Sunday, March 17

Meet Our Team - Rose Roberts (G. Chastaine Flynt Memorial Library - Flowood)

 

Rose Roberts | Circulation Clerk | G. Chastaine Flynt Memorial (Flowood) Library

Rose has been a part of CMRLS for over 10 1/2 years! 

Here's more from Rose:

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

I love helping people find specific items.

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

I don't remember when I started to like reading, but my current favorite book is And I Alone Survived by Lauren Elder. It is about a woman who survives a plane crash.

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

It would be nice if more people knew about Freegal Music. Freegal provides library patrons with 5 free LEGAL downloads per week. Also, create and stream playlists for 3 hours every day. Log on with CMRLS library card and pin. 

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

I like to play video games and surf the web. Currently, I'm playing Garden Life which simulates caring for a community garden.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

Staycation for the win!

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Halloween.

Thursday, March 14

Meet Our Team - Joyce McKinley (Evon A. Ford - Taylorsville)


Joyce McKinley | Branch Manager | Evon A. Ford (Taylorsville) Library

Joyce has been a part of CMRLS for over 19 years! 

Here's more from Joyce:

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

I love my patrons and I love the work I do to provide them with services they need. I also love the children and the smiles they have when they leave with a new library card or a book.

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

The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks. I loved that it was a book that kept my interest, and it had a sad but great ending.

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

The World Book e-resource, because it has so much information!

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

I enjoy relaxing at home and also spending time with my grandchildren.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

My perfect vacation would be in the mountains, on a deck at a cabin, listening to the stream and reading a great book.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas




Wednesday, March 13

Meet Our Team - Kimberly Ollison (Florence Public Library)

 

Kimberly Ollison | Branch Manager | Florence Public Library


Kimberly has been a part of CMRLS for 4 1/2 years! 

Here's more from Kimberly:

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

I approach everything with passion, especially my role as a dedicated branch manager where I am driven by a strong desire to serve others. Planning, creating, and delivering programs for my community brings me immense fulfillment, and I take pleasure in staying up-to-date on the latest trending books, movies, and more.

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

One of my favorite books is "Educated" by Tara Westover. I am drawn to this book because it showcases the incredible resilience and determination of the author. Despite facing numerous obstacles, she was able to educate herself and ultimately earn her doctorate, proving that with perseverance and hard work, one can overcome any challenge.

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

I wish more people knew about the wide range of resources available on our website. One standout resource is the LearningExpress Library, which provides online tutorials, practice tests, and e-books for all ages. It covers job search skills, workplace improvement, reading, writing, math, science, career certification, college entrance prep, GED test prep, and more. It's a fantastic tool for personal and professional development.

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

I enjoy spending time with my 4 kids, my husband, and our dachshunds.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

I like the idea of museum-hopping for a vacation. Planning a trip to a city known for its many museums sounds like an exciting way to spend my days, exploring different exhibits and learning. I'd love to immerse myself in diverse cultural experiences, discover new subjects, and appreciate the world's rich heritage through various museum collections.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

My favorite season is October because it's when the wind starts to blow and the leaves begin to change. It's a month for roasting marshmallows over bonfires, pulling out leggings and cute boots, celebrating mine and my middle son's birthdays, and enjoying pumpkin patches, state fairs, and roasted corn. October is when I married my best friend. It's a magical time of year that holds special memories and activities that I cherish!


Sunday, March 10

Meet Our Team - Carrie Brown (Headquarters)

 Carrie Brown | Coordinator of Programming | CMRLS Headquarters


Carrie has been a part of CMRLS for a little over 7 years! 

Here's more from Carrie:

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

My favorite part of my job is visiting our schools every year with our Book Character Visits. I love getting to bring the love of reading to the kids. I also love going to work in the different branches, where I get to help patrons find the things they need.

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

I was read to as a baby and have loved reading ever since! I think my favorite book as a small child was the Foot Book by Dr. Seuss. By the time I was in second grade, I was checking out historical nonfiction and fiction books. The first books I actually bought for myself were at the book fair in second grade. They were Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and a book about Ancient Egypt. I guess those two books began shaping the things I love to read now.

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

Rocket Languages! It has so many languages to learn including American Sign Language.

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

I love to spend time at home with my husband, our daughter, and our dog. We love to go walking at the park.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

I have always wanted to visit Prague. I’ve been fascinated with the city and its beautiful architecture for a very long time. It would be great to spend a week or two taking it all in.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas! It’s so magical and pretty.

Sunday, March 3

Meet Our Team - Frances Meadows (Magee & Mize Public Libraries)


 Frances Meadows | Branch Manager | Magee & R.T. Prince Memorial Library


Frances has her 26th anniversary with CMRLS in April! 

Here's more from Frances:

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

I really enjoy talking and getting to know each person that walks through the doors. The very best part is watching a little child’s face light up when they see how many books there are in our children’s area!

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

It was not just one book. When I was young, it was a way to pass the time. I read the picture biography books and nature books that my grandmother had until I got tired and knew them by heart. It was in my teen years that I found Nancy Drew and those old orange biographies, like Molly Pitcher: Young Patriot by Augusta Stevenson. My classmate introduced me to Illusions by Richard Bach. My dear, wonderful mother introduced me to paperback romances and that took over for awhile until a friend hooked me on Jeannette Oke.

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

The Resume Builder! Patrons will come in and want to do a resume and will go to Microsoft Word. We always redirect them to the Resume builder. It's so fast and easy!

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

I love spending time with my grand-babies, my dog, Bear, my Buddy cat, and my family. I also like to do puzzles and watch Survivor and Amazing Race.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

Wow! I think it would be a cruise for an entire month for my whole family, including all my sisters and their families too, and even my in-laws! That way no one has to cook or clean up. We can go do other things and still be together.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Thanksgiving. Getting together with the expectation of simply being thankful for family and friends.


Thursday, February 29

Meet Our Team - Alice Green (Magee Public Library)

 

Alice Green | Youth Services Specialist | Magee Public Library


Alice has been a part of CMRLS for 1 1/2 years! 

Here's more from Alice:

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

My favorite part of working in the library is watching the story time children grow in social skills and knowledge.

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

Breaking Dawn! I was so captivated by the series, when it came out, that I couldn't wait for the movie to be made. I got the book and read it in two days. I've made time to read ever since that book came out.

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

All the test preps available to the public.

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

I enjoy dancing with my husband and listening to live music on a trip to the coast.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

My perfect vacation would be in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, in a cabin for a week. While relaxing and reading books on the deck, I can take in the mountain view during the fall.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas


Sunday, February 25

Meet Our Team - Miranda Loper (Pearl Public Library)

 

Miranda Loper | Branch Manager | Pearl Public Library


Miranda has been a part of CMRLS for almost 5 months! 

Here's more from Miranda:

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

My favorite part of working in the library is collection development and reader's advisory. I love choosing a wide assortment of materials for our patrons based on common interests and new, popular titles. It fills me with joy when a patron returns to the library having loved the books I helped them select.

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

My favorite books as a very young child were The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle and Miss Spider's Tea Party by David Kirk. I remember reading those both at home and in the classroom and imagining a world of endless play. In second grade, my favorite book was The Trumpet of the Swan by E. B. White. The school librarian helped me find it based on my interests, and I have been found with my nose in a book ever since.

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

Aside from reading (I love Hoopla!), one e-resource that I wish more people knew about is the Mississippi Digital Library. It is such a great resource for people interested in Mississippi culture and history with tons of digitized images. Another great e-resource is the online Mississippi Encyclopedia for history-buffs and students alike as it has short, factual articles and audio-visual materials for anything Mississippi.

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

I like to spend time with my little family, travel, bake, garden, and a myriad of other hobbies that introverts typically like to do.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

My ideal vacation usually includes visiting a state or national park with hiking, exploring local businesses and flea markets, and eating new, exciting foods. One day, though, I wish to make my way overseas and trek through the United Kingdom, Italy, and maybe even Japan.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

My favorite holiday involves ringing in the New Year. The stress of the holiday season is over, and I can finally start to rest in the remainder of winter while looking forward to spring.




Thursday, February 22

Meet Our Team - Kayla Flynt-Ceciliano

 

Kayla Flynt-Ceciliano | Reference Services | Flowood Public Library


Kayla has been a part of CMRLS for almost 5 months! 

Here's more from Kayla:

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

I love seeing all the hard work patrons put into their jobs, education, or personal projects while using the resources we offer. Hearing about the great things that come into fruition because of their dedication is my favorite part!

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

“Ranma ½” by Rumiko Takahashi
This manga opened an entire new world for me, and I couldn’t be more grateful!

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

The (Mississippi) Driver’s Education Program Practice Tests, which can be found in the virtual reference list on the CMRLS website. You will be able to find up to date CDL, motorcycle, and driver’s manual handbooks along with some practice tests that will help prepare individuals to pass the written exam on their first go.

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

I have been playing video games ever since my parents bought me a Super NES and PS1 in the mid 90’s. So, when I am not at the library, I like to play those same games from my childhood along with the many other games that have been released throughout the years. I also love going to the gym early in the morning and going on long walks at night.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

Driving out to Texas to spend time with my niece will always be the perfect vacation for me!

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Easter

Sunday, February 18

Meet Our Team - Sandy Orman (Mendenhall Public Library)

 


Sandy Orman | Circulation Clerk | Mendenhall Public Library


Sandy has been a part of CMRLS for almost 2 years! 

Here's more from Sandy:

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

Finding books for my patrons, especially the ones who claim to not enjoy reading!

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

I've loved reading for as long as I can remember. A few of my first favorites were Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough, and The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton.

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

Hoopla! It's a fantastic resource for readers who enjoy audio and electronic books. They also have a large selection of magazines that you can check out, such as Highlights. It's nostalgic for me after reading those regularly as a kid.

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

Hang out with my dog, Tripper, travel, play poker, and binge-watch good television.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

An ocean beach on a sunny day!

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Halloween! I love scary movies and horror novels!



Thursday, February 15

Meet Our Team - Austin Gamblin (Brandon Public Library)

 

Austin Gamblin | Circulation Supervisor | Brandon Public Library


Austin has been a part of CMRLS for 4 1/2 years! 

Here's more from Austin:

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

I enjoy helping patrons find books to read or helping them find new authors to read they have never tried.

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

When I was in the fifth grade, teachers would take the class to the library to check out books. It was towards the end of our session when we were leaving that I checked out Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Ronald Dahl. Though I casually picked it out, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I spent nearly every moment reading it repeatedly until I had to turn it back in. I had checked out books before but I think that book was the true start of my love of reading and libraries.

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

I wish more people knew about Hoopla and Cloud Library to read and listen to the ebooks and audiobooks that we have in our digital collection.

I also wish more people knew more about our Inter Library Loan program so that they could know that even if  it's not in our system, there are alternative ways to find the items they wish to find.

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

I enjoy playing SWTOR and World of Warcraft. I also like reading and writing.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

Relaxing at home.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Thanksgiving



Sunday, February 11

Meet Our Team - Helen Ruffin-Chambers (Polkville Public Library)

 

Helen Ruffin-Chambers | Branch Manager | Polkville Public Library


Helen has been a part of CMRLS for 8 months! 

Here's more from Helen:

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

My favorite part of working in the library is seeing young readers being excited about a new book.

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

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. This book took me away to a place of magic where I wasn't alone and I was loved.

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

I'm not very computer savvy, but I like Good Reads.

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

When I'm not at the library, I like to travel, eat good food, and read.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

My perfect vacation would be going to the beach or mountains with my best friend.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

My favorite holiday is Mardi Gras.