December Closings and Holiday Material

CMRLS Libraries will be closed Saturday, Dec. 22 through Tuesday, Dec. 25, for the Christmas holiday. Libraries will open for regular business on Wednesday, Dec. 26.

So, be sure to check out the holiday videos & DVDs before the 22nd; and the holiday cookbooks; and the children's easy books to keep everyone occupied! Brandon Library even has jigsaw puzzles to check out! How about holiday music to play in the background? Let the library help make your celebration special.

Did you know...
The U.S. Postal Service expects to deliver 20 billion pieces of mail between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. The busiest mailing day is set for Dec. 17, as more than three times the average daily volume of cards and letters should be mailed (more than 275 million versus 82 million). This and other interesting holiday facts can be found at the US Census website.

Libraries Close for Holidays

Florence, Lake, and D'Lo libraries are still closed!

Meanwhile, your CMRLS library card is valid in all public libraries in Rankin, Scott, Simpson, and Smith counties. To find the nearest CMRLS library to you, click here. The staff is friendly and helpful in all the CMRLS libraries, and they understand you want "your library" to open soon. Renovations and repairs take time, so please be patient. Let the CMRLS staff help you find what you need.

The holidays are just around the corner! All CMRLS libraries will be closed Thursday, November 22 and Friday, November 23, for Thanksgiving. Libraries will be open regular hours beginning Saturday, November 24.

Ann Graham and Brandon Library staff

Ann and Brandon Library staff, originally uploaded by CMRLS Photos (click to see more pictures.)

Ann Graham (seated, second from left) and staff of the Brandon public Library pose for a picture on September 22, 2007, at Ann's retirement reception. Ann served CMRLS 20 years, first at Forest Public Library and then the Brandon Public Library, beginning in 1996.

Thank you, Ann, for all your hard work!

National School Bus Safety Week

Oct. 21-27 is National School Bus Safety Week. Check out the website for statistics and a booklet of activities to help make everyone become aware of the need for School Bus Safety. This from the National Association for Pupil Transportation. Also, check out School Bus Info from the School Bus Information Council. Read the House resolution of the 109th Congress for National School Bus Safety Week, here. Find school bus stories for little ones, here.

Be Aware,

Cross with Care!

National School Bus Safety Week

Oct. 21-27, 2007

Teen Read Week - Oct. 14-20

"LOL @ your library" during Teen Read Week 2007

Teen Read Week is a national literacy initiative aimed at teens, their parents, librarians, and educators. It is celebrated each year during the third week of October. Since 1998, Teen Read Week has encouraged teens to make time to read for the fun of it; use their local library to discover their interests; and get reading materials and participate in events at their school or public library.

Teen Read Week is administered by the Young Adult Library Services Associations (YALSA), the fastest grouwing division of the American Library Association. For 50 years YALSA has been the world leader in selecting reading, listening, and viewing for teens.

Check out these books and see the YALSA book lists!

Check out the programs @ your library!

Did you know...

September is National Piano Month? It is also National Biscuit, Chicken, Honey, Mushroom, Rice and Wild Rice Month! There is a meal in there somewhere. Here is a webpage with recipes for chicken, mushrooms, and rice recipes; and click here for chicken and honey recipes!

It's Update Your Resume Month! The G. Chastaine Flynt Memorial Library will be holding a two-part program to help with this. Monday, Oct. 1 and Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 6:00 p.m., participants will learn the basics of writing a winning resume; and will spend time drafting individual resumes. The programs last until 8:00 p.m. Registration is required. Call the library at 601-919-1911. This a free program.

New York Times Bestsellers @ your library

A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khaled Hosseini
The Wheel of Darkness, by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
Bones to Ashes, by Kathy Reichs
The Elves of Cintra, by Terry Brooks
Tree of Smoke, by Denis Johnson
Play Dirty, by Sandra Brown
The Quickie, by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
Songs without Words, by Ann Packer
Sweet Revenge, by Diane Mott Davidson
Lord John and theBrotherhood of the Blade, by Diana Gabaldon
Loving Frank, by Nancy Horan
Power Play, by Joseph Finder
The Secret Servent, by Daniel Silva
Force of Nature, by Suzanne Brockmann
The Tin Roof Blowdown, by James Lee Burke
The Burnt House, by Faye Kellerman
High Noon, by Nora Roberts
On the Road, by Jack Kerouac
Still Summer, by Jacquelyn Mitchard
The View from Mount Joy, by Lorna Landvik
Lean Mean Thirteen, by janet Evanovich
Waking with Enemies, by Eric Jerome Dickey
The First Commandment, by Brad Thor
Malice, by Robert K. Tanenbaum

Patriot Day - September 11, 2007

These are just a few links to information concerning September 11, 2001. Your librarian can help you find even more resources for those writing papers or preparing homework assignments, or those just remembering that tragic day and the days that followed.

Celebrate September 11 as Patriot Day.

September 11 Terrorist Attacks - materials @ your library
September 11 Digital Archives - includes more than 150,000 digital items, with more than 15,000 digital images
September 11 Resources from http://www.lii.org
Resolution naming 9/11 as Patriot Day
Presidential Proclamation Recognizing the first Patriot Day

National Grandparents Day

Don't forget National Grandparents Day, Sunday, September 9. Honor them on this day by acknowledging the wisdom and heritage they can or did provide. Take a minute to click through the official website and of course stop by your library for books on grandparenting, elder care, senior citizens, genealogy, and much more.

CMRLS Libraries to close Labor Day

All CMRLS Libraries will be closed

Monday, September 3, for

Labor Day.

The Libraries will open

regular hours beginning

Tuesday, September 4.

Have a safe and happy

Labor Day!

Are you waiting to read The Quickie, by James Patterson?

The Quickie*, by James Patterson, is very much in demand at the moment.

The Quickie, James Patterson. Plotting revenge against her unfaithful husband, NYPD cop Lauren Stillwell inadvertently triggers a series of events that spiral dangerously out of control and is forced to take a secret job that threatens everything she stands for. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Co., 2007, 400 p.

If you are looking for something to read while you wait, try these great authors...

• John Sanford
• Greg Iles
• Ridley Pearson
• Jeffery Deaver

and these titles...

• Harlan Coban - Tell No One
• Douglas Kennedy - The Big Picture
• Joseph Garber - Vertical Run
• Dan Greenburg - The Exes
• Matthew Hall - The Art of Breaking Glass
• Tess Gerritsen - The Apprentice
• Lisa Gardner - The Next Accident
• Lee Child - The Hard Way
  

Look at NextReads for the Thrillers and Suspense book lists. Just sign up with your email address and we will email you a monthly list of titles just like these; or you can read the lists online!

A Day to Remember

It's been two years, today. A somber memory, with personal losses or our knowledge of someone else's loss. And, just like the question, "Where were you when President Kennedy was shot?" the question, "Where were you when Katrina hit?" will be repeated many times over our lifetime.

The papers and news segments today will consist of Hurricane Katrina, the devistation, and where we are today. If you would like to read through some of the reports, look at the pictures or read fiction based on that day, check out Hurricane Katrina from the CMRLS library shelves.

The libraries also have materials that may help with life changing events, depression, and healing. NextReads, the libraries' email book lists, has categories on "Spirituality & Religion" and "Mind & Body Fitness" that may help someone still going through traumatic times. Both of these lists, and all other categories, may also be read online. And, as always, if you can't find what you are looking for...ask a librarian!

Looking for a good book?

Are you looking for a good book? CMRLS will send you a NextReads email with at least 10 titles in the category you chose. Even if you don't want to receive a monthly email, you can to the NextReads site and view the current lists! Click here if you would like to see all the past lists!

NextReads is a GREAT service for adults, young adults, and kids. There is even a picture book list! Where else can you find ready-made lists of titles with a link to the CMRLS catalog so that you can go ahead and request the book while you are reading about it? Still can't find a book you want to read? Ask your library staff to suggest a title. Just tell the staff member what you have read that you liked and what you have read that you didn't like. We will find your next favorite book for you!

Remember, if you can't find a good book, ask your library staff for help or visit NextReads.

Today in History

August 1, 1831
London Bridge Opens!
Of course it wasn't the first one, and everyone knows something about the earlier one..."London Bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down..."

August is also Back to School Month, Black Business Month, Cataract Awareness Month, Family Meal Month, Get Ready for Kindergarten Month, and National Inventor's Month.

Time for School!

Your Library has a great tool to add to your school supply list, a FREE library card. Anyone living, working, or attending school in Rankin, Scott, Simpson, or Smith counties is eligible for a card. A library card can benefit the youngest student just starting, the high school senior planning her future, or the life-long learner as he seeks career changes. And, not only can you find this in your library, but the library's website has many resources you may use at home or the office. http://www.cmrls.lib.ms.us

MAGNOLIA - Full text databases; magazines, journals, newspapers, and reference materials. There are search engines geared to age levels to make homework help easy. Searchasaurus for the elementary student; Kids Search for the middle school student; and Student Research Center for high school student. Each database can be searched alone for the researcher with specific interest, such as the Consumer Health Complete or the Business Interface. Ask at your library for the MAGNOLIA access code.

Auto Repair Reference Center - 26,000 Domestic and Imported vehicles from 1945 to present, 70,000 technical service bulletins & recalls, wiring diagrams, factory drawings, step-by-step photos, specifications & maintenance schedules, and MORE!- Contact your Library for the access code.

Electronic Reference Books - Full text reference books (with pictures) on history, biographies, literature, countries, animals, and science for middle and high school students. Contact your Library for the access code.

Heritage Quest - Genealogy databases. Enter your Library Card barcode to access this database.

Learn-A-Test - Practice for ACT, SAT, GED, and so much more. This now includes self-paced computer tutorials; learn to master Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more! Contact your Library to create an account.

Rosie's Web/Online Catalog - This is the libraries' online catalog. You may search for audio, video, and books; make requests and have your items delivered to your local library for pick-up, and check your patron account...at any time of the day, from any computer!

Quick Reference - This is a collection of hand-picked reference websites, sorted by subject, to help with quick answers. It's a great "first stop" for homework help, general questions, and even NEWS.

Web Resource Library - This is even a bigger collection of hand-picked websites, sorted in Dewey Decimal order, just like the library book shelves. Find reputable websites for most any subject you are interested in.

Online Book Clubs - Want help finding something good to read? Have a chapter a day sent to your email address. Read the selection through the week and if you want to finish reading the book, just check with your library.

NextReads - Still want help finding something good to read? Have a list of books sent to your email address on subjects or genres that you like to read. Each entry contains a picture of the front cover (sometimes you really can tell alot about a book by it's cover!), a short blurb about the book and a link to Rosie's Web so you can request the book be sent to your library for pick-up. All from your email!

Early Email Notification - Another GREAT email service...tell the staff at your library that you want to register your email address for Early Email Notification. That's all it takes! We will send you an email three days before your library items are due. You can even have your child's items emailed to your email address!

CMRLS Tool Bar - Download this to have library links placed right on your browser page. It's a direct link to Rosie's Web/Online Catalog, Quick Reference, news, and weather! Your information is not stored anywhere and there is no SPAM sent to your email address.

Email Reference - If you can't get to the library for homework help or help with a question, email us! There is a short form to fill out, and Monday-Thursday, 10-8, Friday 10-5, and Saturday, 10-4 we will help you with your questions.

It's time for school, do you have your library card?

Thank You Rouse Elementary Venture Students!

SRP 2007 BANNER-7,
originally uploaded by CMRLS Photos.

For the last couple of years the 2nd grade Venture class of Rouse Elementary School in Brandon has helped the 21 CMRLS libraries decorate for Summer Reading. Please take a look at these great kids and their hard work. Thank you, students! Teacher: Janet Paczak(also a member of the CMRLS Puppet Team.)

Summer FUN!

Summer Reading 2007 is up and running! Check out the pictures of the fun on the libraries' Flickr pages, the programs remaining, and ALL the cool websites, book lists, and pictures to color. Continue to fun ALL summer, READ!

July is around the corner!

All CMRLS libraries will be closed

Wednesday, July 4,

and will re-open for

regular business hours on July 5.

Happy 4th of July!

With that said, there are alot of things to celebrate during the month of July! It's Family Reunion Month, National Baked Bean, Blueberries, Grilling, Horseradish, and Hot Dog Month, also! It sounds an awful lot like a picnic, doesn't it? Here are 6 great recipe books for just that!

If you have children home for the summer, you've probably heard, "I'm bored," at least once. Help pass the month of July (also Anti-Boredom Month) with crafts, reading, or outdoor games.

And, there are at least 2 more Summer Reading Programs at your local library. You'll want to check out the CMRLS calendar for dates, times, and locations.

Don't forget about the Auto Repair Reference Center (ARRC) when you are planning a car trip. Give your car that needed check up and have a safe trip. Have your library card in hand and give your library a call. They will be glad to answer your questions and give you the code to access this valuable resource.

Have a safe and HAPPY 4th of July!

Happy Memorial Day!

Whether you are one of the "greatest generation" or your contemporaries are fighting in Iraq, Memorial Day is a time to honor those that have and do "protect and serve;" giving us the America we enjoy today.

From USA.gov there is information from Barbecue Food Safety to Patriotic Melodies. You'll also find Recipes and the Origins of Memorial Day. Remember.gov and USMemorialDay.org are also great sites, even finding past Memorial Day speeches.

Happy Memorial Day from CMRLS!

May is...Older Americans Month

From the U.S. Census:
36.3 million - The number of seniors who were age 65 and older in the U.S. on July 1, 2004.
5 million - Number of seniors age 65 and older who have jobs.
4.9 million - The number of seniors in the U.S. who were 85 and older on July 1, 2004.
67,473 - The estimated number of centenarians (people age 100 or older) in the U.S. on Nov. 1, 2005.
72 - The number of men age 65 and older for ever 100 women in the same age group.
45 - The number of men age 85 and over per 100 women in the same age group.
40 percent - Percentage of seniors 65 and older who have a computer at home.
25 percent - Percentage of seniors 65 and older who use the Internet.


Whether you are on the brink of being a senior yourself, or caring for your aged parents; there are many titles @ your library to help you. Here are just a few.

The art of aging: A doctor's prescription for well-being, by Sherwin B. Nuland
The truth about abuse, by John Haley
Remodeling for easy access living, by Rick Peters
Healthy aging: A lifelong guide to your physical and spiritual well-being, by Andrew Weil
How to live to be 100--or more: The ultimate diet, sex, and excercise book, by George Burns
Eldercare 911, by Susan Beerman & Judith Rappaport-Musson
Elder care: What to look for, what to look out for, by Thomas M. Cassidy
Visits: Caring for an aging parent, by Lee Ann Chearny
The older the fiddle, the better the tune: The joys of reaching a certain age, by Willard Scott
The American Geriatrics Society's complete guide to aging and health, by Mark E. Williams
Computers for seniors (DVD)
Intermediate computers for seniors (DVD)