Meet Author Curtis Wilkie

Meet Mississippi author Curtis Wilkie, whose latest book, "The Fall of the House of Zeus: The Rise and Ruin of America's Most Powerful Trial Lawyer" has received rave reviews. The rights of the book were recently purchased in order to begin filming a movie based on Wilkie's book. Wilkie will be at the Flowood library on TUESDAY, MARCH 15th at 1:00 PM! This event is FREE to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Flowood or be a library card holder. A representative from Lemuria books will be at the library to sell some of Wilkie's books to the public.

CELEBRATE IRISH HERITAGE MONTH

Celebrate Irish Heritage Month at the Flowood Library with the Jackson Irish Dancers on Saturday, March 12th at 3:00 pm! JID will be doing a demonstration of light shoe and heavy shoe dancing. We will be serving some Irish finger foods such as Irish Soda Bread, Potato Candy, and more. This event is FREE to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Flowood or be a library card holder. Seating is limited; however, so arrive early.

Simply Crafts!

Join us at the Pearl Library Tuesday, March 8 at 6:00 for our monthly Simply Crafts night. This month, we will be making the pin pictured here. Come ring in spring with this brightly colored flower (two color choices)! This event is free of charge and we hope to see you there!

Chapter One Book Club @ Pearl

Vida Winter is a famous novelist who has managed to hide her real story from the world by making up different versions of it every time she was asked. She hires a little-known biographer Margaret Lea to finally chronicle her fantastic story. We enter a world of twisted adventures, unstable adults, poverty, neglect and, of course, mystery. The plot is beautifully woven and keeps the reader guessing until the very end.

Be Sure to Join Us at the Pearl Public Libray for Chapter One Book Club!

March 3, 6:30 P.M.

Discussion will be on The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

Display at Mendenhall Library courtesy of the Burkett Family

Brown Bag Lunch @ Pearl Library

The program will feature Mississippi author, Hunter Cole.

Join us as Cole discusses his book The Legs Murder Scandal, a tale of Mississippi's own Lizzie Borden. Books may be purchased and signed by the author.

Friday, February 25

Noon-1:00 P.M.

Bring a brown bag lunch. Desserts and drinks are provided by the Friends of the Library.

Don't Forget Tonight's Special Event at the Flowood Library

Our Music, Our Culture- A Celebration of African-Americans in Jazz

The Flowood Library is proud to announce that Jazz musician Shenole Latimer will be performing at the library on Monday, February 14th at 7:00pm! Shenole will be presenting "Our Music, Our Culture," a multimedia presentation fusing a lecture with live performances. This event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. You do not need a library card nor do need to live in Flowood to attend. Seats are limited. RSVPS are appreciated, but not essential. Bring a friend!

"The history of jazz is reviewed from the early 1900's to today. Many jazz artists and their struggles are explored, including Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, and John Coltrane. An emphasis is placed on visiting the African American roots of jazz, how jazz reflected the cultural phases that African Americans were experiencing through out the decades of the 20th century, and the cultural and sociological impact that jazz made in the United States and even the world. Learn why jazz has been called, America's Classical Music."

Come in from the Cold

Celebrate Library Lover's Month

Come in from the Cold and celebrate Library Lover’s Month with your favorite book! Enjoy a hot beverage and cookie on February 14-15, from 9:30-1:30 at the Pearl Public Library.

Donations will be accepted by the Friends of the Pearl Library. This event was made possible by the following businesses: Community Coffee, Sam's Club of Pearl, McAlister's Deli of Pearl, That Special Touch, Wal-Mart of Pearl/Brandon, Kroger of Pearl.

1040 Instruction booklets for 2010

Mendenhall Library has received 1040 Instruction booklets for 2010.  Thank you, patrons for your patience.

Preventing Teen and Senior Adult Suicide

Suicide is the second leading cause of death of those aged 14-25. Each year, 5,000 teens commit suicide; another 8% attempt suicide and an additional 27% consider taking their lives. Senior Adults over the age of 65 have the highest rate of suicide; there is 1 adult senior suicide committed every 90 minutes. Join us on:

Saturday, February 19th, 10:00am - 11:00am

G. Chastaine Flynt Memorial Library, Flowood

to learn how you can prevent your loved one from taking steps to end their life. This program is FREE and anyone can attend. Sponsored by Mississippi State Hospital.

Federal Student Aid

The Mendenhall Library has received "Federal Student Aid at a Glance 2011-12" and "FAFSA on the Web Worksheet" 2011-2112 for those patrons who have been asking for them.

Celebrate Black History Month at the Flowood Library

The Flowood Library has some great events lined up for Black History Month! On Saturday, February 5th at 1:00pm, local African American author Bernice Rayford will be discussing her latest book, "Betty Bushy: She Will Make You Laugh." This is Ms. Rayford's 7th novel. Ms. Rayford was named the Person of the Day by the Jackson Free Press on January 25, 2011.

The library is also proud to announce that Jazz musician Shenole Latimer will be performing at the library on Monday, February 14th at 7:00pm! Shenole will be presenting "Our Music, Our Culture," a multimedia presentation fusing a lecture with live performances.

"The history of jazz is reviewed from the early 1900's to today. Many jazz artists and their struggles are explored,including Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, and John Coltrane. An emphasis is placed on visiting the African American roots of jazz, how jazz reflected

the cultural phases that African Americans were experiencing through out the decades of the 20th century, and the cultural and sociological impact that jazz made in the United States and even the world. Learn why jazz has been called, "America's Classical Music."

Finally, local artist Jeffrey Yentz will be displaying his artwork in Flowood's art gallery starting Saturday, February 5th. Yentz focuses on the African American experience in Mississippi, with a concentration on the blues scene. The Flowood Library will be exhibiting Yentz' work during February for Black History Month. Yentz was recently interviewed by the Jackson Free Press http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/index.php/print_view/41834

Earl Hooker, Blues Guitarist

by Jeffrey Yentz

All events are free so come out and celebrate Black History Month at the Flowood Library!

Vision Screenings at the Flowood Library

The Flowood Library will be sponsoring vision screenings provided by the Lion’s Club of Flowood and Wal-Mart. The screenings will take place on Thursday. January 27^th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. This event is FREE to the public.

The Lion’s Club International is one of the largest service organizations in the world; 170 groups are located throughout the state of Mississippi. The Lion’s Club State Office is located in Flowood and is “responsible for administration of the needs of the Lions Clubs of Mississippi and their many statewide and community projects.” Although the Lion’s Club is active in many areas of charity, it is most identified with the promotion of healthy vision and hearing.

Come to the Flowood Library on January 27^th and have your vision checked by the Lion’s Club. Refreshments will be served.

Chapter One Book Club @ Pearl

Come join us at the Pearl Public Library on February 3 at 6:30 for Chapter One Book Club. This month's selection is the New York Times bestseller The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. This charming epistolary novel takes a look at life in England during and after World War II, especially on the English Channel Islands.

Everyone is welcome, and a copy or two might be still available for checkout at Pearl if you hurry! Don't miss out on what is sure to be a great discussion on this gem of a book.

Click here to learn more about this book.

We hope to see you there!

Library Closing

The Flowood Library WILL be OPEN Saturday, Jan. 22. The maintenance is moving along quickly! Library hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. See you there!

Library Closing

The G. Chastaine Flynt Memorial Library in Flowood will be closed Friday, Jan. 21 and Saturday, Jan. 22 for maintenance. Materials may be returned at any of the other CMRLS Libraries.

Friends of the Mendenhall Library Raffle

The Friends of the Mendenhall Library are selling chances on a Valentine basket.  Chances are $1.00 each.

Drawing will be held Friday, February 11, 2011.

Libraries Closing for Holiday

All CMRLS Libraries will be closed Monday, January 17, in observance of the birthdays of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert E. Lee.

Libraries with Saturday hours in Rankin County are: Flowood, Pearl, Brandon, Puckett, Florence, Reservoir, and Richland. Forest Library, in Scott County is open on Saturday; Magee, Mendenhall and Harrisville Libraries in Simpson County and Taylorsville Library in Smith County. Click HERE for a map and hours of operation.

Brown Bag Lunch @ Pearl

This program will feature speaker Melanie Calvert Benton, weight loss advocate. Door prizes include samples of Truvia zero calorie sweetener, gym memberships from Fitness Lady, a manicure, and more...

Bring a brown bag lunch. Desserts and drinks are provided by the Friends of the Library.

Watercolor Classes Offered

Free watercolor classes are being offered at the Mendenhall Community Center on Tuesday, January 18 and Monday, January 31 from 10:00am-12:00 noon. Please bring your own watercolors, brushes, and paper.  All levels are welcome.

Libraries Closed Today

CMRLS Libraries will not open today, Monday, Jan. 10. The Libraries will be open regular business hours on Tuesday, Jan. 11. We regret any inconvenience this may cause. Please be careful if you must be on the roads this afternoon.

Simply Crafts!

Join us at the Pearl Library Tuesday, January 11th at 6:00 for our monthly Simply Crafts night. This month, we will be making this adorable little snowman pictured here. He'll be a great addition to the winter decorations at your home or workplace! This event is free of charge and we hope to see you there!

Snow Happy for Patrons!!!

Are guessing contests just for kids? Of course not! If you're 18 and older you can participate in our monthly contest at the Pearl Public Library.

We're "Snow" HAPPY for our patrons! How many paper snowflakes are in the library? Ask for an entry form and write down your number guess. The contest runs January 4-31. Closest guess or exact correct guess wins you a chance to win a prize to warm your spirits!

W.A.R.M. @ Pearl Library

The winter program is a fun program aimed at adult readers who can qualify for prizes/prize drawings by reaching reading targets. If you’re interested in escaping the cold winter weather with a few good books and the chance to win fun prizes, sign up at the reference desk. Read or listen to any books you choose. Join us from January 3 through February 28, 2011 for the Winter Adult Reading Moments (WARM) program at the Pearl Public Library. Pre-registration begins December 27.

Come to the library anytime starting January 3, sign up, receive a reading log, check out books and READ. If you finish 5 or more books, you will receive a treat when you turn in your reading log. Only one treat per patron. Your name will also be entered into our grand prize drawing. 5 additional entries into the grand prize drawing can be attained for every book you finish after your initial 5. The Winter Adult Reading Moments is free and open to ages 18 and up.If you have any questions about this program, please contact the library at 601-932-2562 or Kimberly Coley at rcref@cmrls.lib.ms.us.

Learn the Craft of Finger Knitting

Visit the Lake Library on Thursday, 1:30-2:30 p.m., when adults of all ages will learn the craft of "finger knitting". Yes, knitting is possible without needles and no, fingers will not be harmed! Even young ones have mastered this craft and the pictures prove they had fun learning. Join us and learn to knit with your fingers!

Image from: http://funandfancyknittingstitches.blogspot.com/2009/09/finger-knitting.html

Simply Crafts!

Join us at the Pearl Library Tuesday, December 14th at 6:00 for our Simply Crafts night. This month, we will be making Chocolate Walnut Bar mix--these pretty layered jars make great Christmas gifts! We will also be sampling the completed bars. This event is free of charge and we hope to see you there!

Meet the Author

Meet Teri Metts, author of Caribbean Paradise an Island Legacy Novel at the Mendenhall Library, Saturday December 11 from 9 am-12 noon.  She is a pastor's wife and former missionary.  Check out her Christian-based web site www.bungalowretreat.com.

Flowood Library Open House

DECEMBER 9, 2010

7:00 PM

The Flowood Library invites you to our annual Holiday Open House. Kick off the holidays with us and the Mississippi Swing Band! Sit back and enjoy the music. Library staff will provide a small buffet of finger foods, beverages, and dessert. This event is free to all Flowood residents.

For more information, please call the library at (601) 919-1911 ext 15.

We look forward to seeing you here!

Open House Celebration

The Holidays are near and Pearl Public Library wants to celebrate with you!

Join us Tuesday, December 7, 2010

5:30 to 7:00

Featuring:
Pictures with Santa, Pearl High School Chamber Singers, Refreshments, and FUN!

For more details call the library, 601-932-2562

Tackling Your Taxes

DECEMBER 7, 2010

6:00 PM

An H&R Block tax professional will be conducting a “tax talk” at the Flowood library. The representative will be discussing important information regarding new tax laws that could cost you money. H&R Block will also be answering questions in regards to: best filing status, who you can claim, unemployment, 401k distribution, earned income tax credit, and more.

If you have specific tax or financial questions, please come prepared to have them answered by a tax professional.

Holiday Mail for Heroes

It’s that time of year again! The American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes have teamed up for the fourth annual Holiday Mail for Heroes program. From now until December 9th you are invited to send holiday cards to our American service members, their families, and veterans all over the world. Anyone can send a card and you can send as many as you would like! 

The deadline for this year is December 9th.
The library will forward the cards to Pitney Bowes where they are sorted and sent to The American Red Cross. Red Cross workers deliver holiday greetings to service men and women in their communities. Unfortunately, if your cards are not dropped off to the library by December 9th they cannot be delivered.

Great American Smokeout- Flowood

The Flowood Library would like to thank the Mississippi State

Department of Health for participating in the Great American Smokeout on November 18th. Hope Ladner, Legislative Liaison for the MSDH, spoke about the Smokefree Air Mississippi Initiative. The Department of Health received a grant to launch a media campaign targeted at informing Mississippians of the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. Television spots have already begun to air on local channels. For more information on the initiative, please contact Smokefree Air Mississippi by calling 1-866-724-6115 or by visiting their website at SmokefreeAirMS.com

Brown Bag Lunch @ Pearl

The program will feature America's Grandson, Todd Derstine. Join this gifted pianist/vocalist as he pays tribute to the WWII gengeration.

Friday, November 19, from 12 Noon-1:00 P.M.

Bring a brown bag lunch. Desserts and drinks are provided by the Friends of the Library.

Flowood's Veteran's Day Program a Huge Success

The Flowood Library would like to thank the NWR Middle School 6th grade choir, choir director Jennifer Freeman, NWR HS JROTC color guard, and Command Sergeant Major Benny Hubbard for making Flowood's Veteran's Day Tribute a success! We had 170 people in attendance with the crowd overflowing into the hall. The program began with the JROTC color guard entering the meeting room followed by the choir singing the National anthem.Command Sargent Major Benny Hubbard spoke about his time in Iraq. Refreshments consisted of two types of cake, cookies, cheese, pepperoni, crackers, and drinks.

Thank Goodness for the Library!

Our libraries are THANKFUL for our patrons! Without patrons, where would libraries be? You could win a $25 gift card if you tell us why you are thankful for the library! Your name will be placed in a drawing and the winner will be contacted at the end of the month. Please only submit one entry per adult. This contest runs November 1-30. This contest is running at the Pearl Public Library but you can tell your favorite librarian at any library why you are thankful for the library!

Great American Smokeout- Flowood

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH

11:30 AM TO 12:30 PM

The Mississippi Department of Health will be sponsoring a program at the library in correlation with the Great American Smokeout. According to the American Cancer Society, “About half of all Americans who keep smoking will die because of the habit. Each year about 443,000 people in the United States die from illnesses related to tobacco use. Smoking cigarettes kills more Americans than alcohol, car accidents, suicide, AIDS, homicide, and illegal drugs combined."

Hope Ladner, Legislative Liaison for the MS. Dept. of Health will be speaking about the Smokefree Air Mississippi initiative.

This event is FREE to the public. A small luncheon, including sandwiches, drinks, and dessert will be served. RSVP is a must as seating is limited.

To reserve a seat, please contact the library at (601) 919-1911 ext. 13

Chapter One Book Club

Join us at the Pearl Library, November 4 at 6:30 P.M.for a discussion of selected titles by Mississippi author Elizabeth Spencer.

Veteran's Day Tribute at the Flowood Library

Join us on Monday, November 8th from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm to celebrate our military men and women. The North West Rankin High School JROTC color guard will open the program. The North West Rankin Middle School 6th grade choir will present a

melody of patriotic songs. Finally, Benny Hubbard, District Sargent Major for Gulf Region South, US. Army Corps of Engineers , will speak about his tour of duty in Iraq.

Light refreshments will be served. This event is free to the public. You do not need a library card in order to attend. For more information, call the Flowood Library at (601) 919-1911.

Brown Bag Lunch @ Pearl

Join us for Brown Bag!

The program will feature local author John M. Floyd who will discuss his latest book Clockwork.

Friday, October 22, from 12 Noon-1:00 P.M.

Bring a brown bag lunch. Desserts and drinks are provided by the Friends of the Library.

Scott County Sports Stars to Visit

Scott County Sports Stars from the NFL and NBA, and others, will be at the Forest Public Library on Wednesday, October 27, from 4:30 until 6:30 p.m. The Forest Public Library, having just moved into a new building in August is welcoming these Stars home for a visit to see the new Library!

Scott County Sports Stars scheduled to be in attendance are Marlo Perry, formerly of the Buffalo Bills; Todd Pinkston, formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles; Deuce McAllister, formerly of the New Orleans Saints; Rashard Anderson, formerly of the Carolina Panthers; and Willie Richardson, also a Mississippian, formerly of the Baltimore Colts.

The group will be bringing pictures, pencils, and balls to give away. They will be autographing these items or personal sports mementos for the public. All sports fans and Scott Countians will enjoy this afternoon of hometown appreciation. For more information, call the Forest Public Library at 601-469-1481.

Susan Weimer at the Flowood Library

Local artist, Susan Weimer, was discussing her art at the Flowood Library on October 14th. Ms. Weimer is currently displaying her artwork in Flowood's exhibit hallway. Susan brought her easel and chalks and sketched a portrait of patron Alean M. Adams (photo: right). Ms. Weimer sketches and colors with chalk and uses water to blend colors on her work space.

The conversation was lively. Ms. Weimer has an enjoyable personality with a great sense of humor. She served in the United States Navy during

World War II. Susan was too young to enlist on her own so she obtained her parent's signed approval. She was stationed at Jacks Air Base in Florida and served as a gunnery instructor.

Ms. Weimer (photo: left) went on to complete her Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts at Wooster College and Ohio University. She then received her Master's degree from Western Reserve University. Susan was offered an assistant professorship at Edinboro State

University where she then taught art. When Ms. Weimer retired, she returned to Mississippi's Gulf Coast where she purchased a small cottage. After Hurrican Katrina devastated the region, Ms. Weimer relocated to Rankin County where she is currently residing (photo: right: Dale Rose, Susan Wiemer, Alean M. Adams discuss art techniques).

Ms. Weimer will be visiting the Flowood library again on Thursday, October 28th at 12:00 pm for an informal "Meet the Artist" session. Light refreshments will be served (photo: left: Ms. Libbie Benson).

Children's Learning Garden Dedicated at Pearl Library

One of the coolest things anyone can do is make a difference. The Pearl Library now has a Children's Learning Garden, which was dedicated on October 6, 2010, complete with a watermelon cutting.

U.S. Congressman Gregg Harper, Mayor Brad Rogers, along with others from the community, were present to cut a watermelon that was grown in the garden.

"Betty Newman, President of the Spring Lake Garden Club, is the lead gardener. Newman attended master gardener training in the spring of 2010 and began looking for a project to put her skills to work on. The Pearl Urban Forestry Board was looking for an opportunity to implement a program for children to learn about nature through hands-own experiences. The two were a perfect fit.

Children can view the garden from inside the library or take a short walk to the back of the building and explore first hand the plants, rocks, soil, butterflies, bees and other wildlife habitat. In addition, a children’s gardening program is hosted by the Spring Lake Garden Club at 4:00 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month. Children of all ages are invited.

Over 50 types of plants are on display in the learning garden including annual and perennial flowers, vegetables, herbs, shrubs and tree seedlings. The goal is to teach children about gardening through the seasons and to give them the opportunity to explore nature first hand. The garden was funded through an urban and community forestry grant from the Mississippi Forestry Commission and donations from Keep Pearl Beautiful and the Rankin County Master Gardeners."

Photo and Article Credit: Darlene Slater

Box Tops for Education

The Mendenhall Junior High PTO is collecting Box Tops for Education.  The school gets 10 cents for each box top turned in.  You may turn in your Box Tops at Mendenhall Junior High or the Mendenhall Public Library.

Mendenhall Friends of the Library Raffle

The Mendenhall Friends of the Library are selling chances on a gift basket of "Rizzoli and Isles" items.  "Rizzoli and Isles" is a new television series on TNT.  Items included in the basket are a T-shirt, puzzle, tea cup and saucer, and a book.  Chances are $1.00 each.  Drawing TBA.

Book Giveaway

The Mendenhall Junior High Library, in conjunction with the Mendenhall Public Library had a book giveaway.
The library still has books to give away.  The books are a discontinued Scott Foresman reading series.  The library has sets of 5th, 6th, and 8th grade readers.  The library also also has some other junior high level books available.

Interest in Writing?

Are you interested in writing? There are several opportunities during the month in CMRLS Libraries to help you follow your interest, whether it is a group to discuss critiquing and publishing or meeting a published author.

Beginning today:

• 10/7, 5:00 p.m., Raleigh Library - Author John Floyd discusses and signs newest book, Clockwork
• 10/7, 5:30 p.m., Pearl Library - Author Renee Allen McCoy, new book Kiss of Judas
• 10/8, 12:00 noon, Flowood Library - Southern Writers Group meets
• 10/8, 1:30 p.m., Flowood Library - Red Dog Writers Workshop
• 10/9, 9:00 a.m., Flowood Library - Poets Anonymous meets
• 10/11, 6:00 p.m., Richland Library - Richland Writers meets
• 10/16, 10:00 a.m., Flowood Library - Magnolia State Romance Writers meets
• 10/16, 1:00 p.m., Flowood Library - Author John Floyd discusses and signs newest book, Clockwork
• 10/22, 12:00 noon, Pearl Library - Author John Floyd discusses and signs newest book, Clockwork
• 10/28, 6:30 p.m., Flowood Library - Southern Writers Group meets

Ask at your local Library about these and other programs.

Brown Bag Lunch @ Pearl

Join us for Brown Bag!

The program will feature local master gardeners who will discuss container gardening.

Friday, September 24, from 12 Noon-1:00 P.M.

Bring a brown bag lunch. Desserts and drinks are provided by the Friends of the Library.

Southern Living Christmas 2010

Are you thinking about the holiday season? The new Southern Living Christmas 2010 has arrived in the libraries and is full of inspiration for decorations, gifts and food. Check it out along with back issues into the 1980's.

Chapter One Book Club

Join us at the Pearl Library, October 7 at 6:30 P.M.
for a discussion of The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

Special Guests will include two extras from the movie adaptation.

Long Lost by Harlen Coben

Patron Book Review:

"Harlan Coben is a prolific suspense writer. This novel doesn’t disappoint. It grabs your attention immediately and is a page turner until the very end. The characters are familiar from his Myron Bolitor series of books. Nevertheless, he does a great job of building their personalities so that this book is a stand alone if you’ve never read his others. The mystery is not unraveled until the end and I doubt that many are able to project the ending until they actually read it." Click here to see if it's available!

It's in the bag!

Are you in need of a way to transport your books to and from the Library? Would you like to support children's programming such as Summer Reading at your Library? Now, you can do both!

Your support is literally "in the bag!" Purchase the bag pictured - or any item - and the profits go toward helping your Library with children's programming.  Libraries offer everyone a lifetime of reading and knowledge; a gift to be treasured by all ages. You are sure to receive compliments on this unique tote as you proudly display your support of your Library and the children of your community!

You may also support your Library by joining your local Friends of the Library chapter. Contact staff at your Library for more information.

Be MORE than a patron, be a FRIEND and supporter of your Library!

Author Luther Knight Will Sign Copies of His Latest Book

Visit the Brandon Public Library this Thursday at Noon for this program, and find out what great author will be next!

Libraries to Close Sept. 6

ALL Central Mississippi Regional Library System Libraries will be CLOSED Monday, September 6, in recognition of Labor Day.

Your Library has resources to help you plan a great family Labor Day weekend. Look for a new potato salad or barbeque recipe, check out music, DVDs, videos, and video games to keep the kids (young and old) entertained, and look for outdoor games to play with the family or the whole neighborhood!

CMRLS wishes you a happy and safe Labor Day. Branches will open with normal hours Tuesday, September 7.