New Space, New Place

The Library Bookbag has moved to a new place and become the JGRLS blog.
Come see us at http://jgrls.wordpress.com/

JGRLS blog

The new Barcode is the QR code

By now most of us have seen these crazy OP-ART looking symbols and have wondered what they are. If you look at it for a long time will you see President Lincoln? Is it a new Maze game for those who have become bored with Sudoku?

Believe it or not this is a barcode for accessing digital information using a handheld device with a camera.

So what is a QR code?

QR stands for Quick Response and it is just that, quick access to online information. A primary application is to embed a hyperlink in it for direct access to a page on the internet. One application even embeds your contact information in the code so it can be scanned and entered into a contacts list.

If you have a Barcode Reader App loaded into your phone, you can take advantage of instore discounts, access videos on YouTube, and use the App to get more Apps. Android uses the barcodes for quick access to its Apps on Amazon (as seen above - the Amazon MP3 for Android featuring Cloud Player).

This is the QR code for the Library Book Bag, which has a different look when viewed on a mobile device.

Literary Applications

Ubimark has published a new version of Around the World in 80 Days: The Ubitour Version Guided by Your Mobile Phone, which uses QR codes to provide readers with quick access to the audio versions of the book chapters and to Google Maps. Check out the video on YouTube.

Around the World in 80 Days

Around the World in 80 Days: The Ubitour Version Guided by Your Mobile Phone

Coming soon to the JGRLS Catalog

'ROME', a new album by Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi

ROME, a new album by Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi

Producer-composer Danger Mouse and Italian composer Daniele Luppi have provided us with a remarkably familiar sound in the new album ‘Rome’.  Inspired by the haunting soundtracks of Ennio Morricone, the project features many of the surviving performers of classic '60s and '70s scores and the vocals of Norah Jones and The White Stripes' Jack White.  The album-opening "Theme of Rome" features Edda Dell'Orso from the soundtrack to 1966's The Good, The Bad And The Ugly.

Danger Mouse may be more familiar to you as half of the group Gnarls Barkley, another project band. 

The music on this album is ethereal and accessible to almost any audience.  And for me, I find it appealing the listen to project bands to hear performers in something different than their normal element. Give the album a listen for free on NPR Music and see what you think, you may find a new soundtrack for your commute!

'Black' - featuring Norah Jones

Read more at - First Listen: Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi, 'ROME'

'ROME' in the JGRLS catalog

Pack your bags for the Adult Summer Reading Program

Japanese Tea Ceremonies and Origami Workshops, Worldly Desserts and a Caribbean Cruise, America seen from a Motorcycle and Latin Dance closer to home.

Pack your bags for the Adult Summer Reading Program, a combination of events that will bring the world a tiny bit closer. Registration begins June 1st.

To see a complete schedule of the Adult Summer Reading Program events, turn to the JGRLS News & Events page.

Expand Your Horizons

Mystery and suspence is one of the most widely circulated genres in the public library. The stories are fantastic and allow us a bit of the drama and danger we avoid bringing into our personal lives.

Some of America's most highly acclaimed authors are turning out books left and right to keep up with the demand. Author James Patterson has released several novels in the past year, including the titles Toys, Tick Tock, Cross Fire, Don't Blink, The Postcard Killers, and 9th Judgement. Many people are eagerly awaiting his newest installment in the Women's Murder Club mysteries, 10th Anniversary, and Now You See Her.

Browse our online catalog at http://pac.jgrls.org/TLCScripts/interpac.dll?SearchForm?Directions=1&Config=pac&Branch=0 for books by our most trendy authors. Popular titles include Cold Wind by C.J. Box, Live Wire by Harlan Coben, Love You More by Lisa Gardner, Silent Mercy by Linda Fairstein, and A Cold Day For Murder by Dana Stabenow.

Taking into consideration that these mystery and suspence thrillers comprise a large portion of book circulation an the library, staff have made a concentrated effort to expand the collection by purchasing new authors, and highlighting those that remain unknown. Below are several new additions to the system that we encourage you to try!



Naked Heat / Richard Castle

Coming Back / Marcia Muller

Valley of Dry Bones / Priscilla Royal

Assassins of Athens / Jeffrey Siger

A Lonely Death / Jeffrey Todd

Cold Shot to the Heart / Wallace Stroby

The Identity Man / Andrew Klavan



For more information on upcoming titles and new authors available in the Jackson-George Regional Library System visit your local library branch.

Free IRS Tax Preparation Assistance from AARP

Free IRS tax preparation assistance sponsored by AARP will be held from February 1st - April 16th in the following locations:

Lucedale-George County Public Library
507 Oak Street
Lucedale, MS 39452
(601) 947-2123
Thursdays 12-4 p.m.

Ocean Springs Municipal Library
525 Dewey Avenue
Ocean Springs, MS 39564
(228) 875-1193
Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

It is recommended that you call ahead to verify schedules. Days and times are subject to change. AARP volunteers are responsible for tax preparation and information. For the do-it-yourself individuals, feel free to browse the Jackson-George Regional Library System's online catalog.
Available titles include:

J.K. Lasser's your income tax/ prepared by the J.K. Lasser's Tax Institute
U.S. Master Tax Guide/CCH tax law editors, 2002
Lower Taxes in 7 Easy Steps/ Steven Fishman
Taxes for Dummies/ Eric Tyson