The Summer Library Reading Program is Now Underway!

On Your Mark, Get Set, Read!  That is the theme of this year's Summer Library Reading Program.
Registration began on May 31st and will continue through Friday, June 17.

Each week has a different focus, all related to the let's get active theme :

• Sportstacular
• Out of the Ordinary
• Games Around the World
• Fueling Your Engine
• Science of Sports
• Motion Commotion

Children participating set their own goals for summer reading fun and those that meet their goals can participate in the Closing Celebration on Thursday, July 14, which will feature magician Dorian LaChance!

To sign up or for more information, contact our Children's Librarian, Marie Cunningham.

Cookbooks Galore!

     It's that time again! We've gotten a brand new crop of cookbooks with which you can hone your culinary skills. This selection contains healthy and satisfying recipes that can tame the hungriest appetite.

     First, we have Jamie Deen's Good Food by Jamie Deen (of course) and his son, Jack. These classic recipes have been cooked and passed down for generations. There are chapters on soups, vegetables, sandwiches, desserts, and more. If you flip the book over, you get a special section called, Rooster's Cafe where Jamie's son, Jack, shares kid-friendly recipes that he loves. There are also family stories and tips for stocking your pantry and spice rack. Jamie and Jack's goal for this book is getting families cooking and eating healthful meals together. And, with recipes like Roasted Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons, Broccoli and Bacon Twice-Baked Potatoes, Lemon Shortbread Cookies, and Candied Orange Peel, who could resist trying these simple, delicious recipes with their own children?

     Next, we have Prevention RD's Everyday Healthy Cooking: 100 Light and Delicious Recipes to Promote Energy, Weight Loss, and Well-Being by Nicole Morrissey who is a registered dietitian and diabetes educator. This book was designed with the health conscious in mind. Morrissey has been posting light and healthy recipes on her blog since 2009. These recipes are well-balanced and delicious and each one includes complete nutritional facts and serving suggestions. She also includes information on adjusting portion sizes as well as converting recipes for gluten-free, vegan, and diabetic friends. Why not try the Zucchini-Sausage Pizza, Watermelon Slush, Baked Falafel, or the Coconut Shrimp and Chickpea Curry? What have you got to lose except pounds and bad eating habits?

     Along the same lines as the previous book is The Diabetes Comfort Food Diet by Laura Cipullo, RD, CDE and the editors of Prevention. With recipes like Guilt-Free Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Grilled Pork Tacos with Mango Salsa, Beef Stroganoff, and Creamy Pumpkin Mousse, who can resist these "healthified" versions of comfort food classics? This eating plan is approved by the folks at Prevention magazine and is designed to give you the tools you'll need to manage--and even reverse--your insulin resistance while enjoying those foods you absolutely love.

     Finally, we have Dinner Pies: from Shepherd's Pies and Pot Pies to Turnovers, Quiches, Hand Pies, and More by Ken Haedrich. The author's breezy style takes you through these 100 creative (and delicious) recipes that could be used as a tasty main course for your weeknight supper for family or that get together with friends this weekend. Haedrich gives his best tips and tricks for perfect crusts so that cooks of all skill levels will enjoy these savory recipes. There are recipes for Bacon & Tomato Mini Tarts; Cabbage & Brie Torta; Broccoli, Mushroom, & Ham Quiche; Classic Beef Pot Pie; and my all-time favorite Natchitoches Meat Pies!

Why not check out one of these new cookbooks today?

Bon Appetit!

Technical Aids for Seniors

Thanks to a grant we received from International Paper, we have extended our selection of books to aid with the newer personal devices patrons are using.

The Studio Visual Steps set for Seniors features instructions geared for users who have little to no technical background.  The set features large print for ease of reading as well as numerous illustrations to keep learners on the right path.  The step-by-step instructions are self-paced, learn as you go.  Chapters are organized so that you can skip one or repeat a chapter as often as you desire.

We have added four of their books to our collection.  The first is iPad for Seniors.  This book is suitable for learning how to use all iPads with iOS9 from iPad 2 and up.  It covers many topics of interest to users including how to download apps for the App store and how to use the Internet and email.

The second book is iPhone for Seniors.  This book is suitable to use for learning how to use all iPhones with iOS9 or higher.  It covers making phones calls, sending texts, connecting to Wi-Fi among other topics.

The third book is Working with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet with Android 5 for Seniors.  It is suitable for learning how to use all Samsung Galaxy tablets with Android 5.  The topics covered include how to operate the tablet, surfing the Internet and connecting to email, and working with photos, videos and music.

The fourth book is Windows 10 for Seniors for the Beginning Computer User.  It is suitable for learning how to use Windows 10 on any laptop or desktop computer featuring Windows 10 software.  Using step by step instructions, the chapters take users from learning how to make use of the mouse, keyboards, touchpads and/or touchscreens to how to work with files and folders.

Each of the four books has a accompanying website where additional information on the device in question can be found.

Want to learn all the tricks on how to use your new personal device?  Check out one of these books and see what you might be missing.

New Titles for Those in the Crafty Corner

Those of you who enjoy fiber-craft (i.e. sewing, knitting, crochet) will enjoy three of our newest titles on the subject.

     First up for all of you who enjoy sewing and want to freshen your home or give a room a new look, we have Easy to Make! Curtains & Blinds by C & B Crafts. This book is broken down in easy-to-read sections that allow even beginners to get in on the decorating fun. In the "Getting Started" chapter, you will learn about the different types of windows, how to choose the right window treatment, what sort of fixtures you will need, what kind of fabrics work well, and how to work with patterns and textured fabrics. Next, you'll learn how to measure for your curtains, calculate how much fabric your project will take, and learn about lined, interlined, unlined curtains, and sheers. The third chapter discusses how to create the perfect blinds for your windows. You'll learn how to measure for your blinds, calculate fabric quantity, and see the difference between Roman, soft pleat, and roller blinds. The final two chapters discuss the finishing touches like trims, embellishments, and tiebacks as well as the equipment and techniques you will need to create your new looks. This book includes color photos and illustrations as well as a glossary of terms for your convenience.

     Next, we have Sew Brilliant Bags by Debbie Shore. This book contains 12 beautiful projects for sewing your own bags, purses, and totes. The easy-to-use instructions are accompanied by step-by-step photography to make your projects a breeze. All of the techniques are fully discussed and the projects are made using a basic sewing machine. The author also teaches you how to customize your projects to suit your own tastes as well as how to design and make your own creations.

     Finally, we have a knitting-project book that features projects that are a bit more whimsical. Woolly Woofers is by Debbie Bliss and contains more than twenty knitwear projects for your dog. There are sweaters for the winter and costumes for the holidays. Both beginner friendly projects and advanced skilled outfits adorn these pages. There is a chic Breton striped top and beret; a tweed cape and matching deerstalker that takes its cue from Sherlock Holmes; a black and white sweater inspired by the Jolly Roger; and a festive Santa Paws costume. All of these projects include the step-by-step instructions and knitting pattern for your convenience.

    Come and check out these titles today!

New Fiction Novels by Patron Favorites

We have recently added three new novels to our collection from authors that many of our patrons enjoy.

First is the latest book by American lawyer and novelist James Grippando.  Gone Again is the twelfth novel in the series featuring Jack Swyteck, Miami criminal defense attorney.

In this fast paced novel, Swyteck takes on his first death-row client since The Pardon (the first in the Jack Swyteck series, also available in our collection).







The next novel is Once a Rancher by popular romance novelist Linda Lael Miller.  The first book of her newest series, The Carsons of Mustang Creek, follows the eldest of three brothers.  Slater Carson is a documentary filmmaker by trade, but still a rancher at heart.  He shares the running of the family ranch with his two younger brothers, Drake and Mace.

Things change when former Seattle cop Grace Emery comes to town to manage the local resort spa with her ward in tow, Ryder - the rebellious son of her ex-husband.

Last is The Other Side of Silence, the eleventh novel in the Bernie Gunther series by Scottish author, Philip Kerr.

The year is 1956 and Bernie Gunther is hiding in plain sight under an assumed name with fake papers.  Posing as a concierge at the Grand Hotel, he is drawn into a nest of vipers when he is asked to assist author W. Somerset Maugham, who is being blackmailed.




These and many other titles can be found on our New Adult Fiction shelves.  Enjoy!

Beer Lovers, Rejoice!

     This week I want to take a look at two new books about craft beer, brewing beer, and food pairings to go with your beer.

     The first book is Mastering Homebrew: the Complete Guide to Brewing Delicious Beer by Randy Mosher. This is the ultimate comprehensive guide to the craft of beer for both beginners and advanced brewers. These simple, easy to follow instructions along with colorful graphics and illustrations show the process and technique for the home brewer. Mosher also includes 27 master recipes and a vast range of variations to help you master the art of beer. You will learn how to get the most out of your brewing ingredients, formulate recipes for classic as well as original brews, understand the different beer styles, choose and use your equipment, manage the brewing process for the best results, and package and serve a perfect glass of your beer. This book is written with expert advice and levity to help inspire and mentor the homebrewer.

     The second book is Beer, Food, and Flavor: a Guide to Tasting, Pairing, and the Culture of Craft Beer by Schuyler Schultz. This book begins with some tips and vocabulary for tasting different kinds of beer. Next you will learn which beers pair well with different kinds of foods. You will learn to build menus that will help bring out your chosen beer's best flavors as well as which sorts of cheeses pair well with beer. The final chapters of the book discuss the philosophies of craft brewing as well as discussing some of the most notable craft brewers here in the United States. The final chapter offers a glimpse into the greater craft beer community with focus on online communities, beer judge certification programs, brewers associations, and books and resources that may be helpful for those serious about their beer.

   Both of these books are available in the New Non-Fiction section of the library. Similar titles can be found in the regular non-fiction section around the call number 641. And remember, if you need a little help finding these titles, the Reference Desk will be happy to help!

Two New Biographies on the New Adult Nonfiction Rack

We have recently added two biographies to our library collection about two very different men.

The first is Leonard : My Fifty-year Friendship with a Remarkable Man by William Shatner with David Fisher.

In this memoir about his Star Trek costar, William Shatner shares his memories and interesting tidbits of other information about the late Leonard Nimoy.

This book is a touching tribute to the well-loved actor/director/singer/author that we lost last year.







When Breath Becomes Air ia about and by Paul Kalanithi, a neurosurgeon who found out at the age of thirty-six that he had stage IV lung cancer.  This book is a chronicle of how life changed for he and his wife as he went overnight from doctor to patient, facing mortality while also facing becoming a new father.

Published posthumously, with a foreword by Abraham Verghese and an epilogue by Lucy Kalanithi, the story of Doctor Kalanithi is a touching affirmation of life.

Refresh Your Home for Spring!

     Spring is in the air and it's time to dust off those flower pots and clean out the cobwebs. We have a number of resources here at the library to help you with your spring cleaning and sprucing up. One resource that you may not have considered is our magazine collection. We have magazines available for check-out and digital magazines that can be viewed anywhere you have an internet connection.

     Thinking of starting a garden for the spring or want new ideas for your existing garden space? We have Mississippi Gardener, Southern Living, and Garden & Gun. Thinking of repainting and redecorating a room or two in your home? Why not check out House Beautiful, Traditional Home, or Country Living? Want to learn some new recipes to for that spring cocktail party. Why not check out Food Network Magazine, Rachael Ray Everyday, or Good Housekeeping?

     While the library offers a wide array of home decorating and improvement books, sometimes you want the latest styles and ideas to help you refresh your home. Magazines are a great way to do that. If you don't feel like coming into the library to check one of these out, then why not check out our online magazines? You can find them by following this link:
https://www.rbdigital.com/warrenms/service/zinio/landing?

New Picture Books for the Easy Reader Section

We have added quite a few new books to our Children's Department including some new picture books for the reading and viewing pleasure of our youngest patrons.

Abracadabra, It's Spring! celebrates the magic of the season.  Written by Anne Sibley O'Brien and illustrated by Susan Gal, the book contains eleven foldout pages with illustrations in full color.

In Buddy and Earl Go Exploring, Buddy the dog and his buddy, Earl the hedgehog, go exploring without even leaving home thanks to Earl's over-active imagination.  Written by Maureen Fergus with pictures by Carey Sookocheff.

Finally, in Strictly No Elephants, a boy is barred from the meeting of the neighborhood Pet Club for having an unusual pet.  They don’t understand that pets come in all shapes and sizes, just like friends. The boy and his tiny pet elephant to show them what it really means to be a true friend.  Written by Lisa Mantchev and illustrated by Taeeun Yoo.





Enjoy these and many other selections from our Easy Reader section in the Children's Department.

A Few New Additions to the Local History and Mississippi Collections

     We have two new additions to our Local History Collection and one to the Mississippi Collection that may be of interest to our patrons.

     The two books for Local History are biographies entitled "Invocation to Death: The Final Hours of Col. Alexander Keith McClung" by H. Grady Howell, Jr. and "Bond of Friendship: Legacy of Grand Chancellor, Sir William H. 'Tillmon' Jones and the Knights of Pythias North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia" by Patricia Hureston Lee. The first of these discusses the last days of a disgraced colonel prone to drunkenness who ultimately chose to take his own life after being turned down for a position that would have greatly improved his circumstances both financially and socially. The second book tells the story of how a group of friends--and leaders of their communities--sought prosperity for persons of color during the period of reconstruction by adhering to the Pythian Code of benevolence and charity.

     The final book, located in the Mississippi Collection, is called "Weapons of Mississippi" by Kevin Dougherty. This comprehensive tome discusses the "arsenal of interesting, lethal, and imaginative weapons" wielded by Native Americans, frontier outlaws, duelists, lawmen, protestors, and hunters from pre-history through the present day in Mississippi. The author informs us of the importance weapons have played in war time and times of peace--how they did and didn't help people's causes.

     For history buffs these books will surely enlighten and inform. While these books cannot be checked-out of the library, you are more than welcome to come to the Local History room and take a look!