Smyrna, Ga. - (August 15, 2011) - On September 17, 2011, the Smyrna Public Library will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the library. The celebration will be held at Brawner Hall, located at 3180 Atlanta Road, SE, from 1:00 – 4:00 PM, and is being coordinated by the Friends of Smyrna Library (FOSL).Anniversary festivities will include music by local keyboardist and vocalist, Benny Boynton. Benny Boynton is a seasoned pianist and vocalist who has performed with Toby Keith, Travis Tritt, Lonestar, Charlie Daniels, The Marshall Tucker Band, Percy Sledge, Chubby Checker, and more.
At 3:00 PM, Feriel Feldman and B.J. Abraham of the "Southern Order of Storytellers" will tell Carmen Agra Deedy's "The Library Dragon" followed by some additional stories.
B.J. Abraham has been a storyteller and member of the National Storytelling Association and a charter member of Southern Order of Storytellers (SOS) since 1983. She tells to children and adults, specializing in various dialects and character voices. Feriel Feldman is past president of Southern Order of Storytellers. She is a director, actor, storyteller, and has worked with teenage storytelling troupes for the last 20 years.
During the event, current library director, Michael Siegler, will give a brief talk on the history and highlights of the library.
Additionally, there will be children’s games from the 1930s, videotaped interviews with library patrons reliving memories of visiting the library as children, and historic exhibits.
Refreshments and door prizes will also be provided. This FREE event promises to be fun for the entire family!
The first Smyrna Public Library opened its doors in September 1936 by the Smyrna Women's Club - with which it shared space. The initial collection consisted of 50 books on one shelf. Boy Scouts and other children went door-to-door with wagons and wheelbarrows collecting donated books to stock the shelves after it opened.
A new 4000 square foot library building was constructed during the first term of Mayor George Kreeger (1960-1961) for a cost of $54,000. Additions were made in 1969 and 1973.
The current 28,000 square foot library facility, located at 100 Village Green Circle, was dedicated in 1991 and houses a collection of over 100,000 books and audio-visual materials.
About The Friends of Smyrna Library
The Friends of Smyrna Library (FOSL) is an independent, non-profit, volunteer organization that supports the Smyrna Public Library through fundraising events and volunteer activities. FOSL is a member of the Friends of Libraries USA organization and is one of the most active Friends chapters in Georgia. Notable programs FOSL supports are the library’s Art Gallery, the “Murder Goes South” Festival of readers and writers, “The Link” newsletter and much more. Join FOSL for only $5 for an individual membership or $10 for a family membership and make a friend today. For more information, visit http://www.friendsofsmyrnalibrary.org/.
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If you would like more information on this event, visit the FOSL website, or contact Dorothy Sibert, dsibert_30082@yahoo.com.
PRESS CONTACT: Michelle Sisco, 678/613-9852
michelle@michellesiscopr.com
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