Discover Your Digital Library: Hoopla and CloudLibrary at CMRLS

 

Discover Your Digital Library: 

Hoopla & CloudLibrary at CMRLS

Your library card opens more doors than you might think—no building required! With Hoopla and CloudLibrary, CMRLS patrons can enjoy thousands of books, audiobooks, movies, and more right from their phone, tablet, or computer. Whether you're at home, on vacation, or waiting in line, your library is always with you.

What is Hoopla?

Hoopla is an on-demand digital service that gives you instant access to a huge collection of entertainment and reading materials—no waitlists required.

With Hoopla, you can explore:

• eBooks
• Audiobooks
• Comics & graphic novels
• Movies & TV shows
• BingePasses

Everything is available immediately, so if you find it, you can borrow it—no holds, no waiting.

Check out the details:

• Monthly limit: 5 checkouts per month
• Loan periods:
• Movies/TV: 3 days
• eBooks, audiobooks, comics: 21 days

Great for families: Hoopla offers a Kids Mode feature, allowing you to filter content so children only see age-appropriate materials. It’s a simple way to create a safe, kid-friendly browsing experience.

Are you running low on checkouts? 

Hoopla’s BingePass lets you unlock an entire collection of content for one checkout—giving you 7 days of unlimited access to that collection.

With BingePass, you can enjoy:

• Streaming video collections (like popular educational or entertainment series)
• Digital magazines
• Kids’ content and learning platforms

It’s perfect for a weekend deep dive or trying something new without using multiple borrows!

What is CloudLibrary?

CloudLibrary is your go-to for eBooks and audiobooks. That means you can browse, borrow, and place holds on popular titles—just like you would with physical books.

With CloudLibrary, you’ll find:

• Bestselling eBooks
• Audiobooks for all ages
• New releases and classics

Check out the details:

• Monthly limit: 2 checkouts per month
• Loan period: 21 days per item
• Holds available for popular titles

Bonus Feature: CloudLibrary allows you to store your digital library card right in the app, making it easy to access your account anytime without needing your physical card.

Family-friendly option: CloudLibrary also includes a Kids Mode, helping caregivers guide children toward age-appropriate books and audiobooks.

Why Use Both?

Hoopla and CloudLibrary complement each other perfectly:

• Hoopla = instant access, no waiting
• CloudLibrary = a larger curated collection with holds

Using both gives you the best chance of finding exactly what you want, when you want it.

Count It Toward Your Summer Reading!

Reading (and listening!) through Hoopla and CloudLibrary absolutely counts toward your CMRLS reading goals.

So, whether you're participating in a reading challenge or our Read Every Day in June initiative, your digital checkouts count just like physical books! Audiobooks during a road trip, eBooks before bed, or even comics on your lunch break—all of it helps you stay on track and build a daily reading habit.

Get Started Today

All you need is your CMRLS library card and a device. Download the apps, sign in, and start exploring your digital library anytime, anywhere.

Your next great read (or watch, or listen) is just a tap away!

Consumer Health Complete

 

What is Consumer Health Complete, and how can it benefit you? Consumer Health Complete is a database that gives you access to hundreds of full-text journals, health reports, medical images and diagrams, magazines, consumer health pamphlets from the CDC, FDA, and others, animations with audio descriptions and transcripts, a medical dictionary, plus so much more. Perhaps the best part is that it is designed with the average consumer in mind, with health and wellness information specifically geared to help users gain a better overall understanding of key medical and health-related topics. Whether you are a mom trying to get fact-based information on bipolar disorder for her child, or a student writing a paper on concussions in sports, Consumer Health Complete will help you get valuable information that is vetted and reliant on facts, rather than trusting the information found from a quick Google search.

To access Consumer Health Complete, you will first need to visit our CMRLS website at https://cmrls.lib.ms.us/. Once there, hover over Digital Library and look down to see Virtual Reference Collection. You will then see Consumer Health Complete, the second option down the list. See the screenshot below for visual directions.

Let’s explore a bit of what the user experience on Consumer Health Complete looks like. For our example, we will be looking for information on concussions to write a research paper.

To start, find the search bar at the top of the screen. You can search there, or you can do an advanced search by clicking “Advanced Search” to the right.

Alternatively, Consumer Health Complete has grouped topics together under the “Explore Topics” section, which can be found by scrolling down on the main home page. This is an easy and direct way to find your necessary information.

For example, to find information on concussions, select the “Food, Nutrition and Exercise” box, and you will then see a box for concussions on the next page. Once that box has been selected, the page pictured below will pull up.

 

          

    On this page, basic information such as definitions and topic overviews can be found. The “Concussions in Pro Sports: Overview” article already looks promising, but it does not say peer reviewed. Using peer reviewed articles is important for maintaining academic integrity in your sources. Select “Peer Reviewed” from underneath the search bar and then click the search icon again. Now, you will find the peer reviewed journal articles that will be best suited as sources for an academic research paper. You can navigate between the types of sources you want by selecting from the options circled in the image below.

Now that you have found good sources that you wish to use for your paper, there is another important step that Consumer Health Complete can help you with, and that is citations.

            Once you have clicked on an article that you wish to use, you can select the quotation marks on the top right. (This is also where you can download your article, share it, save it, and more.) This tool will automatically generate the proper citation for you, as shown below.

    You also have the option to change your citation style, which depends on what discipline you are writing in. This makes building an annotated bibliography a breeze.

             These are just a few of the many things that Consumer Health can do. How you utilize the database depends on what exactly you need from it, but it is still a very helpful tool, regardless of whether it is being used in the realm of academia or in a more household health sense. In conclusion, Consumer Health Complete was created for you, the consumer, and it is a wonderful, free resource to help provide easy access to important health and wellness information. If you have any questions about using this database, do not hesitate to reach out to your librarian for assistance.

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.