Meet Our Team - Susan Cobb (Raleigh Public Library)

 

Susan Cobb | Branch Manager | Floyd J. Robinson Memorial (Raleigh) Library

Susan has been with CMRLS for 17 years. Susan started out part-time with CMRLS many years ago and has since became the Branch Manager at Raleigh. She has also worked at our Mize and Mendenhall branches. 

Here's more from Susan:

1. What is your favorite part of working in the library?

My favorite part is my patrons. They always make me smile.

2. Was there a book that made you love reading?

I enjoyed reading Grace Livingston Hill when I was young.
I couldn't wait to go to the Magee Library to get another book.

3. Tell us one e-resource you wish more people knew about.

I wish they knew more about Flipster. Flipster provides lots of great magazines for free! All you need is your library card.

4. What do you like to do when you're not at the library?

My favorite thing is to go to bookstores.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

My idea of the perfect vacation is sitting in the sun, relaxing, and reading.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

My favorite holiday is Veterans Day.

Meet Our Team - Amy Lee (Brandon Public Library)

Amy Lee | Branch Manager | Brandon Public Library

Amy has been with CMRLS for 8 years. Amy loves her library and community...and Christmas!  

Here's more from Amy:

1. What is your favorite part of working in the library?

The people I get to interact/work with and see every day. I love getting to meet new faces (and see familiar ones), as well as hear their stories from all walks of life.

2. Was there a book that made you love reading?

My mom and dad always read to me as a child, so I was introduced to books at a very young age. However, one special moment of my childhood stands out. When I was about 4 years old, my aunt gave me a book for Christmas. It was “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats. She took the time to read it to me, snuggled together on my grandmother’s couch. To this day, that book is one of my top favorites!

3. Tell us one e-resource you wish more people knew about.

Goodreads - it’s a fun way to keep track of your reads and create custom reading lists, as well as see what your friends are reading. It gives you a chance to follow your favorite authors and see book reviews of all reads, old or new. It’s like social media designed just for your books!

4. What do you like to do when you're not at the library?

Traveling, cooking, dancing, watching movies and Netflix, listening to music, swimming, shopping, writing in my journal, napping, and reading.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

It really doesn’t matter where I go, but my idea of a perfect vacation is being with those that mean the most to you, having fun, and making memories together.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas

Meet Our Team - Zoerean Neal (Florence Public Library)

 

Zoerean Neal | Circulation Clerk | Florence Public Library

Zoerean has been with CMRLS for 13 years. She is an asset to the Florence Public Library and has been donned "Queen of the Copier" by Florence Library's Branch Manager, Kimberly Ollison, who says that Zoerean can work magic with the copier.

Here's more from Zoerean:

1. What is your favorite part of working in the library?

My favorite part of working in the library is helping kids who do not like to read. It is very satisfying when a reluctant readers suddenly find a series of books that speaks to them and sparks their interests in wanting to read more on that topic or genre.

2. Was there a book that made you love reading?

I fell in love with reading when I was in high school. During my free time, I started working in the library, before that time I had never had great access to books. I started reading a series of books by the author Emily Loring, and that began my adventure of loving to read books in a series. Which I still love to do to this day!

3. Tell us one e-resource you wish more people knew about.

One e-resource that I wish more people knew about is the Rocket Languages for Libraries. There are several language that you can learn including American Sign Language. I am currently learning ASL, American Sign Language. This has been a valuable and free resource that is available through our library system.

4. What do you like to do when you're not at the library?

When I am not working at the library, I love being involved in community service activities through my church and sorority.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

My idea of the perfect vacation is visiting various cities and exploring the rich cultures of their community; and just relaxing and reading good books.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

My favorite holiday is Christmas!

Meet Our Team - Selena Swink (Lake Public Library)

 Selena Swink | Branch Manager | Lake Public Library

Selena has been with CMRLS for 26 years as the Branch Manager at Lake Public Library. Selena loves her library, her community, and basically loves life! 

Here's more from Selena:

1. What is your favorite part of working in the library?

Being a part of the community I have had the joy of growing in the past 26 years.

2. Was there a book that made you love reading?

I don't ever remember not liking to read. I do remember that when I started to put the letters and words together as a child, I felt like I had learned a new language and I was so excited. I read everything I touched. Nothing has changed really except the amount of things I touch.

3. Tell us one e-resource you wish more people knew about.

Novelist Plus. It is an amazing source for finding your next book and it is connected to our card catalog so that you can put your finds on hold immediately.

4. What do you like to do when you're not at the library?

Of course, spending time with my husband and I love to knit, crochet, and try just about any kind of craft. I also love my fur and feather babies, especially since my human baby is grown and married. If I am sitting at home, there is usually a cat on my lap.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

Some place quiet where I can enjoy nature and have a little time to read.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

One that falls on Monday, so I can have a long weekend off.

       

A Small Town Library with a Big Heart for Reading

A Small Town Library With A Big Heart For Reading

 

Located in the wilds of southwest Rankin County, the Puckett Library is a well-kept little gem of a secret, which is known for “300 good friendly folks and a few old soreheads”.   A few of those “friendly folks” are very loyal patrons of the library and help promote activities and programs around the small community.  These are the Friends of the Puckett Library, and I wouldn’t be able to host most of the programs without their help. This little library is not just a place with books; it’s a gathering place for the community to hear local news and community developments.

The Puckett Library was formally opened with a dedication program and open house on Sunday, February 5, 1967, with former Gov. Ross Barnett as principal speaker for the occasion. Mrs. James Martin chairman of the Puckett Library Board presided, with the invocation by Rev. Kenneth Pickens, pastor of Cato Church. The welcome was given by Miss Zulah Purvis, secretary-treasurer of the board of trustees of the county library system. The new library, already containing over 2,000 books, occupies a portion of the recently built Puckett City Hall.

I have been the branch manager here at the library for almost twenty-three years, and I still hear people say, “I didn’t know Puckett had a library, and where is it?” I’ve lived here in Puckett for 32 years, and at one time, I didn’t know that Puckett had a library. Avid readers who move into our little town find the library and the librarian first. Non-readers need to be led here.

I find this incredibly amusing since the library has been here for many years.  I am the third branch manager that the Puckett Library has had. I have followed two very great ladies, Mrs. Dot Burnham, and Mrs. Betty James. When Mrs. Dot was branch manager, the library was in one small room in the Fire Department/City Hall. A closet would have been larger! I really don’t know how long it was there before Mrs. Betty became branch manager, and it was moved over to the next building, which once was a branch of the Health Department.  The library has gone through many transformations over the years. We have since added a large room (10 years ago) onto the old building, which enlarged the library to twice the size it once was. More space equates to more books with a total collection of 16,960 items! The original building, inside and outside, has been remodeled to accommodate the handicapped and elderly. The Children and Young Adult sections have expanded and split into two different rooms.  It’s so nice to hear the giggles of young readers discovering books.

            The citizens of Puckett are mainly a commuter population, so the library has adapted to meet their needs.  Hours reflect the work hours of the patrons.  This allows for check-outs after 5:00 on Mondays.  The library is open in the afternoons to meet the needs of school kids and teachers.

            Puckett is one of the smallest towns in Rankin County, but it has an active library with available internet, Freegal for music and Flipstir for magazines, retro, and recent DVDs, and most importantly, books. If you need information about the town or just want to see some friendly faces, come on by the Puckett Public Library.

            

Remembering the Past, Thinking About the Future

Remembering the Past, Thinking About the Future

It began with great excitement in the air on the morning of March 8, 2002. Opening and dedication ceremonies for a brand new, state-of-the-art, 25,000-square-foot library in Flowood, Mississippi, were about to begin. Inspired vision, planning, and leadership had made that day possible. The mayor welcomed dignitaries, city, county, and state officials. Representatives of J H & H Architects, Belk Construction, Central Mississippi Regional Library System, Mississippi Library Commission, newly hired staff, and citizens from Flowood and around the state were present.

The city dedicated and named the library to honor the life and career of G. Chastaine Flynt, Flowood’s first mayor, who served from 1953 until his retirement in 1989. Members of the Flynt family proudly cut the ribbon and the doors opened for everyone to come inside.

Flowood Library began with a collection of approximately 20,000 items with ample space to grow. Over the past 20 years tremendous growth and technological advances within the library system have helped to meet the needs of Flowood’s booming population and assist in its economic expansion. The collection has now grown to approximately 75,000 items. Services such as free Wi-Fi, high-speed internet, and new data bases for reading, study and research are available. Customers can download free books and music. Copy, facsimile, and notary services are available. The children’s and reference departments continue to grow and add value.

Over the years people discovered that the Flowood Library is a desirable place to visit and do research. Education and libraries go hand in hand. Good schools and libraries matter. An average of 10,000 people visit the library every month.

Yet, some people ask the question, “Why do we even need libraries?”  Frequent visitors are happy to answer. The library plays a critical role in our community. It is a place where people can come together, where everyone is treated equally, and all are welcome!

Through the years patrons of all ages have attended a variety of programs including music and concerts, drama, fine arts, speakers, author visits, crafting, and seminars. Story time and summer reading events for children have been vital for families. The free cultural programing for adults meant that people did not have to leave their neighborhoods to experience something wonderful.

In addition, Flowood Library has served as a community center. Seniors gathered to socialize and play games, common interest groups such as writers, poets, knitters, gamers, students, quilters, and gardeners have met for enjoyment and support. Human interest stories of the way libraries have changed lives prove that there is no ordinary day in a library.

People continue to come for help in applying for jobs, to learn and improve their English, take a free practice test for SAT or LSAT exams, to utilize private study and meeting rooms, or to find information about a newly diagnosed medical condition. Internet access allows people to send and receive emails, connect with family, or check social media. And most importantly, seeing friends and neighbors here makes people feel that they are a part of a community.

So much has happened here since the Flowood Library opened. The library is proud to be a part of the city’s identity. Administrators and staff will continue to work every day to enrich lives and make a difference in our community.

Epilogue

Today, after many years of service to the community, the Flowood Library is undergoing renovation, a complete overhaul that may take some time to complete. The roof has been replaced ensuring that there will be no more leaks when it rains. Security cameras have been installed to ensure that the library will remain a reasonably safe environment for patrons and library staff.

The city is currently planning to replace light fixtures so patrons can find books and other items they are looking for. The library will be painted and the old carpet will be replaced. Other renovations will be made as needed. The end result will be a more modern library capable of meeting the many challenges of an ever changing future.

Are libraries worth the time, money and effort to build and maintain?

In reflecting on this question I'm reminded of a quote,

“Whatever the cost of our libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation.”

― Walter Cronkite

Lake Library Through the Years

                 In 1935 in a small building that had been a barber shop and had the Masonic Lodge as its upstairs neighbor, the first Lake Library was formed.  It was started as part of the Economic Recovery Act (a depression program.  Mrs. Edyth Jones Mc Combs was the first librarian.  Her salary was small and provided from funds through the Works Progress Administration.  This enabled her to be open a few hours each week to allow people to check out books and hold a story hour as it was called then. 

                In 1937, women and children from the community gathered in the Sunday School rooms of the Lake Baptist Church for a fundraiser sponsored by the Rose Garden Club.  It was a lemonade tea party.  Each person brought a lemon and when the lemon was cut, every seed was counted.  For each seed, a penny was paid into a fund to buy books for the town library.  After the seeds were counted and the money was paid, the lemons were used to make lemonade and served with cookies.  Even a penny was a sacrifice in those days, but in a world with no televisions or internet, books were a much-needed pastime as well.  This is one of many types of fundraisers practiced through the years.

                Sometime around 1937-8, the library was moved into a small room in the new grammar school and remained there for over a decade. In 1942, Mrs. McCombs moved to Hattiesburg and the library was run by volunteers including Mrs. Erline Street, Mrs. Myrtle Monk, and Mrs. Gussie Wilkerson. They would travel to the Forest Library, which was partly funded through county taxes, each week and borrow several boxes of books.  This gave a wider variety of books for the readers to choose from. 

                During WWII, Mrs. Laura Cole Smythe became the volunteer librarian.  There were more books on the shelf by now, but fundraising was still needed.  The Rose Garden Club continued to offer a variety of programs to help with this.  One that was very popular was held on July 22, 1949.  It was an entertainment program that included a “Tom Thumb Wedding” and raised $200!

                The Town Board of Lake has always been a great supporter of the library.  On November 5, 1946, they passed an order to contribute a monthly sum of $7.50 to the library, and on October 7, 1947, it was voted to continue the support for an indefinite period.  This money could have been used to give Mrs. Smythe a small salary or to purchase books and supplies.  In August 1948, $100 was given to purchase books.  In November 1950, a committee was formed to sponsor the library and by February 1951, Mrs. Smythe’s salary was increased to $30 a month which included her shared duties as the librarian and town clerk.

                In August 1952 Mrs. Smythe resigned and Mrs. Mary Weems was employed to succeed her.  It was during this time that Scott County entered the Capital Area Regional Library System.  You can still find books in the Lake Library with the stamp from this system today. 

                In 1955, under the approval of the CARL System and town board, the library was moved to a new location.  There was a town building that was partially rented as a grocery store by Mr. Thornton.  The area used as the feed room was remodeled and then used for the town office, the post office, and the library.  Now with more space, Mrs. Weems was able to have classes visit from the school and have special programs for the children in the summer.

                Mrs. Weems retired after fifteen years in 1967.  She was succeeded by Mrs. Mary Lucy Monk who served until October 1970.  Then Mrs. Brenda Martin was hired, and she served in this position until January 1981. Her mother, Mrs. Rachel Vance was then hired and worked until October 1986.

                During this time, the library continued to be housed in the same location.  It had been almost twenty years and the building was starting to deteriorate.  The roof was leaking, and the foundation had shifted causing cracks in the walls.  The post office moved to a new building in 1964.  The town had been saving to either renovate or build a new building.  After the front façade and part of the top of the building collapsed onto the sidewalk in front of the door to the library, it was decided to tear down the current building and rebuild on the same site.  The library and town office were temporarily moved into the home of Mr. and Mrs. M. B. Harris for ten months.  On July 5, 1976, a Bicentennial program was held with a ribbon cutting at the new building.  

                Buildings weren’t the only changes taking place.  The Capital Area Regional Library System merged with the Jackson Metropolitan Library System and Lake Library remained there until the Central Mississippi Regional Library System was formed in October 1986.  Mrs. Rachel Vance remained through all these changes, but Mrs. Jean Evans started in November 1986 with the system that the library is still under today.  While Mrs. Evans was the librarian, the mayor (her husband) gave the library his office for use because it needed more space.  This allowed her to move the library desk from the foyer to the office and have some room for storage and checking out books. She resigned in November 1994 after the passing of her husband.   

                Mrs. Dorothy Vance took over in 1995 and the current librarian, Mrs. Selena Swink was hired in March 1997.  The library still wasn’t done growing either.  In 1999, it was automated, and books were no longer stamped at check out or cards signed to keep track of who had them. Everything was now done on the computer.  In 2008, the “new” town hall underwent a remodel.  The garage in the back of the building which had housed the fire department was transformed into a modern library.  The area of the building that had once held the library became a meeting room that could also be used for library programs too large to fit in the library.  The library has gone from being open nine hours a week in 1997 to being open twenty hours a week in 2014. It has also won branch of the year in CMRLS in the years 2013, 2016, and most recently 2022. 

                Every achievement that Lake Library has seen through the years is because of the support of the community.  In Lake, we know we are small and humble, so we appreciate what we have and work to promote progress in our town and we aren’t done growing yet.

Get Yeti to Read! Winter Reading Challenge 2023

 From January 1 to January 31, CMRLS is participating in the Winter Reading Challenge.

 

The Winter Reading Challenge encourages readers of all ages to explore diversity, empathy, and action through literature. We challenge you to read at least 3 books during the month and keep track of those books on Beanstack. Share your progress on social media using #WinterRead2023.

 

REGISTER for the challenge and read away your Library fines. Read 3 books and be entered into a drawing for a $50 Gift Card, read 6 books, be entered a second time, and read 9 books to be entered a third time for the $50 gift card and also receive CMRLS Friends Perks. This is to be used within the year and includes $5 FREE fines, 10 free b/w copies, and 10 free color copies; compliments of CMRLS Friends of Your Library.

Don't have fines? Just enjoy the challenge and good luck on the drawing. Happy reading, CMRLS patrons!

Registration begins December 27.