How to Use Our New Online Catalog: A Beginner’s Guide

Our new online catalog makes it easy to find books and other library materials, see what is available, place holds, and manage your library account.

Never used an online library catalog before? No problem! This guide will walk you through the basics one step at a time.

Step 1: Open the Library Catalog

Visit the CMRLS website and select the option to search our catalog.

You can search and browse without signing in. You will need to sign in when you want to place a hold or manage your library account.

Step 2: Search for Something

Look for the Search box. 

Type what you are looking for and select Search or press Enter on your keyboard.

You can search for:

• A title: The Great Gatsby

• An author: James Patterson

• A subject: gardening

• A series: Harry Potter

• A general topic: Mississippi history

• An eBook, audiobook, movie, cake pan, video game, and much more!

Beginner Tip: You don't have to know the exact title! Try entering a few words that describe what you're looking for.

Step 3: Look Through Your Results

After you search, the catalog will display a list of matching items.

Each result gives you information to help you decide if it is what you want. Select a title to see more information about it.

Pay attention to the format. The same title may be available in several different formats, such as:

• Book

• Large Print

• Audiobook

• eBook

• eAudiobook

Make sure you choose the format you want.

Step 4: Narrow Down Your Search

Did you get too many results?

Use the options on the search results page to narrow down what you see.

For example, you may be able to narrow your results by:

• Availability

• Format

• Library location

• Audience

• Subject

• Publication date

You don't have to use these options, but they can make finding the right item much easier.

Example: If you only want printed books, choose the appropriate format to remove eBooks and other formats from your results.

Step 5: See Where an Item Is Available

When you find something you want, check its availability.

The catalog can show you which library locations have a copy and whether the item is currently available. The green check mark indicates the item is available, while the red X indicates it is unavailable for checkout. 

If a physical item is available at your library, make a note of its call number. Think of the call number as the item's "address" in the library—it helps you find where the item belongs on the shelf.

Can't find it? Just ask a library staff member for help!

Step 6: Sign In to Your Library Account

Want to place a hold or manage your account? You'll need to sign in.

Select Sign In and follow the instructions on the screen.

Have your library card and account information ready. Your new PIN number will be the last four digits of your phone number. 

Once signed in, you can use the account features available through the catalog, including viewing your checkouts and requests.

A Few Helpful Search Tips

Not finding what you want? Try these simple tricks:

Use fewer words.
Instead of typing a complete question, enter the most important words.

Try the author's name.
Searching by author is an easy way to browse more books by someone you enjoy.

Check the format.
If you see several copies of the same title, they may be different formats.

Use the filters.
Filters can help you turn a long list of results into a much shorter one.

Try a broader search.
If your search is too specific, remove a word or two and search again.

Prefer to Watch?

Sometimes it's easier to learn by seeing something in action!

We've included a video tutorial with this post that demonstrates how searching works in our new catalog. Follow along with the video and then try a search yourself.

More Info:

Still Need Help?

Ask us!

Technology can take a little practice, and our library staff is here to help.

Visit your local CMRLS library if you need assistance:

• Searching for an item

• Finding an item at the library

• Signing in to your account

• Placing a hold

• Finding digital materials

• Learning how to use the new catalog

You don't have to figure it out on your own. Stop by, and we'll help you get started!

Happy searching!

Discover Your Digital Library: Learning Express

    

The LearningExpress Library available through the Central Mississippi Regional Library System (CMRLS) is a comprehensive online learning and test-preparation resource. With your CMRLS library card, you can access it from home or at the library.

Some of its key features include:

• Practice tests for many exams, including:
  • GED®
  • ACT®, SAT®, and other college entrance exams
  • Graduate school entrance exams
  • Civil service and military exams (such as the ASVAB)
  • Career certification and licensure exams in fields like healthcare, teaching, law enforcement, and the trades.
• Academic skill-building with interactive lessons in:
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Math
  • Science
  • Grammar and vocabulary.
• Career and job resources, including:
  • Resume and cover letter builders
  • Job search guidance
  • Workplace skills training
  • Career exploration tools.
• Computer and technology training covering:
  • Basic computer skills
  • Microsoft Office applications
  • Internet and digital literacy
  • Some technology certification topics.
• eBooks and study guides that you can read online or download for many subjects and exams.
• Personal learning tools, such as:
  • Timed and untimed practice-test modes
  • Instant scoring
  • Detailed answer explanations
  • Personalized study plans
  • A personal account that saves your progress so you can continue where you left off.

    One of the biggest advantages of LearningExpress is that it organizes resources into Learning Centers, making it easy to find materials for your goals—whether you're preparing for school, improving workplace skills, or studying for a professional exam.

    If you're interested in a particular topic—such as GED preparation, job searching, computer skills, or healthcare certification exams—I can show you exactly where to find those resources within the CMRLS LearningExpress database. LearningExpress Library is an online learning platform that many public libraries, schools, and colleges provide for free. It includes practice tests, tutorials, eBooks, and courses for academic subjects, career preparation, computer skills, and standardized exams.

    If you have a Central Mississippi Regional Library System (CMRLS) library card, you can use LearningExpress Library for free! 

To access LearningExpress with your CMRLS library card, follow these steps:

1. Go to the CMRLS Virtual Reference Collection:
   • CMRLS Virtual Reference Collection
2. Scroll to the Test Prep, Career & Life Skills section and click Learning Express (Test Preparation). CMRLS provides access to LearningExpress as one of its online databases.
3. If you're accessing from home, you'll be asked to verify that you're a CMRLS patron. Enter your library card number when prompted.
4. The first time you use LearningExpress, click Register (or Sign In/Register) and create a free LearningExpress account with your email address and a password. This account is separate from your library card and saves your progress.
5. Once you're signed in, you can browse practice tests, tutorials, career resources, and eBooks.

Benefits for library patrons

• Available 24/7 from home with a library card.
• Self-paced, so learners can study on their own schedule.
• Includes practice tests with instant scoring and detailed explanations.
• Allows users to create a free personal account to save progress, bookmark lessons, and return where they left off.
• Offers downloadable study guides and interactive tutorials in many subject areas.

LearningExpress Library is especially valuable because it supports a broad range of community needs—from helping a high school student prepare for the ACT to assisting an adult earning a GED to helping a job seeker create a professional resume and prepare for interviews—all through one online platform.

Dial-A-Story/ Storyline Online

Discover Storytime Anytime with CMRLS Online Resources

At CMRLS, we are proud to offer a variety of online resources designed to educate, entertain, and inspire readers of all ages. For families with young children, we know how important storytime can be in helping little ones develop a love for reading and learning.

Does your child enjoy being read to? We have the perfect resource for you.

By visiting the CMRLS homepage and following the links provided, families can access several engaging children’s resources from the comfort of home. One featured service is our Dial-A-Story program — a simple and fun way for children to enjoy a story anytime.

With Dial-A-Story, all you have to do is call the phone number (601-919-2090) listed on our website, and your child can listen as a pre-selected story is read aloud. It’s an easy, convenient option for bedtime, quiet time, car rides, or anytime your little reader wants to hear a great story.

We invite you to explore all the digital resources available through CMRLS and discover new ways to make reading part of your family’s everyday routine.

Bring Stories to Life with Storyline Online

For children who enjoy a more interactive reading experience, CMRLS also offers access to another wonderful online resource — Storyline Online.

Storyline Online allows children to watch engaging videos of books being read aloud while following along with the illustrations on screen. This unique experience combines storytelling and visual learning, helping young readers stay engaged while building important literacy skills.

Getting started is simple. Just visit the CMRLS homepage, follow the steps provided, and browse through a wide selection of children’s books available through Storyline Online. Once your child chooses a story, simply press play and enjoy.

As the story is read aloud, children can watch the pages come to life through colorful illustrations and expressive narration. This resource is perfect for independent viewing, family reading time, classroom enrichment, or quiet afternoon activities.

Storyline Online is a fun and effective tool that encourages a love of reading while helping children strengthen comprehension, vocabulary, and listening skills. We encourage families to explore this exciting resource and make storytime even more memorable.

At CMRLS, we are committed to providing resources that fit seamlessly into the lives of the families and communities we serve. We are more than just a library building — we are a community resource and a gateway to lifelong learning.

While we always enjoy welcoming you and your family into our local branches, we understand that visiting in person is not always possible. That is why we are proud to offer online services that help ensure children continue to have access to stories, learning opportunities, and educational enrichment anytime and anywhere.

Resources like Dial-A-Story and Storyline Online allow children to experience the joy of reading even when the library is closed or when families are unable to visit a branch. These convenient tools help encourage literacy, imagination, and a love for books from the comfort of home.

We encourage you to take advantage of these valuable resources and continue making reading a meaningful part of your child’s everyday routine. At CMRLS, supporting learning and connecting our community to knowledge will always remain at the heart of what we do.

Unearth a Story: 2026 Summer Library Programs

 

Unearth a Story
CMRLS's 2026 Summer Library Program

This summer, Central Mississippi Regional Library (CMRLS) will focusing on archaeology, dinosaurs, and paleontology. All through the month of June, the CMRLS libraries will hold exciting, themed programs to encourage children and adults of all ages to explore hidden histories, dig into books, and uncover the past. The CMRLS programs will feature dinosaurs, fossils, archaeology, genealogy, and digging for stories. Of note, there is a fossilized whale vertebra on display at the Raleigh Public Library in Raleigh, Mississippi. #cmrlsraleigh

We will have a wide assortment of programs this summer for all ages to enjoy. The 20 libraries in the CMRLS family will feature awesome programs to fit all our patrons' schedules and interests https://cmrls.trumba.com. 

Dorian the Magician

Freedom Ranch

Museum of Natural Science

Summer Library Program Challenge

Read Every Day in June!

Readers of all ages are invited to the Central Mississippi Regional Library System's challenge. Build a daily habit and earn chances to win prizes all month long.

How to participate

1. Register for the Summer Library Program at your local CMRLS library.
2. Read every day during the month of June.
3. Track your reading by using the library reading log or online tracker.
4. Every three days of reading gets you an entry into your branch's prize drawing. Read every day in June to be entered to win an iPad!

There will be prizes for the following age groups:

• Preschool
• Kindergarten - 4th grade
• Tweens (Grades 5-8)
• Teens (Grades 9-12)
• Adults ( 18+)

Participants must be registered for the Summer Library Program with a CMRLS Branch

and have a CMRLS library card.

You can register for the reading challenges at https://www.beanstack.com/ or at your local library. Let's make the Summer of 2026 one to remember for years to come. Get to digging!!!

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!