It has been a big week at the Mississippi County Library System (MCLS)!
With our libraries newly reopened to library programming, it has been a fantastic whirlwind of energy and excitement in our buildings! The Blytheville Library kicked off the celebration with a Juneteenth book signing: over 100 adults and youth gathered to talk to local authors and history makers, and to hear Dr. Valencia Andrews-Pirtle’s beautiful rendition of “Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship & Freedom.” We are so thankful to the Juneteenth Committee for organizing this event with us.
Last Tuesday and Wednesday, the Blytheville, Manila, and Osceola Libraries hosted Rocky Clements’ Show of Wonders. This magical vaudeville act harkens back to the days of the travelling salesman, who combined performance, education, and illusion to hawk his wares. Mr. Clements kept participants entertained with clever banter, quippy stories, and amazing tricks. Participants left with smiles on their faces and a greater sense of wonder!
Attendance at any of the MCLS Show of Wonders magic performances qualified participants for 50 Summer Reading points! It’s not too late to join the Summer Reading Program: register at bit.ly/MLCSummerReading2021 to earn points and redeem prizes. There are mission activities for every day, from story times to literacy games, author interviews, virtual field trips, and more! You can earn points through August 13th; get started today!
The Blytheville Library hosted a group of civic, education, religious, and healthcare leaders Tuesday evening for an exploratory conversation about mental health in our communities. Participants discussed the challenges our communities face was we enter a post-COVID world, the stigma surrounding mental health diagnosis and treatment, and the resources currently available in our community to provide care. The conversation ended with a brainstorming session about practical next steps community leaders can take to help educate, break the stigma, and provide equity of access for those facing mental health challenges. The good work of this group has just begun: if you’d like to join, please contact the Blytheville Library for more information.
And there are so many more great opportunities for all ages coming this fall!
Preschool story time will return in September, with a “When I Grow Up” series featuring local professionals. If you’d like to volunteer to come tell children about why your job is the BEST (and maybe read a story or two), call the Blytheville Library at 870.762.2431. We’d love to put you on the schedule and help you inspire the next generation’s interest in your good work!
Game Night will return in September! Come to the Blytheville Library Tuesdays at 6 pm for board games, card games, strategy games, and even flashlight tag! All ages are invited to join the fun. We also hope to host gaming days and tournaments; stay tuned for more information. If you would like to volunteer to lead a game, organize a tournament, or help supervise some of our younger players, call the Blytheville Library to sign up!
Watch for more information about Knitting Club, Adult Craft Night, STEM Club, Tinkering Studio, the Blytheville Public Library Model Railroad, and Library of Things. And don’t forget to visit the library! Your MCLS is excited to resume in-person programming. We’re looking forward to providing all the great activities you used to love and offering new and inventive programming. If you have an idea for a service or resource the Mississippi County Library System could provide or would like to volunteer at one of our library branches, let us know! As always, feel free to contact me at broberts@mclibrary.net anytime with questions or suggestions.