EAST CENTRAL • GAUTIER • LUCEDALE-GEORGE COUNTY • MOSS POINT • OCEAN SPRINGS • PASCAGOULA • SINGING RIVER • ST. MARTIN • VANCLEAVE
Libraries to close for staff training
All branches of the Jackson-George Regional Library System will be closed Monday, August 8, for staff training due to new library software. All libraries in the system will reopen on Tuesday, August 9, at 10 a.m., and then resume regular hours.
The new TLC Library Solutions software will enhance the library catalog, patron records and other services to the public. Patrons should be aware of interruptions in placing holds, renewals, performing Inter-library loans, or other services during the weeks of August 1 through August 15.
Book drops will be open for returning items for card holders during this time. Visit www.jgrls.org for more information.
Thank you to those who visited us for our 2022 Summer Library Programs at Jackson-George Libraries!
Jackson-George Regional Library Board welcomes new Director
The Jackson-George Regional Library System Board of Trustees welcomed new library director Angela Stewart at the October monthly meeting.Previously, Angela Stewart was serving at the Pascagoula Public Library as branch manager and was also the Gautier Public Library manager before being promoted to the main library in Pascagoula. She started at the library system in 2001, hired as a library clerk at the Vancleave Public Library and became very interested in Library Science as a career. She received a Bachelors of Library Science at the University of Southern Mississippi in 2013, and received her Masters of Library and Information Science in 2017.
Library Board Trustees are selected by county supervisors in both Jackson and George counties. Members are George Sholl - District 1, Carol Lewis-Jones (chair) - District 2, Belinda Dammen - District 3, Susan Agnelly - District 4, Betty Ryals - District 5, and Evelyn Read (vice-chair) and Nancy Jo Maples from George County.
Branch libraries in the system are: East Central Public Library, Gautier Public Library, Lucedale/George County Public Library, Jackson County Law Library, Ina Thompson Moss Point Library, Ocean Springs Municipal Library, Pascagoula Public Library, Singing River Genealogy and Local History Library, St. Martin Public Library, and Vancleave Public Library. Visit www.jgrls.org for more information.
Jackson-George Regional Library System Board of Trustees welcomed new library director Angela Stewart at the October monthly meeting. Pictured are (l to r); George Sholl, Belinda Dammen, Angela Stewart (director), Metty Ryals, Carol Lewis-Jones (board chair), Evelyn Read (vice-chair), and Nancy Jo Maples. Not pictured, Susan Agnelly.
Regional Library System welcomes new branch manager to Moss Point Library
MOSS POINT: The Jackson-George Regional Library System has hired Lynn Rainey to serve as branch manager of the Ina Thompson Moss Point Library.
Ms. Rainey, a Tuscaloosa, Alabama native, attended the University of Alabama for undergrad studies and graduate degree in Library and Information Science. She has worked in a number of very different libraries from the medical library at UA to cataloging at the Jefferson County Library Cooperative. Her was previously at Mobile Public Library, where she served as Teen Services, Programing, and Collection Librarian for the past five years.
“I am very passionate about library services and being involved in the community both in the library and other community spaces. I look forward to what I can bring to the Ida Thompson Moss Point Branch patrons and how to elevate both the library and the community we serve,” said Lynn.
The library is located at 4119 Bellveiw Street in Moss Point. For more information, call the library at 826-5857 or visit www.jgrls.org. Find the library system on Facebook or Instagram @JacksonGeorgeLibrary.
Regional Library System welcomes new branch manager to Vancleave Public Library
VANCLEAVE: The Jackson-George Regional Library System has hired Lauria Barton as manager of the Vancleave Public Library.
Lauria Barton takes the position after having served as Youth Serivces Assistant which she began in 2020.
She earned her bachelor’s degree from William Carey University in 1990 and is currently working on her Master’s in Library Science from the University of Southern Mississippi. Lauria has seven years teaching experience including lead teacher at Grace Christian School in Pascagoula. The library is located at 12604 Highway 57 in Vancleave. For more information, call the library at 826-5857
Regional Library hires Thompson as manager of Singing River Genealogy and Local History Library
PASCAGOULA/GENEALOGY: The Jackson-George Regional Library System has hired Laura Thompson as the manager of the Singing River Genealogy and Local History Library in Pascagoula.
As manager, Laura will guide the library into the modern era of digitization and organization in an effort to offer increased access to all resources pertaining to the history of the community and service area.
Laura earned her bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Psychology from the University of South Alabama in 2018. Soon after, she applied for and was accepted in the MLIS program at the University of Southern Mississippi. She is expected to graduate with a Masters in Archives Certification in late 2021.
Laura previously worked at USA’s Marx Library and rekindled her love of libraries. In 2019, she began working at Biloxi Central Library as a clerk. While there, she aided the library by indexing collections in the local history department.
Laura stated, “I look forward to working here at JGRLS. I am delighted to assist in creating a great digital collection and helping patrons discover their history!”
For more information about the genealogy library, branch libraries or library services, visit www.jgrls.org. Find the Singing River Genealogy-Local History Library on Facebook @SingingRiverLibrary and @JacksonGeorgeLibrary for the library system.
Attend In-Person Programs @ Your Library!
Check for programs at your branch library here:
EAST CENTRAL
East Central Library to host Legos at my Library
The East Central Public Library will host Legos at my Library beginning Wednesday, August 3, at 4 p.m. in the library.
Students and families are invited every Wednesday for a fun hour of creating with Legos in the children’s area. This event is intended for ages 8 and up - children under age 10 must have parent or guardian attending. The library will provide Legos.
The Library is located at 21801 Slider Road, in Hurley by the schools. For more information about events or library services, visit www.jgrls.org. Find the library system on Facebook at Jackson George Library.
East Central Library offers Bad Poetry Night event
The East Central Public Library will offer Bad Poetry Night on Thursday, August 18, beginning at 4 p.m., in the library.
Families are invited to Open Mic Night on U.S. National Bad Poetry Day. Meet other people who share the love of creative writing for this evening of laughing at bad poetry. Writing prompts and time will be given at the beginning of the program to create bad poetry, but feel free to bring poems. The Friends of the East Central Public Library will provide drinks and snacks.
The Library is located at 21801 Slider Road, in Hurley by the schools.
East Central Library offers Yarn and Talk Arts Club
The East Central Public Library will host Yarn & Talk Fiber Arts Club on Tuesday, August 23, at 4 p.m., in the meeting room. The new club will meet on the first and third Tuesdays each month.
Crafters are invited to bring yarn projects to the new library club and talk about the hobby, current projects, favorite yarns, and more. Unwind and meet up with like-minded people for some fiber arts crafts. Learn while swapping patterns and sharing tips and tricks with others. Those who love to crochet, knit, or work with yarn in any other way, will love this fiber arts club.
The Library is located at 21801 Slider Road, in Hurley by the schools. For more information about the club, call 228-588-6263.
GAUTIER
June 30 - Virtual Facebook Splish-Splash Seascape Painting. Tune-in to our VIRTUAL Facebook program and learn how to create a seascape painting!
LUCEDALE
** Virtual Facebook Summer Wreaths: Touch of the Ocean! Local florist Gigi Havard will show how to make a summer wreath with seashells and other items!
Lucedale Library to offer Yarn Wall Art Crafts
The Lucedale/George County Public Library will offer Wrap It Up: Yarn Wall Art crafts on Monday, August 22, beginning at 4 p.m. in the library.
Anyone interested in creating wall art is invited to this free program. Learn to make wall art with simple craft supplies to decorate children’s rooms or family areas. Find out how easy it is to create beautiful wall yarn art. All supplies will be provided. Supplies and seating is limited
Call 947-2123 for more information. Children under 10 must be accompanied by parent or adult guardian. Visit the library at 507 Oak Street across from City Park. See our Facebook page for other announcements and programs.
MOSS POINT
** Fancy Coffee Virtual Facebook Event! Coffee lovers! Did you know you can make your own espresso drinks in the comfort of your own home? You just need a few tools, and you can make your own drinks that will rival your favorite coffee house! Amanda Beaugez and Arielle Sherrod, presenters.
Moss Point Library offers Sun Catcher Crafts
The Ina Thompson Moss Point Library will offer Capturing the Sun crafts for families with children over age 10 on Wednesday, August 17, at 4 p.m., in the meeting room.
Families are invited to this fun craft experience. Capture the energy of the sun and make a beautiful and colorful sun catcher. All supplies will be provided - just bring imagination. Hosted by Arielle Sherrod. Seating is limited.
To register or for more information, call 228-475-7462 or visit the library. The library is located at 4119 Bellview Avenue near downtown.
Moss Point Library offers Crochet Class Crafts
The Ina Thompson Moss Point Library will offer Crochet: Make a Pouch craft for families with children over age 10 on Tuesday, August 23, at 4:30 p.m., in the meeting room.
This is part one of a three-part craft to be continued on September 6th and 20th. Adults and families (age 10 and up) are invited to this fun craft experience. All supplies will be provided by the Friends of the Library. Seating is limited.
To register or for more information, call 228-475-7462 or visit the library. The library is located at 4119 Bellview Avenue near downtown.
OCEAN SPRINGS
Video Game Day for youth offered at Ocean Springs Library
The Ocean Springs Municipal Library will offer Video Game Day for youth on Saturday, August 27, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., in the meeting room.
Students are invited to bring friends to play video games at the Library. Multi-player video games will be set up for anyone who wants to play or bring a device and hang out with friends. Enjoy games like Mario-Kart, Minecraft and more (Wii, PS3, and PS4 game consoles). This program is intended for children 8-17 years old. Those under the age of 10 must have a parent or guardian present.
Call the library at 228-875-1193 for more information. The library is located at 525 Dewey Avenue, behind City Hall in downtown Ocean Springs.
PASCAGOULA
** Virtual Facebook Craft DIY Crochet for Beginners! Learn how to crochet and start making projects you can give as gifts. Laura, from our Singing River Genealogy-Local History Library, will teach you the basics of how to crochet. Watch on-line!
Pascagoula Library offers Adult Art Night program
The Pascagoula Public Library will host Adult Art Night: Collage and Chill on Tuesday, August 9, beginning at 5:30 p.m., in the meeting room.
The public is invited to create collage art and chill in an unstructured, relaxing environment (teens 14+ may attend with an adult). This is a come and go event. We will celebrate National Book Lovers Day. Materials will be provided but participants are welcome to bring their own materials, photos and tools.
Call 228-769-3060 or stop by the library to reserve a seat. For more information, visit the library at 3214 Pascagoula Street near downtown, or the library website at www.JGRLS.org.
ST. MARTIN
** VIRTUAL FACEBOOK tour of the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) located in Gulfport, MS. See the facilities and animals they rescue and rehabilitate. IMMS is an educational outlet, hosting programs for conservation, education, and research of marine life. Presented by Theresa Madrigal.
St. Martin Library offers free Tuesday Bingo
The St. Martin Public Library will offer free Tuesday Bingo beginning Tuesday, September 13, at 2 p.m., in the meeting room.
The public is invited to try this exciting game and an afternoon out with friends on the second Tuesday each month from 2 to 3 p.m. Prizes will be given away! Light refreshments provided by the Friends of the St. Martin Public Library. This program is intended for those age 18 and up.
Call the library at 228-392-3250. For library information, visit the library website at www.JGRLS.org. The library is located at 15004 Lemoyne Boulevard next to the community center.
VANCLEAVE
**Virtual Facebook Program - Shrimp and true Grits on Facebook! Join us on Facebook and learn how to make this delicious Southern staple!
Vancleave Library offers Vancleave Maker’s Club
The Vancleave Public Library will offer fiber arts fans a place to work on their projects a the Vancleave Maker’s Club beginning August 4, at 4 p.m., in the library meeting room. The club will meet every Thursday during the fall.
Anyone interested may attend the maker’s club. It is designed to foster arts in our community. Bring in any art, craft, sewing, crochet, or knitting project and enjoy learning with each other. The library will have limited arts and crafts supplies for use. Out of this, it may lead to a scheduled, experienced craft consultant time for club members. Workshops may be offered on Fridays at 10 a.m., to finish projects.
For more information and to register, call the library at 228-826-5857 or visit 12604 Highway 57.
Vancleave Library to host First Tuesday Bingo
The Vancleave Public Library will host First Tuesday Bingo on the first Tuesday each month beginning August 2, at 5 p.m., in the meeting room.
Friends of the Vancleave Public Library invite adults to join in the fun every first Tuesday of the month. Bingo with us in the meeting room of the library each month for a fun time of free play. There will be a variety of prizes awarded. This program is intended for those age 17 and up.
For more information, call the library at 228-826-5857 or visit the library at 12604 Highway 57, in Vancleave.
Vancleave Library offers Sign Language Class
The Vancleave Public Library will offer free American sign language class on Tuesday, August 16, at 4:30 p.m., in the library meeting room.
Anyone interested may sign up. Instructor Sydney Brewer is a Certified National Interpreter. This class is intended to serve adults with hearing loss and/or family caregivers. Must be at least 12 years old to attend.
American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete language that has the same linguistic properties as spoken languages with grammar that differs from English. ASL is expressed by movements of the hands and face. It is the primary language of our deaf or hearing impaired community.
For more information and to register, call the library at 228-826-5857 or visit 12604 Highway 57.
