Celebrating Library Card Sign-up Month: Empowering Educators Through Library Resources

Celebrating Library Card Sign-up Month:

Empowering Educators Through Library Resources

September is National Library Card Sign-up Month. “One card: endless possibilities” is not simply a theme but a declaration of the power a library card has in the hands of a patron. Educators, in particular, can benefit greatly from using their library card to enrich the classroom experience of their students. 

 

The Central Mississippi Regional Library System is the perfect partner for educators in Rankin, Scott, Simpson, and Smith counties. CMRLS offers free library cards to educators within our region. These cards come with special benefits including: fine free check outs for a nine week period, access to story kits, and Dial-a-Story. An educator can create curriculum and have all the materials they need at no cost! Diversity in the classroom is another important issue that can be addressed through partnership with libraries. Through our own library collections and inter-library loan services, English language learner materials and audio resources can be provided. 

 

Educators can also bring their classes to the library. Library staff can provide support in many ways from hosting story time to an introduction to the digital resources available through the library. Library resources are not only geared towards students: visits can be tailored to the professional needs of educators. Educators can schedule “One on One Time” with a library staff member to learn more about library resources and how the catalog and research databases can be utilized. Educators can also keep their classrooms running smoothly by using Future Assignment notifications, a service provided by the library. Educators can inform their local CMRLS library of upcoming assignments, and library staff can pull and reserve items at their request. Students can come to the library and use these resources when it is convenient for them. This is a great way to encourage independent student research while also not losing instructional time. 

 

People from all walks of life benefit from having a library card. If you are not already a cardholder, come to any CMRLS branch to sign up today and see what possibilities await you. Visit https://cmrls.lib.ms.us/virtual_teacher_packet/ to learn more!

Homeschooling with Central Mississippi Regional Library System

 Homeschooling with Central Mississippi Regional Library System 

The library has tons of resources that are of huge benefit to homeschool families. Whether you're a parent looking for resources for your child, a teen looking to make a friend, or a toddler coming to enjoy a story, the library offers many educational and social activities that make homeschooling easier. A full list of these resources and opportunities can be found on the Central Mississippi Regional Library System website here. Additionally, our Facebook account and branch newsletters are wonderful ways to keep up with what is going on at the library.

Whether you're new to homeschooling or a seasoned pro, your local library can be a powerful partner in creating a rich, engaging, and well-rounded educational experience for your child.

Meet Our Team - Amber Westbrook (Taylorsville)

 

Amber Westbrook | Youth Services

Evon A. Ford Library (Taylorsville) 

Amber recently joined the CMRLS team, and we are so happy to have her at our Taylorsville branch!  

Here's more from Amber:

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

Helping reluctant readers find the perfect book.

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

I've always loved reading, but was not a strong reader until college. I discovered The Bell Jar in my freshman year, and a new world of literature opened for me.

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

I wish more people knew about hoopla. Hoopla provides accessibility features and connects patrons with materials, even if they are unable to visit us at the branch in person. This digital resource has ebooks, audiobooks, and even movies available for checkout for FREE with your library card! Find out more at https://www.hoopladigital.com/. All you need is your library card!

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

I homeschool my two children, and we love to go on fun field trips.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

 A trip to Hay-on-Wye--the book town of Wales.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas

Back to School With Your Library

How students can unlock their full potential as students with their local Library 

It’s the time of year that parents and teachers are gearing up for the new school year. Schools and libraries have worked together to promote literacy for communities in a fun and safe environment. Many parents may not be aware of all the resources that public libraries can offer their children. So, stick around and see just what your library can offer to help you be successful this school year!   

Programs are a large part of the activities that take place at the Central Mississippi Regional Library System. Each library offers programs for all ages, but a large majority of them are aimed toward the children of our communities. From babies at Lap Sit story times to seniors at book clubs there is something for everyone.  On our online event calendar, you can view all the programs happening in our library at https://cmrls.trumba.com/. Here you can limit your searches by age, library, and event type!

Promoting and encouraging literacy and creativity is among the most important aspects of the programs offered. Branches work with schools and teachers throughout the school year to allow students opportunities to express their creativity in a safe and encouraging environment. Story times often have a craft element for participants to complete while also encouraging interactive play with other children.  Many of the CMRLS branches offer craft programs, one of the most popular being Create & Connect.  

 

Lego Club at the Forest Public Library 

Many of the branches in the CMRLS offer a Lego club for families. This type of program is a fun way for children to meet up with friends from school and work together on their brick building skills.  

By partnering with guest speakers, the libraries are able to create educational programs that captivate younger audiences and get them through the door. Many of the CMRLS Libraries serve smaller rural communities. By bringing in these guests the libraries help to expose children to things they may not have the opportunity to experience otherwise. These programs with guest speakers allow for community members to learn about different careers and opportunities available to them.  

 

Children enjoying The Dinosaur Experience at the Forest Public Library 

Children’s librarians work with teachers and schools during the school year to coordinate classroom visits and in some cases field trips to the library. These early experiences can be the foundation needed for students to enjoy reading and knowing that the library is a safe place for everyone.  

Miss Asia visits a Flowood Elementary kindergarten class.

The Central Mississippi Regional Library System has numerous resources to help students with schoolwork and research projects. Below are some of resources that students may find valuable to assist with school assignments, but you can also find more information about our digital reference collection online.  

 Is your student taking a class on another language? - Then check out Rocket Languages, which is available with your library card. It can be used on a computer or on a mobile device like a phone. Rocket Languages allows someone to work on learning another language at their own pace through interactive puzzles and games.  

 One extensive resource is the Magnolia Database. Students can use this database to search for sources for projects. There are publications and studies available through Magnolia that students can use to find sources for research projects.  

If a student is working on a history or family history project can find many resources available through Heritage Quest. Heritage Quest is powered by Ancestry.com and is a way for students to search for information about their family history. There are pictures, documents, and records that can be found through Heritage Quest.  

Many older students have to take tests like the GRE, ACT, and more. Learning Express Library features online tutorials, practice tests, and e-books to help patrons of all ages! There are also practice tests for the driver’s license test in our digital reference collection. For more information check out our test prep resources. 

If a student is needing a quiet place to study or take a proctored exam many of the branches in the Central Mississippi Regional Library System have study spaces available to use. These rooms can be scheduled in advance but if no one has reserved the space then it is open to be used on a first come first serve basis. When those are not available, there are often tables where groups can gather to study throughout the library space.  

During the busy school year don’t forget that your local library is available to assist parents and students. Between programs and multiple available resources there is something for everyone to be found at your local library to help ease the stress of a new school year.  

Discover More Than Books: Explore Special Kits at CMRLS!

Discover More Than Books: Explore Special Kits at CMRLS!

When people think of libraries, they often picture rows of books, quiet reading corners, and maybe the occasional DVD or audiobook. However, much more is waiting to be explored at the Central Mississippi Regional Library System (CMRLS).

Available across branches in Scott, Smith, Simpson, and Rankin Counties, CMRLS offers a unique and growing collection of Special Kits—designed to educate, entertain, and inspire people of all ages. From early literacy tools to language learning and even fitness gear, these kits are free to borrow with a CMRLS library card.

Special Kits for Children

CMRLS offers a variety of kits that encourage hands-on learning, literacy development, creative exploration, and physical activity for young learners.

Literacy Kits

• My First BOB Books Kit: A foundational phonics set that introduces letters and sounds through simple, engaging stories.
• Baby Einstein Discovery Kits: Colorful books and audio experiences that help babies and toddlers explore music, language, and everyday concepts.
• Read-Along Kits: Books paired with audio CDs or digital narration, perfect for auditory learners and early readers.
• And so much more.

Fit Kits

Encourage movement and healthy habits with kits that include:

• Yoga mats and pose cards
• Yoga balls
  
• Boxing gloves
• Weighted vests
• Resistance bands
• And much more!

Cake Pan Kits

Planning a party? Choose from over 100 cake pans—from cartoon characters and sports themes to classic shapes. Why buy when you can borrow?

How to Borrow Special Kits

It’s easy to explore these kits:

• Search the online catalog at www.cmrls.lib.ms.us to view available kits and their contents.
• Request at your local branch—if a kit isn’t available on-site, staff can place a hold and have it delivered to your preferred location.

Need Assistance?

CMRLS staff are always happy to help you:

• Find the perfect kit
• Place a hold or renew an item
• Suggest related books or materials for deeper learning

Ready to try something new? Borrow a Special Kit from your local CMRLS branch and discover a whole new way to learn, grow, and have fun—absolutely free.

For more details, visit www.cmrls.lib.ms.us or stop by your nearest branch today!