Brown Bag Lunch @ Pearl

Join us for Brown Bag!

The program will feature local author John M. Floyd who will discuss his latest book Clockwork.

Friday, October 22, from 12 Noon-1:00 P.M.

Bring a brown bag lunch. Desserts and drinks are provided by the Friends of the Library.

Scott County Sports Stars to Visit

Scott County Sports Stars from the NFL and NBA, and others, will be at the Forest Public Library on Wednesday, October 27, from 4:30 until 6:30 p.m. The Forest Public Library, having just moved into a new building in August is welcoming these Stars home for a visit to see the new Library!

Scott County Sports Stars scheduled to be in attendance are Marlo Perry, formerly of the Buffalo Bills; Todd Pinkston, formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles; Deuce McAllister, formerly of the New Orleans Saints; Rashard Anderson, formerly of the Carolina Panthers; and Willie Richardson, also a Mississippian, formerly of the Baltimore Colts.

The group will be bringing pictures, pencils, and balls to give away. They will be autographing these items or personal sports mementos for the public. All sports fans and Scott Countians will enjoy this afternoon of hometown appreciation. For more information, call the Forest Public Library at 601-469-1481.

Susan Weimer at the Flowood Library

Local artist, Susan Weimer, was discussing her art at the Flowood Library on October 14th. Ms. Weimer is currently displaying her artwork in Flowood's exhibit hallway. Susan brought her easel and chalks and sketched a portrait of patron Alean M. Adams (photo: right). Ms. Weimer sketches and colors with chalk and uses water to blend colors on her work space.

The conversation was lively. Ms. Weimer has an enjoyable personality with a great sense of humor. She served in the United States Navy during

World War II. Susan was too young to enlist on her own so she obtained her parent's signed approval. She was stationed at Jacks Air Base in Florida and served as a gunnery instructor.

Ms. Weimer (photo: left) went on to complete her Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts at Wooster College and Ohio University. She then received her Master's degree from Western Reserve University. Susan was offered an assistant professorship at Edinboro State

University where she then taught art. When Ms. Weimer retired, she returned to Mississippi's Gulf Coast where she purchased a small cottage. After Hurrican Katrina devastated the region, Ms. Weimer relocated to Rankin County where she is currently residing (photo: right: Dale Rose, Susan Wiemer, Alean M. Adams discuss art techniques).

Ms. Weimer will be visiting the Flowood library again on Thursday, October 28th at 12:00 pm for an informal "Meet the Artist" session. Light refreshments will be served (photo: left: Ms. Libbie Benson).

Children's Learning Garden Dedicated at Pearl Library

One of the coolest things anyone can do is make a difference. The Pearl Library now has a Children's Learning Garden, which was dedicated on October 6, 2010, complete with a watermelon cutting.

U.S. Congressman Gregg Harper, Mayor Brad Rogers, along with others from the community, were present to cut a watermelon that was grown in the garden.

"Betty Newman, President of the Spring Lake Garden Club, is the lead gardener. Newman attended master gardener training in the spring of 2010 and began looking for a project to put her skills to work on. The Pearl Urban Forestry Board was looking for an opportunity to implement a program for children to learn about nature through hands-own experiences. The two were a perfect fit.

Children can view the garden from inside the library or take a short walk to the back of the building and explore first hand the plants, rocks, soil, butterflies, bees and other wildlife habitat. In addition, a children’s gardening program is hosted by the Spring Lake Garden Club at 4:00 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month. Children of all ages are invited.

Over 50 types of plants are on display in the learning garden including annual and perennial flowers, vegetables, herbs, shrubs and tree seedlings. The goal is to teach children about gardening through the seasons and to give them the opportunity to explore nature first hand. The garden was funded through an urban and community forestry grant from the Mississippi Forestry Commission and donations from Keep Pearl Beautiful and the Rankin County Master Gardeners."

Photo and Article Credit: Darlene Slater

Box Tops for Education

The Mendenhall Junior High PTO is collecting Box Tops for Education.  The school gets 10 cents for each box top turned in.  You may turn in your Box Tops at Mendenhall Junior High or the Mendenhall Public Library.

Mendenhall Friends of the Library Raffle

The Mendenhall Friends of the Library are selling chances on a gift basket of "Rizzoli and Isles" items.  "Rizzoli and Isles" is a new television series on TNT.  Items included in the basket are a T-shirt, puzzle, tea cup and saucer, and a book.  Chances are $1.00 each.  Drawing TBA.

Book Giveaway

The Mendenhall Junior High Library, in conjunction with the Mendenhall Public Library had a book giveaway.
The library still has books to give away.  The books are a discontinued Scott Foresman reading series.  The library has sets of 5th, 6th, and 8th grade readers.  The library also also has some other junior high level books available.

Interest in Writing?

Are you interested in writing? There are several opportunities during the month in CMRLS Libraries to help you follow your interest, whether it is a group to discuss critiquing and publishing or meeting a published author.

Beginning today:

• 10/7, 5:00 p.m., Raleigh Library - Author John Floyd discusses and signs newest book, Clockwork
• 10/7, 5:30 p.m., Pearl Library - Author Renee Allen McCoy, new book Kiss of Judas
• 10/8, 12:00 noon, Flowood Library - Southern Writers Group meets
• 10/8, 1:30 p.m., Flowood Library - Red Dog Writers Workshop
• 10/9, 9:00 a.m., Flowood Library - Poets Anonymous meets
• 10/11, 6:00 p.m., Richland Library - Richland Writers meets
• 10/16, 10:00 a.m., Flowood Library - Magnolia State Romance Writers meets
• 10/16, 1:00 p.m., Flowood Library - Author John Floyd discusses and signs newest book, Clockwork
• 10/22, 12:00 noon, Pearl Library - Author John Floyd discusses and signs newest book, Clockwork
• 10/28, 6:30 p.m., Flowood Library - Southern Writers Group meets

Ask at your local Library about these and other programs.