August 2026 Newsletter
The Library of Hattiesburg, Petal, & Forrest County
Printable Version: Download the printable August 2026 Newsletter (PDF).
Welcome to the August edition of our newsletter! We have a full month of story times, book clubs, crafts, movies, cooking classes, and special events for all ages.
Featured Programs
Teen Crochet
Monday, August 4
Time: 4:00 PM
Whether you’re picking up a crochet hook for the first time or already have a project in progress, join us for a fun and relaxing afternoon of creativity. Bring your own crochet project or start one with us. Staff and fellow crocheters will be happy to help.
Ages: 12–17
Baby Story Time
Dates:
- Tuesday, August 4
- Tuesday, August 18
Time: 10:00 AM
Connect with other parents and bring your little one for nursery rhymes, sensory play, books, and more.
Ages: Birth–24 months
Book Bedazzling
Saturday, August 8
Time: 11:00 AM
Transform an ordinary book into a dazzling work of art during this creative crafting session. Bring your favorite book to decorate or choose one from our discarded collection. All supplies are provided. Light refreshments will be served.
Junk Journaling
Petal Library
Friday, August 7
Time: 3:00 PM
Hattiesburg Library
Wednesday, August 12
Time: 3:00 PM
Discover the creative world of junk journaling—a unique blend of journaling, scrapbooking, and collage. Whether you’re just getting started or have years of experience, everyone is welcome. Use our supplies or bring your own favorite materials.
Questions: JunkJournalClub329@gmail.com
Theater Thursday
Every Thursday in August
Time: 2:00 PM
Spend your Thursday afternoon with us in the Meeting Room for a free movie and complimentary refreshments.
Movie Schedule
- August 6 — Michael
- August 13 — Animal Farm
- August 20 — Watchers
- August 27 — Pressure
Cooking Matters
Dates
- August 13
- August 20
- August 27
- September 3
- September 10
- September 17
Time: 5:30–7:30 PM
Location: Hattiesburg Library
Learn food preparation, grocery shopping, budgeting, and nutrition through this free six-week hands-on cooking course.
You’ll gain practical skills including:
- Using a knife safely
- Preparing healthy family meals
- Grocery shopping
- Food budgeting
- Nutrition basics
Registration:
Felicia Groves – Phone: 601-545-6083 – Email: felicia.groves@msstate.edu
Dungeon Crawler Carl Trivia
Friday, August 21
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Fat Cat – 309 McLeod Street
Gather your party and test your knowledge of the Dungeon Crawler Carl series. Top three teams will receive loot boxes. Best Costume wins Fat Cat Cash. Open to ages 18 and older.
Library Yoga
Monday, August 24
Time: 6:00 PM
Join us for a gentle beginner-friendly yoga class focused on stretching, mindful movement, and relaxation. Led by two certified instructors. Yoga mats are provided. Registration may be required due to limited space.
Questions: library.yoga.lhpfc@gmail.com
Book Clubs
Banned Book Club
Tuesday, August 11
Time: 5:30 PM
Book: One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez
Monday Night Book Club
Monday, August 17
Time: 6:00 PM
Book: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Petal Book Club
Tuesday, August 18
Time: 4:30 PM
Book: Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
Noon Book Club
Wednesday, August 26
Time: 12:00 PM
Book: Culpability by Bruce Holsinger
Computer Classes
Need help with computers? Our library staff provides free one-on-one computer instruction by appointment. Whether you’re completely new to computers or just need assistance with a specific task, we’re here to help.
Topics include:
- Using a mouse and keyboard
- Sending and receiving email
- Browsing the internet safely
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Printing and scanning
- Downloading photos
- Connecting your smartphone to a computer
- Accessing online library resources
Available
Mondays and Thursdays by appointment
Call 601-584-3161 to schedule your free session.
August Event Calendar
Tuesday, August 4
Baby Story Time
Time: 10:00 AM
Connect with other parents and bring your little one for nursery rhymes, sensory play, books, and more.
Ages: 0 – 24 months
Teen Crochet
Time: 4:00 PM
Bring your own crochet project or start one with us. Whether you’re a beginner or already have experience, everyone is welcome. Staff and fellow crocheters will be happy to help.
Ages: 12-17
Wednesday, August 5
Hattiesburg Story Time
Time: 10:00 AM
Thursday, August 6
Petal Story Time
Time: 10:00 AM
Theater Thursday
Time: 2:00 PM
Free movie in the Meeting Room with complimentary refreshments.
Friday, August 7
Junk Journaling (Petal)
Time: 3:00 PM
Saturday, August 8
Book Bedazzling
Time: 11:00 AM
Tuesday, August 11
Banned Book Club
Time: 5:30 PM
Wednesday, August 12
Hattiesburg Story Time
Time: 10:00 AM
Junk Journaling (Hattiesburg)
Time: 3:00 PM
Thursday, August 13
Petal Story Time
Time: 10:00 AM
Theater Thursday
Time: 2:00 PM
Cooking Matters
Time: 5:30 PM
Saturday, August 15
Pocket Museum
Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Presented with the School of Library & Information Science.
Monday, August 17
Monday Night Book Club
Time: 6:00 PM
Tuesday, August 18
Baby Story Time
Time: 10:00 AM
Petal Book Club
Time: 4:30 PM
Wednesday, August 19
Hattiesburg Story Time
Time: 10:00 AM
Thursday, August 20
Petal Story Time
Time: 10:00 AM
Theater Thursday
Time: 2:00 PM
Cooking Matters
Time: 5:30 PM
Friday, August 21
Banking for Kids
Time: 3:30 PM
Presented by Trustmark.
Dungeon Crawler Carl Trivia
Time: 8:00 PM
Held at Fat Cat.
Monday, August 24
Library Yoga
Time: 6:00 PM
Tuesday, August 25
Pokémon Club
Time: 5:00 PM
Wednesday, August 26
Hattiesburg Story Time
Time: 10:00 AM
Noon Book Club
Time: 12:00 PM
Thursday, August 27
Petal Story Time
Time: 10:00 AM
Theater Thursday
Time: 2:00 PM
Cooking Matters
Time: 5:30 PM
Saturday, August 29
Teen Origami
Time: 2:00 PM
Monday, August 31
Board of Trustees Meeting
Time: 11:30 AM
Cooking Matters
Time: 5:30 PM