CHAPTER 1: SKYPE SUCCESS!

The Pearl Library's Chapter 1 Book Club's live author's visit was  a huge success and everyone had a fabulous time said Cecelia, the book club's leader.

The Skype visit took place on Thurs. Feb. 13. "It is so exciting to be able to visit live with a best-selling author," said Cecelia speaking of author Becky Aikman.  "Becky lives in New York but called us from Los Angeles where she was for a book signing."

Aikman must have been great, and really down to earth because Cecelia said, "I could hang out with her! Becky was friendly, funny, entertaining and very generous with her time. She updated us on 'The Blossoms' as the five, young widows dubbed themselves. They are still friends.  They keep in contact with one another and get together periodically."

Here's what Saturday Night Widows is about:  Journalist and former Newsday reporter, Aikman lost her husband to cancer when she was in her forties. Sad and lonely she tried a support group. All she felt was more sad, and that was not working for her. She knew she had to get busy reinventing herself.  

Aikman researched what had been written about dealing with loss. Later, she remarried, but the traumatic loss was still present so Aikman found herself putting the valuable research to work.  

By asking around, Aikman was able to form her own group of young widows. Remarried for four years by the group's first meeting, Aikman also had new challenges to tackle. As if grief issues weren't enough, she now had to deal with a "new life, new career,  new husband, new stepdaughter, new home and new dog," as she put it. 

Her mission was to balance a new life with memories from the past.  Not an easy feat, but with five new friends, a lot of laughter and a few tears, Aikman made it work!

A Skype visit takes a book club meeting to another level said Cecelia. "If you or someone you know is in a book club, a Skype visit with an author makes a very unique program," she said. "Many authors, especially new ones, will work with you on speaking to your group."

The Pearl Chapter 1 Book Club meets every 2^nd Thursday from 6:00 – 7:00 P.M.  All are welcome to attend. If you would like to read along with the group, inquire at the Pearl Library for the current month’s selection at 601-932-2562 or on our website at www.cmrls.lib.ms.us.

SWEET AND HOT LIBRARY LOVE IN PEARL!

Photos by Pearl's circulation supervisor, Sara Smith

The Pearl Public Library's sixth annual Come in from the Cold with a Good Book was a tremendous success with upward of 1,200 patrons participating during the three-day event to support the Friends of the Pearl Library!

We heard "I love my library" over and over and over again as patrons happily enjoyed tons of free Community Coffee ( PECAN PRALINE ROCKS!), donuts and cookies Wed. Feb. 12 thru Fri. Feb. 14, that special love day!!!! Many patrons donated money to the Friends and/or expressed interest in becoming a Friends member. Some took an application to go while a couple of them signed up on the spot and paid their membership! YAY!!!

A big LOVIN' thanks to local business donors, Community Coffee, Dunkin' Donuts, That Special Touch, The Donut Factory, Western Sizzlin', Sam's and Wal-Mar for helping make this Library Lovers' Month celebration possible! 

And, thanks to the Friends of the Library for lending the library staff a helping hand.

Last but not least, thanks to our AWESOME patrons for making it so much fun!

HAPPY LIBRARY LOVERS' MONTH!

Library Lovers' Month is in full swing and the Pearl Public Library is gearing up for its sixth annual Come in From the Cold With a Good Book! 

The event, sponsored by area businesses, in support of the Friends of the Pearl Library, starts tomorrow Wed. Feb. 12 and runs through Valentine's Day, Fri. Feb. 14!

Free donuts, cookies and coffee, made possible by Community Coffee, Dunkin' Donuts, The Donut Factory, That Special Touch, Sam's Club, Wal-Mart and Western Sizzlin', will be provided for all patrons visiting the library from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday.

You don't want to miss this LOVELY event! The library welcomes all to come enjoy something sweet and a hot beverage, meet library staff and learn about the Friends of the Library. Who knows, you might even want to join and become a Friends member yourself!  Donations to the Friends will be sweetly and warmly welcome!

Oh, by the way, just a reminder that the library's adult winter program, Snuggle Up and Read!,  is going on right now and will run clear through Library Lover's Month, ending Feb. 28.  The person who reads the most, wins this pictured basket full of amazing prizes!

Saturday Night Widows Available At The Pearl Library!

Yes, another blog about the Chapter 1 Book Club's big night coming up Thurs. Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Pearl Public Library. 

 Just in today, 10 copies of Saturday Night Widows are now available at the Pearl Library's circulation desk! Don't wait too late to come check one out! You don't want to miss this!
 
 Cecelia has arranged a Skype (visual using webcam) visit with Saturday Night Widows author, Becky Aikman.  WOOOO HOOO! Go, Cecelia!

Journalist and former Newsday reporter, Aikman lost her husband to cancer when she was in her forties. Sad and lonely she tried a support group. All she felt was more sad, and that was not working for her. She knew she had to get busy reinventing herself.  

Aikman researched what had been written about dealing with loss. Later, she remarried, but the traumatic loss was still present so Aikman found herself putting the valuable research to work.  

By asking around, Aikman was able to form her own group of young widows. Remarried for four years by the group's first meeting, Aikman also had new challenges to tackle. As if grief issues weren't enough, she now had to deal with a "new life, new career,  new husband, new stepdaughter, new home and new dog," as she put it. 

Her mission was to balance a new life with memories from the past.  Not an easy feat, but with five new friends, a lot of laughter and a few tears, Aikman made it work!

Can you believe that you get an opportunity to meet and chat with this wonderful author via Skype?! Amazing!

The Chapter 1 Book Club will meet Thurs. Feb. 13 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. No registration is required, and you do not have to commit to joining the group. Just come on by and hear a very interesting story LIVE!

The Pearl Library Creatively Features Mississippi's Magnetism!

The Love Mississippi magnet, sporting a sweet, red heart, lies beside the Shrinky Dinks bag.

If you have a real heart for our beloved state, and love crafts, you absolutely must come be a part of the Pearl Public Library's  Feb. 11, 6 p.m. Simply Crafts.

On tap is SHRINKY DINK crafting!

Eleanor says "Shinky Dinks aren't just for kids anymore! This month we'll create a Love Mississippi magnet using Shrinky Dink plastic. We'll outline and paint the state of Mississippi."

If you are already getting nervous just thinking that you might have to  freehand draw the shape, "Don't fret. We'll trace it," said Eleanor. "We'll add a heart detail near our hometown location. It's so fun to watch the plastic shrink and curl in the oven!"

That does sound like a ton of fun!  Don't miss it. No registration is required and all supplies are furnished. We will definitely see you here!

That takes care of the evening session of February's double header Simply Crafts. 

Shirley is raring to go with her second RAGS TO RUGS, a repeat of January's craft session, at 10:30 a.m. Tues. Feb. 11.  

 Fabric Woven Rug

"It takes a lot of fabric to make a rug," said Shirley.  So, please remember to bring in any old t-shirts you might have lying around.    Folks have been dropping off fabric in the donation bin next to the library's circulation desk. It's greatly appreciated. Keep it coming!

No registration is required, but would be helpful. The first three folks who register will get a small prize.  You can contact the reference desk to register or get more information.

Come on. Join us! Let's cut...uh...weave a rug together!!!

 

Pearl's Chapter 1 Book Club Hosts Live, Visual Talk With Author!

Author Becky Aikman and her Saturday Night Widows Group

Cecelia, leader of the Pearl Library's Chapter 1 Book Club, has arranged a Skype (visual using webcam) visit with Saturday Night Widows author, Becky Aikman. You don't want to miss it!

Journalist and former Newsday reporter, Aikman lost her husband to cancer when she was in her forties. Sad and lonely she tried a support group. All she felt was more sad, and that was not working for her. She knew she had to get busy reinventing herself.  

Aikman researched what had been written about dealing with loss. Later, she remarried, but the traumatic loss was still present so Aikman found herself putting the valuable research to work.  

By asking around, Aikman was able to form her own group of young widows. Remarried for four years by the group's first meeting, Aikman also had new challenges to tackle. As if grief issues weren't enough, she now had to deal with a "new life, new career,  new husband, new stepdaughter, new home and new dog," as she put it. 

Her mission was to balance a new life with memories from the past.  Not an easy feat, but with five new friends, a lot of laughter and a few tears, Aikman made it work!

Can you believe that you get an opportunity to meet and chat with this wonderful author via Skype?! Amazing!

The Chapter 1 Book Club will meet Thurs. Feb. 13 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. No registration is required, and you do not have to commit to joining the group. Just come on by and hear a very interesting story LIVE!

Mmmmm! That's Some Sweet, Sweet Lovin' ...Pearl Library Style!

February is Library Lovers' Month, and the Pearl Public Library is gearing up to do it again! You know what I'm talking about! It's a huge patron favorite!

The sixth annual Come in From the Cold With a Good Book, co-sponsored by the Friends of the Pearl Library, is back! It's a time when delicious treats abound putting smiles on so many faces! It's a PARTY! The event just wouldn't be the same without lip smackin' cookies, donuts and hot, smooth Community Coffee! OOOOH-YEAH!

You really don't want to miss it!  Come In From the Cold With a Good Book starts Wed., Feb. 12 and runs through sweetheart day Fri., Feb. 14. Hey, don't have plans for your special Valentine? Then this is perfect for you! Your sweetie will love you for it!

Patrons enter from the foyer of the library to a table full of yummy treats and comforting Community Coffee! You'll be met with warm smiles and learn about the Friends of the Library, the group that supports the library in so many ways! You might even like to join!

The event times are 10 a.m to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday - Valentine's Day!

The Pearl Library couldn't do it without generous donations from area businesses that love their library! That Special Touch, Community Coffee, The Donut Factory, Dunkin' Donuts, Walmart, Sam's and Western Sizzlin' are furnishing all the treats we need for the three-day celebration!  Sweet, sweet lovin'! You know that's what it is!

It's all free, but donations to the Friends of the Pearl Library are kindly and sweetly welcome!

There's no doubting it. The Pearl Library LOVES its patrons!!!
             ------------------------------------------
Oh, by the way, just a reminder that the library's adult winter program, Snuggle Up and Read!,  is going on right now and will run clear through Library Lover's Month, ending Feb. 28.  The person who reads the most, wins this pictured basket full of amazing prizes!

THE CRAFT THAT KEPT ON GIVING!

SIMPLY CRAFTS ARTISTS SHOWING OFF THEIR WORK!

WOW! Eleanor and her Simply Crafts group, at the Pearl Public Library, sure had a reeeeeeeeally good time making DENIM GIVING TREES!  Just look at the smiles on those wonderful faces! And, check out the diverse tree designs below!
She sure hit a home run with this fantastic craft idea! You go, El!!!!!!

SIMPLY CRAFTS DENIM GIVING TREES

The DENIM GIVING TREE was the night-time (6 p.m)  featured craft of the Pearl Library's first ever, double header Simply Crafts day Tues. Jan. 14.

Shirley headed up the morning's RAGS TO RUGS craft (10:30 a.m.) and said it was a lot of fun too. She plans to repeat this craft for February and March's Simply Crafts double headers! It takes mega cloth to make a rug so don't forget to bring those ol' t-shirts!  

Just a reminder, for those of you who might be frequenting the library for various reasons, the library is accepting cloth donations.  A plastic bin is located near the circulation desk! 

Hey, uh...just between me and you, the buzz is that folks are discovering they can keep on top of craft news - RIGHT HERE! - and plan to keep coming back!  
  

SO, stay tuned - RIGHT HERE! - and find out what's Eleanor's next, nocturnal double       header installment of  Simply Crafts coming Tues.  Feb. 11! You know it's going to be   reeeeeeeeeeeeally good!!

 COME ON AND JOIN IN THE FUN! WE'LL SEE YA HERE!

Exquisite Hand Carved Wood Art Exhibit At The Pearl Library!

The Pearl Public Library is showcasing, Expressions in Wood, now through the month of February - in honor of Black History Month - the magnificent woodcarving art of Oklahoma native, George Berry, Sr. 

A hand carved dolphin, hippo, turtle, bison, pig and wolf are only a few that are among the breathtaking, wooden animals that grace the library's foyer. Waterfowl, eagles, owls and horses are onsite to admire as well. Hand carved lapel pins in the likeness of a hummingbird, butterfly and several leave pins are also in the exhibit.

George Berry, Sr.
Image courtesy of Cwilkins

Berry, now a resident of Pearl, moved to Mississippi in 1972 to teach industrial arts at the Piney Woods Country Life School where he retired in 1985. He's been carving wood since he was 6-years-old which means he has been creating art almost all his life. 

Berry shows a great appreciation of the beauty of wildlife through fine, delicate detail. His work is so impressively done, it's quite hard to believe it's actually hand carved. It seems almost impossible and truly demonstrates Berry's genius.

For those who love outdoor sports, hunting dogs and catfish are Berry's homage to Mississippi culture. 

An honoree of the Mississippi Arts Commission, Berry received the Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts for Artistic Achievement in 2001. Berry's wood carved sculptures are exhibited in numerous places in Jackson and Oklahoma and other private residences and offices throughout the U.S.

Berry is a charter member and Fellow of the Craftsmen's Guild of Mississippi and is on the Guild's Board of Directors.

You really do not want to miss a great opportunity to see the Expressions in Wood exhibit! The Pearl Library invites everyone to come by. If it's your first time to visit the library, take a look around and see everything your library has to offer! 

We sure hope to see you here!


 

WIN THIS HUGE, AWESOME GIFT BASKET!

It's easy to win this fantastic gift basket designed by the Pearl Public Library's own Eleanor, reference supervisor and coordinator of adult programming!

The basket is yours if you read the most books by Feb. 28. 

The adult winter reading event is called Snuggle Up and Read, and is well underway. Library patrons are getting supercharged when they see this beautiful grand prize perched upon the reference department's work island. Uh-huuuuuh. It's like Christmas morning! Hey, even simply hearing about the grand prize starts patrons grabbing for books!

Here's how Snuggle Up and Read works.  You read five (5) books, turn in a reading log and get a small prize for your first reading log only. Turn in as many logs as you wish. All logs are counted. The person who reads the most wins the grand prize, a gorgeous basket loaded with goodies!

Don't wait to get in on this fun activity. Do it now! You just might win!

HAPPY SNUGGLY READING!

SIMPLY CRAFTS X TWO!

It's just a few days away. The Pearl Public Library's double dose of Simply Crafts, Tues. Jan. 14 is just right around the corner.

The regularly scheduled Simply Crafts program will be held at its normal time at 6 p.m.
Eleanor Jones, reference department supervisor and coordinator of adult programming, is the the nocturnal, craft leader. She will feature the DENIM GIVING TREE!  No registration is required and you don't have to bring your own supplies for this craft. However, denim donations are being accepted now.

The new addition to Simply Crafts is the morning session where you will need to register. Hey, you want to register for this fast to try and win a prize! Yes, you read that right!

The first five (5) folks to register get a free prize! Shirley Dennis, the library's branch manager, is the event leader and will be presenting RAGS TO RUGS! The program is Tues. Jan. 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 - Noon. You can contact the reference department to register. Please bring your own supplies, old t-shirts, needle, thread and scissors, and get ready to cut a rug!!!!
 (The RAGS TO RUGS craft will be repeated Tues. Feb. 11 and Tues. March 11!)

Don't miss out! We really want to see you there!

NOTE: The library is presently accepting cloth donations. A plastic bin has been placed near the circulation desk for your convenience!

Chapter 1 Book Club reaches for "Air"!

You don't want to miss this! Cecelia and her group, at the Pearl Library, are reading a great Mississippi author's work for January's Chapter 1 Book Club meeting.

Deborah Johnson's (a.k.a Deborah Johns) The Air Between US is the book of the month.

The Air Between Us takes place in segregated Revere where, like in most Mississippi towns, back in the 1960s, black people live on one side of the town, the whites on the other. They rarely mix, but then how does 10-year-old, Willie B. Tate, Jr. known as Critter, who is black and so short he can barely see over the dashboard, end up driving white, Billy Ray Puckett- wounded in a suspicious hunting accident - to a whites-only emergency room? 

The doc assures 'ol Billy Ray he'll be fine, but the good 'ol boy dies. Well, that's how hunting accidents end sometime. Right? Right!  That is until the sheriff orders an investigation. And the stuff that is unearthed!!!! Come to find out, those lines between the blacks and the whites in Revere, when you look a little deeper, aren't all that defined after all. Connections are revealed... hmmmmm.....

In The Air Between Us readers are kept guessing up to the very end!

You absolutely must read this book, and come to the Chapter 1 Book Club meeting on Thurs. Jan. 9 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. You don't have to reserve a spot, and you don't have to join the club, but do come by. We'll see you then. 

Deborah Johnson is a native of Columbus and has written several books with her next novel, The Secret of Magic, slated to be released  Jan 21, 2014. She is the editor for Genesis Press in Columbus, Mississippi and Executive Director of the Colom Foundation. Before moving to Columbus, she lived for eighteen years in Italy where she, for a time, worked as an announcer for the Vatican Radio in Rome. She has written several books and received an award from the Mississippi Library Association  for her novel The Air Between Us.  

GET YOUR SNUGGLE ON AT THE PEARL LIBRARY

Brrrr!....Baby, it's cold outside (I feel a song....) which makes snuggling up with a good book a stellar idea! In fact, it's a fantabulous idea for a reading program! Heeeeeyyyy! Whaddaya know! That's exactly what's happening at the Pearl Public Library starting Thurs. Jan. 2 and running through February 28.

Snuggle Up and Read is the name and reading to win prizes is the game. It's simple. You read five (5) books, turn in a reading log and get a small prize for your first reading log only. And, guess what?! You can turn in as many reading logs as you would like!  Jumpin' fireplace flames! That means you can read to your heart's content!

The person who reads the most books wins the GRAND PRIZE!!!!!

Just stop by the reference or circulation desk and pick up your reading logs.

So, SNUGGLE UP and get ready to READ!

A CRAFT DOUBLE TAKE AT THE PEARL LIBRARY!

OH, BOY! Coming soon to the Pearl Public Library.  It's a double dose of Simply Crafts, the all adult - that means you too MEN - craft event! Hey, what better way to relax and unwind! It's therapeutic I tell ya!

As you know, Simply Crafts is held on the second Tuesday of the month. That will not change. You'll just get more on the same day! 

Shirley Dennis, the library's branch manager, will introduce this additional, new craft time slot with RAGS TO RUGS! on Tues. Jan. 14. from 10:30 a.m to 12 -Noon. Unlike the night Simply Crafts, you must register for this craft session by contacting the reference department. The first five (5) people to register gets a free gift! Bring your own supplies (old t-shirts, needle, thread and scissors). 

Shirley will also offer this creative RAGS TO RUGS craft on Tues. Feb. 11 and Tues. Mar. 11. Who knew such creative rugs could be made from rags?!?!?

If you don't wish to or can't come to January's Simply Crafts, but you have some cloth to donate, we'll take it! If you would like to donate old t-shirts or denim, there will be a big, plastic bin in place right near the circulation department at the main entrance of the library starting Thurs. Jan. 2.

Oh, what's the denim for?

That brings us to take two of Simply Crafts. This is the regularly scheduled evening craft which starts a 6 p.m. Eleanor Jones, reference supervisor will feature the DENIM GIVING TREE. No registration is needed and materials are supplied.

You don't want to miss these creative crafty events! We'll see you there!

THE PEARL LIBRARY LOOKING TO SCORE MAJOR POINTS!

Have you ever noticed that little code inside your Coca-Cola bottle cap? Or maybe you have seen a similar code on the pull tab of a 12-pack of Coke? Did you know that these codes can be logged into a MyCokeRewards account to net different fun items such as magazines. Oh, yes. It's so true!

The Pearl Public Library just loooooooves magazines, and maintains an impressive inventory that includes reading favorites from American Spirit and Audubon to Oprah Magazine, Sports Illustrated and Psychology Today and many more for patrons to enjoy!  Now, that's just the adult magazine section. The Pearl Library also houses a host of entertaining children and teen magazines that are widely read.

Here's the great news! To pump up the existing magazine collection even more, Eleanor, the library's reference supervisor and Ally, the children's supervisor are both collecting these little Coke gems for additional fantastic, magazine subscriptions to benefit all age groups! 

So, if you aren't doing anything special with that bottle cap that is worth three (3) points or that pull tab that's worth ten (10) points, bring them on in to the library where Eleanor and Ally's points are adding up!

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!

PEARL LIBRARY BOOK/RUMMAGE SALE; A WONDERFUL SUCCESS!

A great big Pearl Public Library THANK YOU to everyone who helped with the Dec. 7 rummage and book sale by donating and/or buying items. Even with all the Christmas events in town, Eleanor (bicycle whisperer) said a lot of folks still came by and rummaged and rummaged and rummaged some more! All proceeds went to the Friends of the Pearl Library! Anything that didn't sell was donated to Goodwill and Gateway Rescue Mission.

So, with hot chocolate aplenty and bargains galore,  all the library shoppers were were in want no more! 

THE END.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND MERRY CHRISTMAS 

   TO ALL! 

Simply reverent! Simply beautiful! Simply made! Simply Crafts at the Pearl Library!

    Can you believe it? How many times have you walked over pine needles in your yard? How many of those prickly things have you raked up time after time? Whoever would have thought that something so beautiful could come from something so simply ordinary?  
     Respectfully, all religions have their icons and symbols. For Christians, the Cross has got to be among the top revered and loved. 
     What a great holiday gift to yourself or a loved one.  All you need is the desire to have it and the motivation to make one with a little help from the Pearl Public Library!  This earthly cross is the featured craft for December's Simply Crafts Tues. Dec 10 at 6 p.m. Please come and join Eleanor as she demonstrates how to make this magnificent, beautiful symbol of all things good and all things love!
     No registration or materials required! Just bring yourself!

OMG! WHAT'S HAPPENING TO OUR KITCHEN?!

        It's a rummage holding area! That's what the Pearl Library's kitchen is serving as.  That's just for starters! As more offerings come in for that awesome rummage and book sale happening in just five days, Sat. Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, at the Pearl Public Library, more library areas will surely become wonderfully stockpiled!
     You DO NOT WANT to miss this bargained-filled action just in time for the holidays! The event is sponsored by the Pearl Library and Friends of the Pearl Library. The library is accepting public donations! No commercial items such as refrigerators  and no adult clothes please. Baby clothes will be fine. So, if you have anything to do donate BRING IT ON IN! 

      Oh, how much fun this is going to be! We sure hope to see you at this great, big sale! All proceeds will go to benefit the Friends of the Pearl Library.
      By the way, the library's reference supervisor, Eleanor is still hard at it.  She's already grabbed a perfectly usable bike from a neighbor's curbside discards. I hear another neighbor found out about Eleanor's ambitious rummage collection campaign and has offered up... what is this!!! ANOTHER BIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This Pearl staffer is rockin' and rollin', y'all!!!!!!!!!!!

It's Ladies' Night and the reading is right at the Pearl Library!

That title! It's soooooo Kool & The Gang, right! Oh, yes, it's ladies' night and the feeling's right! Oh, yes it's ladies' night...Oh what a night....OOOH WHAT A NIGHT!....
Wait a minute! Stop the singing! This is a book remember!

See, it's all about Grace Stanton's life. She has everything going on for herself, but then it all goes south after she finds out her lowdown husband is cheating on her! Poor Grace. She really doesn't handle it well at all and ends up losing everything! She's even court ordered to divorce recovery therapy. Grace moves in with mom who lives above the Sandbox, a beach bar. Not Grace's ideal life.  But, things start looking up as these divorce recovery sessions turn into "Ladies' Night" sessions and major bonds are formed. 

Want to know the rest of the story? Read the book and then join Cecelia and her Chapter 1 Book Club meeting Thur., Dec. 12 from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Pearl Public Library where they will be all up in Grace's life!  Cecelia says new members are always welcome to the book club which meets every second Thursday of the month. Copies of Mary Kay Andrews' Ladies' Night are available at the Pearl Library's circulation desk.

RUMMAGE THROUGH A GOOD BARGAIN THIS HOLIDAY SEASON AT THE PEARL PUBLIC LIBRARY

   We all know it. Saturdays and rummage sales go together like books and libraries. Throw in the holiday season and that’s one bargain-filled good time!

   The Pearl Public Library and the  Friends of the Pearl Library have combined it all for a grand rummage and book sale on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Public donations for the rummage sale are encouraged and will be accepted starting Saturday, Nov. 30. No commercial items such as refrigerators  and no adult clothes please. Baby clothes will be fine. So, if you have anything to do donate BRING IT ON IN! 

   Hey, you wanna know how diligent some Pearl staffers are being? This is OFF THE CHAIN!!! Reference supervisor, Eleanor Jones, spotted a rummage sale contender right in a neighbors garbage pile! A bicycle! She wanted her husband Jason to get it. OH, BUT NO, was pretty much what Jason said OK! "Well, I guess Jason is not into dumpster diving like I am," Eleanor quipped! Eleanor said she's going to fix up that little two-wheeled, fun ride and see just how fast she can sell it!  YOU GO GIRL!

    Oh, how much fun this is going to be! We sure hope to see you at this great big sale! All proceeds will go to benefit the Friends of the Pearl Library.

   

DON'T MISS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON OPENER AT THE PEARL LIBRARY!

Want to get into the holiday spirit? Then the Pearl Public Library is the place for the whole family to come and get the joyful mood in motion! The library's annual Holiday Open House will be held Tues, Dec. 3 starting at 5:30 and going until 7:00 p.m. The star of the show will be the first grade choir of the Pearl Lower Elementary School at 6:00 p.m.! It's a must-see performance!  There will also be refreshments for all and crafts for the kiddies! We'll see you then!

IT IS CHRISTMAS TIME AT THE FLOWOOD LIBRARY!

Get some holiday cheer at the Flowood Public Library with these great events!

Christmas Story Time, Dec. 7th at 9:30 am & 11:30 am
Open House featuring The Bells of Faith, Dec. 12th at 6:00 pm
1st Annual Christmas Cookie Contest & Swap, Dec. 21st at 1:00 pm

The Flowood Library, part of the Central Mississippi Regional Library System, is hosting several Christmas programs that are guaranteed to delight! The library is hosting three programs this year, including its first annual Cookie Contest and Swap! 

"Christmas is such a wonderful time of the year!" Ashley Biggs, Branch Manager, said. "I'm really excited that we're able to have these great events. We can't wait!"

The program to kick off the holiday season is "Story Time and Cookies with Santa," set for December 7th at 9:30 am & 11:00 am. Ms. June, Children's Librarian, will be reading Christmas stories while kids line up to see Santa! (Parent's, bring you camera!) Tickets are FREE but are limited to "first come, first served" and will be released three weeks prior to the program.

The Friends of the Flowood Library will be hosting an Open House on December 12th at 6:00 pm. Come and join the Friends for a performance by the Bells of Faith, the hand bell choir from The Mustard Seed! All are welcome to come and socialize and learn about all the wonderful volunteer opportunities available to them through the Friends of the Flowood Library. Light refreshments will be served.

The final Christmas program is something new! The library is hosting a Cookie Contest and Swap on December 21st, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Bake your best and bring it to the library where the celebrity judge, Mr. Jim Stewart of Fat-Cake Guy, will judge! You only need two dozen cookies to participate, and prizes will be awarded! Fun for the whole family! Special thanks to the Flowood Chamber, the Flowood Young Professionals, State Farm, and others for donating milk and prizes! Registration is not required but is recommended--or just bring your entry on the day of the contest! 

For further information, contact staff by email: flowood@cmrls.lib.ms.us or phone: 601-919-1911.

Halloween FUN @ Harrisville Library

Halloween is always so much fun. You get to dress up as your favorite character from a book or a movie and you get free candy. Now that's what I call FUN!! I would love to see what you choose as your costume this year. Come to the Harrisville Public Library Costume Party. Thursday, October 31, 2013 starting @ 4:30 p.m. We will have cake and punch provided by the Friends Group. There will also be some fun games to play. Can't wait to see what you picked out for your costume.

Author Jeana Campbell Visits Florence Library

Florence Public Library:

Author Jeana Campbell will be joining us Oct. 9 To talk about and sign copies of her latest novel "The Elder". Come and enjoy coffee and light refreshments.


Wednesday. October. 9, 2013
11:00pm - 12:00pm


Discription:
It is written from the time of the dragon, one will come to light that will embrace the past and the present, bringing forth a time of peace and love within the generations of its descendants. Since the first Witch saved the dragon, who loved her greatly, and created the first generation of Gargoyle, there has never been another with greater significance until now, until the Elder. Plans are placed to have the prominent Elder murdered in order to force the Lord from leadership of the Clan of Gargoyles and Coven of humans he overrules, by the man who wishes to become Master of Clan and Coven.

Florence: Movie & Popcorn

Florence Public Library:

Come and join the Florence Library for a spooky-laugh-fest! Monster, Inc on the big screen. This is a G-rated film, by Walt Disney Picture.

Monday October 7, 2013
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

For more information contact the Florence Public Library.

Florence Public Library
115 West Main Street
Florence, MS 39073
Phone: 601-845-6032

M & Th 9:30-7:00
Tu & W 9:30-5:00
F 1:00-5:00
Sa 9:00-12:30

Upcoming Events

Harrisville Library would like to invite you to our upcoming events. We have Family Story Time on September 14, 2013 @ 10:00 a.m. We will be reading If you Give a Dog a Do-Nut? Following story time we will have crafts and refreshments. For the young adults we will have Wii Play on September 19, 2013 @ 3:30 p.m. We will be playing on the big screen. Bring a friend and have some fun. Hope to see you here at Harrisville Library.

Florence: Waffle Wednesday

Bring your Preschoolers and join us for our Preschool Story Time where we will enjoy stories, crafts, music. Then stay for a special treat FREE Waffles. That's right the Florence Waffle House Staff will be stopping by the Florence Public library and cooking up some delicious waffles, so stop on by.

Wednesday , August 28

10:00 AM

Florence - Crochet /Knitting Club

Florence - Crochet /Knitting Club

Florence Library Crochet/ knitting Club Invites You to come Join the Fun! Crocheting and knitting are fun, fairly inexpensive way to create handmade treasures. Come join us at the Florence Public Library where you can share your love of yarn with like-minded individuals in a safe environment. Bring your crochet/ Knit projects to each meeting where we will gather together and crochet/Knit as we swap patterns and discuss various day to day topics. If working on a new project and you find yourself stuck, feel free to seek the guidance of other members.

                            Sept. 12 & 26 at 5:00 PM - 6:00PM

For more information contact the Florence Public Library.

Florence Public Library
115 West Main Street
Florence, MS 39073
Phone: 601-845-6032

M and Th 9:30-7:00
Tu and W 9:30-5:00
F 1:00-5:00
Sa 9:00-12:30

Author John Floyd to Visit Florence Library

Author John Floyd to Visit Florence Library.
Wednesday,  August 14, 2013
11:00 a.m. 

Author John Floyd will be discussing his latest book Deception. The short fiction of John M. Floyd has appeared in The Strand Magazine, Woman's World, Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, and many other publications. A Derringer Award winner and former Air Force captain, John spent thirty years with IBM and now teaches writing courses in the Continuing Education department at Millsaps College. He and his wife Carolyn live in Mississippi.Refreshment will be served. 

Deception 

by John M. Floyd 

Deception is not only the name of this book, or the title of one of the tales inside. It might be said that deception is also the central theme of the hundreds of short stories John M. Floyd has written and published over the past eighteen years. Many are mysteries and some represent other genres (fantasy, Western, romance, etc.), but all of them involve trickery and suspense and Hitchcockian plot reversals. In many ways, this collection picks up where his previous book, Clockwork, left off. Here are thirty more delicious stories of mystery, intrigue, and betrayal. And although Floyd has often said he loves twist endings, the surprises here are not limited to the final pages or paragraphs: they also happen throughout the stories. If his fiction has one common denominator, it is the uncertainty built into each tale, that tingling feeling of not knowing which direction the plot is about to take. In addition to all the standalone adventures, this collection features (as did the first three books) several lighthearted mysteries starring retired schoolteacher Angela Potts and small-town sheriff Charles Chunky Jones. But whether the setting is the Deep South or deep space, the characters are touch-me real and the plots are clever and fast-moving. If you are looking for pure entertainment, these stories are for you. Prepare to be deceived . . .

FLOWOOD: Magician Dorian LeChance

Magician, Dorian LeChance, kept an audience of children spellbound at the G. Chastaine Flynt Memorial Library in Flowood, MS on June 26. This was the first appearance in Flowood for magician LeChance. He shared magic and comedy with a very enthusiastic group of kids, as you can see in the photos above. One of the charms of his entertainment presentation is audience participation. There was no lack of that. Thanks to the staff, volunteers, adults, Magician LeChance, and most of all to the children for making this such an enchanting Summer Reading Program.

Next week, On Wednesday, July 3 at 2:00pm Corey Wright will wriggle on in from the Mississippi Natural Science Museum in Jackson for our Summer Reading Program.  Corey will share with us about the skulky, slithery, scaly creatures that call Mississippi home. Slide on to the Flowood Library and join us.





FLORENCE: SRP Mulch Diggin' in the Dirt

 Which mulch is best for your needs? How much mulch should you use?  When should you use Mulch? Come join us Tuesday, July 9  at 11:00 a.m. at the Florence Library.   Angela Perret of the Rankin County Extension Service  will  answer those very questions for you.

For more information please contact the staff at the Florence Public Library.

Florence Public Library

115 West Main Street
Florence, MS 39073
Phone: 601-845-6032

M & Th 9:30-7:00
Tu & W 9:30-5:00
F 1:00-5:00
Sa 9:00-12:30