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 super power 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!

THE PEARL LIBRARY DROPS THE MIKE WITH HOT ADULT PROGRAMS STARTING SATURDAY!

BOOK SIGNING SATURDAY, AUG. 5 FROM 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Some Pearl Library staffers have known Cyrus Webb a looooooong time. So, let me start by saying, " CONGRATULATIONS, CYRUS!" 

His new book, Words They Choose to Live By, is sure to be a hit! But, I must note that it's rare to see Cyrus so out there struttin' all his stuff even if it is the cover of his own book He's more of the type that wants everyone else to shine! Well, it really is out of his comfort zone he shared with a friend.

And just who is that all hugged up on him ? Cyrus looks pretty comfortable with that! LOL! Lord have mercy, JESUS! It's Chandra Currelley of Tyler Perry For Better or Worse and Madea fame. She's also quite the accomplished songstress and lives in Atlanta! She and Cyrus have become big friends. GO, CYRUS!

Yeah, if you know Cyrus, and, as I said earlier, many of us at the Pearl Library do.  Well, then you know him as shy, sweet, humble, ultimately mild-mannered and totally unassuming. He's mainly a behind the scenes guy. That's where he makes the magic happen.   We are absolutely thrilled he is kicking off his first book signing for Words They Choose to Live By right here! That's Saturday, Aug. 5, from 11:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m., and sponsored by the Friends of the Pearl Library.

Filled with words of inspiration from celebrities that Cyrus, Conversations LIVE radio host of 14 years, has interviewed throughout the years, the book Words They Choose to Live By, sequels his earlier publication of Words I Choose to Live BY where Cyrus offers his own daily nuggets of encouragement and wisdom.  

Cyrus has built a great "rapport" with People like country music icon,Billy Ray Cyrus and talk show host - of Entertainment Tonight fame - Leeza Gibbons.  They are in the book too! These are simply a few of the voices in his newest book, Words They Choose to Live By. There are 30 high profile celebrities he has interviewed who have taken the power of words to find success in their fields. The book signing will be sponsored by the Friends of the 

Words They Choose to Live By goes on sale on Amazon.com Tuesday August 1, 2017. Copies of the book are $12 or you can purchase 2 for only $20. 

     
Webb has built an online following that includes over 25,000 through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram, and over 8 million views on Google +. The message of the Conversations brand is simply "Feeding Your Love of Life."

    
In addition to his radio program Conversations LIVE, Webb is also the host of the television show Cyrus Webb Presents, President of Conversations Book Club and Editor-In-Chief of Conversations Magazine. Webb lives in Brandon, Mississippi.

   
For more information contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or at 601.896.5616. You can also stay updated on his website www.cyruswebb.com.

PERSONAL SAFETY & SITUATIONAL AWARENESS, 

THURS.,  AUG. 24 at 6 p.m.

Who doesn't think about personal safety these days?  Great job, Amy, the library's adult coordinator on securing this gem! St. Dominic's "New Directions for Over 55" Program will present a free program for all adults on personal safety, situational awareness, and how you can protect yourself against situations, such as identity theft. No reservation required.

We'll see you there!

August at Richland Library

We know everyone is busy this time of year, but August will be FUN at the Richland Library! 

Preschool Story Time is designed for children ages birth to preschool age. Preschool Story Hour at Richland Library is every Wednesday at 10:30 A.M. The following is a schedule of programs for this month.

• August 2nd - Back to School
• August 9th - School House Rock
• August 16th - Piggin' Out
• August 23rd - Let's Scream for Ice Cream!
• August 30th - Tracks on the Farm

Teen Movie Night – Thursday, July 6th at 6:00 P.M. –We will be watching Lionsgate's Power Rangers which is rated PG-13 and is 124 minutes in length. The movie explores what happens to a group of high school students, who are infused with unique super powers and how they harness their abilities in order to save the world.

Richland Writers – Monday, August 7th at 6:00 P.M. Richland Writers is for anyone who is interested in meeting with other people to discuss the craft of writing.

Coloring and Conversation – Thursday, August 18th at 6:00 P.M. Join us for fun informal coloring. You can bring your own coloring sheet or choose from one of our patterns.

Coffee and Books – Tuesday, August 18th at 10:30 A.M. This month we will be talking about Bone to be Wild by Carolyn Haines, an author with Mississippi ties and the 2004 CMRLS Patron's Choice Award for Crossed Bones.

Friends of the Library Meeting – Thursday, August 24th at 6:00 P.M. The Friends of the Richland Library will have a special guest, Mary H. Coleman who will be talking about her book “Mary’s Story and Song”.

For more information on the above meetings/programs, please call the Richland Library at 601-932-1846. Check the Events calendar for future programs.

MISSISSIPPI BLOOD SERVICES HELPS THE PEARL LIBRARY BUILD A BETTER WORLD!

You don't want to miss out on this. Amy has set up a fantastic adult 2017 Summer Library Program that helps build community in many ways for the Pearl Public Library! And, as we all know building a better community is building a better WORLD!

On, Thursday, July 13, look for the Mississippi Blood Services bus to roll into the Pearl Public Library parking lot. The Pearl Library has partnered with Mississippi Blood Services to help "Build A Better World" by saving lives! The free blood drive will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. All blood types are needed and welcome!

Summer Library Program 2017

"Build a Better World"

Simply Crafts, at the Pearl Public Library, just got BECKY-FIED!

   And, if you don't know Becky, from the Pearl's Reference Department, you should stop by and meet her. She's the crafts and sewing queen of the place. She even makes doll clothes for crying out loud! It is something to see. There is no idea one can put before her, that she cannot make happen.
    If it's artsy, she has a vision. If it's creative, she'll make MAGIC! And, by the by, the lady wastes NOTHING! An unused piece of tissue, well that becomes a beautiful flower!
       That's our BECKY!
    Granted, she's just getting started as the Simply Crafts - monthly adult program - leader. But, already, June's birdhouse/feeders made from plastic soda pop containers was a huge hit! Simply Crafts meets every third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. It's free. No reservation is required and all materials are supplied! WOW! What a deal! July's Simply Crafts (Thurs. July 20) will be Rolled Paper Crafts. Dazzling creations made from such simplicity! SIMPLY CRAFTS! SIMPLY AMAZING! You don't want to miss out! We'll see you there!

SLP!, SLP!, SLP! It's underway at the Pearl Library! Boom! Bah! Bish! YAY!

BUILD A BETTER WORLD! That's the theme across the board for children's, teens' and the adult 2017 Summer Library Program. How else to build a better world than starting with community, and the Pearl Public Library brings it all together with topnotch, energetic, FREE programs!

   The first day of SLP for teens begins with actually building things via video game. You guessed it! Minecraft on Monday, June 5th at 6 p.m. It’s a time to bring that wonderful creativity and imagination into play and build anything you like…your own kingdom even!! Because seating is limited, pre-registration is required.

    Another teens highlight is a special presentation by accomplished journalist, Associated Press Writer, Emily Wagster Pettus, who will speak about how to detect fake news.That’s Monday, June 12 at 6 p.m.

      Some of the highlights for children/family nights include the Central Mississippi Regional Library’s (CMRLS) Puppets on Tuesday, June 6th at 6 p.m. The next week, there’s Magician Dorian LaChance on Tuesday, June 13th at 6 p.m. The Snakeman, Terry Vandeventer, will slither in on Tuesday, June 20th at 6 p.m. Dianne Butler, the Story Teller, will be here July 11 at 6 p.m.

      Adult SLP kicks off Thursday. June 8 at 6 p.m with free Adult Trivia Night that comes complete with a great prize. Bring your friends and team up to answer challenging trivia questions to be eligible to win.

       Movie Night for Adults will be Thursday, June 22nd at5:30 p.m. Relax and enjoy the free show on the big screen. Complimentary popcorn and drinks will be served.

      The Adult Show and Tell Craft Fair will be held on June 29th at 6 p.m. If you like to hand make items, bring your work of art to show and be inspired by others as they share their creativity and tips. The craft fair is a free program. To enter your craft for showing, please sign up or call the library by Wednesday, June 28th.

On, Thursday, July 13, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., The Pearl Public Library will be hosting a free blood drive, provided by Mississippi Blood Services. All blood types are needed and welcome! “Build a Better World” by saving lives!  

    Remember that programs listed above are only a few of the total programs for children, teens and adults. To see the total SLP lineup for the Pearl Public Library, as well as all CMRLS libraries, check out the EVENTS CALENDAR at www.cmrls.lib.ms.us.

    If you have any questions or need more information, please call the Pearl Library at 601-932-2562, and ask for Adrianne Manning, Youth Services Supervisor if your questions are children or teen related. For adult SLP questions ask for Amy Lee, Reference Supervisor.

You do not want to miss a thing!

We'll see you there!

SLP 2017 NOT HERE YET, BUT YOU CAN STILL WIN AT THE PEARL PUBLIC LIBRARY!

     Summer Library Program 2017 for children, teens and adults, is right around the corner starting June 5, but Amy has a jump on things.  The SLP theme is Build A Better World.  For the whole month of May, come on in and tell us how to  Build a Better World in your own environment and be entered to win one cool PRRIZE! Oh yeah! The winner will be chosen Thursday, June 1.

     Speaking of all things cool, Becky has the cutest Simply Crafts creation for Thursday, May 18 at 6 p.m. Little crafted critters. Hang them up or display them where ever you would like. Remember Simply Crafts is every third Thursday at 6 p.m. No reservations need, and all materials supplied. And, it's FREE!

     The last thing you think of when you hear or see the word FREE is anything medical. Am I right? I'm right. This is what makes the highlight adult program of May a treasure. 

     The Pearl Public Library is hosting a free heart health program, presented by Magnolia Health, a physician-driven, Mississippi-based, Medicaid Coordinated Care Organization (CCO), on Thursday, May 25 at 6 p.m.

       Called “Listening to Your Healthy Heart Matters,” the program is designed to follow its namesake, the book entitled, Listening to Your Healthy Heart Matters, written by Michelle Bain, with Dr. Sharon Cresci. Participants will receive free copies of the program book. 

        “Latresa Robb, RN will present the seminar,” said Becky Martin, Magnolia Health’s Community Relations Representative.  “The presentation is for those with heart disease and those who want to prevent it.  It covers how the heart works, warning signs of a heart attack, risk factors, nutrition, heart disease and exercise, cardiac testing, and treatment options. There will be opportunities to ask questions.”

      Martin and Robb visited the Pearl Public Library in 2016 for another relevant health program which was on Diabetes.

BIG NEWS AT THE PEARL LIBRARY! THREE-DAY BIG BOOK SALE!

     Have you heard that the Friends of the Pearl Library  has expanded their annual (sometimes bi-annual) Big Book Sale to three days?! Yep. Three days!  Thurs. May 11 from 4 p.m .to 7 p.m., Fri. May 12 from 9 a.m.to 4 p.m. and Sat. May 13 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Oh, yes! This is big news for the Pearl Public Library.  Big! BIG!!!
     Many impressive items to choose from.  A big item that people like to have in their home libraries is National Geographic Magazine. A nice supply is available in beautiful, maroon dated binders and on CD ROM.  Get to the book sale as fast you can, these may be plentiful, but won’t last long!

      Interested shoppers will also have a fine selection of fiction and nonfiction books to choose from as well as DVDs and CDs (audiobooks and music – some classical).

      Book sale prices range from .25cents to $5.00.  Please note that ONLY at the end of the last day of the book sale (Saturday) and not before, leftover items will be on a special, bag-for-a-buck, bargain.  It’s everything you can fit into a grocery bag for $1.

      For anyone interested in becoming a member of the Friends of the Pearl Library, there will be registration forms available at the book sale. Individual membership is $5 a year. As always, donations to the Friends are also welcome.

You do not want to miss out on this fun, great BIG BOOK SALE!

We'll see you there!

Hopping, Popping, Gardening And Mysteries, BINGO! It Must Be April and National Library Week At the Pearl Library! OH YEEAAAH!

     National Library Week 2017 runs from April 9 -15, with the theme Libraries Transform. That has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?  Libraries DO transform. They transform people. They transform communities.  Libraries offer so much! Like what, you ask? During the entire month of April, the lineup of events at the Pearl Public Library will transform and amaze. Ready?  Here we go!
     When it comes to adult programming in April, just follow Amy's trail. She says, when you hippity hop right into the library during April; tell us why you visited and get entered into a drawing for a sweet prize. The drawing will be Monday, May 1st. 

      Monday April 10th is NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK KICKOFF - from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., come to the library and fill out a survey and tellus how we can improve our services. You'll be entered into a drawing scheduled the very next day, April 11th, and the chance to win a cool prize.  Now, that's not all that's happening on this day!

    The Tuesday of every annual National Library Week is set to honor librarians. It's called NATIONAL LIBRARY WORKERS' DAY.  You probably already know how ridiculously awesome the Pearl Library staff is, don't you? Of course you do! Sooo, from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. We want you to stop by the library, enjoy a snack and tell us why your favorite librarian is a star.

   Drum roooooollll please. This one is a biggie!  The Friends of the Pearl Library along with the Chapter 1 Book Club present award-winning, local mystery and suspense writer, John M. Floyd. Uh-huh. Right here on Tuesday April 11th at 6 p.m. Patsy, the Chapter 1 Book Club facilitator has a fine program set up. John will talk about this latest book, Dreamland and sign books. The program is free. There will be light refreshments and door prizes.

    Hopping right along, Bingo for Books is Thursday April 13th at 6 p.m. Celebrate National Library Week with a game of Bingo and a chance to win your choice of a variety of books.

Whew! All this hopping has me feeling a little hungry. Oh great! We have that covered too. Free POPCORN! On Friday, April 14th end National Library Week with free popcorn from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Come by and meet your library staff. We will be serving up this wonderful treat! Can you dig it? Sure you can!

Speaking of digging, there's nothing bunnies love more than carrots! YUM-O! Covvverrred! Yes, Amy's Simply Crafts - free adult program - will be making Easter Carrots Rice Krispie Treats at 6 p.m. on Thurs. April 20. No reservation is required and all ingredients supplied!  

Well, maybe you are into a different type of digging. It is that time of year when gardening is becoming the center of attention. Wouldn't you know that the Pearl Library has a great program to help you out. The Rankin County Master Gardeners will be at the library on Thursday April 27th at 6 p.m. to share expert gardening tips. All free. 

Really impressive stuff going on at the Pearl Library! All programs are free! You don't want to miss out on anything.

We'll see you there!

GO MAD FOR ART AT THE PEARL LIBRARY!

They say, "A picture is worth a thousand words".  WOW! That means there will be a whole lotta words flying around (and not just from all the books) at the Pearl Library. Artwork created by Pearl School District students will grace our library  during the entire month of March.   It all begins today, and in a wink, art will be everywhere. It will be as if, during March, the library transforms into an art gallery. This is a very special time for art students culminating in the Youth Art Month Reception on Tuesday, March 28th from 5:00 pm until 6:30 pm, when hundreds of patrons, including proud family and friends, converge at the library to view the students' art. Refreshments will be provided.

If art is not your thing, then hoops might be. Amy says, come show it! That's right! March Madness...basketball RULES!!  So, she says how's about coming on into the Pearl Library, anytime during the month of March, and filling out an entry listing which basketball team you are cheering for. Oh, yeah, it's that simple to get entered for a chance to win a great prize!! The drawing will take place on Friday, March 31st.

So, that takes care of events which include the whole month of March. Now, there are those special 'one night only' events like the one Amy has planned for Thursday, March 9th at 6:00 pm, The Center for Violence Prevention will present a program discussing issues of domestic abuse or violence. It's a free program and no registration is required.

Patsy's Chapter 1 Book Club March selection is Predator by Terry Blackstock. This month's meeting is Tuesday, March 14th at 6 pm. No reservation or membership is required. There will be door prizes and light refreshments.

Amy has a lucky Simply Crafts program this month on Thursday, March 16th at 6:00 pm. The group will be making beautiful paper Shamrocks. No reservation is needed. All materials supplied.

You don't want to miss out, in March, at the Pearl Public Library!

We'll see you there!

A MONTH WORTH LOVING AT THE PEARL LIBRARY!

     If it's February, then it must be Library Lovers' Month! If it's Library Lovers' Month, then it's the Pearl Public Library's time to shine! Oh yeah, baby! It's one of the most fun and sweet programs the library hosts all year. This is the Ninth Annual Come In From the Cold With a Good Book on Valentine's Day February 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m and Wednesday, Feb. 15 from 9 a.m . to 5:30 p.m. 
     Patrons will be treated to free coffee, donated by Community Coffee and free donuts and cookies donated by Pearl businesses - Walmart, Dunkin Donuts, Donut Factory, Sam's Club and That Special Touch Cakes and Flowers and Simply Southern Cafe and Grill in Flowood. The main entrance to the library will be transformed into a sweet cafe! Seriously, now. Do you really want to miss out on this?! I didn't think so!  Come in and enjoy the decorations and treats!

    While you are at the library any time during the month of February, write a couple of words telling why you love the library. Your entry will go into a Library Lovers' Month drawing to be held on March 1 for one sweet prize! Amy will be sure to take care of that!

      There's more. Amy has a Valentine's Day Strawberry Sugar Scrub for you lovely people that want to help your skin stay moist and smooth. Uh-huuuuuuuh! Amy's free, Simply Crafts group will be making this scrub on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. No reservation is needed and all materials are supplied! Remember, Simply Crafts is every third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m.

      Another Valentine's Day highlight is Patsy's Chapter 1 Book Club meeting at 6 p.m. on Feb. 14. Their book selection is Buried Secrets, the second book in the Heart of the Amazon Series by Margaret Daley. It's a free book club. No registration is required. There will be light refreshments and door prizes. The Chapter 1 Book Club meets every second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m.

Don't miss out. We'll see you there!

A Can't-Miss Electrifying Event!

That's right folks! Right here at the Pearl Public Library, Amy has the answer to your New Year's resolution to save money. Yep! You know that pesky, high electric bill that just WON'T QUIT?! Every time you look at the bill it just makes you want to faint.
Well then, you absolutely do not want to miss out on the library's energy saving tips program, featuring the Entergy Company, on Thurs. Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. It's a free, adult program.

www.entergy.com

That's definitely a highlight program of the month, but don't forget about the Pearl Library's popular monthly events too!  Patsy's Chapter 1 Book Club (which meets the second Tuesday of every month) selected Cop Town by Karin Slaughter for their Tues. Jan. 10 group discussion. The book club is free. No reservation or membership required. And, as always, there will be a door prize and light refreshments! 

Two women struggling to be good cops in Atlanta in the 1970s, find themselves up against extraordinary heat. Oh yeah! Now, that's a book you can grab a nice mug of Joe or cocoa and snuggle up with, right? Right!!! 

Speaking of mugs, don't miss January's Simply Crafts! Amy has just the right craft in store on Thurs. Jan. 19 at 6 p.m. "You decorate ceramic mugs with a a paint pen," Amy said. "Then you place them in a low oven to set them and prevent them from bleeding. Really cool idea!" Indeed, Amy. It sure is!!! Simply Crafts meets every third Thursday of the month. No reservation required. All materials are supplied!

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

We'll see you there!

Brr....Baby It's Cold Outside.

But there's plenty of warm and cozy going on at the Pearl Public Library? 
For starters, Amy has hooked you up with Snuggle Up and Read for two whole months! Whoa! This wonderful, adult program should put some fire into your reading! Read any books you like. Write a short book review for each book. Each book review is an entry 
into a drawing for a cozy throw and hot chocolate basket to be held on Wednesday, Feb. 1. Now, that's pretty darn classy!!!

Bet ya feelin' a little toasty already!!!!  Well, there's more... It's the season for all things magical and bright, and Patsy, the Chapter 1 Book Club leader, has just the right thing. A Season of Angels by Debbie Macomber is the December selection.  That's Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. There will be light refreshments and door prizes. You don't have to be a member and no registration required for this free adult program.

What's the holidays without decorations?! No way! Bring on the decorations! And, that's what Amy has selected as her December Simply Crafts offering for Thursday December 15 at 6 p.m. ! No registration required and all materials are supplied! Beautiful Mason Jar Lid Tree Ornaments! Simply made ornaments can't be beat!

Don't miss out! We'll see you there!

Nice Words Have A Way Of Paying Off!

     That's especially true at the Pearl Public Library.   In an adult program called Thankful for the Library,  fill out an entry form saying why you love the Pearl Library.  Your entry goes right into a drawing for a $50 Wal-Mart gift card! Uh-HUH!  A true holiday blessing! You have the entire month of November to enter!  Many thanks to Wal-Mart of Pearl for donating the gift card. The drawing will be held Wed. Nov. 30! 

    

      Hey!!!!!  Btw, it may be June hot outside, but November haaaaaaaaas actually started! So, what are you waiting for?!??!?!  

      We'll see you there!

New Library Service Announced

New Service Announced

CMRLS Introduces Flipster^®, a New Way to Access Digital Magazines

~ The One-Stop-Shop for Digital Magazines Allows Library Patrons
to Browse the Latest Issues of the Most Sought After Magazines ~

Patrons of CMRLS Libraries can now access their favorite digital magazines using Flipster from EBSCO Information Services. Flipster is a next-generation magazine service that allows people to browse digital versions of the latest issues of popular magazines, courtesy of the library.

There are more than 30 titles in the collection; including People, Entertainment Weekly, Time, Southern Living, Country Living, Real Simple, Good Housekeeping, Cooking Light, Family Tree, Flex, Car and Driver, Essence, Ebony, and many more. Personal subscriptions would cost hundreds of dollars, but now everyone in the 4-county area has access to these titles. View the magazines on any online device; or download to Android™ phones and tablets, Apple^® phones and tables, and Kindle Fire tablets for offline reading anytime, anywhere. The Libraries also offer free Wifi.

Flipster offers an easy, browse-able reading experience. Users can browse magazines by category as well as perform searches for specific periodicals. An online newsstand provides a carousel of the most recent issues, as well as a carousel of all issues allowing for quick access to magazines. The table of contents contains links for quick access to articles of interest and hotlinks within magazines are hyperlinked, opening in separate tabs when clicked. In addition, there is an option to zoom in and out for better readability.

“This is one more Library service that makes information available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Log in to Flipster and other Library services with your Library card barcode number and your Library comes to you,” said Dorothy Vance, CMRLS Public Relations Coordinator. “We have downloadable eBooks, audiobooks, music, and now magazines. Numerous databases can be accessed from anywhere; these are credible, peer reviewed books and journals; just what is needed for homework or personal research.”

Contact your Library staff at any of the CMRLS Libraries; or visit online at cmrls.lib.ms.us to learn more about accessing the library’s digital magazines through Flipster.

Flowood READS hits the ground running!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FLOWOOD READS HITS THE GROUND RUNNING

But community help is still needed to make it a success. 

FLOWOOD, MS -

The Flowood Library's program, Flowood READS, has started. Consisting of 3 contests and four interactive programs, the library has developed a "City Wide Book Experience" that focuses on more than traditional literacy. 

"Flowood READS is a project that is modeled after the American Library Association's One Book, One Community program - it was designed to fold literacy into community engagement. I personally see it as a way to connect with those who aren't big readers; I see it as a way to showcase how the library is a community center rather than a repository for old books." Ashley Biggs, Branch Manager said. 

The library launched Flowood READS earlier this year with a host of Facebook contests - all of which had cash prizes awarded for the winners. Then on September 1st, the library launched the first of three in-person contests that encouraged artists to submit their own movie or book poster that would then be displayed for the public to vote on. 

The second contest, Peculiar Art, however, has already begun to gain speed. "We started out with 25 packs of "found" pieces that artists need to incorporate into their own artwork. That started on October 1st. By October 5th, we had given away 15 of the packs to those who wanted to submit their work for public vote." Biggs said.  "We're really looking forward to displaying the creative pieces."

Also this month, the library is hosting a Peculiar Photos program where attendees will be shown how to manipulate their own photographs to be similar to the odd photos found in both the book and movie. Those wanting to participate visit the library by October 26th, have their picture taken in front of the library's green screen, and then return to the library on October 29th to edit the photos using the library's mobile computer lab. 

"We've already had a lot of fun with this," Biggs said. "My staff and I have already started playing with the software and have come up with some weird photos! The way it will work is that we snap your picture using the library's camera and then on October 29th, you come back and we'll show you how to insert yourself into a 'peculiar' background, how to give yourself some form of a supernatural ability, and after it's all over, we'll upload them to Facebook for everyone to see." 

But that's not all. They have also planned a magic program around Mississippi's own Dorian LaChance, a short story contest and awards program, and finally a mini carnival, complete with a book talk. 

"The second book in the series takes place, at least in part, during a carnival. We thought having a carnival like program would be a great way to segue from one book to the other." Biggs said."We had hoped to have the funds to really make the capstone event, the carnival, pop, but that hasn't happened. We're relying heavily on donations - both in kind and financial." To her great delight, a few local companies have stepped in to assist in making the program happen. "We've been blessed with help from Cups of Flowood, the Flowood Chamber, Dorian LaChance, the Flowood Compass, and the Friends of the Library."

But there's still a lot more work to do, Biggs emphasized. "We're just a few short weeks away, and as excited as we are, and as important as this program is, we simply cannot make it happen without the support of the community."

"We want this to become an annual program, much like summer reading. We have already started a vote for next year's theme," Biggs said. "It's between James Bond, Sherlock Holmes, and The Martian. So far, Sherlock is winning." The vote is on the Flowood READS Facebook page, and will be republished in November. 

All events that the library hosts are FREE and open to the public, and the programs associated with Flowood READS are no exception.

For more information about the program, the library encourages you to visit the website: www.flowoodreads.com and their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/flowoodreads.

If you are interested in helping with or volunteering at any of the library's events, you're encouraged to email the Branch Manager: fwbm@cmrls.lib.ms.us.

For more information about Flowood READS:

Ashley Biggs, Branch Manager

G. Chastaine Flynt Memorial Library

601-919-1911 | fwbm@cmrls.lib.ms.us