CMRLS KiDS

Chinese New Year at the Pearl Public Library

2012-02-06T15:54:00.000-08:00

We recently had our Chinese New Year Party at the Pearl Public Library. The kids enjoyed making Good Luck Goldfish and Handprint Dragons. We also read the book "The Runaway Wok", a humorous book about the Chinese New Year. Our next big event will be the Mad Hatter Tea Party on Thursday, February 16, at 4:00 pm. This event is for children 12 years and under.We will be making and decorating top hats and making a pocketwatch craft. We will also have games including Mixed Up Musical Chairs, Top Hat Toss, and Pin the Grin. Join us for crafts, games, food, and of course hats! So, remember to wear your favorite hat and don't be late for this very imporatant date!

Paw Pals at the Pearl Public Library

2012-02-06T15:46:00.001-08:00

Paw Pals is in full gear this year at the Pearl Public Library. Betty Hutchinson and Mary Jo Anderson bring their posse of dogs the first Saturday of each month at 10:30 am to the Pearl Public Library. All of their dogs are certified therapy dogs who love to hear stories. Pictured on top from left to right: Hexie, Ranger, Liesl, Bongo, and Buffy. Stop by and pick up a book to read to one of the dogs. You can improve your reading skills and visit with the dogs. Become one of our regulars like Xander and Sophia pictured above. For more information, contact Beth Hindman, Youth Services Supervisor, at 601-932-2562.

Preschool Story Time @ Raleigh

2012-01-31T12:23:00.000-08:00

Come join us in February for Preschool Story Time
at Raleigh Public Library every Tuesday morning at 11:00 a.m.
for children up to school age.
We have loads of FUN!
Stories, songs, and crafts!
For more information call 601-782-4277.
We are open Mon.-Fri. 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
See you on Tuesdays!

Crafting @ Brandon

2012-01-12T08:26:00.000-08:00

This week in Kid Corner and Creative Connection we up cycled some old cigar boxes and made them into one of a kind keepsake boxes! We have such talented patrons! Take a look at a few of their creations. We hope you can join us next week, Tuesday, January 17th at 3:30 and 5:00 when we make CD Case Notebooks and Bubble Stationery! For more information call Brandon Public Library, 601-825-2672!

Kid Corner

Creative Connection

Who doesn't love penguins?

2012-01-10T15:31:00.001-08:00

It's winter time again, and it is the perfect season to read stories about penguins. Check out these penguin books we read for story time this week at the Pearl Public Library!

Your Personal Penguin by Sandra Boynton

This is a very cute book about a hippo and a penguin. An unlikely combination? Maybe, this penguin just wants to be best pals with hippo. Read to find out all the fun things penguin wants to do with hippo.

I Like It When by Mary Murphy

This is a perfect book for bedtime! Little penguin shares his favorite things with the one he loves the most including bath time and dancing!

If You Were a Penguin by Wendell & Florence Minor

Did you know that you and a penguin are very similar? This delightful book explores all the fun activities of penguins and explores the ways in which they live.

Remember, Pearl Public Library has story time every Tuesday morning. Baby Bookworms is at 9:30 am and Preschool Story Time is at 10:30 am. Enjoy songs, stories, crafts and much more!

Free Programs at Brandon!

2012-01-09T10:45:00.000-08:00

The Children's Department at Brandon Public Library is proud to announce that we have revamped our schedule and will now offer FREE weekly programming for K-2nd grade on Tuesdays at 3:30 and 3rd-6th grade on Tuesdays @5:00. Bring your kids in for fun crafts and lessons while you peruse the shelves! Please call ahead so we can save you a spot, 601-825-2672. We can't wait to see you there!

January crafts include:
10th-Keepsake Box

17th- CD Case Notebook with Bubble Stationery

24th- Magnetic Memo Board Set

31st- Glass Painted Trinket Jar

For more information, call Brandon Public Library and ask for the Children's Department!

Story Time Party @ Taylorsville Public Library

2011-12-21T11:48:00.000-08:00

Wonderful Winter Holidays at the Taylorsville Public Library. Stories, music, crafts and a special Christmas party for the preschool Story Time Kids today.

Join us for fun each Wednesday @ 11:00 am., it's our Story Time Hour for preschoolers.

Santa Claus is coming to town!

2011-12-15T13:01:00.000-08:00

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO
THE MENDENHALL LIBRARY!!

It won't be too long now before Santa Claus makes his grand appearance for our "Beary Merry Christmas" Preschool Story Time at our Mendenhall Library, Thursday, December 22, at 10:00AM! All children under the age of 5 are invited to attend. Moms and Dads...bring your own camera for free pictures! Santa Claus will read a favorite book, The Christmas Bear and then each child will have the chance to tell Santa what they want for Christmas! Christmas goodies will be served afterwards!

Calling All Parents! Free Massages @ Brandon Public Library!

2011-12-09T07:15:00.000-08:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! With only 15 shopping days left until Christmas the holiday stress is in full swing and we've got just the thing to help! On Friday, December 16th, the Mississippi School of Therapeutic Massage will be at Brandon Public Library from 11-3 giving free, fifteen minute massages! Go ahead and bring the kids, we'll have coloring pages for them while you unwind. Call today to book your spot, 601-825-2672.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T14:59:00.000-08:00

What's so happy about Thanksgiving? Well, let's see!

Q: What's the best way to stuff a turkey?
A: Serve him lots of pizza and ice cream!

Q: What was the turkey suspected of?
A: Fowl play.

Q: Why did the turkey cross the road?
A: Because it was the chicken's day off!

So, are you smiling yet? Let's see if we can make it an even happier Thanksgiving.....

An industrious turkey farmer was always experimenting with breeding a better turkey. His family was fond of the leg portions for dinner but, there were never enough legs for everyone. After many frustrating attempts, the farmer was relating the results of his efforts to his friends. "Well I finally did it! I bred a turkey that has 6 legs!" he exclaimed. His friends all wanted to know how it tasted. "I don't know." said the farmer. "I never could catch the thing!"

"I don't think it's gonna' work, Charlie."

Q: Why do turkeys always go, "gobble, gobble"?
A: Because they never learned good table manners!

Q: What sound does a space turkey make?

A: Hubble, Hubble, Hubble!

Q: Who is not hungry at Thanksgiving?

A: The turkey, because he's already stuffed!

Q: What sound does a Turkey's phone make?

A: Wing! Wing!

Q: Why don't you let a turkey get near corn?

A: Because they will "gobble" it all up!

Q: What country does not celebrate Thanksgiving?

A: Turkey!

Q: What's a turkey's favorate song?

A: I'm dreaming of a White Christmas.

Q: If you call a large turkey a gobbler what do you call a small one?

A: Goblet!

After Thanksgiving dinner was finished, Mort saw his little brother Sid in the backyard, poking holes in the dirt and filling them with birdseed.

"Why are you planting birdseed?" Mort asked.

"I'm growing next year's turkey." Sid replied.

Q: What did the 500 pound turkey say as he tramped through the woods?

A: Here, hunter, hunter, hunter!

We hope you have very safe and HAPPY Thanksgiving!

Movie Day @ Lake Public Library

2011-11-17T07:58:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Mrs. Everett's third grade class at Lake Elementary for earning a movie day at the library! They all worked to get their library cards during National Library Card Sign Up month in September and achieved 100% in their class. They brought their cards today to check out books and now they are enjoying some time off from school while they watch "Judy Moody and the Not So Bummer Summer". Where will your card take you?

Computer Play for Little Ones!

2011-11-15T06:51:00.001-08:00

Have FUN feeding the fish!

Have you scrolled down to the bottom of this page to see the two games? One of these games is great for little ones learning to click a mouse. Just point the mouse somewhere around the fish and click; the fish come to eat the food you've just left for them. Come often and feed the fish to develop great 'mousing' skills!

The second game and familiar to many, PACMAN, is also a great 'keyboard training' game. You must use the arrow keys to follow the trail and not get caught. This builds more computer skills and coordination, also.

Stop by the CMRLS KiDS blog often to see what's going on and to have some fun building computer skills with with your little one!

Holiday Crafts!

2011-11-14T15:05:00.000-08:00

"My Dad really does rock!" she says.

I can't believe she snapped that picture!

We had a great time in our Holiday Crafts 4 Kids program! We made 4 easy, inexpensive and cute crafts that you can make at home to use as gifts.

We had tea candle holders, button bookmarks, rock paperweights and braided sachets!

We had lots of smiles and fun!

Lots

serious

work,

too.

Hopefully, you will get to come next time we have a craft program! If you can't make it to Florence, several of the other branches have crafts, too; just watch the CMRLS calender to know when and where the next one is. We hope to see you soon and will leave you with couple of last glances of our Holiday Crafts 4 Kids 2011.....

Double take!

Isn't this great, I can't wait 'til next year to see what we will do then! How about you?

Leaf Man

2011-11-10T11:41:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful day at the Mendenhall Library! We were "blown away" by our Preschool Story Time when we learned that "Leaf Man's got to go where the wind blows". After reading Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert, we took a walk around the Library and found lots of different colored leaves so that we could make our own Leaf Man. And if that wasn't all, one of our little patrons asked if we could collect more leaves to make a "chicken". So Daisy and Mike made a doggie and a chicken too! Our exploration of leaves brought us to books like Why Do Leaves Change Colors by Chris Arvetis and Carole Palmer and Leaf Jumpers by Carole Gerber.

Fall Fest at the Pearl Public Library

2011-11-09T08:34:00.001-08:00

This year's Fall Fest at the Pearl Public Library was a big success. We had over 80 kids attend! They enjoyed refreshments, games, crafts, and a costume contest!

Pearl Public Library's next big event will be our Holiday Open House on Thursday, December 15, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. The Pearl Upper Elementary Choir will be performing holiday songs, and the Friends of the Pearl Public Library will provide delicious cookies and punch. We will also have holiday crafts for kids! The library will also be decorated just in time for Christmas and for Santa's arrival. Get your holiday picture taken with him! Please join us for this festive event!

Fall is here!

2011-11-02T10:04:00.000-07:00

Fall may have begun back in September, but here in Mississippi we just started getting that cool weather!

At Brandon Public Library we decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather today. Normally our preschool friends end story time with a craft, but today we took a nature walk instead! Each of our friends had a brown paper bag to collect their findings (pine straw, leaves, acorns, etc.) We read, "Leaf Man" by Lois Ehlert and our friends were inspired to make their own creations at home from their findings. We can't wait to hear all about what they come up with!

One of our friends showing off one of the beautiful leaves he found!

November Crafts-4-Kids

2011-11-01T15:17:00.000-07:00

It is that time again kids! Yep, you got it! Time to start your Holiday Gift planning. It is hard to decide what to give to parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts and, yes, even teachers! Well, come to Florence Public Library on Monday, November 7th from 5 to 6 PM for some great gift ideas! We will learn to make several items that you can make without spending all your allowance! Here you can see the Braided Sachet and the Button Bookmark. They are made with items that can be found in your home or can be bought without too much expense. (Your grandmom might even have some of the supplies you need.)

Above you can see the Rock Paperweight and the Mini Candle Holder. You will learn different ways to make these items on your own. Won't all the adults on your Gift List be surprised when you tell them that your gift is custom made just for them!

Come join the fun and take home the items you make!

Halloween @ Brandon Public Library

2011-11-01T09:28:00.000-07:00

We had a blast here at Brandon this Halloween. We stayed busy with parties, our annual pumpkin contest and a visit to "Under the Harvest Moon", an event hosted by Brandon Parks and Recreation in coordination with StoneBridge Elementary and Mayor Tim Coulter's Office.

Take a look at some pictures from our Halloween festivities!

Professional face painting was provided by Fabulous Fancy Faces.

Pete the Cat is Rocking and Rolling!

2011-09-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

If you are not familiar with Pete the Cat, you should be. He is a lovable, blue cat who loves shoes!! This series of books is written by Eric Litwin, and is a joy to read.

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes
Pete the Cat is a groovy kind of cat. He loves shoes, but he finds himself stepping in some big messes. His shoes change colors, but no matter what mess Pete gets into he just keeps singing his song and walking along! Check this out today at your CMRLS library!

Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes
Pete the Cat is back—and this time he’s rocking in his school shoes. Pete discovers the library, the lunchroom, the playground, and lots of other cool places at school. And no matter where he goes, Pete never stops moving and grooving and singing his song . . . because it’s all good. Coming soon to your CMRLS library!

A Fox Just in Time for Fall!

2011-08-26T09:40:00.001-07:00

Who doesn't love a fox? Here are two new children's books about a fox! Enjoy!

The Fox in the Dark by Alison Green

Rabbit, duck, mouse and lamb are scared of the fox in the dark. They all decide to hide in rabbit's house in his tiny little bed. Rat-a-tat-tat! Could it really be the fox at the door. This is a wonderful, humorous story of being scared of something and then finding it out that it wasn't so scary after all.

Foxy and Egg: A Book by Alex T. Smith

Foxy Du Bois has plans for her friend Egg. She plans to fatten him up and eat him! However, Egg has a plan of his own as well. This is a very well written book that teaches kids that selfishness often bites you back in the end!

Pearl's Got Talent

2011-07-08T11:23:00.000-07:00

Can you sing? Can you play an instrument? Why not show off your talent and possibly win a cool prize! The Pearl Public Library is sponsoring a "Pearl's Got Talent" contest as part of the New Harmonies exhibit at our library. This contest will be held on Saturday, July 23rd, at 1:00 at the City of Pearl Park. There will be a separate contest for adults and for children. Registration is required and there is a $10 entry fee per person. For more information, please contact Kimberly Coley at the Pearl Public Library. Also, join us on the same day for local music, food, face painting, games, and much more starting at 10:00 am! We hope to see you there!

Craft Night a Big Success at the Pearl Library

2011-07-02T10:03:00.001-07:00

We had over 55 children come out to the Pearl Public Library on June 30th to participate in our Summer Reading Program Craft Night. We made African masks, boomerangs, and Chinese paper fans! We also gave away some great door prizes including books, t-shirts, and book bags. Join us for our last two programs including:

Scottish Storyteller--July 7 @ 6:00 pm

Finale Party with Jackson Irish Dancers & live band--July 14 @ 6:00 pm

Summer Reading Fun Continues in Forest

2011-06-21T14:24:00.001-07:00

The storms didn't scare everyone away from our summer reading program today in Forest. We enjoyed Emily Baker from the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra as she shared fiddle music from around the world with us. At times we clapped along as the thunder drummed a beat for us outside. Next week we will continue our trip around the world at a special time. Our Scottish storyteller will be visiting us on June 28th at 5:30pm. See you there!

Minnie & Moo Books 'FLY' Off the Shelves

2011-06-16T09:14:00.000-07:00

After a recent visit by Minnie & Moo (courtesy of the CMRLS puppet show), our shelves are empty of Minnie & Moo books. Young patrons returned yesterday requesting more Minnie & Moo adventures. Don't miss the CMRLS puppets this year at a library near you!

2011-06-10T11:58:00.000-07:00

Inky the Clown came to the Pearl Public Library on Thursday night. We had a great time with Inky's jokes and magic tricks, and we even learned another language! We also gave out some great door prizes at the end including t-shirts, books, posters, and water bottles. Check out this schedule of events for the remainder of the program:

June 16 @ 6:00 pm-CMRLS Puppets

June 23 @6:00 pm-Zoo Mobile

June 30 @ 6:00 pm-Craft Night

July 7 @ 6:00 pm-Scottish Storyteller

July 14 @ 6:00 pm-Finale Party with Jackson Irish Dancers

SRP Week 1 @ Forest Public Library

2011-06-07T14:06:00.000-07:00

We began our trip around the world this summer in Scotland. What a treat to have bagpiper Zoe Brumfield at our library! We got to hear all about the history of bagpipes as well as the clothing she was wearing. Our weekly winner joined our bagpiper for a picture before she left. We will be drawing for a T-shirt every week from all the children in attendance. Plus all the names will continue to go in the pot for our candy jar that we'll be giving away at the end of the summer. If you want to hear the bagpipes too, reserve one of these bagpipe CDS and have it sent to your local library.

2011-05-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

The Pearl Public Library would like to thank the wonderful sponsors of our 2011 Summer Reading Program!

Mac N Bones Golf and Grill

Cinemark Tinseltown USA

Sonic

Friends of the Pearl Public Library

Bancorp South Bank

Trustmark Bank

McAlister's Deli

Little Caesars Pizza

Information and Quality Healthcare

Revell Ace Hardware

Walmart

Bumpers Drive-In

A Special Guest for Story Time

2011-03-16T08:51:00.001-07:00

Hexie, our lovable Paw Pals therapy dog, was our special guest for Baby Bookworms and Preschool Story Time on Tuesday. Hexie is an American Staffordshire Terrier and a certified therapy dog. Her owner, Mary Jo Anderson of Pearl, expressed that Hexie is certified to interact with children and adults in hospitals, nursing homes, school, libraries, and other organizations. She is very lovable, calm, and loves attention! Hexie and her playmate, Liesel, can be found every first Saturday of the month at the Pearl Library at 10:30 am for Paw Pals. Liesel is a German Shepard owned by Betty Hutchinson of Pearl; Liesel is also a certified therapy dog. K-6 kids are invited to attend Paw Pals and build their reading skills by reading to Hexie and Liesel who love stories!

Lego Lab @ the Library

2011-03-11T08:37:00.001-08:00

Lego Lab @ the Forest Public Library is always popular with boys and girls alike. It's such a treat to see what these K-6ers can come up with in an hour. We are always looking for Lego donations and we got a special treat this week. A local cub scout troop donated Legos as part of their community service. So not only did they get join in the fun for the evening, they also contributed to future fun for other Lego fans. We look forward to seeing everyone again on April 5th for our next Lego Lab.

Seussfest at the Pearl Public Library

2011-02-28T15:19:00.000-08:00

It's Dr. Seuss' birthday! Join us at the Pearl Public Library on Wednesday, March 2 at 4:00 pm for Seussfest. We will have food, crafts, games, prizes and of course Dr. Seuss storytelling.

Chinese New Year Party

2011-01-31T10:19:00.001-08:00

Due to the weather last Thursday, the Pearl Public Library has rescheduled its Chinese New Year Party to this Wednesday, February 9, at 4:00 pm. Join us for food, games, and crafts in celebration of the Chinese New Year!

Painting With Cocoa at the Pearl Public Library

2011-01-13T13:44:00.000-08:00

Try out your cocoa painting skills! Join us on Thursday, January 20th, at

4:00 pm for Cocoa Painting at the Pearl Public Library for kids in grades kindergarten through sixth grade. Learn how to make a cool painting with hot cocoa, and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and refreshments!

Knuffle Bunny Free

2010-12-22T08:08:00.000-08:00

Perhaps one of the cutest series by a children's book author, Knuffle Bunny Free has hit the mark again. I fell in love with Trixie and Knuffle Bunny a long while ago with her "aggle flaggle" fits, and the mysterious switching of identical Knuffle Bunnies, and now she's grown into a lovely young girl who realizes the importance of sharing and that she is now a big girl. You may need a tissue because it's a bit of a tear-jerker. Check it out today! Click here for book availability.

Holiday Crafting Party

2010-12-09T07:27:00.000-08:00

We are celebrating the holidays at the Pearl Public Library! Join us on Thursday, December 16th, at 4:00 pm for a Holiday Crafting Party. We will be decorating our own wrapping paper and decorating delicious sugar cookies! This program is for kids in kindergarten through sixth grade.

Pearl Peanuts

2010-11-09T13:10:00.000-08:00

Join the Pearl Public Library as we celebrate Thanksgiving at Pearl Peanuts on Wednesday, November 17th at 4:00 pm. We will be performing "The Ugly Pumpkin" and creating a turkey craft almost good enough to eat! We will also be reading holiday stories just in time for Thanksgiving!

Pearl Fall Fest

2010-10-26T12:18:00.000-07:00

Celebrate fall this Thursday (October 28th) at the Pearl Public Library! Join us for our Fall Fest at 4:30 pm. Wear your costume and enter our costume contest. Bring an appetite and enjoy our delicious treats. Bring your energy and excitement for games such as Spooky Charades, Pumpkin Patch, Mummy Unwrap, and Black Cat Treasure Hunt! Also, join us for pumpkin decorating. The whole family is welcome!

Race to the Last Chapter: Family Reading Challenge

2010-10-14T08:27:00.000-07:00

We are halfway to the finish line of our Family Reading Challenge here at the Pearl Public Library! Our participants have been logging many reading hours. Here are the total hours for the last six weeks for each family:

1
2-229
3
4-183.5
5
6-85
7-81.5
8
9-40
10-8
11-145
12
13
14
15
16
17
18-83
19-117

Keep up the good work! Remember we are holding a Finish Line party on Thursday, December 2, at 4:00 pm. We will be announcing the grand prize winners and handing out prizes to all of our participants.

Knitting Without Needles

2010-10-01T07:26:00.001-07:00

We had a great turnout for our first K-6 craft club. We learned the art of finger knitting thanks to the expertise of Lea Ann Ellis and her daughter Mallory and it was a hit. We learned how to make cool scarves just in time for the cooler weather. It really was so easy even a child (or a librarian) could do it. We hope you'll join us next month when we meet again on October 26th.

Family Reading Challenge @ Pearl

2010-09-27T09:09:00.001-07:00

The Race to the Last Chapter Reading Challenge is underway at the Pearl Public Library! These are the total hours so far for Weeks 1-2. Keep reading! Our first drawing will be this Thursday...you may be the winner of two family movies!

Family # Hours
1
2 112 hours
3
4 68.5 hours
5
6 46 hours
7 30 hours
8
9
10
11 9 hours
12
13
14
15
16
17
18 10 hours

Race to the Last Chapter: Family Reading Challenge

2010-09-17T10:41:00.000-07:00

There are 14 families signed up for the Family Reading Challenge at the Pearl Public Library. Registered families, check out your competition!

Family #1
#2--51. 5 Hours
#3
#4--40 Hours
#5
#6--8 Hours
#7--30 Hours
#8
#9
#10
#11
#12
#13
#14

Keep up the good work. Check back each week for more updates!

Lego Lab @ Forest Public Library

2010-09-17T08:09:00.000-07:00

This was only our second Lego Lab, but already we've grown from two to ten! Everyone had fun digging into the Legos and seeing where their imaginations would take them. We hope you'll join us on October 5th for our next night of invention. Also if anyone has Legos they want to get rid of, we are accepting donations.

After School?

2010-09-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

What's happening after school in September? Well, if you are in grades K-6 there are several opportunities to enjoy the library and meet new friends!

After School Story Time at Sandhill Library is "FUN with books!" Sept. 16, 3:00 p.m.
Kids Computer Class at Pearl Library is NEW! Sept. 16 and 23, 4:00 p.m. Call ahead to make sure there is room for you!
Pearl Peanuts at Pearl Library is Sep. 22 and 29, 4:00 p.m.
After School Story Time at Flowood Library is stories, crafts, and FUN! Sept. 21 and 28, 3:00 p.m.
Backpackers at Brandon Library is Sept. 21 and 28, 3:30 p.m.
After School Story Time at Richland Library is Sept. 21 at 3:30 p.m.

These are lots of FUN! Stop by your library after school!

Pearl Peanuts @ Pearl

2010-09-09T08:02:00.000-07:00

Like to cook? Like to eat? The Pearl Public Library is proud to welcome Carol Ballard from the Mississippi Extension Service. She will be here on Wednesday, September 15, at 4:00 pm for Pearl Peanuts. Come enjoy stories and make a delicious treat!

Computer Classes for Kids

2010-08-30T07:19:00.000-07:00

The Pearl Public Library is now offering free computer classes for kids. Classes meet on Thursdays in September at 4:00 pm. Limited space is available so please call the library to

pre-register!

(9/2) MAGNOLIA and Online Catalog

(9/9) Discovering Websites

(9/16) Microsoft Word

(9/23) Microsoft PowerPoint

Race to the Last Chapter: Family Reading Challenge

2010-08-26T11:26:00.000-07:00

Is your family competitive? Then your family should enter the Race to the Last Chapter: Family Reading Challenge sponsored by Target at the Pearl Public Library. The challenge starts Tuesday, September 7. Come to the library to pick up your registration form and reading log. We are giving away grand prizes as well as other prizes just for participating! This is an excellent opportunity for you and your family to participate in something together and win prizes for the whole family. Readers--Start Your Page Turning!!

Pearl Peanuts is starting!

2010-08-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

It's school time again which means that we are beginning Pearl Peanuts! Pearl Peanuts meets every Wednesday at 4:00 pm at the Pearl Public Library. This program is designed for children in grades kindergarten through sixth grade. This year we are featuring some fun new programs! Our Kids in the Kitchen series will be featured at our first meeting, August 18th. We are also introducing a Kids in the Garden series. Children will also enjoy stories, crafts, and snacks!

Read It Before You See It!

2010-08-09T06:55:00.000-07:00

Nine-year-old Beezus Quimby has her hands full with her little sister, Ramona. Sure, other people have little sisters that bother them sometimes, but is there anyone in the world like Ramona? Whether she's taking one bite out of every apple in a box or secretly inviting 15 other 4-year-olds to the house for a party, Ramona is always making trouble--and getting all the attention. Every big sister can relate to the trials and tribulations Beezus must endure. Old enough to be expected to take responsibility for her little sister, yet young enough to be mortified by every embarrassing plight the precocious preschooler gets them into, Beezus is constantly struggling with her mixed-up feelings about the exasperating Ramona. Read this classic story by Beverly Clearly before you see the movie starring Selena Gomez!

Ice Cream! Ice Cream!

2010-08-02T06:40:00.000-07:00

Join the Pearl Public Library for a good, old-fashioned "Back to School Ice Cream Social" on Tuesday, August 17th @ 4:00 pm. This program is free and open to families of Pearl. Grab some ice cream and learn about new programs starting this fall at the Pearl Library. Also, members of the community can stop by and get a new library card. This is a great opportunity to socialize with other families of Pearl and to learn what the library can do for you and your family! We will also be giving away door prizes!

Paw Pals @ the Pearl Public Library

2010-07-26T06:27:00.000-07:00

Come and enjoy story time with furry friends! Betty Hutchinson will be bringing her two therapy dogs to help out with story time the first Saturday of each month. Our first Paw Pals program will be on Saturday, August 7, at 10:30 am. The program will last approximately 30 minutes. We will read a few selected stories based on a theme, and then the children will have a chance to read to the dogs at the end.

Great New Book to Read!

2010-07-20T09:16:00.000-07:00

Saving the Baghdad Zoo: A True Story of Hope and Heroes by Kelly Milner Halls & Major William Sumner

This is an incredible story of hope within tragedy. As a result of the Iraq War in 2003, the Baghdad Zoo was devastated. Animals were missing and many were in need of food and water. U.S. Army Captain William Sumner worked with a team to help these animals and to re-establish the Baghdad Zoo. Now open, the Baghdad Zoo has become an oasis of hope in a city of devastation. These animals have become a symbol of life and survival. This is a great book, and it has such a wonderful message for any reader.

Last Chance for 'The Snakeman' this Summer

2010-07-13T08:19:00.000-07:00

If you haven't had a chance to see Terry Vandevender (aka 'The Snakeman') this summer, tomorrow may be your last chance. So join us at Pelahatchie Public Library on Wednesday, July 14, at 10:30 a.m.

Splish, Splash--Is It Over So Fast???

2010-07-13T08:08:00.000-07:00

Morton Public Library's summer reading finale includes watermelon and the Morton Fire Department hosing us down. So don't forget to bring a towel and get here early to check out your books before you get wet! Program is at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 16. Check out this photo from our fun game day.

Make A Splash Library Birthday Bash

2010-07-12T09:55:00.000-07:00

Join the Pearl Public Library Thursday, July 12, at 6:00 PM for our Make A Splash Library Birthday Bash! We will be celebrating the library's 5th birthday as well as the end of the 2010 Summer Reading Program. We will be announcing the winners of our grand prizes and the winners of our Beneath the Water Art Contest. We will have games for children and the Mississippi Swing Band will be here to entertain everyone! We will also have birthday cake for everyone. As always, we will also be giving away door prizes! Do not miss the party of the summer!

Inky the Clown @ the Pearl Public Library

2010-07-06T15:46:00.000-07:00

Inky the Clown will be at the Pearl Public Library Thursday night, July 8, at 6:00. You do not to miss this fabulous event! We will also be giving out door prizes for children and adults!

Fires Safety House & Pluggie visit Florence Library

2010-07-06T13:17:00.000-07:00

The Fire Safety House and Pluggie the Fire Hydrant along with Ms Ashley taught the Florence Preschool Summer Readers about fire safety. Pluggie was loads of fun and laughs! The Fire Safety house was terrific and a little tiny bit scary with all that smoke! With good teaching from Ms Ashley we located all the smoke alarms and every one made it out and to the safe meeting spot on time! Thank you Pluggie and Friends!

Summer Reading makes a big SPLAT @ Florence Public Library

2010-07-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

Summer worker, Cody, volunteered to get a pie in the face if the children participating in the Florence Summer Reading program read 1000 books. Well, on June 28, he wore that pie proudly since the children had read over 1300 books! Now they are reading in hopes of 'pieing' Ms Tina when they reach 2000 books! Keep reading!

Fish Prints @ Pelahatchie Public Library

2010-06-30T10:48:00.000-07:00

The Rankin County Extension Office provided loads of fun for children this morning at Pelahatchie Public Library. The children made 'fish prints' to take home and their own snack to enjoy. If you missed this program, the Fish Print program will be at Sandhill Public Library tomorrow at 10:00 a.m.

Get Crafty at the Pearl Public Library

2010-06-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

Join the Pearl Public Library this Thursday night @ 6:00 PM for Family Craft Night! We will be featuring sea animal fans, rain gauges, paper bag whales, and bookmarks for coloring. This program is free and open to children who are in kindergarten through sixth grade. We will also be giving away fabulous door prizes and announcing the winners of our weekly guessing jar contest.

Guessing Game "nets' a lot of Goldfish!

2010-06-22T13:15:00.000-07:00

The winner of our first guessing game this summer is Remington M. He was the closest with a guess of 1,000. There were actually 923 goldfish swimming in the jar. Morton Public Library will have a new guessing game every week during summer reading. Come by and guess!

Puppet Show!

2010-06-21T13:03:00.000-07:00

THE PUPPETS ARE COMING!!

We had so much fun last week with Percy King here at the Pearl Public Library! We got to learn about and touch all kinds of reptiles. The fun will not stop this week!! The CMRLS PUPPETS will be here to entertain us. This program is FREE and will begin at 6:00 pm on Thursday, June 24. Stop by for a great show and fabulous door prizes!

Tween Boys Build

2010-06-15T18:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true that they are building a new library in Forest, but we were focused on a different kind of building tonight. We were more interested in building with Legos! We had a special summer reading program just for tween boys at the Forest Public Library. Then we turned them loose with a bunch of Legos and waited to see what they would come up with. The results were awesome and we are going to keep them on display throughout the rest of the summer. If you need a closer look, feel free to come and check them out. The guys even asked if we could make this a regular event. Hmm...

New Reads!!!

2010-06-15T16:02:00.000-07:00

What's the Matter Bunny Blue? by Nicola Smee

A rhyming book with so much heart, you'll just fall in love with Bunny Blue as he searches for his grandmother. Does Bunny Blue find her? It's a great book to read aloud to any child!

Eensy Weensy Spider Freaks Out by Troy Cummings

A spin on the classic rhyme, this fast-paced book will take you higher and higher as Eensy (the spider) finds out that if you fall you must pick yourself up! Awesome read for kids in K-6th grades!

How to Clean Your Room in 10 Easy Steps by Jennifer Huget

Do you have a child with an imagination the size of the world? (and a messy room the size of Jupiter?) Check out this delightful 10-step book on how to inspire your child to clean his/her room!

Sandwhich Swap by HRH Queen Rainia Al Abdullah with Kelly DiPucchio

This might just be one of my favorite summer picture book reads, although you can read it whenever you'd like. It has so many levels of inspiration for tolerance and respect of other people's differences. Two girls + Two Sandwiches= a book 4 anyone to enjoy!

Reptile! Reptiles! Reptiles!

2010-06-14T10:26:00.000-07:00

Percy King and his reptiles will be at the Pearl Public Library this Thursday (June 17) @ 6:00 PM. The program is free and open to children in grades kindergarten through sixth grade. Door prizes will be given away to children and adults. Do not miss this chance to see and learn about all of Percy's reptiles!

2010-06-09T11:37:00.000-07:00

Come experience magic @ the Library

Robert Day will be firing up the magic at the Brandon Public Library's Family Night this week.Thursday @ 6 pm. See you there!

Wii Play Wednesdays

2010-06-07T09:43:00.000-07:00

Need a mid-week break? Come join the Pearl Public Library for Wii Play Wednesdays every Wednesday @ 3:00 until July 14. We will be featuring different water-themed games as well as Wii classic games. Children and teens are welcome to come!

The Snakeman

2010-06-02T08:11:00.000-07:00

This is an event you do not want to miss! The Snakeman, Terry Vandeventer, will be at the Pearl Public Library with his snakes. The program is free to the public and open to kids who are in kindergarten through sixth grade. The program starts at 6:00 PM on Thursday, June 10. We will also be giving away door prizes!

Guessing Jars for Summer Reading Program

2010-05-24T07:13:00.000-07:00

Find a sweet treat at the Pearl Public Library this summer! We will have a guessing jar contest each week of the Summer Reading Program beginning the week of June 7 and ending the week of July 15. You will have a total of 6 times to win a prize. Kids, teens, and adults can enter this contest. All you have to do is guess how much candy is in the jar. The closest guess wins a prize. Participants are only eligible to win one guessing jar contest. So, come down to the Pearl Public Library this summer and register for the Summer Reading Program starting May 24 and enter out guessing jar contest while you are here!

Summer Reading Program Registration

2010-05-17T13:13:00.000-07:00

Summer Reading Program 2010

Come Make a Splash with your library this summer and register for the Summer Reading Program! The Summer Reading Program provides an incentive for children to read during the summer. Registration begins the week of May 24th. Read books for great prizes and enjoy our free programs every Thursday night at 6:00 pm (programs start June 10th and end July 15th). Contact the library for more details. We hope to see you this summer!

National Children's Book Week

2010-05-10T10:00:00.001-07:00

Celebrate National Children's Book Week!

This week (May 10-16) is National Children's Book Week. NCBW has been celebrated nationally all across the country since 1919. The purpose of this event is to celebrate children's books and the joy of reading! So, come to the library and check out your favorite children's book or find a new book that catches your eye!

From Books to the Big Screen

2010-04-27T14:25:00.001-07:00

This year has been full of books made into movies! From classics such as Alice in Wonderland to popular such as Diary of a Wimpy Kid, kid's books have made their mark in Hollywood! It is always fun to see your favorite book come alive on the big screen. Check out these noteworthy books that have recently been made into movies...and check back for updates on upcoming books made into movies.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Seventeen-year-old Alice returns to the whimsical world she first encountered as a young girl, reuniting with her childhood friends: the White Rabbit, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Dormouse, the Caterpillar, the Cheshire Cat, and of course, the Mad Hatter. Alice embarks on a fantastical journey to find her true destiny and end the Red Queen’s reign of terror.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

Diary of a Wimpy Kid follows the travails of a wise-cracking middle school student over the course of an academic year. Featuring all of your favorite characters, including Greg, Rowley, Fregley, Chirag and Patty Farrell, you’ll love seeing the book come to life!

How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell

Set in the mythical world of burly Vikings and wild dragons, and based on the book by Cressida Cowell, HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON is an action comedy that tells the story of Hiccup, a Viking teenager who doesn’t exactly fit in with his tribe’s longstanding tradition of heroic dragon slayers. Hiccup’s world is turned upside down when he encounters a dragon that challenges him and his fellow Vikings to see the world from an entirely different point of view.

(http://www.kidsreads.com/features/books2movies.asp)

Basic Spanish Classes

2010-04-19T09:28:00.000-07:00

Basic Spanish Classes @ the Pearl Public Library

Join us for basic Spanish classes. Class size is limited to 15 people. For ages 5 and up. Pre-registration is required. Call the library for more details. All classes are free.

**Classes are offered on Thursdays during the months of April and May. You can attend the morning session at 9:30 AM or the afternoon session at 4:00 PM.**

Summer Reading Programs are just around the corner!

2010-04-15T09:09:00.000-07:00

Even though it is National Library Week (April 11-17) and everyone is celebrating Libraries; staff in all CMRLS Libraries are busy planning Summer Reading 2010!

The theme for this summer is Make a Splash, READ! We don't want to get books wet, but we do want to encourage reading anytime and anywhere! There will be FUN at all the Libraries in Rankin, Scott, Simpson, and Smith counties. Join us for all the FUN and spend your summer with books and friends!

Make a Splash, READ!

Summer Reading 2010

Storytelling: featuring nationally renowned storytellers!

2010-03-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

Thursday, March 25, 6:30 p.m. at the Morton High School Auditorium, the Morton Public Library presents Diane Williams and Tim Tingle, nationally renowned storytellers! You won't want to miss this performance!

Williams has been performing professionally as a storyteller for more than 14 yearsl. She has traveled around the US and as far away as Hawaii, Germany, and Africa telling stories. Williams is currently the Arts Industry Director for the Mississippi Arts Commission and host of the agency's weekly radio program.

Tingle is an enrolled member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, a sought-after speaker and storyteller, and an award-winning author of Native American fiction and folklore. He often accompanies himself on the American Indian flute and whale-skin drum. Tingle currently teaches a summer storytelling course at Santa Fe, New Mexico, sponsored by Oklahoma University.

This performance is partially funded under the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) administered by the Mississippi Library Commission (MLC) for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

Bookmark Contest!

2010-03-04T10:31:00.000-08:00

Calling all artists!

Win fame and prizes by entering Brandon Public Library's March bookmark constest!

Winner will be featured during National Library Week in April and win great prizes!

Stop by the library to pick up your entry form!

Check this out!

2010-03-04T10:23:00.000-08:00

100 Cupboards by N.D. Wilson

While on an international trip, Henry’s parents have been kidnapped. Now, nine-year-old Henry must go live in Henry, Kansas with his Aunt and Uncle, along with his three female cousins, which he hasn’t seen in six year. When he arrives, he is given a bedroom in the attic.

The first night in his new room, Henry begins to hear scratching at the wall behind his bed. Turning towards the noise, he looks up at the wall, and though there is nothing on the other side of it but the outside, he discovers a knob working its way out of the plaster. For several nights, Henry, along with one of his cousins, work at removing the plaster - only to discover the wall is filled with cupboards! A tumble by Henry causes one of the doors to pop open. Is that rain and wind they hear? And does the key they find open another door? Did they just spot someone walking on the other side of the doors? Pick up this book and find out the answers to these questions and more!

- Jessica Bilbo, Youth Service Librarian, Brandon Public Library

What's Happening After School

2010-02-24T08:15:00.000-08:00

After school programs through the end of March for grades K-6:
Play Pictureka at Richland Library, Mar. 9, 3:30 p.m.
After School Story Time at Sandhill Library, Mar. 4, 3:00 p.m. Have FUN with a book!
Pearl Peanuts meet at the Pearl Library, 4:00 p.m. on Mar. 3, 10, 24, and 31. Have fun with stories and activities.
After School Story Time at the Flowood Library, 3:00 p.m. on Mar. 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30. Stories, activities and crafts.
After School Book Club at Polkville Library, 5:00 p.m. Mar. 8 - Happy St. Patrick's Day! Mar. 22 - Camp Out Story Time!
Brandon Library BackPackers meet at 3:30 p.m. on Mar. 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 for books, games, activities, and FUN!
After School Story Time at Raleigh Library, St. Patty's Fun on Mar. 9, 3:30 p.m.

Watch the CMRLS Online Calendar for future programs, including Summer Reading Program!

Fun @ Your Library!

2010-02-02T12:44:00.000-08:00

Movie and Pizza Fun!

Stop by the Brandon Public Library on February 8, 2010 for Family Date Night!

Watch a movie, grab some pizza and spend some special time with your family @ your library!

See you @ the library!

Stuffed Animal Sleepovers

2009-12-29T18:52:00.000-08:00

Last week at the Lake and Forest branches we had some fun animal adventures. We had our first stuffed animal sleepovers. We enjoyed a bed time story time and then we tucked all the animals in and had a bed time snack before we went home for the night. Apparently, the animals had other ideas though. They did all kinds of exciting things while we were gone and read a lot of good books too. Apparently, they got their paws on a camera as well, so we thought we would share what we found when we got back to work. Those silly animals have quite an imagination. We just might have to do this again next year.

1000 Page Challenge

2009-12-23T13:39:00.000-08:00

The Pearl Public Library partnered with O'Charley's Restaurant in Pearl for a reading program---1000 Page Challenge. The program challenged kids to read 1000 pages in the course of 14 weeks. Twenty-two children registered for the program and read a total of 51,551 pages. Twelve children stepped up to the challenge and read a combined total of 49,306!!!

Kathy B., Cecelia S., and I met the 12 children who completed the challenge on Wednesday, December 16, at O'Charley's. At the restaurant, the children ordered anything they wanted from the children's menu. While we waited, we had a recognition ceremony. Every child received a certificate and a wrapped $5 gift. Our Friends of the Library donated the prizes for all the children. Additionally, the top reader won 1000 pennies (which was donated by one of our Library Friends-Judy W.) in a fish bowl. Connor B. of Pearl was our top reader with over 10,000 pages.

Again, I would like to thank O'Charley's Restaurant, Pearl Friends of the Library and my library coworkers. This program was FANTASTIC!!! All the children were winners. I couldn't have been a more proud librarian that day!

The Rankin Ledger will run an article about this story in the January 5th edition.

Miss Mara's Top 10 Holiday Picture Books

2009-12-15T11:59:00.000-08:00

Needs a good read for the holidays? Try one of my favorites! They may be checked in a library near you. Check out the catalog.

Are You Looking for Santa?

2009-12-11T14:57:00.000-08:00

There is still time to see Santa @ your Library!

Saturday, Dec. 12, 4:00 p.m. - Sebastopol Library will have Santa and Library Friends taking pictures for $1 at the Bishop Park in Sebastopol (across the road from the Library). Pictures will be made on Saturday and can be picked up at the Library beginning Dec. 16. Proceeds go to the Sebastopol Public Library Friends.

Monday, Dec. 21, 6:00 p.m. - Brandon Public Library will have a wonderful family story time and a visit from Santa!

See you @ the Library!

Next Good Books: Myths, Legends, Folktales

2009-11-13T08:06:00.000-08:00

A book list of Myths, Legends, Folktales has been posted on Next Good Book! These are books that can be found at CMRLS libraries. Check out a few of these and let your librarian know which was your favorite!

Next Good Book is a readers advisory tool that list books by category or subject, awards, or special booklists created just for you! This allows you to write comments about the books you have read for others to read, all by creating a FREE log in. You can even create lists of your own to share with others or just keep a list of books you've read! Take a minute to look at this great tool!

Myths, Legends, & Folktales

After School FUN and MORE!

2009-11-02T15:10:00.000-08:00

Check out the online calendar for great after school programs for kids in grades K-6th! All programs for this age group are marked with red on the online calendar. An even easier way to view the programs you are looking for? Sort the calendar, let it show you only the programs you want!

Click HERE for the Online Calendar of Events for all of CMRLS, 20 branches in 4 counties!
Click the "Search Calendar Events" on the left side of the screen.
Click the arrow after "Select Category" on "Option 1".
You may choose to sort the calendar in a number of ways:

Option 1 sorts by age group. Are you looking for programs for you or your toddler? Looking for a teen program? Click on an age group and see all programs geared to that group!
Option 2 sorts by Branch. Which Library are you looking for programs? Which Library is closest to you? Click the city where the Library you want to visit is located. The calendar shows all the programs in that Library!
Option 3 sorts by keyword. Would you like to see all author visits scheduled this month? Are you looking for a book club to participate? Are you looking for a Story Time for your child? Type your keyword in the text box provided and the calendar pulls up all programs that fit your search!

Our print calendar, "What's Happening @ your library", can be found on the Library's home page. There are lots of programs for all ages and if you can't find what you are looking for, ask your library staff!

Fire Safety @ Florence Library

2009-10-09T11:03:00.000-07:00

Visit with Andy the Ambulance and the Smoke House for Fire Safety Month, Florence Library, Monday, Oct. 12, 5:30-6:30 p.m., for ages K-6th grade.

Oooooh, I'm Not Afraid!

2009-10-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

Do you like ghost stories?

Maybe slightly scary ghost stories?

Morton Library

is hosting a telling of

Slightly Scary Ghost Stories

Oct. 29, 6:30 p.m.

Come for slightly scary FUN!

Wii (is or are?) @ your library

2009-10-02T08:40:00.000-07:00

Well, whether it's "Wii is @ your library" or "Wii are @ your library"...you can play Wii games @ your library! Check these dates out:

Sat., Oct. 10, beginning at 10:00 a.m. @ Pearl Library - Wii games will be out ALL day. Stop by with your family and try them out!

Thurs., Oct. 22, 6:00 p.m. @ Richland Library - High School Musical 3 will be available for Family Night FUN!

Summer Reading 2009!

2009-06-01T07:26:00.001-07:00

It's Summer Reading time!

Programs start this week at a library near you!

Check out the CMRLS calendar at http://www.cmrls.lib.ms.us/calendar.html to find them. Watch this blog for information on programs and pictures of programs.

This will be a summer of FUN @ your library!

Summer is Here!!!!

2009-05-21T09:44:00.000-07:00

It is time again to come register at your Library for Summer programming.

Brandon Public Library programs are:

Story times for 4 and under
Mon. @ 10:30 a.m. or Tue. @ 10:30 a.m.

Creative Connections
K-6th grade Tue. @ 2 p.m.

Teen creative workshops
Thur. @ 4 p.m.

Come Together Family Nights
each Thurs. @ 6 p.m.

Our summer schedule will run June 1st - July 9th.

Call us with any questions.
601-825-2672

Have you ever eaten a dog biscuit?

2009-04-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

Is it salty or sweet? In Helen Cooper's Dog Biscuit, the little girl Bridget tried her very first dog biscuit. She secretly loved the taste. Her neighbor Mrs. Blair noticed the telltale signs of dog biscuit crumbs that decorate little Bridget's chin. Mrs. Blair jokes with her and says Bridget will soon be bow-wowing. She begs Mrs. Blair to keep her secret (that she ate a dog biscuit) from her mom. Bridget literally believes Mrs. Blair and Bridget wonders why her mom does not notice she is turning into a dog. Bridget likes the life of a dog until she realizes something...

If you enjoy Helen Cooper, this book is worth checking out. Helen Cooper is also the author of Tatty Ratty and Pumpkin Soup. Click here to see if it is available for checkout. Pair this book with Patrick Loehr's Mucumber McGee and the Half-Eaten Hot Dog and you're sure to have a hit.

Little Miss Muffet Sat on Her Tuffet...

2009-01-15T08:11:00.000-08:00

eating her curds and whey...Ewwww---that was the general reaction of the Pearl Peanuts group when we made curds and whey for this month's science experience....

For our after school group (Pearl Peanuts), I designated all the activities for January to be science-related. This week we made plastic milk or curds and whey. The activity was courtesy of PBS kids. First we gathered our materials--skim milk, vinegar, strainer, and microwave-safe bowl. Next we measured 1.5 cup of skim milk and poured it into the bowl. Then we added 4 teaspoons of vinegar into the bowl, and we placed the bowl and mixture into the microwave, and we let it cook for 1 minute. When the minute was finished, we took the book out of the microwave, and the kids noted the changes of the milk and vinegar, i.e. the smell was stronger and the vinegar and milk made a chemical change into a blob. We used a strainer to separate the liquid from the solid, and each kid touched the blob or plastic milk.
The next experiment we performed was courtesy of Vicki Cobb. It was called the Science in a Bag of Potato Chips. A few months ago, I personally saw Vicki Cobb perform this experiment, and I thought it was very cool. We needed a candle, unopened bag of potato chips, scissors, matches, and a bowl. There was a second part to the experiment, but we did not perform it. First, we talked about the crispness of the chips and how chips can become stale or soggy. Then I explained to them that the potato chip makers needed to find a way to keep the chips fresh and crispy. Potato chip makers decided that foil-lined bags and nitrogen gas would preserve their chips' freshness. Onto the experiment...I lit a candle. As Mrs. Cobb suggested, I blew lightly on the candle's flame to show that my breath was fanning the flame and not extinguishing it. Only if I blew with more force would the flame extinguish. Next, I snipped the corner of the potato chip bag, and I placed it near the candle's flame and squeezed the bag. The nitrogen in the bag of potato chips deprived the candle's flame of oxygen, which is the gas needed for candle's to remain lit. Of course, the kids were all excited about it, but they were even more excited when they got to eat the chips.

Also note that throughout the entire program I STRESSED ADULT SUPERVISION. I must have stated it every 5 minutes. What amazes me is the age differences in this group and how wonderful they pay attention (most of the time)! I think the youngest is 3 years old, and the oldest is 11 years old.

Brandon's Reader's Choice Awards

2009-01-08T08:17:00.000-08:00

What is your favorite book?

When the new year comes around there is always a "best of'"chosen from the year before.

So we would like to know what was your favorite book.(and it did not have to be written just last year.) You can comment on the blog or come by and drop it in our bucket on the desk.

Here are our upcoming Family Nights:

Thur. at 6p.m.

Jan. 22nd A Very Merry Unbirthday Party

Feb. 19th Family Date Night with Pizza and a Movie

"Freaky Friday"

March 19th March Madness

(play Bingo, face painting, snacks, make a mask)

Is it Christmas time already?

2008-11-17T11:42:00.000-08:00

Christmas is approaching us fast but we have lots of fun activities planned at Brandon Public Library.

Dec. 6th - Friends of the Library is hosting Snacks with Santa
Please come by and get all the details or call us.

Dec. 18th - Annual Jammie Jingles Family Night

A pajama party to enjoy stories, cookies and cocoa and make an
ornament for your tree.

Dec. 20th - Gingerbread House
Come in and pre-register to make a gingerbread house.

Of course we also have our weekly activities.
Mon. 10:30 Baby and Me
Mon. 3:30 After School story time is moving to this new day.
Wed. 10:30 Pre-school story time
Thur 10:30 Pre-school story time
Dec. 4th and 18th 4:00 Ultimate Afternoon for ages 7 to 11

Mock Election Held at Morton Public Library

2008-11-04T09:25:00.000-08:00

During the month of October, Kindergarten through 12th grade students have had an opportunity to vote for their candidate of choice in this year's presidential race. Votes were tallied this morning with Republican John McCain receiving 58% of the vote and Democrat Barack Obama receiving 42% of the vote. Thanks to all the local students who participated in the mock election.

Baby Bookworms Story Time

2008-10-28T08:23:00.000-07:00

At the Pearl Public Library, we have a program just for babies (ages birth-24 months). We have the program on Tuesdays at 9:30. I think it's one of the most rewarding programs we do. We sing songs; I read short books; they have an interactive play time.

It's awesome to watch children grow and develop their motor and verbal skills within a few months. The first song I sing is "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star". A few months ago, I learned how to sing the song and to sign it with my hands. Children who have been coming to story time for the last few months are beginning to try the hand signs. Today, I got so tickled with the children because they are really, really trying to sing and sign. Join us on Tuesdays because it's a wonderful way to start your young one's day!!!

What's Cooking with the Pearl Peanuts

2008-09-25T14:36:00.000-07:00

So yesterday the Pearl Peanuts group and I tried our first cooking element, which is part of the new and improved Pearl Peanuts Story Time. The library has received quite a few compliments on how the program has a fresh new look. About 16 children and 11 adults attended the program.

While they colored their individual cookbook pages, we sang "Hola Amigo" without the prerecorded music. Era muy fantastico! (It was very fantastic!) I read Gary Soto's Too Many Tamales. They enjoyed this story despite it being a holiday book. They (most of them) realized the message the author was trying to convey~always take responsibility for one's mistakes.

After the story, I started the cooking portion of the program by stressing the importance of hand washing and adult supervision (when in the kitchen). I probably should have heated the oil before I began the story so that the oil would be ready for me to drop the tortillas.

I could not believe that they (most of the group) were sitting in their places. I only cut a sampling of tortilla chips and I chose one of the older children to help cut more tortillas into triangular shapes. Susan and a few moms helped put hot and crispy tortilla chips into brown paper sacks. The children either put sugar and cinnamon or salt into their bags. Then they shook their bags with their seasonings and (of course) ate the chips. After the last chip was eaten, all were happy and delighted. Until next time...Adios! (Bye!)

Hispanic Heritage Month with the Pearl Peanuts

2008-09-19T11:01:00.000-07:00

Hispanic Heritage Month is from September 15-October 15. According to the United States Census Bureau, more than 35 million people are of Hispanic Heritage. For the month of September, the Pearl Peanuts of the Pearl Public Library have been celebrating and learning about Hispanic heritage. We have learned various Spanish words including a song "Hola Amigo", played "Bash the Piñata", and created mini-piñatas. This week we will make tortilla chips and either dust them with cinammon and sugar or eat them with salsa. The children will also decorate a tortilla chip recipe page for their cookbooks.

Join us on Wednesdays at 4:00 for the Pearl Peanuts Story Time. The program usually lasts from 45-60 minutes and is designed for elementary age children. Email Mara for more information.

Welcome to CMRLS KiDS!

2008-09-11T12:25:00.000-07:00

Summer Reading programs are over.

School has started, and...

FUN @ your library has JUST BEGUN!

Watch the CMRLS Calendar for great programs all through the year. Ask your librarian for GREAT books to read, even check out VIDEO GAMES! Check this BLOG often for programs and pictures, reading lists, and maybe even contests!

Have FUN @ your library!