A branch manager is invaluable in helping to organize day-to-day library operations, greet and assist patrons and order materials. The Jackson Parish Library is blessed to have two of the very best in Phyllis Moore and Angela Walsworth at the Chatham and Jonesboro branches . The life-long resident of Jackson Parish graduated from Jonesboro-Hodge High School before earning her degree from Louisiana Tech University.

Phyllis, who currently resides in the Weston community with her husband Robert, is a life-long resident of Jackson Parish and graduated from Jonesboro-Hodge High School before earning her degree from Louisiana Tech University. She is the mother to two sons, Isaac and Michael and has been associated with the JPL for 19 years. beginning first as library page for 3 1/2 years while going to college.

She began her career as a library page for 3 1/2 years while going to college Upon graduation, Phyllis became the Bookmobile Librarian for 6 1/2 years. Dedicated to raising her children and becoming a stay at home Mom, she left the library for 19 years before returning nine years ago. Since she has worked in the capacity of Library Associate, Branch Supervisor and now as the Chatham Branch Manager.

 

“I really enjoy working with the staff and interacting with our patrons,” said Moore when asked what she likes best about being with the JPL. “I especially like getting to know and share ideas the people who come to the Library and learning about their families.”

In her off time Phyllis enjoys spending time with her family, reading and riding her ATV. She is also  an avid collector of American Fostoria Crystal and likes sunflowers and the color purple. 

Angela is also a long time JPL employee having started her career twelve years ago, just one year after moving to Jackson Parish.  She is married to Phillip Walsworth and the proud mother of four children. In what little bit of spare time she has she enjoys the outdoors, especially going camping and fishing. She also enjoys reading and sharing books that talk with her children.

“I really enjoying coming to work and being around everyone on the staff each day. We not only work together but are great friends,” reflects Walsworth. “I also like talking to everyone who comes in to visit.”

Public still being requested to provide artwork for Bookmobile exterior design! The deadline for submissions is February 26th. To find out how you can submit a design or for more information, please contact Amber at 318-259-5697.

Would you like to be the artist of the month? The Jackson Parish Library would love to display your artwork. To learn more about how you can share your skills with the community please contact Joanna at 318-259-5697.

WE MISS YOU! Our hearts are filled with great sadness with the passing of our Library Board member, Bertha Robinson. She was a fierce supporter of our Library and the Jackson Parish School \System where she was employed for 38 years, most recently as the Director of Federal Programs, a position she held for the past 11 years. Prior to that she was Principal at Jasper-Henderson Elementary in Chatham and at both Quitman and Jonesboro-Hodge High School’s. She will be missed dearly.

Black History Month – The month of February is recognized as Black History Month. In celebration the Jackson Parish Library will feature books available for check out on prominent individuals and events that have helped change the course of history. 

Learn about the COVID-19 vaccine – Do you have questions concerning the COVID-19 vaccine? Ms. Jeanette White from the Office of Public Health will be available at the Jonesboro branch by appointment only every Monday and Thursday at 1:00pm to answer any questions you may have and provide information. To secure an appointment either call 318-259-6601, send fax to 318-259-1146 or send email to: jeanette.glver@la.gov

Pine Belt Multi-Purpose representative will be at Chatham Branch, February 16th – Client Service Manager TyAnne Williams will be available by appointment only at the Chatham Branch on Tuesday, February 16th from 9:00am – 12:00pm. You can receive help with Unemployment Application Assistance, SNAP Benefits Application, Medicaid/Medicare Enrollment, Social Security Benefits Application and Social Security Card Applications. Information on Financial Counseling Courses, Commodities Distribution and Senior Food Boxes will also be provided. To secure an appointment please call 318-259-6444.

SNAP Program assistance – Ms. Jerlissa Elzy, who is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Outreach Coordinator is available for assistance with Food Stamp Applications and redetermination as well as helping with a simplified report by calling 318-237-7764 or 318-322-3567.

Children programs 

Art Classes are once again being offered at both the Jonesboro and Chatham branches. To register please come by the Jonesboro Branch and speak with Terrye Shackleford or contact her by phone at 318-259-5697.  Class will be held from 4:00 to 5:00pm on select Tuesday’s and Thursday’s at the Jonesboro Branch and on select Monday’s at the Chatham Branch. For exact dates see below:

February 11th, 16th and 18th: Jonesboro Branch
February 22nd: Chatham Branch 

“Grab and Go” program where art work supplies and instructions can be picked up at the Jonesboro Branch and taken home is also still available for those who are registered. 

Enrollment in the Reading Eggs and Math Seeds program has begun. If you would like to enroll your child please contact: Terrye Shackleford at 318-269-5697. Please be prepared to provide a cell phone number that can be used for a text to be received that will contain your child’s username and password for the program. Please note that this program is NOT HELD AT THE LIBRARY but is for use at home. As a requirement you must have internet service at your home to participate. Your child can work on an iPad, Laptop, Computer or Kindle of any kind. There is no cost to participate. 

Homework Louisiana – Powered by tutor.com and found at HomeworkLa.org this online service is very beneficial in providing assistance with school studies for students of all ages.   

Outreach Services

Monthly personalized delivery of books, audiobooks, magazines and more are available to residents of Jackson Parish, including Nursing Home residents and in-home daycares.

Additional Services and Resources

Binge Box – Checkout multiple movies for one week that counts as only one checkout. 

Vox Books  (Books that talk) – The first audio books that live in print books. The attached VOX Reader transforms an ordinary print book into an all-in-one read along. No need for computers, tablets or CD’s. Simply push a button to listen and read. 

Flipster – An easy to use resource for viewing best selling digital magazines. 

Freegal Music – Service that provides access to virtually every song ever recorded in over 100 countries. Includes catalog of legendary artists and over 40,000 music videos. 

Chilton Automotive Guide – A must for those do-it-yourself auto repair projects. Provides detailed sketches and instructions on virtually every repair job and new parts installation for all makes and models of automobiles. 

PrinterOn – Printing can be done from your Smartphone or Tablets through this free app by sending an email along with attachments to: jpl-jonesboro@printspots.com or jpl-chatham@printspots.com

Fax and copy services: Available at both branches. Pricing dependent on size. 

Jonesboro Branch information:

Address: 614 South Polk Avenue
Phone: 318-259-5697
Fax: 318-259-3374
Hours of operation: Monday – Friday (8:00am – 5:30pm), Saturday (8:00am – 12:00pm)

Chatham Branch information:

Address: 1500 Pine Street
Phone: 318-249-2980
Fax: 318-249-2981
Hours of operation: Monday-Thursday (8:30am – 6:00pm), Friday & Saturday (8:30am-12:30pm)