Meet Our Team - Whitley Lee (Morton Public Library)

 

Whitley Lee | Circulation Clerk | Morton Public Library

Whitley is fairly new to CMRLS! She has been working at the Morton branch for a little over two months now as the Circulation Clerk!

Here's more from Whitley:

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

I enjoy helping patrons and encouraging their passion for learning.

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

In second grade, my class read Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls. I became immersed in the story from the first page, and by the last page I felt connected to the story and characters. I learned the meaning of empathy, and it left a profound mark on my young mind.

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

We have so many great e-resources, it's too hard to choose just one. Check out all of them in our Virtual Reference Collection at cmrls.lib.ms.us.

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

In my free time, I read, cook, paint, crochet, and shop online for cat toys. In between those hobbies, I spend time with my grandparents and my extremely spoiled cat.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

I love to visit any place with museums, art galleries, historical sites, etc. I also loathe sand, so I tend to stay far away from beaches.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas is my favorite holiday because it brings my family together. I enjoy decorating with my siblings and cooking with my mother.

Meet Our Team - Brenna Renfroe (Brandon Public Library)

 

Brenna Renfroe | Reference Specialist | Brandon Public Library

Brenna has been with CMRLS for little more than a month now! 

Here's more from Brenna:

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

I love talking to patrons about books! Getting to see someone enjoy one of my favorites that I recommended makes me so happy.

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

That would be The Hobbit! My mom read it out loud to me when I was a young kid, and it sparked a love for reading books and being transported to other worlds, times, and places!

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

For students doing research, Magnolia is a great place to start looking. Find out all about it in our Virtual Reference Collection at cmrls.lib.ms.us.

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

Aside from reading, watching movies, and spending time with family and fur babies, one of my favorite things to do is listen to music. Concerts are my happy place! I also am very passionate about traveling and seeing the world. Oh, and I'm a huge Star Wars fan, so I'm always catching up on the latest releases from that galaxy far, far away.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

Exploring somewhere new.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas

Meet Our Team - Mandi Townsend (Brandon Public Library)

 

Mandi Townsend | Reference Supervisor | Brandon Public Library

Mandi has been with CMRLS for 5 months! 

Here's more from Mandi:

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

I love meeting new people and helping them to solve their problems. I also love researching new books and making sure that our library represents all of our patrons.

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

Seeing all of these Babysitters Club graphic novels has reminded me of how much I loved those books as a kid. I wanted to have my own babysitters' club. I loved all of the characters, but Claudia was my favorite. She was so spirited and unique. I love her!

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

We have so many great e-resources, it's too hard to choose just one. Check out all of them in our Virtual Reference Collection at cmrls.lib.ms.us.

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

I love to play video games. While I'm not as much of a gamer as I used to be, I like to explore new worlds through video games. I also like to macrame. It's so relaxing.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

I would love to take my husband and my son on an extended vacation to Scotland to really explore Edinburgh and Glasgow. After that, we would go to the moors and the Scottish Highlands. We would travel to some of the quaint Scottish villages and delve into some old castles (hopefully, we will see a ghost!). Finally, we would go to one of the Pebble beaches.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Halloween. I love the fall, and Halloween has such a great vibe!

Meet Our Team - Ryan Powell (G. Chastaine Flynt Memorial Library - Flowood)

 

Ryan Powell | Circulation Clerk | Flowood Public Library

Ryan has been a part of CMRLS for 3 months now! 

Here's more from Ryan:

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

I love helping patrons find books for their kids, for a school project, or summer reading. It gives me a distinct sense of pride to know I am helping patrons achieve their educational and personal reading goals.

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

I dove into the Harry Potter books as a child, particularly Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. It was like I was growing with the characters and discovering the strength and self-reliance I needed to face challenges in my own life.

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

Rocket Languages--it's a great way to learn or boost your skills in Spanish or any other language! You can find more about it at https://cmrls.lib.ms.us/digital-library/virtual-reference-collection. 

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

I enjoy writing sci-fi/speculative short fiction, playing drums, going to the gym, and watching whatever my latest Netlfix TV obsession is at the moment.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

Visiting all the film locations in New Zealand for the Lord of the Rings films.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Halloween has always held a special spooky place in my heart.

Meet Our Team - Pam Hamrick (G. Chastaine Flynt Memorial Library - Flowood)

 

Pam Hamrick | Circulation Clerk | Flowood Public Library

Pam has been a part of CMRLS for 10 years! 

Here's more from Pam:

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

I enjoy interacting with the patrons.

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

B is for Betsy by Carolyn Haywood. I read this book in the third grade along with my best friend at the time whose name was Betsy. Reading Carolyn Haywood books at that age just made me feel happy and pleased that I was enjoying reading.

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

LearningExpress Library features online tutorials, practice tests, and e-books to help patrons of all ages. It offers job search and workplace skills improvement, skill building in reading, writing, math, and basic science, career certification and licensure exam prep, college and grad school entrance test prep, GED^® test prep, and more.You can find more about it at https://cmrls.lib.ms.us/digital-library/virtual-reference-collection. 

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

I enjoy reading and spending time with my family.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

My idea of a perfect vacation is going to the beach with family and friends.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Thanksgiving is my favorite.

Meet Our Team - Stephanie Gandy (Raleigh Public Library)

 

Stephanie Gandy | Circulation Clerk | Floyd J. Robinson Memorial (Raleigh) Library

Stephanie has been with CMRLS for 7 months.  

Here's more from Stephanie:

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

I enjoy recommending books to patrons and discovering their favorite reads.

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

Not really. I have been reading since I was 3 years old. However, my favorite novel is Jane Eyre.

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

Our resources for ebooks and audiobooks are awesome! I tell all my friends about them. Check them out at cmrls.lib.ms.us.

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

I enjoy reading (of course), spending time with my family, and doing DIY projects around my home.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

A mountain lodge where everyone sits around a roaring fire reading and sipping hot chocolate.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas, because everyone is kinder around that time of year.

Meet Our Team - Jacob Pilgrim (Richland Public Library)

 

Jacob Pilgrim | Reference Clerk | Richland Public Library

Jacob has been a part of CMRLS for over 4 years! 

Here's more from Jacob:

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

I love answering interesting reference questions and talking about books with our patrons. Most of our patrons read historical romances, murder mysteries, and westerns. I mostly read fantasy, sci-fi, and historical military novels, so when a patron comes in that enjoys those types of books I get very excited!

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

As a child, my favorite was Harold and the Purple Crayon. Harry Potter got me into novels as a teenager. In college I very much loved books, so much so that I got a minor in Literature! The Epic of Gilgamesh is another favorite.

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

The e-resource I want people to know about is Auto Repair Source. I have never heard anyone mention it and it seems very useful! You can find it in our Virtual Reference collection at https://cmrls.lib.ms.us/digital-library/virtual-reference-collection/.

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

I play video games with my brother, read comic books, and collect swords and action figures.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

My perfect vacation would be an isolated cabin retreat in the mountains. I would sit on the porch and just enjoy the scenery and quietness.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas, without a doubt. My family has always made Christmas special for me. I love the winter season and the cold weather.

Meet Our Team - Paula Franklin (Pearl Public Library)

 

Paula Franklin | Circulation Clerk  | Pearl Public Library

Paula has been a part of CMRLS for 10 months! 

Here's more from Paula:

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

I enjoy being surrounded by knowledge.

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

I was appointed to be the class librarian in my first grade class. We checked out books by placing the card from each book in a pocket for each student. It was a lot of fun!

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

The Health Hometown Library in our Virtual Reference collection at https://cmrls.lib.ms.us/digital-library/virtual-reference-collection/.

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

I enjoy cooking, hiking, shopping, and volunteering.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

Relaxing on a tropical beach with an umbrella.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Thanksgiving

Meet Our Team - Samantha Dinnella (Pearl Public Library)

Samantha Dinnella | Circulation Clerk  | Pearl Public Library

Samantha has been a part of CMRLS for 3 1/2 years! 

Here's more from Samantha:

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

Even though I am a massive introvert, I do enjoy seeing and interacting with our regular patrons. I also like seeing what books are constantly being checked out. [Helps with recommendations.]

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

What got me into reading was the Magic Tree House series.
It was during the summer between my fourth and fifth grade year. My rabbit Ginger [who later passed away in late 2017] was pregnant [completely unplanned] and I was monitoring her. Anyway, I had gotten bored having nothing to do, so I picked up a book from the MTH series and started reading. I can't remember which one it was. By the end of the summer, Ginger had given birth to 5 beautiful baby bunnies [which my mom and found homes for], and I developed a love for reading.

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

Learning Express Library.
I used this during high school. Every time someone comes up to the circulation desk wanting resources for the ACT, GED, Driver's Test, etc., I direct them to our website: https://cmrls.lib.ms.us/digital-library/virtual-reference-collection/

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

Sleep and spend time with my furbabies and family.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

My bed or the beach with 20 bottles of waterproof sunscreen.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Halloween. I get to scare people without needing a reason!

Meet Our Team - Asia Ross (G. Chastaine Flynt Memorial Library - Flowood)

 

Asia Ross | Youth Services Librarian | Flowood Public Library

Asia has been a part of CMRLS for almost 6 months! 

Here's more from Asia:

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

I enjoy working with the patrons and helping them find a specific book they are looking for, and/or a new book that they would enjoy. I also enjoy putting together seasonal book displays, and pulling books that may appeal to patrons for each season.

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

My mom was reading to me before I was even born, and I started going to the library at a very young age, so reading is something that has always been ingrained into me. The Berenstein Bears and Amelia Bedelia were some of my early favorites, and as I got into my teenage years, I loved reading the Anne of Green Gables series (still a favorite of mine!), Nancy Drew, and Hardy Boys mysteries. As I entered adulthood, I've enjoyed books like Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None. Now, I'm currently into exploring different book genres and branching out into graphic novels as well.

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

Storyline Online is a wonderful e-resource for parents to use. Children can hear books being read to them by different celebrities and important figures, and if it is not possible for children to come to story time in-person, then they can still enjoy the experience at home. You can find Storyline Online at https://cmrls.lib.ms.us/digital-library/virtual-reference-collection.

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

I enjoy reading and watching favorite TV shows at home. I also like going out to events like festivals, theater productions, flea markets, and also eating out at restaurants. Every once in a while, I also do hand lettering and drawing, coloring, or watercolor painting.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

Honestly, just traveling to most places is the perfect vacation for me. I love sightseeing, going on city tours, tasting the local cuisine, and trying out new activities!

6. What is your favorite holiday?

I don't have a favorite holiday in particular, but I do enjoy Thanksgiving.

Meet Our Team - Becky Tong (Pearl Public Library)

 

Becky Tong | Reference Librarian  | Pearl Public Library

Becky has her CMRLS 9 year anniversary on June 1st! 

Here's more from Becky:

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

I enjoy helping patrons.

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

Ella Enchanted

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

GCF Global. It's free online learning. Subjects include computer basics, typing, email, internet, Microsoft Office products, Quickbooks, reading, math, personal finance, design, career planning, job searching and applying, daily skills, work life, and more. Find more about GCF here. 

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

I like to meal prep for the week.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

Window-shopping in new places.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Thanksgiving

Meet Our Team - Colby Faulkner (Brandon Public Library)

 

Colby Faulkner | Circulation Clerk | Brandon Public Library

Colby just celebrated his 1 year work anniversary with CMRLS! 

Here's more from Colby:

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

My favorite part of working here is recommending books and authors to patrons as they are checking out materials.

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

J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye was the first book I read that made me realize the inimitable power of a flawed yet sympathetic narrator. I read it when I was 16, the same age as the narrator/protagonist, and have read it once a year every year since then.

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

I think that the audio book and e-book apps we use, cloudLibrary and hoopla, are extremely helpful free resources that a lot of our patrons do not realize they can use with their library card. You can find them in our Virtual Reference Collection at cmrls.lib.ms.us.

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

I love watching TV and movies with my wife and our 2 dogs.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

To me, an ideal vacation strikes the perfect balance of exploring a new place with my wife and relaxing by reading somewhere scenic and quiet.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

I can easily say Halloween is my favorite!

When Colby went on study abroad to England, he visited the gravesite of author J.R.R. Tolkien - his proudest literary achievement.