MS Library Spotlight: Kiln, Pearlington, and Waveland Public Libraries

Remember a few weeks ago when we shared our staffs' visit to the Bay St. Louis library? We've been saving our branch library pictures from Hancock County Library System, but we couldn't wait any longer to share them with you!

The Kiln Public Library was decked out head-to-toe in Mardi Gras decorations. Laissez les bons temps rouler! Pictured are: HCLS Public Affairs/Development Officer Mary Perkins, HCLS Public & Information Services Officer Adrienne Bradley, MLC Library Consultant Ally Watkins, HCLS IT Officer Jason Bans, HCLS Administrative Librarian Heather Dungey, HCLS Business Manager Lynne Chasez, MLC's Executive Support Director Ethel Dunn, and MLC's PR Director Susan Liles.

Kiln Public Library has a lot of neat programs and features, including a growing comic book and
graphic novel area. Fun fact: fishing poles will soon be available to check out from Kiln Public Library. Fishing and reading out on the bayou sounds like an afternoon made in heaven.




 

We were quite taken with the library's computer station for the visually impaired. It has an amplifier and other goodies to make it accessible for those who have sight problems.

Pearlington Public Library is also housed in a lovely building. Here's another fun fact: there is a story time every day at a library somewhere in Hancock County.








There are AWE early learning stations at each of the Hancock County Library branches. The kids are huge fans. Pictured is Pearlington branch.

The Waveland Public Library has an amazing children's section. Wouldn't you love to stride aboard this pirate ship and read about swashbuckling tales of derring-do?!

We bid you adieu from the stately front porch of Waveland Public Library. Our Mississippi Library Commission staff enjoyed consulting and visiting with the staff of the Hancock County Library System. We'll see you soon!

MS Library Spotlight: Bay St. Louis Public Library

Last week, one of our library consultants and our PR manager visited Mississippi's Gulf Coast. While acting as consultants, they visited the Hancock County Library System and were able to tour the library and all it has to offer. From their large adult and children's sections and computer sections for children and the sighted and the visually impaired, to small details like their scanning station and adult coloring program, the Bay St. Louis Public Library has a lot to offer. Fun fact: The Bay St. Louis Library is a National Literary Landmark because Stephen Ambrose spent so much time writing and researching there.

Public and Information Services Officer Adrienne Bradley and Hancock County Library System Executive Director Courtney Thomas are shown near the library's Foundation Tree, which was "designed as a symbol of the importance of library advocacy." Leaves and stepping stones are inscribed with the names of those people donors to the library system wish to memorialize and/or honor.

Ashton Burge is the Information Services Supervisor. We caught him helping a patron at the Bay St. Louis Reference Desk. Have a question? Give them a call at 228-467-5282 ext. 13.







MLC's Library Consultant, Ally Watkins, checks out the collection at Bay St. Louis. Librarians gotta read, y'all.

Bay St. Louis has incorporated these eye-catching shelf talkers into their collection. They highlight the system's eBook collection and allow patrons to access this alternative way to check out books in a quick and easy way.

We couldn't resist including this picture of Bay St. Louis's very own library cat. Her name is Weezie and you can learn more about her here.

Mississippi artist Elizabeth Veglia created this mosaic for the library back in 1995. She trained volunteers in the art of mosaic and they then helped her create this masterpiece celebrating life on the coast. Isn't it gorgeous?

Our Mississippi Library Commission staff enjoyed consulting and visiting with the staff of the Hancock County Library System. We'll see you soon!

MS Library Spotlight: Northeast Regional

Corinth Public Library

Last week, our PR director and one of our library consultants visited Northeast Regional Library. With 13 branches, this library system serves the people of the Mississippi counties of Alcorn, Prentiss, Tippah, and Tishomingo. Their headquarters is located in the historical city of Corinth. Be sure to check out their website; it was redesigned in June 2015.

William McMullin, Director of Northeast Regional Library (l) and
Cody Daniel, Branch Manager of Corinth Public Library (r)

They met with William McMullin, Director of Northeast Regional Library, and Cody Daniel, Branch Manager of Corinth Public Library. Daniel has recently taken the position of Branch Manager, but has worked at the library for some time in the capacity of assistant manager. We hear he puts on a pretty nifty children's program!

Vintage library furniture

Speaking of children, Corinth still has the original children's furniture from the time the current library building opened in late 1960s. Isn't retro fun?

Computer area

The system was the recent recipient of two American with Disabilities Act (ADA) computer kits. Each kit contained a large print keyboard, a trackball mouse, headphones, and a gently used computer.

Our MLC staff enjoyed consulting and visiting with the staff of Northeast Regional. We'll see you soon!

MS Library Spotlight: Kemper Newton

DeKalb Public Library

Earlier this week, Kemper Newton Regional Library System received a visit from some folks who were definitely in the holiday spirit.

KNRLS Director Meredith Wickham

Meredith Wickham is the new director of the five branch system in eastern Mississippi. She says that each year, Liberty Fuels, a local coal company, donates money to use "for the betterment" of the Kemper County libraries. The company believes in "the importance of reading" and think that it is a key "building block of education."

MLC Director Susan Cassagne

In the past, the libraries have used the generous influx of cash to buy new books, but this year they're considering new carpeting or even tablets with learning apps.

DeKalb Branch Manager Lawson Smith,
MLC Director Susan Cassagne,
KNRLS Director Meredith Wickham

We can't wait to see what they decide to do with their lovely donation from their community partner. Thanks for letting the Mississippi Library Commission be a part of this exciting day!