February is an eventful month full of history, festivities, and more! Jackson-George Regional Library System has all kinds of events for all interests, and ages. Check out what’s happening at your local library below:
EAST CENTRAL PUBLIC LIBRARY
For more information contact:
Lynn Rainey branch manager – 228-588-6263
Pokémon Jubilee – Celebrate Pokémon Day
HURLEY, MS __ East Central Public Library presents Pokémon Jubilee – Celebrate Pokémon Day on February 24th at 10 AM. Do you want to be the very best? Join us at the East Central Public Library for a Pokémon Jubilee celebration where we’ll have trivia and crafts for all ages. Come with your friends, test your knowledge, and learn about Pokémon with like-minded individuals in our community. Bring your Nintendo Switch along and make new in-game friends. The Friends of the East Central Public Library will provide refreshments. Join us for a fun-filled day!
East Central Public Library for LEGO
HURLEY, MS __ Join us every Wednesday from 4 to 5 p.m. at the East Central Public Library for LEGO fun! This event is for ages 8 and up. Bring your friends!
Storytime at East Central Public Library
HURLEY, MS __ Please join us every Thursday morning at 10 a.m. at the East Central Public Library. This week, we have songs, activities, and stories for children aged 2 through preschool age (2-5 years). This event is sponsored by the Friends of the East Central Public Library. For more information, please call the library at 588-6263 or visit us at 21801 Slider Public Library, which is located next to the schools.
KATHLEEN MCILWAIN PUBLIC LIBRARY OF GAUTIER
For more information contact:
Melinda “Ann” Rushing, Branch Manager – 228-497-4531
Storytime with Mrs. Donna
GAUTIER, MS __ The Gautier Public Library hosts Storytime with Mrs. Donna every Thursday at 10 a.m. This event is open to preschool to kindergarten-aged children and includes music, crafts, and picture books. Come join us for a fun-filled morning!
Virtual Page Turners Book Club
GAUTIER, MS __ Join the Gautier Public Library’s Page Turners Book Club, which meets virtually on the 4th Monday of each month. You can find more information about the club by visiting @1pm on Facebook. To join the book club, simply scan the QR code provided and participate through live chat, live video, or by watching and commenting on your own time. Please note that this program is intended for adults. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to discuss our book of the month with fellow book lovers!
Mother Goose Baby Playdate and Storytime!
GAUTIER, MS __ Come join us at the Gautier Public Library for our Mother Goose Baby Playdate and Storytime! This event takes place every 3rd Tuesday at 10:30 am and is perfect for babies and toddlers who want to explore new toys, learn songs, and make new friends. During circle time on our crawl carpet, little ones will have the opportunity to practice hand-eye coordination, language, social play, and motor skills. Older siblings are also welcome to participate. Please note that space is limited, so be sure to register by calling or visiting the library.
A True Crime Club: Long Island Serial Killer #20
GAUTIER, MS __ Join the Gautier Public Library’s True Crime Club on Thursday, February 08 at 5 pm for their 20th episode on the Long Island Serial Killer. The club is dedicated to exploring well-known true crime cases or criminals using various resources. To access the resource list, you can find it on the Gautier Friends of the Library Facebook page, in the library, scan the QR code, or request it via email. Please note that this program is exclusively for adults aged 18 and above.
Children’s Monthly Virtual S.T.E.A.M. Day
GAUTIER, MS __ The Gautier Public Library hosts a virtual monthly event called S.T.E.A.M., beginning January 4th for elementary-aged children. S.T.E.A.M. stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics – all of which are combined to make learning fun! The event takes place on the first Thursday of every month at 4:00 pm and is now virtual on Facebook due to the current situation. The event provides S.T.E.A.M. experiments that are specially designed for children to learn and enjoy. You can pick up your S.T.E.A.M. kit at the Library Service Desk.
Meal & A Mystery
GAUTIER, MS __ The Gautier Public Library is hosting a “Meal & a Mystery” event on Friday, February 23. The dinner will start at 4:00 PM followed by a mystery game at 4:30 PM. If you love solving puzzles and mysteries, then this event is perfect for you. You will be dining at Azteca’s Restaurant & Cantina in Gautier while working with others to solve a mystery in a box. The box will contain clues, autopsy reports, witness statements, and everything you need to solve the mystery. This event is limited to 18+ individuals only. To attend, you need to sign up at the library, and the cost of the meal will be at your expense. Don’t miss out on this exciting experience!
Gautier Public Library Friends of the Library 4th Tuesday
GAUTIER, MS __ You are invited to attend the monthly meeting of the Friends of the Library, which takes place every 4th Tuesday at 9 am. The meeting is held at Founding Fathers Brunch Bakery. Join us to discuss fundraising, marketing the library, and provide feedback and suggestions on library programs and events. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Friends of the Gautier Library, it only costs $5 for an individual or $10 for a family. Becoming a member is a great way to support the library and stay informed about upcoming events.
Teen Advisory Group
GAUTIER, MS __ Join the Gautier Public Library’s Teen Advisory Group every fourth Saturday at 1:00 pm! Students in grades 6 through 12 are welcome to attend these monthly meetings. You’ll enjoy food, fun, and receive volunteer hours. Come and be a part of the GPL Teen Advisory Group!
LUCEDALE-GEORGE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
For more information contact:
Cynthia Morgan, Branch Manager (601) 947-2123
Get Prepared with Pedro!
LUCEDALE, MS __ Join Pedro and his friends at the Lucedale-George County Public Library on February 15 at 4 PM to learn how to be prepared and take action during an emergency. The event is sponsored by the American Red Cross, with Wendy Samples and Mike Tremain. It is geared towards children aged 5-10. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Lucedale George County Public Library. Don’t miss this opportunity to get prepared with Pedro!
Medicare 101 for Seniors
LUCEDALE, MS __ If you are a senior looking to learn more about Medicare, then attend the Medicare 101 seminar at the Lucedale-George County Public Library. The seminar will be held on Thursday, February 22, Thursday, March 7, Thursday, April 4, and Thursday, May 9, at 1 pm. The presenter, Kenya A. Winston, an independent Medicare agent, will cover the basics of Medicare and enrollment periods. If you have any questions, she will be happy to answer them. For more information, please call (601) 947-2123.
American Red Cross: Pillow Case Project
LUCEDALE, MS __ Join the Lucedale-George County Public Library and the American Red Cross on February 29th at 4 pm for an educational program on local hazards, coping skills, as well as personal and family preparedness. This program, called The Pillowcase Project, will be hosted by Wendy Samples and Mike Tremain and is geared towards ages 10-16. The Friends of the Lucedale-George County Public Library will provide refreshments. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to stay safe and prepared!
INA THOMPSON MOSS POINT PUBLIC LIBRARY
For more information contact:
Liz Murphy, branch manager – 228-588-6263
Black History Month Art Show offered at Moss Point Library
MOSS POINT, MS __ Ina Thompson Moss Point Library is hosting an Art Show to celebrate Black History Month. The show will run from February 1st to February 29th and will feature African-American artists. We invite you to bring your family and friends to witness the art of Leroy Williams, who is the Pen and Ink artist and the show coordinator, and Glenn Mack, known for his Handcrafted Jewelry, along with other talented artists.
The Moss Point Library is committed to showcasing the work of local African American artists and crafters from the Jackson County communities as a tribute to Black History Month. The exhibit will include a wide range of work such as drawings, paintings, photographs, and jewelry pieces. These items will be displayed inside the library as well as in the library’s exhibit display case. Please note that you may need to make an appointment to view these pieces. For more information, please call the library at 228-475-7462.
Train-theme Storytime with Katie
MOSS POINT, MS __ Ina Thompson Moss Point Library will host a train-themed Storytime for preschoolers on February 6th at 10 am. Join us for stories and a craft!
Valentine Day Storytime with Katie
MOSS POINT, MS __ Ina Thompson Moss Point Library will host a Valentine’s Day themed Storytime on February 13th at 10 am. Preschoolers and their families are invited to join for a fun story time and craft to make a Valentine.
Make Your Own Mardi Gras Mask
MOSS POINT, MS __ Join us as we celebrate Mardi Gras at the Ina Thompson Moss Point Library. Make your very own Mardi Gras mask on Thursday, February 15th from 4-6 PM. Supplies will be provided. This event is for adults 18 and over and seating is limited, so sign up today.
Dragon’s Love Tacos Storytime with Katie
MOSS POINT, MS __ Join us with your preschoolers for dragon-themed story time, crafts, and activities featuring “Dragons Love Tacos” by Adam Rubin and illustrated by Daniel Salmieri. The event will take place on February 27th at 10 am at the Moss Point Library.
Moss Point’s Civil Rights Movements and The Freedom Summer
Presented by Anne’ McMillion
MOSS POINT, MS __ Join us on February 27, 2024, from 4 pm to 6 pm for a presentation about the history of Civil Rights in Moss Point, presented by Anne McMillion, BSBM, MBA at the Ina Thompson Moss Point Library. The event will include a Q&A session and will also be viewable on the JGRLS YouTube page: www.youtube.com/ejacksongeorgelibrary. To further support African American preservation efforts, consider donating to Jabali Preservation Inc., a 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofit. Follow us on Instagram: Jabali Preservation @JABALIPRESERVATION.
OCEAN SPRINGS MUNICIPAL LIBRARY
For more information contact:
Jim Thompson, Branch Manager (228) 857-1193
Teen Sci-Cafe event featuring Ingalls Shipbuilding
OCEAN SPRINGS, MS __ The Ocean Springs Municipal Library is hosting a Teen Sci-Cafe event featuring Ingalls Shipbuilding. This event is open to all middle and high school students and will take place on Tuesday, February 6th. The doors will open at 6:00 PM for pizza and socializing, and the presentation will begin at 6:30 PM. Ingalls Shipbuilding is the leading producer of ships for the U.S. Navy and is one of the largest private employers in our state. At the event, you can learn about the science behind shipbuilding and explore potential career paths.
Library Mystery Society
OCEAN SPRINGS, MS __ Ocean Springs Municipal Library is hosting a monthly event called “Library Mystery Society” every second Saturday at Noon. This is an opportunity for you to work with your fellow community members and solve the mystery of the month. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Library.
Mississippi Poetry Society South Branch Poets’ Workshop
OCEAN SPRINGS, MS __ Ocean Springs Municipal Library, South Branch, is pleased to host the February meeting of the Mississippi Poetry Society. The event will take place on Saturday, February 10th, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm. As Samuel Beckett once said, “Poets are the sense, philosophers the intelligence of humanity.” This is a great opportunity to explore your love for poetry, whether you are an experienced writer or just starting out. The meeting is open to all ages and levels of writers. The Library and the Mississippi Poetry Society are working together to encourage reading, writing, and sharing poetry. Registration is required to attend the event. You can register at the library or call 228-875-1193 for more information.
Sourdough 101
OCEAN SPRINGS, MS __ Sourdough enthusiasts unite! Join Merryl Gallahar-Nall on February 20th, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm for a sourdough 101 class. Learn about the history of sourdough and get tips on how to prepare your starter for baking.
Donuts with Jim Thompson, OS Manager
OCEAN SPRINGS, MS __ Ocean Springs Municipal Library invites you to meet and greet their new manager, Jim Thompson. Enjoy coffee and donuts and welcome Jim, who is excited to work with the community in his hometown. The event will take place on February 22nd at 10:00 am
Tuesday “Crafternoon” Time
OCEAN SPRINGS, MS __ Join the Ocean Springs Municipal Library on Tuesday, February 27th at 2:00 PM for a “Crafternoon” Tea Party. This event will be a fun-filled DIY activity where you can make your very own teacup gnome. The materials and refreshments will be provided by The Friends of the Library. The sign-ups are limited, so call or visit the library circulation desk to reserve your spot. Get ready for a “gnometastic” time!
ST. MARTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY
LEGO Club
ST. MARTIN, MS __ Join us at the St. Martin Public Library for the LEGO Club on January 23rd and February 27th at 3:30 p.m. If you have a love for building with LEGOs, then this program is perfect for you! Children are welcome to come to the library’s Children’s area and build with a team or create something on their own. Children who are 10 years old and younger must be accompanied by an adult. So, don’t miss out and call 228-392-3250 to register today!
Wooden Heart Valentine’s Day Art
ST. MARTIN, MS __ Join us this Valentine’s Day for a fun afternoon of crafting at St. Martin Public Library. Patrons, who are 18 years and above, will embellish wooden hearts with various elements to create their very own masterpieces. The event will take place on February 14th at 3:00 P.M. Please call the library at 228-392-3250 to register, as space is limited. Don’t forget to be kind and spread love on this special day.
Homeschool Book Club February 14th and 28th
ST. MARTIN, MS __ St. Martin Public Library is hosting a Homeschool Book Club on February 14th and 28th at 2 p.m. The book club is open to all homeschool students who wish to participate. For the month of February, we will be reading The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo. Registration is mandatory as we have limited space and copies of the book. Please note that children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, please call 228-392-3250.
Crochet for Youth
ST. MARTIN, MS __ St. Martin Public Library is organizing a Crochet class for Youth on Thursday, February 22nd, and March 21st at 3:30 pm. This class is intended for youth aged 8 and up who want to learn and improve their crochet skills. During this session, we will focus on teaching double-crochet techniques. To participate in this program, registration is mandatory. Please call 228-392-3250 to register for the class today.
Fraud 101 with Merchant and Marine Bank
ST. MARTIN, MS __ St. Martin Public Library will host a Fraud 101 program in collaboration with Merchants & Marine Bank on February 22nd at 3:00 p.m. This program will provide information on how to avoid scams and identify fraud. Specialists from Merchants & Marine Bank will be presenting at the event. After the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions. If you would like to attend this program, please call 228-392-3250 to register.
VANCLEAVE PUBLILC LIBRARY
For more information contact:
Lauria Barton, Branch manager – 228-826-5857
Kids Coding Club
VANCLEAVE, MS __ Join us the last Monday of the month to learn how to code! This is a great opportunity to improve your computer skills. You will need a valid email address to participate, but bringing a laptop is optional. Keep in mind that space is limited on the library computers, so you may want to bring your own device if possible. If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 228-826-5857.
Sand Art
VANCLEAVE, MS __ Vancleave Public Library is hosting a program called “Sand Art” on Tuesday, February 6th. Children aged 5-12 will have the opportunity to make and take home a unique sand art creation. Please note that supplies are limited, so sign up at the front desk or call 228-826-5857 to secure your spot. For more information, feel free to contact us.
Homeschool Bridge Building
VANCLEAVE, MS __ On Wednesday, February 7th, Vancleave Public Library is organizing a STEM activity for homeschoolers. The activity involves building a spaghetti bridge, and teams will compete to see whose bridge is the strongest. This event is open to homeschoolers of all ages, and supplies are limited. If interested, you can sign up at the front desk or call 228-826-5857 for more information.
Temperaments and Psychological Types
VANCLEAVE, MS __ Presentation by Dr. F. B. Pete Campbell, Jr. on Temperaments and Psychological Types will be held at Vancleave Public Library on Saturday, February 17th at 1:00 pm. Dr. Campbell is a local author who has written a book on Temperament and Psychological Types of Souls in Union Life with Christ. Please note that Dr. Campbell will not be selling his books at this event. The presentation will focus on psychology’s application to the Christian soul type. If you need more information, please call the library at 228-826-5857.
Candy Sushi
VANCLEAVE, MS __ Vancleave Public Library is hosting an event called “Candy Sushi” on Tuesday, February 20th. Youth aged 12-17 are welcome to attend and learn how to make confectionery sushi using their favorite candies. As the supplies are limited, interested participants can sign up at the front desk or call 228-826-5857 to get more information.
Gaslighting and Psychological Abuse Workshop
VANCLEAVE, MS __ Join us on February 21st at 3 pm to discover the truth about the harmful effects of gaslighting and other forms of psychological abuse. Gaslighting and Psychological Abuse Workshop will be led by Jessica Henry, a community outreach educator for the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence. Jessica Henry, MPH, will provide valuable insights into gaslighting and other forms of psychological abuse. This informative workshop is an opportunity to learn how to recognize the signs of such abuse and how to protect yourself from it. For more information about the workshop, please call the library at 228-826-5857.
