Vancleave Events

Vancleave Public Library Announces 2026 Summer Library Program: “Unearth A Story”

VANCLEAVE, MS — The Vancleave Public Library is inviting children and families to explore a summer full of imagination, discovery, and adventure during the 2026 Summer Library Program, “Unearth A Story.”

Beginning Tuesday, June 9, 2026, elementary students can join the library every Tuesday at 2 p.m. for exciting programs featuring storytelling, wildlife encounters, educational presentations, and interactive fun designed to encourage reading all summer long.

This year’s “Unearth A Story” theme inspires participants to dig into books, uncover new adventures, and connect through creativity and exploration while earning prizes through the summer reading program.

2026 Program Schedule

• June 9 – White Tiger Lion Dance Team
• June 16 – “A Story, A Song” Storytelling Program
• June 23 – Mississippi Museum of Natural Science featuring Conservation Educator Meaghan Huseman
• June 30 – Freedom Ranch Wildlife Center

Registration for the Summer Library Program begins May 30, 2026.

The library will also host Preschool Programs every Thursday at 10 a.m., offering younger children engaging literacy activities and interactive learning experiences.

“All summer programs are free and open to the community,” library staff shared. “We encourage families to make reading part of their summer adventures and discover all the exciting opportunities available at the library.”

The Vancleave Public Library is located at 12604 Highway 57 in Vancleave. For more information, call 228-826-5857 or visit www.JGRLS.org.

Follow the Jackson-George Regional Library System on Facebook at @JacksonGeorgeLibrary for updates and additional summer events.

Vancleave Public Library to Host “Cooking Matters” Adult Cooking Classes

VANCLEAVE, MS — Adults in the community are invited to improve their cooking confidence and nutrition knowledge through Cooking Matters, a free six-week hands-on cooking course hosted at the Vancleave Public Library.

The course will be held on Wednesdays from June 10 through July 14, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Vancleave Public Library.

Led by trained educators through the Mississippi State University Extension Service, Cooking Matters teaches practical skills including food preparation, grocery shopping, meal budgeting, and nutrition education. Participants will also prepare and taste recipes during each class session.

Topics and skills covered include:

• Using kitchen knives safely
• Reading and understanding food labels
• Preparing healthy meals
• Cutting up a whole chicken
• Budget-friendly grocery shopping and meal planning

The program is designed to help families create healthier meals at home while building confidence in the kitchen.

“Cooking Matters teaches families how to prepare healthy meals,” organizers said. “Participants leave with practical skills they can use every day.”

📍 Location: Vancleave Public Library
📅 Dates: Wednesdays, June 10 – July 14
⏰ Time: 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

To register or learn more, contact:

Shelby E. Naron, MS, RD, LD, CHES
Nutrition Educator, Mississippi State University Extension
📞 228-769-3213
📧 sen174@msstate.edu

Vancleave Public Library Hosts Monthly “VC Book Dragons” Book Club

VANCLEAVE, MS — Book lovers of all kinds are invited to join the VC Book Dragons book club at the Vancleave Public Library.

The VC Book Dragons meet monthly at 11:00 a.m. at the Vancleave Public Library. Participants are encouraged to bring and share their favorite books while connecting with fellow readers in the community.

Whether you enjoy fantasy, mystery, romance, nonfiction, or classic literature, the VC Book Dragons welcomes avid readers looking to discover new titles and engage in lively discussions.

Library staff encourage attendees to check the library’s monthly calendar for upcoming meeting dates and themes.

📍 Location: Vancleave Public Library
📅 When: Monthly Meetings
⏰ Time: 11:00 a.m.

For more information, contact the Vancleave Public Library or visit www.JGRLS.org.

Open Studio Tuesdays at Vancleave Public Library

Vancleave, MS —The Vancleave Public Library invites artists, hobbyists, and anyone looking for a creative outlet to join Open Studio Tuesdays, held every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This come-and-go art day provides a relaxed, welcoming space where participants can create art at their own pace, meet other creative people, and enjoy a supportive atmosphere. Attendees can bring their own supplies or use the limited materials available at the library.

Whether you enjoy working with colored pencils, graphite, charcoal, watercolor, acrylics, or simply want a peaceful space to explore your creativity, Open Studio Tuesdays offers a flexible, no-pressure environment. There is no formal class, just a friendly studio space where you can drop in for a few minutes or stay all day.

Bring your imagination, and the library will save you a spot.

Vancleave Public Library Launches Ultimate Reading Contest for All Ages

VANCLEAVE, MS — The Friends of the Vancleave Public Library invite readers of all ages to participate in the Ultimate Reading Contest, beginning February 1.

Open to children, teens, and adults, the ongoing contest offers a new chance to win prizes every month. Participants can earn entries by completing 10 library check-outs within a calendar month or by writing a book review to be shared online and on the library’s bulletin board. Check-outs do not carry over between months.

With multiple ways to enter and monthly prize drawings, the contest encourages reading, creativity, and regular library visits for the whole community.

For more information, visit www.JGRLS.org, follow @JacksonGeorgeLibrary on Facebook and Instagram, or contact Vancleave Public Library at 826-5857.

Sewing Machine 101” Free Instruction at Vancleave Public Library

Vancleave, MS — The Vancleave Public Library is offering free Sewing Machine 101 instruction, perfect for anyone who has a sewing machine but isn’t quite sure how to use it.

Participants will receive one-on-one or small group instruction covering the basics of sewing machine operation, including threading, setup, and simple functions. Whether you’re new to sewing or need a refresher, this personalized guidance will help you feel confident and ready to create.

Limited time slots are available, and interested participants should call 228-826-5857 to schedule an appointment.

Vancleave Quilting Bees Quilting Club

VANCLEAVE, MS __ Vancleave Public Library invites you to join the Vancleave Quilting Bees Quilting Club, meeting every Monday from 4 to 6 pm. This club is a place for fellowship and fun, united by a love for quilting. Whether you’re a member or a guest, you’re welcome to explore and share patterns, tips, and techniques. For more information, call Lana Self at 228-218-0655.

Wednesday Crochet Club

VANCLEAVE, MS __ Join us at Vancleave Public Library on Wednesdays at 10 for Beginning Crochet. Let’s learn a new skill together with an introductory lesson on the art of crochet. We kindly ask that you bring your own crochet hook and preferred color of yarn for this class, preferably a light color. This program is open to homeschoolers of all ages. To reserve your spot, please call 228-826-5857.

First Friday Food Trucks Return to Vancleave Public Library

Vancleave, MS – The Friends of the Vancleave Public Library invite the community to enjoy great food and local flavor at First Friday Food Trucks, held at the Vancleave Public Library.

Food trucks will be serving from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., or until sold out, offering a variety of delicious options for lunch, dinner, or an afternoon treat.

This monthly event is sponsored by the Friends of the Vancleave Library and provides a fun opportunity for the community to gather, support local vendors, and enjoy time together.

For more information, please call 228-238-9188.

The Vancleave Public Library is located at 12604 Hwy 57. Visit www.JGRLS.org or follow @JacksonGeorgeLibrary on Facebook and Instagram for updates.