Beyond the Stacks: Special Collections

 

Beyond the Stacks: Exploring the Dynamic Role of Special Collections in Modern Libraries

Libraries are often seen as quiet spaces filled with books and silence. But today, modern libraries are changing. They are becoming lively community centers with many resources. One type of resource is special collections. These are unique and interesting collections you can find in some libraries. Let’s discover some of these special collections:

CAKE PAN COLLECTION

Have you ever needed a cake pan for a one-time baking project? Instead of buying a new one, you can borrow it from the Central Mississippi Regional Library System! Our cake pan collection includes many shapes and sizes, from simple round pans to fun character molds. This way, bakers of all ages and skills can try new ideas without the cost or clutter of owning many pans. Brandon Public Library houses this collection, and they are available upon request. You only need to put the item on hold!

EXERCISE EQUIPMENT

Our library also lends fitness and wellness items. These kits include yoga mats, resistance bands, dumbbells, and sometimes fitness DVDs. By lending exercise tools, libraries encourage people to live healthier lives. It’s a great way to stay active without expensive gym memberships. This makes the space more inclusive, so everyone can access fitness resources, no matter their financial situation! Pearl Public Library houses this collection and are available upon request. You will be asked to sign a waiver when checking out these kits, however. 

BOOK CLUB KITS

If you love joining a book club but don’t have many copies of a book, a library book club kit might be perfect for you. These kits usually include multiple copies of one book, discussion questions, and sometimes extra materials related to the book or its author. CMRLS supports community connections and help people discuss and share ideas. With these kits, it’s easier than ever to start or join a book club and enjoy stories together. Magee, Richland, and Pearl Public Libraries house these collections. 

STORY TIME KITS

Story time kits are great for teachers and daycare teachers who want fun and engaging reading activities for kids. They often include themed books, puppets, props, and activity guides to make Story Time exciting and interactive. By offering these kits, our libraries help children learn to read and love books from a young age. They are useful tools to help adults and children play, learn, and have fun together, making reading a joyful experience. Pearl Public Library houses the main collection with some in other branches. 

Libraries are more than just places to find books. They are lively hubs for community life, offering many kinds of resources. Collections like cake pans, exercise equipment, book club kits, and Story Time kits show how libraries are evolving. They serve their communities in new and inclusive ways. Whether you want to bake a special cake, start your fitness journey, host a book club, or enjoy Story Time—CMRLS might just have the perfect collection for YOU. Put one on hold today!

CMRLS Library Crawl & National Library Week

 April is here, and that means it’s time to celebrate  National Library Month in a BIG way! This year, the Central Mississippi Regional Library System (CMRLS) is thrilled to introduce something brand new, exciting, and adventure-filled…

The FIRST-EVER CMRLS Library Crawl!

Get ready to hit the road and explore 20 libraries across Central Mississippi in a fun, interactive way. Whether you’re a lifelong library lover or just looking for a new adventure, the Library Crawl is your chance to discover everything your local libraries have to offer—programs, resources, spaces, and communities!

How does it work?

• Visit a CMRLS library and pick up a passport 
• Get your passport stamped for each library you visit.
• Turn in your passport by May 1

Each library has something unique waiting for you—storytimes, teen programs, makerspaces, cozy reading nooks, and more. The more libraries you visit, the more you’ll discover!

Plan your route and find participating locations here: https://cmrls.lib.ms.us/cmrlsbranches/

Celebrate National Library Week (April 19-25, 2026)

National Library Week is the perfect time to jump into the Library Crawl—and celebrate everything libraries mean to our communities. Here’s what each day highlights and how YOU can join the fun:

Monday, April 20 – Right to Read Day

Celebrate your freedom to read whatever you choose!

How to celebrate:

• Check out a book from a new genre
• Visit a different library on your crawl
• Share your favorite book with a friend

Tuesday, April 21 – National Library Workers Day

A day to recognize the amazing staff who keep libraries running!

How to celebrate:

• Say thank you to a librarian
• Leave a positive comment or review
• Tag your library on social media with #cmrls

Wednesday, April 22 – National Library Outreach Day

Libraries go beyond their walls to serve the community!

How to celebrate:

• Attend a program or outreach event
• Bring a friend along to the library
• Learn about digital resources like eBooks or streaming services

Thursday, April 23 – Take Action for Libraries Day

Show your support and advocate for libraries!

How to celebrate:

• Sign up for a library card
• Share why your library matters to you
• Encourage others to join the Library Crawl

Make It an Adventure!

Turn your Library Crawl into a road trip with family or friends. Snap photos, explore new towns, and make memories along the way. You might just find your new favorite library!

This is more than just visiting libraries—it’s about celebrating community, discovery, and the joy of learning. Whether you visit one library or all twenty, you’re part of something special.

So what are you waiting for?
Grab your passport, start exploring, and celebrate National Library Month with us!

Visit your nearest CMRLS branch to get started today!

Auto Repair Source

 

Automotive Problem?  Do you want to fix it yourself? Auto Repair Source is the tool you need for your DIY project. The Central Mississippi Regional Library System has online step-by-step manuals for Auto Repair.  These manuals include Procedures, Component Location Diagrams, Electrical Diagrams, Technical Service Bulletins, Maintenance Schedules, Specifications, and Labor.  Start by visiting the following link: Auto Repair Source, then answer the questions about your vehicle. 

1.      Select Vehicle Year

2.      Select Vehicle Make

3.      Select vehicle Model

Or Enter VIN

Next, click on one of the tabs at the top of the website.  You may choose all, and the page will display your choices. 

 

 

>Procedures will provide step-by-step instructions with diagrams.

For example: Starter & Alternator Replacement Procedures. (Alternator R&R)

>Component Location Diagrams-Pictures of the location of the parts of the vehicle.

>Wiring Diagrams-Electronic wiring diagrams for vehicles.

>Technical Service Bulletins-Manufacturer Bulletins

>Maintenance Schedules-Enter Interval Details to get normal or severe service.

>Specifications-How to reset systems/maintenance and more

>Labor-Part number, hours of labor, and average costs.

So, the next time you need to repair your car, remember the Auto Repair Source.  It may help you DIY or guide you to the solution costs.

There's Lots to Love About Your Library

 

February is Library Lovers Month, and there is a whole lot to love about the Central Mississippi Regional Library System. To start off, there are twenty library branches across Rankin, Scott, Smith, and Simpson Counties- that's a lot of libraries! In these libraries, there is a collection of nearly half a million items that can be checked out by the public. Having this many library branches means that each collection is catered towards their specific community. If one branch doesn’t have a particular item, then there is a good chance that it can be found in one of the other branches and transferred to your local branch.  

There’s lots to love about your library programs. Each of the twenty branches offer programs for all members of their communities. Story times are a way for youngsters to interact with other children while enjoying an activity that can help develop a love of learning. In some branches, there are classes for seniors to learn about computers or technology. In Mississippi, there is a longstanding love for gardening, and the Central Mississippi Regional Library system is no exception, with many branches having plants in the library or hosting gardening-centered programs. In addition to that, many of the families that visit the libraries are part of homeschool groups, and our branches have created programs aimed just for them to help socialize with others while still learning.   

                              

                                           A garden related to a local garden club at the Pearl Public Library 

 

There’s lots to love about the collections at your library. Did you know that you can check out cake pans and exercise kits, too? At the Brandon Library, there is a collection of over one hundred cake pans in every shape and size one could want that can be checked out. The Pearl Library hosts a collection of exercise kits too, letting you try them out before you purchase a version for your home. Even if you don’t live near one of these branches, you can put these types of items on hold and have them brought to your home library! From Blockbuster movies to bestselling books, the Central Mississippi Regional Library System works to always stay up to date on the newest releases and trendiest titles, keeping our collections fresh and full of the things our patrons want to see.  

                                                   

                                 

                                 Examples of one of the cake pans and exercise kits that can be checked out.  

 

There’s lots to love about the technology available at your local library. Our branches have public-use computers available along with top-notch Wi-Fi service, allowing you to stay connected. There are faxing, copying, and scanning services available as well, helping you get your information safely. In some branches, we also have computers with educational games just for children that help to build their computer knowledge and skills.  

2026 is not only the semi-quincentennial of the United States, but it is also the 40th birthday of the Central Mississippi Regional Library System. That number is just the start of the current library system, as many of our library branches have been established in their communities for generations. There are even a few branches that house a local history collection, cataloging the history of the area.  

How can you support your library? Well, that’s easy! Every program you attend, every book or movie that you check out, shows you support your local library. When you are not at the library, you can help show your support by just talking about all the things the library offers. This gets the word around that there is more to the library than books. Telling other members of the community and your elected officials why and what you love about your local library can help others see what there is to love about their library.  

 

NoveList Plus Your Digital Librarian

What is NoveList Plus, and how is it your digital Librarian? Let me tell you a little bit about how it will serve you as your digital Librarian.

NoveList Plus is an online readers' advisory database that helps you discover new books, authors, and series by providing personalized recommendations. You can access the database on the CMRLS website at www.cmrls.lib.ms.us. Once you are on the website, you will go to the digital library tab. Open the drop-down menu to click the link at the bottom of the virtual reference. Once that link is open, on the right-hand side, you will see several blue links. Scroll down until you see NoveList Plus, and click the link to open the page.

Screenshot of NoveList Home Screen

Welcome to NoveList Plus! Now, everyone has their own criteria for what makes a book great. This is how NoveList Plus will help you in finding the right book for you. Using "appeal terms"(such as mood, genre, setting, story elements, etc.) to match you with books you'll love, making it easy to find your next great read or maybe even explore new genres.

Some key features and uses for NoveList Plus: 

• Read-Alike: Find authors and titles similar to ones you already enjoy.
• Personalized Lists: Get curated book lists for specific genres, moods, or themes.
• Advanced Search: Search by specific story elements(e.g., fast-paced, historical, murder mystery) or plot points
• All Ages & Formats: covers fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, and audiobooks, with specific tools for kids.
• Library Integration: Connects to your library's catalog, letting you place holds on recommended books that are available in your library's catalog.

*Here are some important notes to remember. 

NoveList Plus can be used without creating an account; however, it is recommended that you create a free account in order to get a curated list specific to your reading styles.

Not all the recommended books will be available in the CMRLS catalog, and don't forget to look books up in our digital resources like Hoopla, cloudLibrary, and Freading. As always, you can request that your local library purchase any book recommendations that you might be interested in.

My favorite things about NoveList Plus are the read-alike and the media mentions index.

Screenshot of Reese Witherspoon's Book Club Recommendations

With read-alike, you will not only find author read-alikes but series read-alikes. When we have patrons in the library looking for books but have read everything by their favorite authors, we use read-alike to find an author who is similar to the ones they enjoy.

Media Mentions is great for finding books in celebrities' book clubs, such as Reese Witherspoon, Oprah, Jenna Bush Hager, and many more. Screen adaptations are really good for finding the books that have been made into movies or mini-series.

In short, NoveList Plus acts as your digital librarian, guiding you through endless reading possibilities to build your "to-read" list efficiently. It's powered by real people who love books. 

Meet Our Team - Kirklyn Harris (Pearl Public Library)

 

Kirklyn Harris | Circulation Clerk

Pearl Public Library 

Kirklyn is new to our CMRLS team, and we are so happy to have her at our Pearl branch!  

Here's more from Kirklyn:

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

The books and the people. I get to see folks from all walks of life and read new stories all the time!

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

The first book that made me like reading was Dr. Seuss's Big Blue Book of Beginner Books. I was five years old, and from that point forward I was reading enough books to fill a library (or at least the one at home)!

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

I wish more people knew about the Freegal app. I've found new artists and saved albums from my favorite singers. All you need is your library card! You can check it out at https://cmrls.freegalmusic.com/home. 

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

More reading and some writing, too. Maybe one day I'll publish a book that'll go on the shelves here.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

A trip to Rio de Janeiro would be perfect for me. I want to see Carnival in person, and meet more people.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving! My family makes the best food, and it's not often I get to see them all in one place.