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

Brandon Public Library- We've come a long way!

 Brandon Public Library- History Personified (Look How Far We've Come!)

by Amy Lee, Brandon Public Library Branch Manager

The City of Brandon is chockfull of history.  Today, Brandon, Mississippi is currently paving the way for today's modernized society.  A valuable gem of this charming southern town, withstanding the true test of time, is the Brandon Public Library.  Located off of West Government Street, the Brandon Public Library is conveniently nestled between the older and newer parts of the city, providing the ideal meeting point.  The sleek, modern building, built and designed in 2003 for multipurpose use, has been the bridge of connection to endless possibilities. 

While today's current library facilities have been around for almost two decades, what many of you may not know is the fascinating history behind them.  Specifically, "once upon a time...," this library was not the shiny, gorgeous "house of learning" that serves us today.   Here's a bit of a backstory...

History:

The oldest records trace back to 1830 when the City of Brandon had humble, simpler roots.  In 1830, an academic learning group, called the "Brandon Library Society" was formed.  Later, in the 1970s,  the Brandon Public Library building was built.  By 1993, a study of the old library building was done, after concerns about the lack of space.   Around 1997, plans to construct a new library building were presented to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen.  By 1998, the news spread throughout the city for a call for not only a new library but for more space.  Branch Manager, Ann Graham brought forth to the board that the old building, being at only 3,900 square feet, was running out of room.  Graham, additional library staff, and Friends of the Brandon Library officers supported the need for a new library building, with at least 20,000 square feet of additional space.   In addition, a member of the City Board supported library staff and patrons, stating that the city "deserved a new library."  The Mayor and board seemed to agree, but one major issue stood in the way- funds.  Soon, the Mayor devised a plan for a new Restaurant Tax.  Specifically, all restaurants in Brandon would add a 2% tax to all customers' bills.  As predicted, many citizens in Brandon and local restaurant owners did not take to this very well, especially as reflected on many voters' ballots, when the new tax was proposed.   As a result, the library saw a significant decrease in participation, including volunteers from the Friends of the Library group.   Later, after much persuasion and push from local officials and citizens, plans to rebuild a new Brandon Library, City Park, and Tennis Courts, as well as a new multipurpose center attached to the new library, began to take place.  Johnson, Bailey, Henderson, and McNeel designed the new library, and by 2003, the new (and current) Brandon Public Library building opened for service, and the rest is history! 

Current Brandon Public Library Building (opened in 2003)

Services:

As previously mentioned, the Brandon Public Library is a valuable gem of the city of Brandon, MS.  Much of this value comes from the awesome programs and services the library has to offer, warmly welcoming its community.  

We have staff members who are certified notaries, and notary services are offered Monday through Friday, and Saturday (by appointment only).  There is a nominal fee of $3.00.  Office services, including black and white ($0.25 per page)  and color printing ($0.50 per page), faxing ($1.00 per page), scanning ($0.50 per page), and copying are also available.  There is also an industrial-strength shredder, provided generously through our Friends of the Brandon Library, and all patrons and staff can use it for free.  Patron computers, as well as free Wi-Fi, are also available. We also offer proctoring test services for college students.

We also offer a variety of programs, including, but not limited to, DNA discovery and Genealogical society monthly meetings, a monthly book club, Family Night, weekly Preschool Story Time, monthly Teen programs,  Quilting, a Coin Club, VMA Veteran's monthly meetings, the Friends of the Brandon Library group (monthly meetings), and more!  

Genealogy Room:

Speaking of more, did you know that the Brandon Public Library has its own Genealogy Room?  That's right!   When the Brandon Library's new 2003 building opened, the plans included a special room, designed for Genealogical services. The collection started with 2,000 items, but it has grown so so much, since then.  Today, the room houses City Almanacs and Directories, yearbooks, slideshow/photo CDs of historic city events, city scrapbooks, artwork by local MS artists, newspaper clippings, maps, cookbooks, and so much more!  In addition, many wonderful organizations, such as the RCHS Red Jacket Chapter, MS State Society, and DAR have generously donated a huge selection of materials for our Genealogy Collection. We also have three computers with access to Ancestry.com, as well as a cool feature where users can not only discover their roots but can design their own family tree!  As previously mentioned, our DNA Discovery Group and Genealogical Society meet every month at the library.  The meeting/program is free for anyone to attend.  

Brandon Public Library Genealogy Room

The Brandon Public Library is located at 1475 W. Government Street in Brandon, MS.  We are open     9-8 Monday through Thursday, 9-5 on Friday, and 9-4 on Saturday (closed on Sunday).  For more information, please feel free to visit us in person, or contact us at 601-825-2672 or at brbm@cmrls.lib.ms.us.   We look forward to having you visit us!   I hope you have enjoyed today's visit down memory lane.  I am firmly convinced that the Brandon Public Library holds the key, which enables the past, present, and future of Brandon's community (as well as its people) to make and "unlock" these connections.   

Summertime at Brandon

We have been busy here at Brandon getting ready for our virtual Summer Reading Program and decorating our library for when our wonderful patrons come back.

Our Summer Reading Program starts on June 15^th through August 7^th. You can find our virtual Summer Reading Program on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CMRLS.Libraries/.  Each age group has its own group discussion page that we will share all information regarding that week’s program.  Do not forget to sign up on BEANSTACK at https://cmrls.beanstack.org/ where you can win prizes when you participate in our reading challenges!

Cannot participate in our virtual program? No problem! Our Children’s Librarians have been working hard on creating craft kits that you can take home. 

Take a look at our Summer Reading banners!   Stay Tuned for more pictures of our library as we get ready to help you "Imagine Your Story"!

Brain Builders for Your Baby

Did you know that babies can hear their parents before they are even born?  They are learning even before they come out of the womb, so it is important to start talking and reading to them early on.  

Once your baby is born it is important to keep helping them with their brain development.  Add learning to any time of the day, no matter if it is at mealtime or bath time.  You can find conservation starters to help with vocabulary on any theme from being at the beach to discovering their own body at http://www.talkwithmebaby.org/start_a_conversation.

Find brain-building tips for ages 0 – 5 at https://www.vroom.org/.  This site is free and has an app you can download or get texts to your phone so that you can take these fun learning tips on the go.

The Brandon Library has tons of board books, lullaby cd’s, or learning DVD’s that you can check out for your precious little one to learn and grow.  You can even bring them to our Baby and Me storytime for ages 0 – 15 months on Mondays at 1 pm, Toddler storytime for ages 15 months – 2 years old on Mondays at 10:30 am, or Preschool storytime for ages 3 - 5 years old on Wednesday and Thursdays at 10:30 am.  

Displays Gone Wild at the Brandon Library!

It's Library Lover's Month at the Brandon Library, and we've gone all out on amazing titles just for you! First off, be sure to check out our BLIND DATE WITH A BOOK display, which you can see more of on Facebook here!

We're also celebrating Black History Month with some of our favorite inspirational quotes from black leaders across the globe, as well as incredible nonfiction about the African American journey, memoirs and biographies of black men and women, and fiction by black authors and/or featuring black protagonists!

This month is also featuring some super fun displays such as:

Cake pans, with accompanying books all about fancy cake techniques AND our catalog full of all of our available cake pans for checkout! We also took the opportunity to show off some pretty hilarious cake fails, so...have fun with that.

You Said Yes...Now What? featuring books all about weddings, decor, dresses, budgets, parties, presents, and more!

Ways to Love Yourself including titles on how to be stress-free, the secrets to happiness and contentment, and the art of achieving the life you want! This one includes hits like Sleep Rituals by Jennifer Williamson, Hygge: The Danish Art of Happiness by Marie Tourell Søderberg, and Year of Yes: How to Dance it Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes! 

Look and Listen aka books based on some truly amazing podcasts and YouTube shows!

This display features titles based on the Adventure Zone podcast, the Lore podcast, Pod Save America, the Haunting of Sunshine Girl YouTube show, and more!

We've also begun leading into Women's History Month coming up in March with our triple display case, which is now featuring the Mississippi Department of Archives and History's traveling exhibit, Inspiring the Next Generation: Exceptional Mississippi Women.

MDAH says of this exhibit:

This exhibit focuses on thirty-two women who shaped Mississippi and the nation, divided into eight categories: artists, performers, civil rights, athletes, authors, suffrage, education, and government and law. The women featured in this exhibit include well-known individuals such as Fannie Lou Hamer and Leontyne Price in addition to influential, but lesser-known, women such as Burnita Shelton Matthews.

While some of these displays, like the one directly above, are sticking around for a bit, the rest of them won't be around forever. The titles are going fast, so come check them out today!

Brandon's Birds Get an Extreme Home Makeover!

Seven and a half years ago, branch manager Linda Wolfe, with the financial support of The Friends of the Brandon Public Library, established a bird feeding and nesting area outside the west windows of the children’s area. It turned a weedy patch of unused lawn into a lively area where over 50 species of birds could drink, bathe, eat, and feed their young. The nest boxes have housed over 50 Eastern Bluebirds, as well as Carolina wrens and even flying squirrels. A patron built a set of indoor steps where children and parents can observe the avian visitors with binoculars generously provided by Bass Pro Shop, and identify the birds using donated field guides and a completely illustrated binder of every species reported at the viewing area.

As Linda’s retirement at the end of March approaches, a group of local Master Gardeners, led by Chris Purser, have organized a plan to dramatically landscape the feeding and surrounding areas with a variety of native seed- and fruit-bearing flowers, shrubs, and trees to provide essential food, shelter, and nesting areas for the birds. The project should begin in February and be completed well before the spring nesting season, so keep checking on their progress. If you haven’t seen the birding area yet make a point of it on your next visit to the library.

Stop in to wish Linda Wolfe a happy retirement after 17 years at the Brandon Public Library and 9 years as manager. If you think, like the staff does, that she is the reason our branch is the best and most welcoming branch in the Central Mississippi Regional Library System, then let her know!

Welcome to the Makery at Brandon!

Here at the Brandon Library, we're heading into 2020 with a mind for making. Introducing THE MAKERY, a casual, come-and-go space for Makerspace activities every Tuesday from 1:00 pm -5:00 pm!

Project themes for January include fake snow/snowmen, sensory bottles, and free reign with our button maker.

What is a Makerspace, exactly? You've probably heard the term before even if you're not sure what it means. The dictionary defines it as, "a place in which people with shared interests, especially in computing or technology, can gather to work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment, and knowledge."

Sounds pretty cool, right? 

In honor of the roll-out of The Makery, we've also set up a whole new display full of books on Makerspace tools and projects. Learn about the history of Makerspaces and how to build one as well as ideas and projects for kids and adults! 

Be sure to check out our Makerspace board in front of the circulation desk for some awesome take-and-make projects, including moon sand, sci-fi goggles, rock candy, and about a billion different kinds of slime.

Upload them to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and use #CMRLSBrandon so we can see what you've made!

The New Year at the Brandon Library

It is now a new year and the Brandon Library is ready with some fun programs for all ages! Come in to get our new January calendars or go to http://cmrls.evanced.info/signup/Calendar to see all of our programs. 

There are two new programs that we added to our roster! Every Tuesday from 1-5 we have The Makery for all ages. We will provide a space and supplies for a different making activity each week. It is a casual come and go program.

We have incorporated our Coding Club with STEAM+. This program is on the 1^st and 3^rd Wednesday of every month. Ages 9-12 at 4 pm and ages 13-18 at 5pm. Space is limited so sign up now!

We have recently acquired a new addition to our library family in the form of a new pet! It’ll be in a different spot around the library every day. Come in, say hi, and give us a suggestion for our pet's name!

The new story on the story walk in the park is up so go check it out!  Since Mississippi does not get much snow (if any at all) we thought you might like to at least read about it. 

Did you have a LEGO Christmas?

Some of you may have been lucky this year and gotten your favorite Lego kit. Have you ever wondered where Legos started? Here is an article about the history of Legos from World Book Online which can be accessed from your library website.

While there are many exhibits around the world, we have our own Lego exhibit right here in the Brandon Library loaned to us by Jeff, Dori Ann, and Thomas Paczak. Come by before the end of January to see it for yourself.

Also come join us for Duplo Free Play at 11:30 a. m. Wednesday, January 8, and Lego Free Play at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, January 9.

Happy New Year from the Brandon Library!

Holiday Hours, Winter Reading Challenge, & Talking Book Services

Closing Times:  All CMRLS branches will close at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, December 23 and return to normal hours Thursday, December 26.  For the New Year’s holiday, branches will close at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31 and return to normal hours Thursday, January 2.

Winter Reading Challenge:  Sign up on Beanstack for our Winter Reading Challenge, which will run from January 1-31!  However, you can start registering Monday, December 23. Participants in the Reading Challenge will receive fine forgiveness. Start logging your books January 1. When you read four books will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card.  If you read another four books, you get another entry. And if you read a total of 12 books for the month, your name goes into the drawing 3 times. Plus, you receive a CMRLS Perks sheet giving you $5 FREE fines, 10 free black and white copies and 10 free color copies as a thank you from CMRLS for your support of your local library.

Talking Book Services: If you are unable to read standard print because of a visual, physical, or organic reading disability, ask about registering for our free talking book service!  The Mississippi Library Commission provides eligible patrons with a digital audio device and a large catalogue of fiction and non-fiction books and magazines for all ages.

Party Time at the Brandon Library!

The celebrations keep on coming here at the Brandon Library! On Thursday, December 19 at 10:30 a.m., our Genealogy Club and DNA Club are joining together for their annual Christmas Party! 

The Creative Crafters will also be having their annual Christmas Party on Thursday, December 19th at 6:00 p.m. 

While you're here, come check out our Staff Picks display! We at the Brandon Library want to share some of our favorite titles with you this holiday season. 

One of Shirley's picks is Gregg Olsen's newest book, If You Tell. "I love mysteries and thrillers," Shirley says, "and this book is fantastic on both counts. I couldn't put it down."


Check here for the Goodreads summary, or put this book on hold through the CMRLS catalog here!

Summer, on the other hand, is living for The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater. She says, "I am totally obsessed with this series. I just finished it and I already want to read it all over again."

Check here for the Goodreads summary, or put this book on hold through the CMRLS catalog here!

Recipe Recommendations from Jeff at the Brandon Library

          The Economist and Forbes (which we have through Magnolia here) have declared 2019 “The Year of the Vegan” and the revolution has already reached Brandon. Many of your favorite fast food restaurants, including McDonald’s, Chick-Fil-A, Burger King, and Subway, are offering meatless versions of your favorite meals and supermarkets are stocking meatless burger patties and steaks.

         Although it’s estimated a quarter of Americans aged 25- to 34-years-old declare themselves vegetarians or vegans, people of all ages benefit from meatless living. Take it from someone who’s been a vegetarian for forty-one years, it’s not hard to switch to a vegetarian/vegan diet. The Central Mississippi Regional Library System has a lot of excellent vegetarian/vegan cookbooks to make it an easy transition; stop into the nearest branch for help.

           So, with fewer than six weeks left until 2020, are you ready to join the revolution? To help you get started I’ve attached links to two great recipes I can recommend for vegan chili (here) and vegetarian jalapeno cheddar cornbread (here) to help you through the long, cold winter nights.

-- Jeff (Reference Services)

P.S. Don't forget to keep hunting for ducks at the library for a chance to win a gift card!

Brandon Library Family Night & Genealogy for Beginners

November is National American Indian Heritage Month, a time to discover and celebrate the culture, contributions, challenges, successes, and histories of North America’s indigenous people groups.  On Monday, November 18 at 6:00 p.m., Brandon Library Family Night will celebrate (note: this is different from our normally scheduled time on Thursday).  Activities will include doing floor puzzles, making Thanksgiving tangrams, reading a Native American "Giving Thanks" story, munching on snacks, and drinking cranberry juice.

On Tuesday, November 19 at 11:00 a.m., we will also be presenting “Genealogy for Beginners.” During this time, participants will learn how to begin researching their family trees using Ancestry: Library Edition and Heritage Quest. We will also provide handouts with free web links and resources for genealogy.  Attendants should bring their library cards.  They may also use either their own laptops or one provided by the library. 

Also, Brandon's Youth Services Department is hosting an Autumn scavenger hunt through December 20.  Receive your scavenger hunt bag from the children's desk, and when you have found ten of the twelve items, return it for a prize!

And keep looking for ducks!

Duck Hunt at the Brandon Library!

Look for ducks hiding in the library from:
November 12-December 6!

When you find a duck, take it to the Circulation Desk and exchange it for an entry form for the Christmas Drawing from the Friends of the Brandon Library. 

The prize will be a $100 gift card.

Only one entry per day.

(That means you can only find one duck per day.)

Drawing will be at 

The Puppet Show Saturday, December 7 at 1 p.m.

Brandon: International Game Week and Other November Tidbits

Even though National Game Week is November 3-9 this year, The Brandon Library will be playing games all month.  Monday, November 4 at 5 p.m. our middle graders and teens  (ages 10+) will be trying out the digital version of the Operation!  Tuesday, November 5 the Brandon Library will host Trivia Night at Lost Pizza at 6 p.m.

Saturday, November 9 we are hosting our Ultimate Escape Room! However, you can’t just come. You must have a golden ticket!  Stop by the library to find out how to get your ticket today!

Our regular Video Game day is November 16. We are playing Minecraft.  Even our Family Night on Monday November 18 at 6 pm will be a game and puzzle adventure.

If you happen to miss all these fun days, do not worry we will have puzzles, card games, and board games out for all ages!  If you do not like board games or puzzles, we always have the Wii set up in the children’s department.

Since we are a library, not everything is games and puzzles. Other fun includes:

•          Genealogy for Beginners on Thursday, November 14 at 6 p.m. and Tuesday, November 19 at 11 a.m. for those who are interested in researching your family tree. 
• ·         Thursday November 7 at 6 p.m. come to the library to relax before the holiday rush and enjoy making Creative Zentangles. 
•          Need help learning about Google Apps or buying a new computer?  We have Computer Literacy 101 to help with that! Wednesday, November 6 and 20 at 11 a.m.

Have any questions about any of our programs? Come on in or give us a call and we will be happy to help!

Brandon: Ultimate Escape Room!

Description:

The Brandon Public Library will host the ultimate escape room on Saturday, November 9 at 1:00 pm OR 2:30 pm!

But wait, you can't just come--you must have a golden ticket!

Where do you get a ticket? You must find one.

They are hidden around the Brandon Library. Stop by the Circulation Desk to get a clue for the location of your golden ticket. There are a limited number of tickets, so come get yours today!

Brandon: Fall Festival is here!

The Brandon Public Library's Fall Festival Family Night is
Thursday, October 24 from 6:00 pm until 7:00 pm.
All ages are welcome! 

Want to wear your Halloween costume early? We'd love for you to show them off here with us! Plus, Ms. Janet will be doing spooky (and not-so-spooky) face painting for anyone who wants a cool addition to their costumes! 

We'll have tons of games, treats, candy, and hot dogs!
You can even get a chance to win some cool prizes during our spine-tingling bingo!

Look Up to the Stars at Brandon Public Library!

Astronomy is for Everyone: The 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing Edition!

Join us on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at 6:00 pm for a special celestial event!

Astronomer Kevin Manning, a former consultant with NASA, has always been passionate about astronomy, and wants to share the excitement with you! 

Over the next 1 ½ hours, you’ll learn about the size and scale of the universe, the stars, and other celestial wonders using hands-on activities and assorted visuals.

Ages 8+.

Mississippi Book Recs for Kids!

As part of our Mississippi History display, we're sharing some awesome recommendations for juvenile fiction and nonfiction! Swing by the Brandon Library for more.


Fiction

A Thousand Never Evers by Shana Burg

In Kuckachoo, Mississippi, 1963, Addie Ann Pickett worships her brother Elias and follows in his footsteps by attending the black junior high school. But when her careless act leads to her brother’s disappearance and possible murder, Addie Ann, Mama, and Uncle Bump struggle with not knowing if he’s dead or alive. Then a good deed meant to unite Kuckachoo sets off a chain of explosive events. Addie Ann knows Old Man Adams left his land to the white and black people to plant a garden and reap its bounty together, but the mayor denies it. On garden picking day, Addie Ann’s family is sorely tested. Through tragedy, she finds the voice to lead a civil rights march all her own, and maybe change the future for her people.

Find it at the CMRLS here!

Fishtale by Hans Bauer

Sawyer Brown's family runs a catfish farm in rural Mississippi. When his widowed mom gets sick after her wedding ring is swallowed by a pond "cat," Sawyer is sure the missing ring is to blame. But he soon suspects that the pond cat has become the meal of a far more challenging catch. He sets out with his friends and his stowaway little sister to find the culprit that stole the ring. Journeying deep into the bayou, the foursome must band together to battle the elements, outwit a sneaky poacher, and overcome their differences in pursuit of a colossal catfish. But this is no ordinary fish. This is Ol' One Eye the biggest, oldest, smartest, and meanest durn cat that ever swam the Yazoo River! And before long, the adventurers aren't sure who's chasing who.

Find it at the CMRLS here!

Horns and Wrinkles by Jessica Lawson

How can you tell if a river’s under a spell? River trolls, rock trolls, blue-wing fairies—the usual suspects—the stretch of the Mississippi where Claire lives has rumors of them all, not that she’s ever spotted any. But then Claire’s cousin Duke takes a swim and sprouts a horn—a long, pointy, handsome thing. After that, Claire doesn’t have much choice but to believe that something rivery is going on, especially since she’s the only one who can help Duke lose his new addition. 

Readers of all ages will enjoy getting in—and out of—trouble with Claire and Duke in this nimble, sharp, and funny fantasy.

Find it at the CMRLS here!




Non-fiction

Black Cat Bone: The Life of Blues Legend Robert Johnson by Patrick Lewis

Legend credits his success to a midnight pact at a crossroads, but what is the real story of bluesman Robert Johnson?

Find it at the CMRLS here!

Spies of Mississippi by Rick Bowers

The Spies of Mississippi is a compelling story of how state spies tried to block voting rights for African Americans during the Civil Rights era. This book sheds new light on one of the most momentous periods in American history.

Author Rick Bowers gives readers first-hand accounts of how neighbors spied on neighbors, teachers spied on students, ministers spied on church-goers, and spies even spied on spies.

The Spies of Mississippi will inspire readers with the stories of the brave citizens who overcame the forces of white supremacy to usher in a new era of hope and freedom—an age that has recently culminated in the election of Barack Obama.

Find it at the CMRLS here!

The Mad Potter by Jan Greenburg

When George Ohr's trove of pottery was discovered in 1967, years after his death, his true genius was discovered with it. The world could finally see how unique this artist really was!

Born in 1856 in Biloxi, Mississippi, George grew up to the sounds of the civil war and political unrest.When he was 22, his boyhood friend introduced him to the pottery wheel. The lost young man suddenly found his calling.

He started creating strangely crafted pots and vases, expressing his creativity and personality through the ceramic sculptures. Eventually, he had thousands at his fingertips. He took them to fairs and art shows, but nobody was buying these odd figures from this bizarre man. Eventually he retired, but not without hiding hundreds of his ceramics.

Find it at the CMRLS here!

Summaries collected and condensed from Goodreads.