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.