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Northeast Regional Library Blog

History and the Meaning of Memorial Day

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is a solemn day of remembrance for the brave men and women who have laid down their lives in military service to the United States. Its origins can be traced back to the aftermath of the Civil War, a time when the nation sought to heal and honor the fallen on both sides of the conflict. Originally known as Decoration Day, it was a time for Read more…

Suggested Family Activity ✏️ Get Ready to Write

Preschool age children can get their fingers ready to learn how to write by moving small items from one place to another.  Place marshmallows or pieces of cereal in a bowl and give your child another bowl to move the items into.  The ‘pinching’ motion that they make when they do this activity helps get their fingers limber enough to hold things, including eventually a pencil.  Once they have mastered that, you can make it Read more…

Suggested Family Activity 🐟🐠 Sea Creature Craft

Try turning plain, white paper plates into cute and colorful sea creatures today.  If you fold a plate in half and add an extra piece of paper sticking out one end as a fin, you can turn it into a fish.  Just draw an eye and mouth on the opposite end of the fin and color it in whatever color combinations you like.  You can turn a plate into a turtle by coloring a white Read more…

Suggested Family Activity 🌦️⛈️🌧️ Do Nothing on A Rainy Day

Spring weather can jump from wet and gloomy to bright and sunny from day to day.  If it rains soon, it could be the perfect day to plan a “do nothing” day with your family.  You can watch fun family movies together, play lots of board or card games, put together puzzles, or work on craft or art projects together – whatever relaxes you!  You could make quick and easy snacks (don’t forget the popcorn Read more…

Suggested Family Activity 🥼🧪Science Experiment

If you sprinkle black pepper on water, it will not sink because it’s light and floats on the surface. This is due to the surface tension of the water.  Grab some black pepper today to demonstrate this theory:  Fill a bowl with water and sprinkle black pepper flakes on the top of the water.  When you touch the water with your finger, nothing happens – except that your finger gets wet and pepper sticks to Read more…

Aurora Borealis Visible in Alcorn County

The celestial dance of the aurora borealis is a spectacle that captures the imagination and inspires awe. As a powerful storm graces our skies, it brings with it the chance to witness this natural wonder. Charged particles collide with atmospheric gases, creating a light show that ranges from subtle glows to vibrant streaks of green, red, and purple. The last geomagnetic storm, reached a G5 level, and made an extraordinary display visible much farther south Read more…

Suggested Family Activity 🐝 Bee Craft

How to Make a Bee Finger Puppet: A Fun Craft Activity Bees are buzzing around flowers, and now you can create your own adorable bee finger puppet! This simple craft is perfect for kids and adults alike. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make your bee puppet: Materials Needed: Yellow paper (colored or white) Black marker, Sharpie, or black crayon Glue Scissors Craft punch or hole punch (or a dime) White paper for wings Optional: Pipe Read more…

2024 Pulitzer Prize Winners Announced

The literary world buzzed with excitement as the 108th Pulitzer Prizes were revealed, showcasing the pinnacle of storytelling and historical analysis. Fiction’s Finest: “Night Watch” by Jayne Anne Phillips took the fiction prize, transporting readers to the post-Civil War era within the walls of West Virginia’s Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. Historical Insights: Jacqueline Jones’ “No Right to an Honest Living” won in history, offering a fresh perspective on Boston’s Black workers during the Civil War era. Biographical Brilliance: The biography category celebrated Read more…

Suggested Family Activity 💐 May Day

May Day is an ancient custom that celebrates the arrival of spring.  Traditionally, children and teens have danced around a May pole, weaving ribbons together.  Community members also leave flowers and gifts in cone shaped baskets to surprise their neighbors.  Today, try making a traditional May Day basket or just a small flower arrangement for someone.  More modern ideas for celebrating today include planting flowers in your yard or garden, making a flower crown to Read more…