library will serve FREE coffee and cookies Monday, Feb. 13 through Wednesday, Feb. 15, from 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. During the three-day celebration, the Pearl Library’s huge meeting room will be transformed into a used book and movie store, where you are sure to find ridiculously low prices on some real treasures! The sale will be open during regular library hours. So stop, have some fun, and support your library!! We'll see you there!

Florence - Adult Book Club

Come join the Florence Library Adult Book Club which meets Feb. 8, 2012(11:00 AM - 12:00 PM).
Read a book by your favorite author and tell the group about it, while enjoying coffee and great conversation.

Florence Friends of Library Hold Raffle

Florence Public Library Raffle
for Library Lovers Month
Valentine Basket
$1.00 per ticket

Basket donated by Avon Rep: Tanisha R. Varnado
all proceeds will go to the Friends of the Library.

***New Computer Classes***

The Pearl Library and Brandon Library are teaming up and teaching a new series of computer classes. Registration is requested so that we can make the proper accomodations. Please call the Pearl Public Library at 601-932-2562. The classes are taught at the Pearl Public Library's computer lab which accomodates 24 students!

Branch managers Linda Wolfe and Mara Villa will be offering one class each Thursday during February and March.

The class schedule is below:


Feb. 2--Advance Microsoft Word (6:00-7:30)
Feb. 9--How to make a Card Using Microsoft Publisher (6:00-7:00)
Feb. 16--Introduction to Microsoft Excel (6:00-7:30)
Feb. 23--Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint (6:00-7:30)

Mar. 1--Advance Microsoft Word (6:00-7:30)
Mar. 8--How to make a Card Using Microsoft Publisher (6:00-7:00)
Mar. 22--Introduction to Microsoft Excel (6:00-7:30)
Mar. 29--Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint (6:00-7:30)

Chapter One Book Club @ Pearl

Join us for Chapter One Book Club Thursday, February 9 where we will be discussing books about Sullivan's Hollow in south Mississippi and the notorious "Wild Bill" Sullivan. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. We hope to see you there!

Simply Crafts @ Pearl Library

Join us this Valentines Day (Tuesday, February 14) for Simply Crafts where we will make beautiful flowers from tissue paper. You can give them to your valentine, but you might want to keep them for yourself! The fun starts at 6 p.m. We hope to see you there!

R. T. Prince Memorial Library Reopens

Betty Medlock

New Branch Manager for Mize Library
 

The R. T. Prince Memorial Library in Mize reopens this month beginning Monday, Feb. 6, at 2:30 p.m. The Mize Library’s hours of operation are each Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday; 2:30-5:30 p.m. Mrs. Betty Medlock is the new branch manager.

Mrs. Medlock has lived in the Smith County area for two and a half years with her husband, the minister of the South Raleigh Christian Church. They have been in the ministry for more than thirty years and have lived in many places; the most exotic of which was the Grand Cayman Islands. The Medlocks have three grown children, 4 grandchildren and another one on the way! Mrs. Medlock also teaches preschool at the First Baptist Church in Taylorsville. 

Medlock has worked the last couple of weeks with the staff of the Raleigh Library during her orientation to the Library System. When asked what she wants for the Library in Mize, Medlock answered, “I hope to make the community aware of the Library and the services available. The Library has a lot to offer the community.” Programming, including Preschool Story Time and summer reading programs, will continue at the Library. For information on how you can get involved through programming, donations, or volunteering call the Library at 601-733-9414 during business hours or email mize@cmrls.lib.ms.us. Mrs. Medlock can also give information regarding the Friends of the Library, a membership organization that supports the Library with projects throughout the year. 

The R. T. Prince Memorial Library in Mize is part of Central Mississippi Regional Library System, which serves the public libraries of Rankin, Scott, Simpson, and Smith Counties. Further information about the Mize Library or others may be found online at http://www.cmrls.lib.ms.us.

Brown Bag Lunch @ Pearl

Join Mississippi author Joe Lee on January 27, 12:00 noon as he discusses his latest book The Long Road Home. Bring a sack lunch. Drinks and dessert are provided by the Friends of the Pearl Library. Hope to see you there!

Fluff n' Fudge Book Club

Yesterday was our first exciting meetings of the Fluff n'Fudge book club @ the Brandon Library! We discussed Kathryn Stockett's The Help and enjoyed a fudge with a secret ingredient....

no, we didn't let Minnie get a hold of our treat! The special ingredient was Velveeta!

VELVEETA Fudge

Ingredients

3/4 lb. (12 oz) Velveeta, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

1 cup butter or margarine

6 squares unsweetened chocolate

2 Tbsp. light corn syrup

2 pkg. (16 oz each) powdered sugar (about 8 cups)

1-1/2 cups chopped pecans

1 tsp. vanilla

Directions

Place Velveeta, butter, chocolate and corn syrup in large microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 2 min.; stir. Microwave an additional minute; stir until well blended.

Add chocolate mixture, in batches, to sugar in large bowl, beating with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended after each addition. Stir in pecans and vanilla.

Pour into greased 13x9-inch pan. Smooth top with spatula; cover. Refrigerate several hours or until firm before cutting into 1-inch squares to serve. (For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before serving.)

Recipe from Kraft foods: http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/velveeta-fudge-51504.aspx?pf=true

Join us next month on February 15th @ 10:30 am! We will be discussing Audrey Niffenegger's Her Fearful Symmetry. What fudge will we be serving this time? Come and find out!

Book Club -Florence

DON'T FORGET!

Our Book Club,

Come join the Florence Library Adult Book Club which meets Jan.11, 2012

(11:00 AM - 12:00 PM).

Read a book by your favorite author and tell the group about it, while enjoying coffee and great conversation.

Crochet Club -Florence

Crochet Club
Florence Library
Thursday Jan.12
(5:30 PM - 6:30 PM)



Come Join the Fun!

Crocheting is a fun, fairly inexpensive way to create handmade treasures. Come join us at the Florence Public Library where you can share your love of yarn with like-minded individuals in a safe environment. Bring your crochet projects to each meeting where we will gather together and crochet as we discuss various day to day topics. If working on a new project and you find yourself stuck, seek the guidance of other members.

Bring your own materials.

Simply Crafts!

Join us Tuesday, January 10 @ 6:00 P.M. for our monthly Simply Crafts program. This month's craft will be a cute snowflake door hanger! Can you guess what it is made of? This program is free and all materials are provided. We hope to see you there!

Chapter One Book Club @ Pearl

Joe Lee is originally from Jackson, Mississippi and has a background in radio, television and journalism. He is a 1987 graduate of Mississippi State University with a degree in Communication, and a graduate of Starkville High School. He and his family live in Brandon, Mississippi.

Debutante turned fugitive from justice Nancy Rutledge, who escaped from the tiny North-Mississippi town of Oakdale just before being arrested for the murder of her mother, has some unfinished business to take care of in her hometown. And just how far is she willing to go to get even with her enemies, both real and imagined?

Nancy, thanks to identity theft and a profound change of appearance, has morphed into best selling children's author and national sensation Chesapeake Rhea Edwards. Now living in the mountains of Colorado, she's fooled not only thousands of book buyers but many powerful people in the publishing industry. With demand for her book sky high, she's in the middle of an 88 stop tour of the southeastern United States when the visit to Oakdale's Main Street book store finally rolls around.

Of course Nancy knows she's taking a huge risk by sneaking back into town fifteen months later--one false move or slipup and she'll certainly be hauled away in cuffs by the local police department. But not only did she coordinate all aspects of the book tour strictly to put herself in this store, the whole notion of being an author was created to bring her face to face with two people: Keller Bryan, the love of her life, and Caitlyn Rutledge, who is Nancy's half sister...and Keller's fiance.

Nancy isn't leaving town without Keller, regardless of who gets hurt--or dies. It's the only reason she's still alive.

On January 12 meet Mississippi author Joe Lee as he signs copies of his new suspense thriller The Long Road Home. Book signing begins at 5:00 P.M. Then join Joe and the Chapter One Book Club as they discuss his many works. Book club will begin at 6:00 P.M. We hope to see you there!

Winter Adult Reading Moments (WARM)

The Pearl Public Library presents its second annual Winter Adult Reading Moments (WARM) program which begins January 3 and runs through February 29, 2012.

The Library hopes to see WARM as an enthusiastic opener to adult programming in 2012 as they did in 2011. "The WARM 2011 program was a pleasant surprise," said Kimberly Coley, Reference Services Supervisor. "Initially, we didn't know how an adult reading program would actually be received during the winter months when a library can sometimes have slow days," said Coley. "WARM gave us the opportunity to have some fun and help boost library patronage. I was very surprised by the number of participants that we had. Our last WARM program was a huge success. I'm hoping this year will be even bigger."

Here's how WARM works: Any adult interested in participating can register at the library's Reference department starting January 3 and receive a reading log. After reading or listening (CD/audio books are allowed) to a total of five (5) books, the patron lists the titles on the reading log, and turns in the log for a small prize. There's a limit to one prize per patron. Patrons who turn in reading logs will be entered into a grand prize drawing.

The Winter Adult Reading Moments program is free and open to ages 18 and up. If you have any questions about this program, please contact the library at 601-932-2562 and ask for Kimberly Coley, or email her at rcref@cmrls.lib.ms.us.

We Did It!

Check out what the Brandon patrons and staff did in the month of December! A special thank you to everyone who participated in our football themed Community Jigsaw Puzzle. Speaking of football, who do you hope to see at the 2012 Super Bowl? Comment below and let us know. Don't forget to stop by in January to see what we've got planned!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The Brandon Public Library staff had a wonderful Christmas and we hope you did too! We would like to wish you all a Happy New Year and we can't wait to see all of the wonderful things to come in 2012.

Mark Twain Success

Thanks to Friends of the Library, Comfort Inn, Garrett's Furniture and Peoples Bank we had a wonderful turnout for the Mark Twain storytelling. We had 62 in attendance! We would like to say a special thank you to our patrons and Kathy Bradshaw, from HQ, for coming out to support us.
We gave door prizes to three unsuspecting guests. Lauren Grantham and Loree Clark won tickets to see the Mississippi Braves and Tristan Shivers won the rocking chair donated by Garrett's Furniture.

Book Club - Florence Library

Come join the Florence Library Adult Book Club which meets Dec. 14, 2011 (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM).

Read a book by your favorite author and tell the group about it, while enjoying coffee and great conversation.

Free Movie Friday

Come join us for the library premier of "The Help", Friday, January 6th @ 3:30 in the meeting room of the Magee Public Library.

Open House @ the Pearl Public Library

Do You Hear What I Hear? Yes! Christmas is Coming! The Pearl Public Library presents a special night of Christmas fun for the entire family. The library’s Holiday Open House is Thurs. Dec. 15 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Join us for a night of delights! We’ll Deck the Halls, Jingle Bells and share Joy to the World as we eat, drink and be oh-so-merry! You’ll hear holiday favorites by the Pearl Upper Elementary Choir, and enjoy yummy cookies and punch provided by the Friends of the Pearl Public Library. Hmmm, now, is that all for the festive evening? Let’s check this list twice. HO! HO! HO! Of course not!

How could the evening be complete without something special and nice for all tiny tots! There will be crafts for the kiddies and hey, Santa himself – great lover of all cookies and children - will be making a jolly appearance! Bring your camera to capture wonderful photo opportunities all evening, especially as St. Nick brings smiles and joy to all! We’ll see you there!

It has begun

The work on Brandon Public Library's new lights has begun! Stay tuned for more updates!

Swing in to the Holidays @ Flowood!

Yes, it's that time again! The Flowood Library is having its annual Open House . . . otherwise known as "Swing in to the Holidays." The festivities will begin at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, December 6th! The fabulous lineup includes:

4:00 to 5:30- Meet Santa Claus. Santa will be stopping by the library and children may meet Santa and have their picture taken with him. Parents, please bring your cameras. There will also be cookies and juice.

6:00 to 7:00- Have a bite to eat and enjoy some live music. We will have a generous assortment of finger foods and beverages. Fix yourself a plate and have a seat because the Mississippi Swing Band will be performing your favorites.

During the event, patrons will have the opportunity to place bids on The Friends of the Flowood Public Library silent auction gift baskets. These baskets are filled to the brim with lots great items for anyone of your Christmas gift list. Also, patrons will be able to browse a selection of hand painted crafts from The Mustard Seed gift shop.

This event is FREE to all.

Simply Crafts @ Pearl Library

Decorate for the holidays this year with your very own handmade ornament! Join us Tuesday, December 13 for our Simply Crafts program, where you will be able to make your own ornament (shown above). The fun begins @ 6:00 p.m. All materials provided. We hope to see you there!

Mendenhall Book Club Selection

Mendenhall Book Club Dec. Selection

Join the Mendenhall Library Book Club on Thursday, December 15 at 2:00 pm. We will be discussing The Locket by Richard Paul Evans.  You will enjoy our opinions and insights.

Something Tasty is Cooking at the Pearl Public Library

The Friends of the Pearl Library, seeking a creative way to raise money, decided a book of good eats would hit home, but not solely as a fundraiser according to Edith West, Friends president. “It’s a way to do something for the public at the same time,” she said.
Who doesn’t like to pour over great recipes that are easy to make? It can stimulate the appetite. Creamy Ham ‘n’ Macaroni, Cheesy Corn Bites, Randy’s Good Ol’ Fashioned Swiss Chicken, and Squash Casserole - the pages go on with mouthwatering recipes.
"Putting the cookbook together was a lot of fun" said Totsy Hayes, Friends vice-president, credited for doing much of the leg work. “Reading all the recipes made me hungry. It’s all so good,” she said.
Pecan Cream Cheese Pie, Mother’s Sweet Potato Pie and Blueberry Pound Cake - doesn’t that sound like the holidays? Although the Taste of Pearl Cookbook ($15) is right in time for them, it didn’t start out that way. “When we started talking about doing a cookbook, we didn’t know it would be Christmastime when we got it published,” chuckled West. “It makes a great birthday gift too!”
The Friends actually started work on the cookbook about five months ago. Hayes and Friends member, Bobbie Johns, got busy soliciting recipes and creating pages. “Totsy and Bobbie did a good job putting it (cookbook) together,” said West proudly. “The two of them did it all.”
Hayes won’t have any of that kind of talk. She maintains it took all the Friends, many of whom have recipes in the cookbook, to make the cookbook bloom. "It was a group effort," said Hayes, “It took time and patience to get it done.” That’s not only because of writing and editing. No, the Friends took it a step further.
They made calls to some state officials and were pleased to get recipe submissions. Would you like to know what Secretary of State, Delbert Hosemann likes to prepare? What about Congressman, Gregg Harper or even, yes, Governor Haley Barbour? They’re in there.
Luscious Lemon Ring, now that’s what West has her eyes on. “It is a thing of beauty. I’ve seen it. I’ve eaten it, and it is delicious,” she said with conviction. “I definitely want to make it.”

Article written by Susan Gray

For more information on The Taste of Pearl Cookbook, call the Pearl Public Library at 601-932-2562.

Scrabble Outcome

Brandon Library's "Staff v. Patron" Month Long Scrabble Tournament is over! Eight games were completed and the victor is....

(drumroll please)

It was a TIE! Four to Four! Rematch next year! Same time! Same place!

Until then, drop by the library and help complete our Community Jigsaw Puzzle! Can you help us put the pieces together?

Need a Last Minute Recipe?

The libraries close by 6 pm this evening and won't be open Thursday or Friday. What happens when you need a recipe for the left-over turkey, mashed potatoes, or the three extra boxes of green Jello that were accidentally added to the grocery list (it happens to the best of us)?

Here are links for two great collections of recipes and food information: CMRLS Quick Reference Recipes and Food Preparation and Internet Public Library (IPL2)-Food . This is a link for a Google SEARCH for recipes and before you even type in an ingredient there are more than 252 million pages found!

We hope these links are helpful!

The staff of the CMRLS libraries wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday!

Chapter One Book Club @ Pearl

Excited about the holidays? Ready to read some good holiday books? Join us at the Pearl Public Library for December's Chapter One Book Club, where we will discuss any book about the holidays. The club meets Thursday, December 8th @ 6:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided. We hope to see you there!

Mark Twain 100 Years Later

"The only sure things are death and taxes...but at least death doesn't get worse every year!"

Come join us Wednesday, December, 14th @ 4 pm, as Dave Ehlert, AKA "Mark Twain", a Branson, MO favorite, comes to the Magee Public Library.

MARTHA HALL FOOSE @ FLOWOOD- CANCELLED

We apologize, however, Ms. Foose will NOT be appearing at the Flowood Library today. Ms. Foose is ill and cannot make it to the speaking engagement. We will let you know when Ms. Foose has been rescheduled. Thank you.

Friends of the Taylorsville Public Library Annual Bake Sale

The Friends of the Taylorsville Public Library will have their annual Thanksgiving Bake Sale on Friday, November 18, 2011 in front of the Trustmark National Bank in Taylorsville from 9:00 a.m. until.... Chances on a Christmas Basket will also be available for $1.00 each the drawing will be on December 21st @ the library, come out and support your local library!!

Author Visit!

Join us @ the Brandon Public Library for

Bruce Wayne Sullivan's Autobiography:

Up in Ruins

Thursday, November 17 @ Noon!

Bring your lunch! We'll provide drinks and dessert!
For information, contact the Brandon Public Library @ 601-825-2672

Can you beat OUR STAFF????

Challenge your mind and our Brandon Library staff in our

Staff v Patrons Scrabble Game!

All through the month of November, the staff and patrons at the Brandon Library will be lining up those letter tiles to see who will be triumphant.

So... think you've got what it takes? Know a word using Q or Z (10 points each)? Stop by the Brandon Library and try your best!

National Gaming Day @ Flowood Library

Saturday, November 12th is National Gaming Day and the Flowood Library is going all out! From 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, the Flowood Library will be pulling out all of the stops to bring you a great gaming experience. We have Bunco (adults only), Scrabble, Heroclix, and Magic the Gathering tournaments. There will also be Nintendo Wii gaming, Carnival games for children (ages 3 to 6), refreshments and much more. Did we mention that there will also be prizes? Prizes have been donated from Fat Cat Ceramics, Heroes and Dreams, Mississippi Legends Grill, Candy Confections, Table 100, the Strength Center, LaCru, Harry the Potter, Sal & Mookies, Bravo, and Broad Street Baking Company.

This is a GREAT family event . . . and it is FREE. If you would like to participate in one of the tournaments, you must register. Please call (601) 919-1911 ext 25 to register. Are you ready to get your game on?

Veteran's Day Tribute at the Flowood Library

Join us at the Flowood Library on Monday, November 7th at 6:00pm for a special Veteran's Day program! Colonel Riser will lead the NWR JROTC in presenting the colors. Local historian, Bill Patrick, will give a brief overview of a few notable Mississippi generals. Lastly, the NWR middle school 6th grade choir will perform. Please join us in paying respect to the military men and women who have served our country.

Simply Crafts @ Pearl Library

GOBBLE GOBBLE!

Join the fun this Tuesday, November 8 @ 6 p.m. for Simply Crafts where we will be making an adorable turkey pin. All materials provided. We hope to see you there!