Pearl Library Newsletter                     
January 2026
 
 
CMRLS Libraries and the Administrative Office will close Wednesday, December 31 at 4:00 p.m. and remain closed throughout January 4 for the New Year's holiday. Regular library hours will resume Monday, January 5.
 
 
CMRLS Libraries will also be closed Monday, January 19 for the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. Regular library hours will resume Tuesday, January 20. 
 
Digital media and resources can be found 24/7 on our website.
 
New year, new you! 
Is your resolution for 2025 to be healthier? 
Are you looking for health and wellness information for yourself or your family?
 
Let us help! CMRLS provides free access to Consumer Health Complete, a research database from EBSCO. This database contains content for consumers of all ages on a variety of important health topics, such as addiction, mental health, teen health and more.
 
 
 
Also included are full articles from top health journals and magazines, health reference e-books, evidence-based health reports and medical images and diagrams. Visit Consumer Health Complete today by clicking here!
 
 CMRLS also offers several health related magazines on our new eMagazine platform, cloudLibrary NewsStand! Be sure to check them out today to help you accomplish your New Year's resolution! 
What's Happening at the Library: 
Featured Staff Member: Ryan
Ryan is the Circulation Supervisor at the Pearl Public Library! Here's what he has to say about himself:
 I am the Circulation Supervisor at the Pearl Library and have worked for CMRLS for almost the last two years. I love helping patrons find their next great read or assisting them with their research questions. In my spare time, I write short fiction, read sci-fi, play my electric drum set, and explore the areas of Mississippi I haven’t seen yet as a transplant from Baltimore!
 
Happy Holidays from Rudy, our beloved staff member.  
Christmas Card Designed by
Kara Jenkins, local artist

Disability Support Group member Kara Jenkins is very proud to visit us here at the Pearl Public Library. In October and November, Kara allowed us to display her art in our foyer display case where hundreds of patrons got to see her talent and skill.
 
Kara designed the included Christmas card for the Raymond Public Library and for her aunt, Kristy, who is a librarian there. Kara was happy to mention her attendance at our Disability Support Group as well as her art display. 
Winter Reading Challenge
The fun begins January 1st! Whether you're catching up on your TBR pile, exploring new stories, or reading together as a family, this challenge is the perfect way to keep the pages turning all winter long. Don't miss out - sign up on Beanstack, read on, and make this
winter one to remember!
 
The more you read and log in Beanstack, the more chances you have to win a $50 gift card! Register for the Beanstack Winter Reading Challenge before December 31 and have your fines forgiven. Register by clicking here. Remember to let staff know once you have registered so your fines can be forgiven.
January Giveaways
Winner:
Ren
 Winner:
Isabella (with brothers Matthew and Bennie) 
November Story Time Giveaway Winners
Our November winners each received a turkey just in time for Thanksgiving! Winners Isabella and Ren won due to the highest Story Time attendance! We offer three different Story Times at your convenience, as well as special Mindfulness Story Time sessions once a quarter! 
January Story Time Giveaway
Come to any story time at the Pearl Public Library during the month of January.
Every time a child attends story time, they will be entered into a raffle to win the prize.
The 3 children whose names are drawn at the end of the month will each win a gift basket just in time for Valentine’s Day!
Child Events 
Story Times 
Lapsit Story Time
(0-2 Years)
Every Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
Join us for Baby Lapsit Story Time, a special program designed for our youngest patrons (0–2 years old) and their caregivers. This cozy, interactive session features rhymes, songs, simple stories, and movement to support early language development and bonding time.
Preschool Story Time
(3-5 Years)
Every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.
Join us for a fun and interactive Preschool Story Time designed especially for children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers! Each week, we’ll explore exciting themes through stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement that spark imagination and build early literacy skills.
Peanuts Story Time
(Kindergarten- 5th Grade) 
Every Wednesday at 4:00 p.m.
Calling all curious kids in Kindergarten through 5th grade! Join us for a special Story Time designed just for school-aged readers. Each session features exciting read-alouds, fun group activities, and hands-on creativity — from crafts to games and more!
Snowflake Making
It might not snow this year, but we can make a flurry all on our own! Learn to make a paper snowflake as unique as you!
All materials provided.
Ages 6+ 
Library LEGO Club
Do you like Legos?
Are you creative?
Come to the Library Lego Club!
This month, we’re making tree forts! The most creative tree fort wins! Ages 5 and up! 
Teen Events 
Writers in Progress
A new year means a new chance to finally write that story! 
Join us for our first Writers In Progress group, a writers’ group where we can share our work and ideas.
Ages 13+ only
Teen Game Night: 
Join us for snacks as we play "The Quiet Year", a post-apocalyptic survival map-drawing game. 
Teen Craft Scene 
In honor of J.R.R Tolkien’s birthday, we’ll be creating hobbit doors!
Ages 12+, all materials provided! 
Friends of the Pearl Public Library
Scholarship Opportunity 
How do I apply for this scholarship opportunity?
Volunteer 8 hours at Pearl Public Library
Major in Library and Information Science or English
Graduate high school in 2026
Write an essay and email it to rcbm@cmrls.lib.ms.us
Essay Prompt: What does the library mean to you? 
No length requirements
Open ended essay utilizing a standardized academic format 
Deadline: April 15, 2026
Adult Events 
Create & Connect
Looking to unwind, get creative, and meet new people? Join us for Create & Connect — a relaxed, social evening designed to spark creativity and community. This event meets the first Monday of each month! 
Rest & Restore Yoga 
Join us for a free, all-levels yoga class at the Pearl Public Library! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced yogi, this session is designed to help you stretch, breathe, and unwind in a supportive environment.
No registration required! Wear comfortable clothes, and water bottles are recommended!
Graphic Novel Guild 
Join fellow graphic-novel enthusiasts for an evening of atmospheric storytelling, striking artwork, and deep conversation as we dive into The Summer Hikaru Died, a haunting and beautifully crafted manga series that blends friendship, identity, and the supernatural.
Whether you're a longtime manga reader or new to the genre, this session welcomes all curious minds. We’ll explore themes, art style, character dynamics, and the emotional weight behind this critically acclaimed series.
Miniature Crafts & Crochet:
Clothespin Dolls
 Discover the joy of crafting in this hands-on class combining the art of miniatures and crochet! Whether you're a beginner or looking to brush up your skills, this free workshop is a great way to learn new techniques, meet fellow makers, and bring tiny creations to life—one stitch at a time.
Friends of the Pearl Library Meeting
Friends of the Library Meeting 
Join us for our monthly Friends of the Library Meeting!
Adults only.
Visit the library to learn how to become a friend! The Friends of the Pearl Library support the library through funding programs, services, giveaways, and resources. 
 
Café Coloring 
Join us for a relaxing social hour including coloring sheets, drawing materials, and refreshments! All supplies included, this is an adult-only meetup! 
The Creative Lens
Join a guided photo walk with photography tips & techniques along the way. 
Bring your own phone or camera! Ages 18+ 
Cooking Matters
Join us for a twice weekly cooking class for adults!
The program runs for six weeks and teaches several cooking skills and recipes generously led by Mississippi State University extension services.
Register at the Pearl Public Library to reserve your spot!
 
Novel Tea Book Club
Looking for a good read and great conversation? Join our Adult Book Club, a welcoming space for book lovers to connect, share perspectives, and discover new titles together.
Each month, we’ll read a selected book and come together to discuss themes, characters, and takeaways while sharing tea and other refreshments. This month, we will be reading Ready Player One by Ernest Cline! Two different meeting times for your convenience!
Simply Crafts
Join us for Simply Crafts, a fun and relaxing evening of simple crafts designed just for adults! Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just looking to unwind and get creative, this program is the perfect way to take a break and make something beautiful.
 
Each session features an easy, beginner-friendly craft—all supplies provided. Come enjoy great conversation, light refreshments, and the joy of making something with your hands. No experience needed—just bring yourself and your creativity!
Family Events 
Quick Drawing Lessons
Want to boost your creativity or learn to draw, but don’t know where to start? Join us for quick, beginner-friendly drawing lessons at the library! Each session focuses on simple techniques and fun prompts to help you build confidence and sharpen your skills—no experience needed.
Disability Support Group
Join us for Disability Support Group! We will serve allergy-conscious refreshments, enjoy a sense of community with other disabled people and their caretakers, and enjoy fun activities!
Chess Group
Want to learn how to play chess? Know how to play, but need a new opponent? We cover the rules of the game at the beginning of every meeting for new players, tactics, and a little bit of opening strategy.
Boards and pieces are provided, but feel free to bring your own!
BINGO for Books
Come out to our Bingo for Books program for plenty of chances to win some great book prizes! 
All ages welcome, books generously donated by patrons and the Friends of the Pearl Public Library! 
Click here to read last month's blog: 
  • Freegal Music
  • Resume Builder
Pearl Public Library
2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl, Mississippi 39208
601-932-2562

https://cmrls.lib.ms.us/cmrlsbranches/pearl