Meet Our Team - Eleanor Jones (Northwest Point Reservoir Library)

 

Eleanor Jones | Branch Manager | Northwest Point Reservoir Library

Eleanor has been part of CMRLS for 10 years! 

Here's more from Eleanor:

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

I get to look at and read ALL of the books! The patrons are pretty fantastic, too!

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

My mother was an avid reader and took us to a used book store in Vicksburg growing up. I grew up with Beverly Cleary and Judy Blume.

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

Cloudlibrary is my go-to when we don't have the physical copy of a book, or there is a long wait for it. I love flipping through the pages of a book, but I am thankful for an e-book when the print one is unavailable!

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

I like to work outside and watch my son play baseball.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

Anywhere that has sand and waves rolling in.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

I've collected Christmas ornaments for years, so it would have to be Christmas. My grandmother left me her Christmas village, and I look forward to putting it on the mantle each year.

Meet Our Team - Regina Hutson (Puckett Public Library)

 

Regina Hutson | Branch Manager | Puckett Public Library

Regina has been part of CMRLS for 24 years as of January 1, 2024! 

Here's more from Regina:

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

Working with the public and helping people in our community.

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

I didn't have one particular book that made me love reading. I love to read almost anything, but I have read the Harry Potter series several times.

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

I have become a huge fan of audiobooks and have loved listening to books on the cloudLibrary and now Hoopla. I love having access to audiobooks, especially when my husband and I take a road trip.

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

Spending time with my family, and I do a little cross-stitching sometimes.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

My husband and I love to travel to different places but we love to visit Arkansas, especially the mountain areas. We just got back from Chattanooga, TN, where we spent Christmas day.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it's not as busy and you can relax and enjoy the day.

Meet Our Team - Emily Pruitt (Pearl Library)

 

Emily Pruitt | Reference Clerk | Pearl Public Library

Emily has been with CMRLS for 6 months. 

Here's more from Emily:

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

I love doing the Pull List because it gives me a great opportunity to explore the library and see so many wonderful books. I also love doing my drawing program and helping others learn valuable skills.

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

I grew up reading the Ramona Quimby books by Beverly Cleary since the fourth grade, and they (along with Judy Blume's books) have inspired me to not only read but write as well.

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

There are plenty to choose from, but my three favorites are Rocket Languages, World Book Online, and the Dewey Decimal Classification. These three resources have so much information for our patrons to learn!

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

I love reading, drawing, and writing. I also love playing with my dog Phoebe and my cat Lily.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

My idea of a perfect vacation is either writing, reading, drawing, or playing with my pets any other month than May. However, in May, I'm too focused on the Eurovision Song Contest.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

It's not technically considered an official holiday, but I am a very big fan of the Eurovision Song Contest. So, I'm always looking forward to the month of May.

Meet Our Team - Erica White (G. Chastaine Flynt Memorial Library - Flowood)

 

Erica White | Youth Services Supervisor | G. Chastaine Flynt Memorial  Library (Flowood)

Erica has been with CMRLS for 2 1/2 years. 

Here's more from Erica:

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

Everything! This is the best job ever! I can truly say I love my job. I love building relationships with the people in our community, especially the children!

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

Honestly, I don't remember not reading books. I've always loved books! I was the kid who skipped recess to go to the library at school. I remember going to the library in Nashville during the summers when we visited my grandparents. I always thought they had the coolest summer programs at their library. I was always excited to complete their Summer Reading challenges.

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

I love reader advisory, so I enjoy using NoveList. I also love Storyline Online because who doesn't love getting read to?

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

I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, crocheting, and knitting.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

I love any time that I'm spending time with family, even if it is simply gathered at the table playing games and laughing. It doesn't have to be "away on vacation" to make me happy!

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas! I love gathering with my family and celebrating the birth of my Savior, Jesus Christ.

Meet Our Team - Holli Morris (Sebastopol Public Library)

Holli Morris | Branch Manager | Sebastopol Public Library

Holli has been with CMRLS for 1 year. 

Here's more from Holli:

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

I love getting to know all the patrons and trying to help them in any way I can.

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

I love How to Hang a Witch by Adriana Mather. I love her writing. I started reading it and just got lost in the world of Salem. I could not put it down or read it fast enough. Salem has always been an interest of mine. 

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

I wish more people knew you have access to Ancestry with their library card. I love family history!

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

I enjoy spending time with my husband of 15 years and our 2 boys (14) and (7). We are also very active in our local Fire Department. I have a great group of friends that we do things with as well.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

I enjoy renting a cabin in the mountains and just relaxing with nature. I always feel such peace when we are there.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas! I love all the lights and family time that we get to spend together.

Meet Our Team - Reynaldo "J.R." Yabut (Headquarters)

 

Reynaldo "J.R." Yabut | Computer Technician | CMRLS Headquarters

J.R. has been with CMRLS for almost 3 years. 

Here's more from J.R.:

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

Besides repairing computers in libraries, I also enjoy helping out during library renovations.

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

The four agreements. I find the messages in this book to be a valuable source of practical guidance for leading a happy and fulfilled life.

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

If you're looking for a site that provides a realistic view of what to expect when taking your tests at the DMV, this is definitely a really good option.
https://cmrls.driving-tests.org/mississippi/

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

I spend most of my time at home, where I enjoy spending quality time with my children. In addition to fixing anything that needs attention in our house, I also take care of household chores such as washing the dishes and doing the laundry and playing music to make cleaning more fun.

After finishing my tasks, I cook for my family and friends. Sometimes, I play online games and sing karaoke with my daughter to unwind.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

When it comes to the perfect getaway, nothing beats a beach vacation with my family, where we can unwind and bask in the beauty of the ocean. I really enjoy visiting white sand beaches, especially ones where I can engage in various activities such as parasailing, snorkeling, jet ski riding, and much more.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

I enjoy the Christmas holiday because it brings my family together. We have gathered in a house where we will enjoy all the delicious foods. The Christmas Party's main host has some awesome games that are suitable for both kids and adults. And to end the night, we'll be belting out tunes on the karaoke machine and hitting the dance floor.

Meet Our Team - Qua Evans (Forest Public Library)

 

Qua Evans | Circulation Supervisor | Forest Public Library

Qua has been with CMRLS for 3 years. 

Here's more from Qua:

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

I like to see how the community gravitates towards the library. It's like a safe place for them.

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

The name of the book is The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. I read it in fifth grade and enjoyed the thrill this mystery novel gave me.

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

Flipster! *Flipster®, the next-gen digital newsstand now offers content across all of your favorite devices. Click here for help getting started with Flipster.

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

I enjoy spending time with my best friends and doing whatever activity we've planned. It's guaranteed to be a lot of laughs and fun.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

My ideal vacation would be somewhere quiet with cool weather. A place full of activities and serene places to relax.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Halloween/Thanksgiving, mainly because of the weather.

Meet Our Team - Peggy Greene (G. Chastaine Flynt Memorial Library - Flowood)

Peggy Greene| Reference Clerk | G. Chastaine Flynt Memorial Library - Flowood

Peggy has been with CMRLS for 6 1/2 years. 

Here's more from Peggy:

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

The best part of working in the library is meeting and serving our patrons.

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

Childcraft was created as a sort of encyclopedia for young children. With simple texts and illustrations, the volumes were designed to make learning fun. Each volume addressed different subjects, including literature — such as short stories, poetry, fairy tales and nursery rhymes — as well as mathematics and the sciences.

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

Test Prep Resources is amazing! It gives you practice for tests like the ACT and entrance exams for professional schools.

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

Reading of course! I also love traveling to see my grandkids, crafting, and quilting.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

Relaxing on an off the grid beach is the ideal vacation for me.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

New Years Day. It's a chance for everyone to reset and start over.

Meet Our Team - Barbara Gauthier (Magee Public Library)

Barbara Gauthier | Circulation Clerk | Magee Public Library

Barbara has been with CMRLS for 8 years. 

Here's more from Barbara:

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

My favorite part of working in the library is the challenge of decorating. I love coming up with something new and out of the box. Our theme at Magee is "go big or go home!"

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

My favorite book that my mom bought me was Sleeping Beauty. I still have that worn-out book and I read it to my granddaughter, Olivia. To this day, I read romances from the light side to the steamy.

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

I wish more parents and teens knew about the free Driver's Ed Program online where you can take practice tests. The website is cmrls.driving-tests.org. It is a really good site to get a realistic view of what to expect when you take your tests at the DMV. The tests go from easy to hard. I tell our patrons, once you get at least 90% on the tests, you're ready for the DMV.

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

I love cooking for my family. Any time of the year, you can find me cooking some kind of cajun dish. Our favorite is gumbo!

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

I went on my first cruise in 2018. Ever since then, I have been addicted. This past summer I was able to take a cruise to Alaska which was on my bucket list. In October 2024, I will be going to the Bahamas!

6. What is your favorite holiday?

My favorite holiday is Christmas. It was my mom's favorite time of the year. It was not the gifts we received, it was spending the time decorating the Christmas tree and visiting with family.

Meet Our Team - Susan Cobb (Raleigh Public Library)

 

Susan Cobb | Branch Manager | Floyd J. Robinson Memorial (Raleigh) Library

Susan has been with CMRLS for 17 years. Susan started out part-time with CMRLS many years ago and has since became the Branch Manager at Raleigh. She has also worked at our Mize and Mendenhall branches. 

Here's more from Susan:

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

My favorite part is my patrons. They always make me smile.

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

I enjoyed reading Grace Livingston Hill when I was young.
I couldn't wait to go to the Magee Library to get another book.

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

I wish they knew more about Flipster. Flipster provides lots of great magazines for free! All you need is your library card.

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

My favorite thing is to go to bookstores.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

My idea of the perfect vacation is sitting in the sun, relaxing, and reading.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

My favorite holiday is Veterans Day.

Meet Our Team - Amy Lee (Brandon Public Library)

Amy Lee | Branch Manager | Brandon Public Library

Amy has been with CMRLS for 8 years. Amy loves her library and community...and Christmas!  

Here's more from Amy:

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

The people I get to interact/work with and see every day. I love getting to meet new faces (and see familiar ones), as well as hear their stories from all walks of life.

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

My mom and dad always read to me as a child, so I was introduced to books at a very young age. However, one special moment of my childhood stands out. When I was about 4 years old, my aunt gave me a book for Christmas. It was “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats. She took the time to read it to me, snuggled together on my grandmother’s couch. To this day, that book is one of my top favorites!

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

Goodreads - it’s a fun way to keep track of your reads and create custom reading lists, as well as see what your friends are reading. It gives you a chance to follow your favorite authors and see book reviews of all reads, old or new. It’s like social media designed just for your books!

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

Traveling, cooking, dancing, watching movies and Netflix, listening to music, swimming, shopping, writing in my journal, napping, and reading.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

It really doesn’t matter where I go, but my idea of a perfect vacation is being with those that mean the most to you, having fun, and making memories together.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas