A free library card is a ticket to back-to-school savings
September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when the Jackson-George Regional Library System joins with the American Library Association and public libraries nationwide to make sure that students have the most import school supply of all - a free library card.
Resources at the local libraries are available to anyone who has a library card. Students can turn to the library for materials, programs and services that support academic achievement.
Students can use their library cards from home, too. JGRLS libraries offer free access to important educational resources, like e-books, World Book online, Magnolia databases, Mango languages online, and so much more from the library website - www.jgrls.org.
"Our library provides all types of students with the tools they need to succeed," says Carol Hewlett, library director. "We provide students with exciting and engaging programs that make learning fun and resources that they can access from the library or from home - all with a free library card. It is for these reasons that a library card is most important school supply of all."
The benefits of having a valid library card are that it will open the doors to many free library services local branch libraries give. Getting a card is easy. There is no waiting period, no minimum residency requirement. Patrons can check out two items at that time. Your child may have a library card. There is no minimum age. At age 18 all you need to get your own card, is a driver's license, Social Security card or an official photo I.D., and proof of address.
For more information on how to sign up for a library card, visit any JGRLS branch in person or visit the library online at www.jgrls.org.
Vancleave Library Friends host annual photo contest
Family vacations, a new baby, nature trails, weddings - all these and more present the perfect opportunity to enter the Annual Friends of the Vancleave Public Library amateur photography contest.
Entries may be submitted to the library beginning Sept. 3 through Sep. 25. Judging will be Friday, Sept. 27. Photographs will be on display in the library until Tuesday, Oct. 8, at the library.
Winners will be announced on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. at the winner's reception at the library. The general public is invited. Refreshments will be served. Friends memberships will also be available for just $5.
A People's Choice winner will also be selected and displayed with special recognition. The winner will be chosen by the general public in a secret ballot.
The contest will offer ribbons and awards in five categories and three age groups. An entry fee of $3 per photo will be charged for adults, $2 per photo for teens 12 to 18 years in age, and $1 per photo for children 11 and under. Funds will be used by the Friends to support library programs, collections and events.
Awards for first, second and third place, plus honorable mention will be awarded in each category. Adult Best of Show and $25 cash award will be given. A Best of Show Award and $15 cash, in honor of Harry Ramsay, will be presented for outstanding photography in the teen category, and a $10 Best of Show award will be presented in the children's category.
Categories include: people, animals, landscapes, computer enhanced, and miscellaneous. Photos may be in either black and white or color, and should measure between 8 by 10 and 11 by 14 inches. Entry forms and complete rules are available at the library or on the library website - www.jgrls.org/vcphotos.htm.
The Vancleave Public Library located at 12604 Highway 57. For more information, call the library at 228-826-5857.
Vancleave library hosts teen movie night
Teen and pre-teens are invited to attend Vancleave Public Library's "Teen Movie Night" on Thursday, Sept. 5, at 4 p.m.
Take a break from homework and spend some fun time with friends and classmates. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Vancleave Library.
The library will host regular movie nights with a new movie license funded by Friends of the Vancleave Library and a grant from Hancock Bank.
Literacy Council to host READ event at Pascagoula Library
PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- The Jackson County Literacy Council and the Pascagoula Pubic Library will host "Sail into Reading" - a celebration of International Literacy Day. The annual READ event will be held at the Pascagoula Public Library on Saturday, Sept. 7, beginning at 2 p.m., in the atrium.
Honored guests scheduled to read favorite passages are Mayor Jim Blevins, Bethany Carlisle, Mayor Gordon Gollott, and Geri Bertram as well as a student reader.
Refreshments will be served. The Literacy Council will also be giving away a Deuce McAllister autographed football as a door prize.
September 8 was designated International Literacy Day to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies. More than 759 million adults, 16 percent of the world's population, are non-literate. In the United States, 14 percent (32 million adults over the age of 16) read at or below a fifth grade level.
Council director Claire Albright said, "The READ began in the year of 2000 as a special event to celebrate International Literacy Day. In years past, special literacy volunteers read at schools, senior citizens homes, the shopping mall, and even Walmart. It was a success from the beginning and READ became an annual event."
The council's focus is on literacy - which is at the heart of basic education for all. It is essential for eradicating poverty, reducing child mortality, curbing population growth, achieving gender equality and ensuring sustainable development, peace and democracy.
For more information and for volunteering, call the Literacy Council at 228-762-2814. The Jackson County Literacy Council is a United Way agency.
The Pascagoula Public Library is located at 3214 Pascagoula Street near downtown.