It is common knowledge that a good education is vital in the development of a child. The more they are educated the better prepared for the future they are. Have you ever given thought to just how is a child educated? Where are some of the places a child can gain valuable knowledge? How about what developmental skills are important so a child can maximize their potential?
Of course, the first thing that naturally comes to mind is the necessity of getting an education through the school system. Sports plays an important role in the education of a child as well, as it teaches such things as how to compete, be a part of a team, follow instructions and work for what you want. Gaining knowledge in religion and developing spiritual strength is also very important.
There is another form of education that is vital in maximizing a child’s development. The place to get this is at your local library. It is there where unique skills in arts and crafts are learned. The library also offers innovative learning assistance tools that are key in helping a child not only gain knowledge but enjoy the learning process. Just as important to what a Library offers is the skill of the person that is designing the programs and leading the classes. That is why the residents and especially the youth of Jackson Parish are so very blessed to have Ms. Terrye Shackleford as the Children’s Program Coordinator.
Shackleford has been in charge of the Children’s Program at the Jackson Parish Library for the last 9 1/2 years. Her qualifications are impeccable. After graduating from Jonesboro-Hodge High School she received her college degree from Louisiana Tech. From there she earned a Masters from Louisiana State University in Shreveport (LSU-S) and the prestigious Masters +30 designation through studies at NSU, ULM, Louisiana Tech and Centenary College. She is a National Board Certified Teacher with 34 years of experience in the Louisiana school system. Twenty-seven of those years were spent teaching the first grade.
What makes her such a valuable asset to the area youth she works with, other than her impressive resume, is her understanding that each child has individual ways of learning and her knowledge of how to “reach” that child. Just as important is the love for each and everyone of the children she comes in contact with that is so very easy to recognize. Some may do what she does as a way to earn money. For Shackleford it is a passion that she describes as the “absolute joy of my existence.”
“My job at the library encompasses everything that I enjoy about life,” said Shackelford “I love to see joy and happiness in a child’s face. I love giving them the self-confidence needed not to be afraid of moving forward and learning new things in Art, Reading and Math. I want to be just a small part in helping children have a successful and happy life.”
Shackleford is the mother of Crystal, Jenny, Ryan, Kyle and his wife Jordan. She has three grandchildren in Garner, Karleigh Jo and Kaine. She has been a lifetime member of McDonald Memorial Baptist Church in Jonesboro and also attends the Bridge Community Church in Ruston where she teaches Sunday School to children.
She invites area parents and guardians to enroll their children aged 4-8 in Art classes and the Pre-K thru 8th grade youth in the Reading Eggs and Mathseeds program. See Children’s Programs below for more information. You can believe there is hardly anything better you can do that will help in the development of your child.
What’s happening in February!
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.
Bookmobile exterior design submittals still being taken: If you want to submit artwork for the exterior design of the new bookmobile time you need to do so soon as time is running out. The deadline for all submittals is February 26th.
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 available for consultation – Client Service Manager TyAnne Williams is available for consultation. 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: 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. Remaining dates available this month is Fe
bruary 18th at the Jonesboro Branch and February 22nd at the Chatham Branch.
“Grab and Go” program: Art work supplies and instructions can be picked up at the Jonesboro Branch and taken home 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)