East Central Events

East Central Public Library Launches Steampunk Toys Crafting Series with Miniature Automata Workshop

HURLEY, MS — East Central Public Library invites community members to unleash their creativity during the first installment of its new Steampunk Toys Crafting Series on Saturday, July 11, at 2:00 p.m.

Participants will learn how to create miniature automata toys using common household materials under the guidance of Ms. Rebecca. This hands-on program combines art, imagination, and simple mechanics in a fun and engaging environment.

Seating and materials are limited, and advance registration is encouraged. Light refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the East Central Public Library.

The program will be held at East Central Public Library, 21801 Slider Road. For more information or to reserve a spot, call 228-588-6263 or visit www.jgrls.org.

East Central Public Library Continues Steampunk Toys Crafting Series with Zoetrope Workshop

MOSS POINT, Miss. — East Central Public Library invites community members to continue their journey into the imaginative world of steampunk during the second session of its Steampunk Toys Crafting Series on Friday, July 17, at 2:00 p.m.

Led by Ms. Rebecca, participants will create their own Zoetrope, an early animation device that produces the illusion of motion through a sequence of images. In addition to building the craft, attendees will learn how the Zoetrope works and its role in the history of animation and visual storytelling.

The hands-on workshop is designed to inspire creativity while exploring the science and mechanics behind one of the earliest forms of moving images. Seating and materials are limited, and advance registration is encouraged.

Light refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the East Central Public Library.

The program will be held at East Central Public Library, located at 21801 Slider Road in Moss Point. For more information or to reserve a spot, call 228-588-6263 or visit www.jgrls.org.

East Central Public Library Invites Community to Celebrate Chess Day 2026

MOSS POINT, Miss. — East Central Public Library will host Chess Day 2026 on Monday, July 20, at 10:00 a.m., inviting players of all ages and skill levels to explore the world’s most popular strategy game.

Whether participants are experienced players or complete beginners, the event offers something for everyone. Library staff and volunteers will provide instruction for those who have never played chess and will pair new players with opponents for friendly matches.

In addition to traditional chess games, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about and watch demonstrations of chess variants from around the world, highlighting the rich history and cultural diversity of strategy games.

Participants are also encouraged to take part in a special Design Your Own Chess Piece Challenge, with submissions accepted on the day of the program.

Chess Day 2026 is designed to promote critical thinking, creativity, and community engagement in a fun and welcoming environment. The event is free and open to the public.

The program will be held at East Central Public Library, located at 21801 Slider Road in Moss Point. For more information, call 228-588-6263 or visit www.jgrls.org.

East Central Public Library Offers Agate Coaster Painting Workshop for Adults

MOSS POINT, Miss. — East Central Public Library invites community members to enjoy a relaxing and creative afternoon during its Agate Coasters crafting program on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

Participants will create their own agate-style coasters inspired by the beauty of natural geodes and gemstones. This hands-on art program demonstrates how simple materials can be transformed into elegant decorative pieces through color, creativity, and technique.

The workshop is designed for all skill levels, and no prior artistic experience is necessary. Attendees will be guided through the process of creating unique coaster designs while enjoying a fun and welcoming atmosphere.

Due to limited supplies, registration is required. Interested participants are encouraged to call the library or sign up in person to reserve a spot.

The program will be held at East Central Public Library, located at 21801 Slider Road in Moss Point. For more information or to register, call 228-588-6263 or visit www.jgrls.org.

East Central Public Library Hosts Family Game Day for All Ages

MOSS POINT, Miss. — East Central Public Library invites families, friends, and game enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy an afternoon of fun during Family Game Day at the Library on Wednesday, July 22, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Participants are encouraged to explore a variety of board games, card games, and tabletop favorites from the library’s collection or bring their own games to share with others. The event offers an opportunity for community members to connect, learn new games, and enjoy friendly competition in a welcoming environment.

Designed for all ages, Family Game Day promotes family engagement, strategic thinking, and social interaction while providing a fun summer activity for the community.

Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or trying a new game for the first time, everyone is welcome to join the fun.

The event will be held at East Central Public Library, located at 21801 Slider Road in Moss Point. For more information, call 228-588-6263 or visit www.jgrls.org.

East Central Public Library Explores Storytelling Through Crankie Theater in Steampunk Toys Crafting Series

MOSS POINT, Miss. — East Central Public Library invites community members to discover the art of visual storytelling during the third installment of its Steampunk Toys Crafting Series on Saturday, July 25, at 2:00 p.m.

During this hands-on workshop, Ms. Rebecca will guide participants in creating their own miniature Crankie Theater, a traditional storytelling device that uses a scrolling illustrated scene to bring stories to life. Participants will also learn about the history and cultural significance of crankie theaters as a unique form of folk art and entertainment.

The program combines creativity, craftsmanship, and storytelling, offering participants an opportunity to explore a fascinating piece of artistic history while creating a project of their own.

Seating and materials are limited, and advance registration is encouraged. Light refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the East Central Public Library.

The workshop will be held at East Central Public Library, located at 21801 Slider Road in Moss Point. For more information or to reserve a spot, call 228-588-6263 or visit www.jgrls.org.

East Central Public Library Hosts Paper Tales & Wreaths Craft Workshop for Adults

MOSS POINT, Miss. — East Central Public Library invites adults to discover the art of upcycling during Paper Tales & Wreaths, a creative crafting workshop on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

Participants will learn how to transform old book pages into beautiful decorative wreaths through folding, shaping, and assembling techniques. This hands-on workshop offers a unique opportunity to give discarded pages new life while creating a charming book-inspired piece of home décor.

The program is designed for adults of all crafting skill levels and provides a relaxing environment to explore creativity, learn new techniques, and connect with fellow crafters.

Space is limited, and registration is required. Interested participants should call the library or sign up in person to reserve a spot.

The workshop will be held at East Central Public Library, located at 21801 Slider Road in Moss Point. For more information or to register, call 228-588-6263 or visit www.jgrls.org.

East Central Public Library Concludes Steampunk Toys Crafting Series with Stereoscope Workshop

MOSS POINT, Miss. — East Central Public Library will conclude its popular Steampunk Toys Crafting Series with a hands-on Stereoscope Workshop on Friday, July 31, at 2:00 p.m.

In this final session, Ms. Rebecca will guide participants in creating their own stereoscope, a fascinating optical device that produces the illusion of three-dimensional images. Attendees will also learn how the stereoscope’s innovative design influenced modern virtual reality technology and today’s VR headsets.

The workshop combines creativity, science, and history, giving participants an opportunity to explore one of the inventions that helped shape modern immersive experiences. The program is part of the library’s ongoing effort to provide engaging educational activities that inspire imagination and learning.

Seating and materials are limited, and advance registration is encouraged. Light refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the East Central Public Library.

The workshop will be held at East Central Public Library, located at 21801 Slider Road in Moss Point. For more information or to reserve a spot, call 228-588-6263 or visit www.jgrls.org.

            East Central Public Library in Hurley Hosts Weekly “Teatime Thursday” Gathering

Hurley, MS — The East Central Public Library invites the community to slow down and connect at its weekly “Teatime Thursday” gathering, held every Thursday at 1:00 PM.

Hosted by Ms. Tammy, this relaxing program offers a welcoming space for conversation, camaraderie, and a shared appreciation of tea. Attendees are encouraged to sit a spell, enjoy good company, and take a moment to unwind in a friendly, low-key setting.

“Teatime Thursday” provides an opportunity for community members to connect, share stories, and enjoy a peaceful break in their day.  The program is free and open to the public, and no registration is required.

For more information, contact East Central Public Library at 228-588-6263 or visit www.JGRLS.org.

East Central Public Library Invites Families to Join “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” Challenge

HURLEY, MS – The East Central Public Library is excited to launch the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program, designed to inspire a lifelong love of reading in young children. This free, year-round challenge encourages families to read together and track their progress—one book at a time.

The program is open to children from birth to age 5. Even repeated books count, and families can earn a small prize for every 100 books read. After reaching the 1,000-book milestone, participants will receive a special prize to celebrate their achievement.

Sign-ups begin this September at East Central Public Library. “Reading with your child every day builds vocabulary, strengthens bonds, and lays the foundation for future learning,” said Lynn Rainey, branch manager.

Read it and reap—1,000 adventures await!

LEGO Club at Your Library

HURLEY, MS __ Join the LEGO Club at East Central Public Library! Bring a friend and your imagination. Legos provided. Ages 8 & up. Occurs on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month from 4-5 pm.