It’s the holiday season and Jackson George-Regional Library System has festive events for everyone, all month long! Check out their many events for December below:
East Central Public Library
For more information contact:
George Broadus branch manager – 228-588-6263
LEGOS @ My Library
HURLEY, MS __ Bring your friends to East Central Public Library every Wednesday from 4 to 5 p.m. for LEGO fun! For ages 8 and up.
Storytime @ East Central
HURLEY, MS __ Join us every Thursday morning at 10 a.m. at the East Central Public Library. This week, we will have songs, activities, and stories for kids aged 2 through preschool age (2-5 years). The 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, located on the road next to the schools.
Gautier Public Library
For more information contact:
Melinda “Ann” Rushing, Branch Manager – 228-497-4531
Toys for Tots Drive
GAUTIER, MS __ Gautier Public Library is hosting a toy drive for Toys for Tots, and you can help make children happy by donating toys. The Friends of the Gautier Library are sponsoring this event, and they would like to thank you in advance for your generosity. To donate your toys, simply drop them off in the bin at the Gautier Public Library. Don’t forget to spread the word and encourage others to contribute as well. Thank you for supporting this worthy cause and bringing joy to children in need.
DIY Yarn Wreath and Ornaments
GAUTIER, MS __ Join the festive spirit at the Gautier Public Library for a DIY Yarn Wreath and Ornaments session on Saturday, December 02 at 11:00 am. The GPL Create program gives you the opportunity to create beautiful holiday wreaths and ornaments using yarn scraps and a little glue. The program is intended for adults aged 18 and above, with limited supplies available for use. Please contact the library to register and avoid missing out on this fun-filled Christmas celebration.
Storytime and Pictures with Santa
GAUTIER, MS __ Gautier Public Library invites you to a special event – Storytime with Santa on Thursday, December 7 at 10 am. After Storytime, Santa will be available to take pictures with your child.
Meal & A Mystery
GAUTIER, MS __ Don’t miss the “Meal & a Mystery” event taking place at the Gautier Public Library on Saturday, December 09. Come and enjoy a delicious meal at noon while collaborating with other enthusiasts to solve a mystery, either as an amateur sleuth or a gumshoe. The mystery-solving session starts at 12:30 PM, so make sure to register beforehand by calling or visiting the library, as space is limited. The event is free of cost and is intended for individuals aged 18 and above. The Friends of the Library will provide the meal, so you can focus on your detective work!
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.
Crime Will Tell – A True Crime Club – Episode 17: Tom Capano
GAUTIER, MS __ Join the Gautier Public Library’s Crime Will Tell – A True Crime Club on Thursday, December 14 at 5 pm for an exciting episode of Eps 17, featuring Tom Capano, a well-known true-crime case. The club will use a variety of resources to explore the case and the criminal. To access the resource list, you can visit the Gautier Friends of the Library Facebook page, visit the library in person, scan the QR code, or request it via email. Please note that this program is exclusively for adults aged 18 and older.
Come & Go Gift Wrapping & Hot Cocoa Bar
GAUTIER, MS __ Gautier Public Library is inviting you to join them for their ‘Come & Go Gift Wrapping & Hot Cocoa Bar’ event on Friday, December 15 from 11 am to 2 pm. If you need a quiet and private place to wrap your gifts, then this is the perfect opportunity. You can wrap your gifts in style, while sipping on a cup of hot cocoa and listening to holiday music. All the necessary supplies will be provided, so you don’t have to worry about bringing anything.
DIY Gingerbread House
GAUTIER, MS __ Join us for a fun-filled holiday activity at Gautier Public Library’s DIY Gingerbread House program on Saturday, December 16 at 11:00 AM. This program is open to all ages, and all necessary edible supplies will be provided by the library. Please contact the library to register and secure your spot. Don’t miss out on the festive cheer!
Simple Sewing Program
GAUTIER, MS __ Gautier Public Library will be hosting a simple sewing program for elementary-age children on Tuesday, December 19, at 1:00 pm. All necessary supplies will be provided, and children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
LEGO building blocks at Gautier Public Library
GAUTIER, MS __ Join us on Thursday, December 21st, 4 pm, for an hour of fun and games using LEGO building blocks at Gautier Public Library. This event is perfect for children who love to be creative and develop their motor skills while having fun with new friends. Please note that children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
Christmas Music Storytime with Kaitlin
GAUTIER, MS __ Gautier Public Library invites you to a special Christmas musical Storytime with Katlin Ross from Coastal Harmony on December 21st at 10 am. This program is designed for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Children’s Come & Go LEGO
GAUTIER, MS __ Children’s Come & Go LEGO event happening at the Gautier Public Library on Tuesday, December 26th, 3:30 -5:00pm. It’s a great opportunity to unleash your creativity and build anything you can imagine using the library’s LEGO building blocks. Plus, you can give your creation a name and take a selfie to share with your friends! This event is perfect for developing motor skills and making new friends, so be sure to come along. Just remember that children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy!
GPL Teen Advisory Group
GAUTIER, MS __ Join the GPL Teen Advisory Group at the Gautier Public Library on Saturday, November 18th at 1pm. This event is open to students in 6th to 12th grades. By attending, you will have the opportunity to enjoy food, fun and receive volunteer hours. Call the library to register and secure your spot. We look forward to seeing you there!
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.
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.
Lucedale-George County Public Library
For more information contact:
Cynthia Morgan, Branch Manager (601) 947-2123
Adult Bad Art Night
LUCEDALE, MS __ Join us for an Adult Bad Art Night at the Lucedale-George County Public Library on Thursday, December 7th at 4:00 p.m. This program is for those aged 18 and up. Make the worst art you can imagine! Supplies will be provided by the Friends of the Lucedale-George County Public Library. The event is free, so come and have fun!
“Let the See You Bauble”
LUCEDALE, MS __ Join us at the Lucedale-George County Public Library for the “Let the See You Bauble” event on Thursday, December 14 at 4 pm. It’s the season for all things merry and bright, so why not add a little holiday cheer by making your very own Christmas ornaments with us? All supplies will be provided by the Friends of the Lucedale-George County Public Library. This program is geared towards adults aged 18 and up. To pre-register for a spot or for more information, please call (601) 947-2123. Hurry, as seating is limited!
A Special Bedtime Storytime with Santa
LUCEDALE, MS __ The Lucedale-George County Public Library is hosting a special bedtime Storytime with Santa on Monday, December 11th at 5 pm. Children are encouraged to come dressed in their pajamas and bring their favorite teddy or other soft friend. During the event, Santa will read Christmas stories and listen to children’s wishes. Parents are welcome to take photos with Santa. The Friends of the Lucedale-George County Public Library will provide refreshments. The event is free and intended for children aged 12 and under. There will also be cookie decorating and various crafts available. For more information, please call 601-947-2123.
“How Money Works!” with Yolanda McCullum
LUCEDALE, MS __ Join us at the Lucedale-George County Public Library on December 18, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. for a financial literacy program on “How Money Works!” with Yolanda McCullum, a licensed insurance agent and personal finance educator. The program is designed for individuals aged 18 and above who are looking to achieve financial independence in the upcoming year. Yolanda McCullum will cover various important topics such as getting out of debt, building savings, and getting on the path to financial dependence. Don’t wait until tomorrow, start preparing for financial independence today by attending this program.
Moss Point
For more information contact:
Lynn Rainey, branch manager – 228-588-6263
Classic Christmas Trivia and a cup of Hot Chocolate!
LUCEDALE, MS __ Join us at the Lucedale-George County Public Library for some Classic Christmas Trivia and a cup of Hot Chocolate! The event will take place on Thursday, December 21st at 3 PM. Test your knowledge and warm your belly with some delicious refreshments. There will also be a Prize Giveaway, kindly provided by the Friends of the Lucedale George County Public Library. This event is open to youth aged 12-17. For any questions and to sign up, please call 601-947-2123.
Santa Is Coming to Town
MOSS POINT, MS __ Santa is coming to the Ina Thompson Moss Point Library on December 5th at 10 am for story time with preschool kids and their families. For more information, please call (228)-475-7462.
Children’s Christmas Paint Party
MOSS POINT, MS __ Children’s Paint Party! MS Join us at the Ina Thompson Moss Point Library, 4119 Bellview Ave on December 6th,3:00 pm – 5:00 pm for a fun-filled afternoon of painting with your child! All necessary supplies will be provided by the library and refreshments will be served. As space is limited, please call ahead to reserve your child’s spot. This program is free of charge. To reserve a spot, call: (228)-475-7462
Letter Tile Ornaments
MOSS POINT, MS __ Join us on December 15th at 4:30 pm for an evening of fun arts and crafts to celebrate the season with letter tile ornaments. Come and create your own ornament at no cost to you. This event is intended for those 18 years and older. All supplies will be provided. For more information, please call 228-475-7462.
Teen Painting Party
MOSS POINT, MS __ Teen Painting Party! Join us for an evening of painting at the Moss Point Library on December 13th from 3-5 pm. The library is located at 4119 Bellview Ave, Moss Point, MS. We welcome all teens to participate and enjoy refreshments provided by the library. To ensure a spot, please call (228)-475-7462 and make a reservation as space is limited. The library will provide all necessary painting supplies. We can’t wait to see you there!
Envision Your Future Vision Boards
MOSS POINT, MS __ Join us at the Ina Thompson Moss Point Library on Thursday, December 14th from 4-6 pm to create your own vision board. If you have goals you want to reach or need a reminder to stay positive, come and create your board with us! Materials will be provided by the library, but feel free to bring your own extra photos and magazines. This event is for adults aged 18 and older, and space is limited, so sign up today to secure your spot!
Christmas Cookie Creations
MOSS POINT, MS __ Get ready for some fun this holiday season! Join us at Ina Thompson Moss Point Library on December 19th from 4:30-6:00 pm for our Christmas Cookie Creations event. Adults are welcome to come and create their own Christmas-themed cookies for free, as all the necessary items will be supplied. However, space is limited. Therefore, we recommend you reserve your spot by calling (228)-475-7462. Don’t miss out on this amazing event!
Christmas Holiday Paint Party
MOSS POINT, MS __ Join us for a family paint party this Christmas on December 20th from 3-5 PM! The event will take place at the Ina Thompson Moss Point Library, and all the necessary painting supplies will be provided by the library. You and your family can enjoy an evening of painting, with refreshments also being provided. However, please note that space is limited, so kindly call ahead to make a reservation for your family. To make a reservation, please call (228)-475-7462.
Ocean Springs Public Library
For more information contact:
Yvonne Parton, Branch Manager
Lap Sit Storytime with Ms. Mo!
OCEAN SPRINGS, MS __ Join us for Lapsit Storytime with Ms. Mo at the Ocean Springs Municipal Library. This special story time is designed for infants and toddlers and will include interactive activities such as reading together with parents, singing, and movement. Children must be accompanied by a parent or adult. The event will be held every Tuesday at 11 a.m. starting from October 3rd. Come and join us for a fun and engaging experience!
An Evening with author Dionne Ford, GO BACK AND GET IT
A Memoir of Race, Inheritance, and Intergenerational Healing
OCEAN SPRINGS, MS __ Ocean Springs Municipal Library will be hosting an event on December 6 at 5:30 p.m. The event will feature Dionne Ford, an NEA creative writing fellow and co-editor of the anthology Slavery’s Descendants: Shared Legacies of Race and Reconciliation (Rutgers University Press). Ms. Ford will be discussing her memoir, “Go Back and Get It,” which explores her research on intergenerational connections and the healing power of storytelling. Her work has been featured in various publications such as the New York Times, Literary Hub, New Jersey Monthly, The Rumpus, Ebony, and Newswomen’s Club of New York. She has won awards from the National Association of Black Journalists and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Fordham University and a Master of Fine Arts from New York University. She currently resides in New Jersey.
The memoir is a fascinating American odyssey that is beautifully written, heartfelt, candid, and deeply moving. It recounts Ms. Ford’s personal journey of discovery, which began when she stumbled upon a photograph of her Ocean Springs ancestor and family. Her research led her to explore intergenerational connections between black and white communities and eventually to the healing power of storytelling.
The event will also include a question-and-answer session with Ms. Ford. As she puts it, “Stories are medicine. We tell them to get better.” We hope you will join us for an evening of insight, inspiration, and intergenerational connection.
Deck the Halls with a 3D Ornament.
OCEAN SPRINGS, MS __ Ocean Springs Municipal Library invites you to join them for a fun-filled afternoon of holiday crafting on Saturday, December 9th at 1:30 pm. You will get to create your own 3D-printed Christmas ornament, adding a personal touch to your holiday decorations. Adults and children aged 12 and above are welcome to attend. You can choose from a variety of ornaments to paint and decorate. However, space is limited, so you must register by December 1st, 2023, to secure your spot. Come and Deck the Halls with a 3D ornament at Ocean Springs Municipal Library!
Bingo Bango at the Library
OCEAN SPRINGS, MS __ Join Bobbie for a monthly Bingo get-together at the Ocean Springs Municipal Library on every second Thursday at 10 am. The first event will be held on December 14th, 2023, in the Makerspace. Don’t forget to bring your coffee mug and join us for a fun-filled morning of Bingo Bango!
Pascagoula Public Library
For more information contact:
Jim Thompson branch manager – 228-769-3060
Pascagoula Public Library Christmas Open House
PASCAGOULA, MS __ Pascagoula Public Library is excited to invite you to their 2023 Annual Christmas Open House on Monday, December 4th. The event will feature performances by PHS Choir, Colmer MS Choir, PG Senior Citizen’s Choir, JGRLS Choir, and Colmer MS Band. The program schedule is as follows: – 9:00AM to 10:00AM: PHS Choir – 10:00AM to 11:00AM: Colmer MS Choir – 11:00AM to 12:00PM: PG Senior Citizen’s Choir – 12:00PM to 1:00PM: JGRLS Choir – 1:00PM to 1:30PM: Colmer MS Band Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Pascagoula Library. We hope to see you there!
Santa Storytime
PASCAGOULA, MS __ Join us for a special Santa Storytime on Saturday, December 9th, 2023, 2:00 pm at the Pascagoula Public Library. Santa himself will be joining us to read some Christmas stories, so don’t forget to wear your favorite Christmas outfit! The Friends of the Pascagoula Public Library will be providing refreshments for all attendees. Please call to register for this event and be sure to bring your camera to snap a photo with Santa!
A Charles Dickens Christmas Tea
PASCAGOULA, MS __ A Christmas Tea inspired by Charles Dickens is scheduled on Monday, December 11th, from 4:30 to 6:00 PM. Charles Dickens once famously said, “My dear, if you could give me a cup of tea to clear my muddle of a head, I should better understand your affairs.” As a tribute to his love of tea and his several Christmas-themed stories, we have designed a custom-made Christmas high tea. You are welcome to join us and celebrate all of Dickens’ Christmas tales with tea and scrumptious treats. However, space is limited, and you need to make a reservation in advance to secure your spot. Don’t miss out, reserve your spot today.
Santa’s Christmas Cookie Workshop
PASCAGOULA, MS __ Join the Pascagoula Public Library for a special event – Santa’s Christmas Cookie Workshop! On Tuesday, December 19th, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, co-owner of Founding Fathers Brunch Bakery, Shauna Eltzroth, will teach attendees basic decorating techniques to create a memorable plate of Christmas cookies for Santa. Reservations are limited and can be made at the library circulation desk. Don’t miss out on this fun holiday activity!
St. Martin Public Library
For more information contact:
Amber Schultze, Branch Manager – 228-392-3250
December Play Bingo
ST. MARTIN, MS __ Join us for an exciting game of Bingo with your friends at the St. Martin Public Library on December 12th from 2-3 p.m. This program is free and open to anyone above the age of 18. The game will take place on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. You stand a chance to win amazing prizes. The Friends of the St. Martin Public Library will provide light refreshments. For more information, please call 228-392-3250.
Festive Wall Hanger Craft
ST. MARTIN, MS __ Join us on December 14th at 5:00 P.M. for a fun and festive crafting program at St. Martin Public Library. You’ll get to choose from a selection of designs to create your very own winter wonderland wall-hanger masterpiece! This program is exclusively for those aged 18 and above, and space is limited. To register, please call us at 228-392-3250.
Santa Storytime @ St. Martin Library
ST. MARTIN, MS __ Don’t miss out on the St. Martin Public Library Santa Storytime event which will be held on December 21st at 10:00 A.M. It’s going to be a fun experience for everyone as Santa himself will be joining us to read some Christmas stories. After the reading session, you can ask Santa any questions you have and take pictures with him. So, don’t forget to bring your camera along!
Cookie Decorating & Hot Chocolate
ST. MARTIN, MS __ The St. Martin Public Library is hosting a cookie decorating and hot cocoa event on Thursday, December 21st at 3:30pm. Youth are invited to come to the meeting room and decorate cookies while enjoying hot cocoa. Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Library. To register, please call 228-392-3250.
Vancleave Public Library
For more information contact:
Lauria Barton, Branch manager – 228-826-5857
First Thursday Pancakes & Stories
VANCLEAVE, MS __ Join us at the Vancleave Public Library on the first Thursday of every month at 10 am for a special Storytime event called “First Thursday Pancakes & Stories”. Starting on November 2nd, Miss Allison will entertain us with clever stories while Miss Lauria cooks up a delicious country platter of pancakes for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on this delicious and fun experience!
Third Thursday Popcorn Day
VANCLEAVE, MS __ Come join us at the Vancleave Public Library for our monthly Third Thursday Popcorn Day event at “The Cleave”! Starting from November 16th, we will be popping some corn on the third Thursday of every month. Treat yourself to a delicious snack while enjoying all the great resources the library has to offer. This event is open to all, and we look forward to seeing you there!
Book Talk at the ‘Cleave.
VANCLEAVE, MS __ Join us at the Vancleave Public Library for a monthly book talk event! The event is called “Book Talk @ the ‘Cleave” and takes place on the first Tuesday of each month at 2 pm. During this event, we will have a thought-provoking discussion on some of our favorite reads. We encourage you to join us and share some of your most recently read books. Coffee and snacks will be provided, so come and enjoy some refreshments while chatting about books with fellow book lovers!
Feel the Beat with Tuesday Line Dancing
VANCLEAVE, MS __ Looking for a fun way to stay active and socialize? Every Tuesday from 10-11 am, you can join James Hall at the Vancleave Public Library to learn some old and new moves. This fitness class is open to ages 17 and up, and it’s a great opportunity to keep in shape and make new friends. For more information, please call the library at 228-826-5857. We hope to see you there!
Beginning Crochet
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.
Thursday Dominoes Club
VANCLEAVE, MS __ Join us every Thursday at 1 pm for a variety of table games including dominoes, Spades, or Scrabble at Vancleave Public Library. If you’re interested in playing, feel free to give the library a call at 228-826-5857 for more information.
Cards with Friends
VANCLEAVE, MS _Looking for a fun way to spend your Monday afternoons? Come down to the Vancleave Public Library and join in on our weekly card games with friends! Our Dominoes club members loved playing together so much on Thursdays that they decided to extend their fun to Mondays as well. You’re guaranteed to have a great time filled with laughs and good company. For more information, feel free to check in at the front desk or give us a call at 228-826-5857. We hope to see you there!
Breadmaking 101
VANCLEAVE, MS __ Have you ever wanted to learn how to make your own bread? If so, I have some great news for you. The Vancleave Public Library is offering a series called Bread Making 101 on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 1 pm. This program is open to all ages and is a great opportunity to learn a valuable skill. If you’re interested in attending, be sure to call the library at 228-826-5857 for more information. Happy baking!
Vancleave Quilting Bees Quilting Club
VANCLEAVE, MS __ Join the Vancleave Quilting Bees Quilting Club every Monday, from 4 pm to 6 pm, at the Vancleave Public Library. We gather to share our passion for all things quilted, and you are welcome to join us as a guest or member. We exchange patterns, tips, and techniques while enjoying each other’s company. For more information, please contact Lana Self at 228-218-0655.
