16 • Our Town 39042
LIBRARYBrandon Public Library1475 W. Government St., Brandon, MS 39042601.825.2672 / cmrls.lib.ms.usThe past several years have seen many amazing changes and additions in theBrandon Public Library’s programming and services, and we couldn’t be moreexcited. The Master Gardeners, led by Chris Purser, have begun a dramatic makeoverof the bird feeding and nesting areas outside the children’s wing of the library bylandscaping with a variety of native seed, and fruit-bearing flowers, shrubs, and trees.Did you know we have a notary public? In fact, we have four! There is almostalways one available at the branch, and the cost is only $3. We also have a publicshredder, so feel free to bring your sensitive documents and take 20 minutes to shredthem. If you want to take our bag of shreds with you, we charge $1 for the bag,otherwise the service is free.Our regular teen and middle grade programs are going strong and feature hitslike chocolate tasting, game nights, and STEAM+ activities like Snap Circuits,Makey Makey, and more!Speaking of STEAM+, January saw the rollout of our new STEAM+ programevery first and third Wednesday at 4pm (for ages 9-12) and 5pm (ages 13-18).Designed for those who want to try out multiple activities related to science,technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, STEAM+ is the place to take thoseinterests and turn them into productive skills.We’ve also introduced The Makery, a come-and-go program every Tuesday from1pm to 5pm where we will provide supplies and activity ideas for all ages to drop inand create with us.On that note, our summer library program is just around the corner! Every yearfor six weeks, we go all out with programs, activities, and reading challenges for allages to encourage reading during the summer! This year’s theme is “Imagine YourStory,” and it’s all about fantasy, fairy tales, myths, and legends. So gear up for somemagic, some mystery, and maybe a few spooky tales! We’ve already got our largemeeting room ready to be transformed into Wonderland, so be sure to follow usdown the rabbit hole this summer.Other fun things you may not realize we have include sewing classes (with sewingmachines for public use) as well as fitness kits and cake pans for checkout. We alsohave several online offerings including a book club (Third Thursday Online BookClub), a writing club (Let’s Write! Brandon Library Writing Club), and a genealogyclub (CMRLS Genealogy Group), all three of which are on Facebook and can befound via the Central Mississippi Regional Library System’s Facebook page.Don’t forget to stop by and check out our truly impressive genealogy room.Talk to our resident genealogy librarian, Paula Perez, and browse through hundredsof books, newspapers, files, photographs, microfilm, and more.There is always something going on at the Brandon Library. Come by and getinvolved.39042 Our Town • 17