Sunday, December 7, 2014

First Sunday Lecture - Military Aviation in World Wars I & II

On July 19, 1918, British Sopwith Camels from the new aircraft carrier Furious made an early morning surprise attack on the German naval Zeppelins at Tondern, Germany. Their mission was a tremendous success, practically ending Zeppelin operations and setting the precedent for World War II’s aircraft carrier attacks at Taranto and Pearl Harbor.

Historian/author Narayan Sengupta traces the evolution of aircraft carriers and naval aviation up to 1941 with a primary focus on the Tondern raid. Sengupta, an American of Franco-Indian heritage, has spent seven years researching American military aviation in World War I. He has traveled across France and the United States to visit airfields, air museums and archives after learning that America’s first combat squadrons were based a few hundred yards from his mother’s home in Saints, France. In 2008, he organized the 90th Anniversary Commemoration of the United States Air Force’s first combat operations. He has written four books: "American Eagles - The Illustrated History of American Aviation in World War I”, “POW Stories”, “Disaster at Dieppe” and “Lafayette Escadrille: America's Most Famous Squadron, " all available on www.USAWW1.com.

The "First Sunday Lecture" series is sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

Speaker Bio: Narayan Sengupta
On July 14, 1918, the Germans shot down and killed Teddy Roosevelt’s youngest son, Quentin, in the skies over France. Until his tragic death, Quentin stayed in the home of Narayan Sengupta’s great-great grandmother. This incredible story and a love of history compelled Narayan to research American World War I aviation. The result is four books about World War II and World War I, articles and photos published in “Over the Front”, the History News Network, the Marietta Daily Journal and elsewhere.

Narayan has had ten veterans on the French side of his family, seven of whom were in combat. One died in action, one was wounded, one was captured, one was an occupier and one was in the Resistance. Two received the Croix de Guerre. On August 27, 1944, his mother’s family was liberated by brave Americans of the US 3rd Armored Division. On the Indian side of his family, both great uncles were noted historians, and one was head of the All India Historical Society. Consequently, he is very passionate about America’s military accomplishments and its veterans.

Narayan speaks several languages, loves to travel and has visited about 20 countries. He was Star Student at North Fulton High School (which was America’s first International Baccalaureate School), majored in History at Emory and earned an MBA from Georgia State. He worked at places like IBM, Coca-Cola, Hewlett Packard, MCI and Alltel before starting NFI (www.nfiweb.com), a website, search engine optimization and database development firm in Atlanta, Georgia.

He is in the Smyrna Rotary Club and served as President in 2008-2009. He started Smyrna’s annual Veterans Day event in 2008. He is on the Smyrna Veterans Committee and in SuperSmyrna. In 2010, the Smyrna Rotary Club named him “Smyrna Citizen of the Year.” He is the very proud father of two young daughters.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Letters to Santa!

The Smyrna Public Library hosted a crafts and letter writing party this afternoon. A nice crowd of children representing all of Smyrna and their parents participated. 

Santa should get the letters by next week!  

We hope everyone has a great holiday season!



Saturday, November 8, 2014

Buy Official Friends of Smyrna Library Fundraising Merchandise!

Our new display of Official Friends of Smyrna Library Merchandise is now in place in the library lobby. Purchases can be made at the Circulation Desk. Our merchandise offerings are:
  • Book Bag $10
  • Note Cards $10 (set of 10)
  • 11" x 14" Smyrna Public Library Matted Print $15
  • 11" x 14" Historic Concord Road Covered Bridge Matted Print $15
  • 11" x 14" Historic Taylor-Brawner House Matted Print $15 
  • 11" x 14" Smyrna Community Center Duck Pond Matted Print $15
  • 1 GB Flash Drive $7
  • A Brief History of Smyrna $20
See Friends of Smyrna Library website for more information.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Art by Whitefield Academy Students Opens in Art Gallery

Art works by students of Whitefield Academy's Middle and Upper Schools are now on display in the art gallery.


Whitefield Academy was formed in 1996 by the partnership of The Cranmer School and the Mount Vernon Christian Academy. The goal of this dynamic union was to provide Atlanta with a Christian school that is academically excellent, financially sound, and spiritually alive.

Each of the two schools brought an important spiritual and material contribution to this historic union; each brought its own history of providential grace and faithfulness in providing Christian education to the children of Atlanta. The first of the schools, Mount Vernon Christian Academy, operated grades 8 - 12 on its fourteen-acre campus at the corner of Northside Drive and Mount Paran Road for twenty-three years. From its formation in 1973, the Mount Vernon parents, students, alumni, administration, and board of trustees, worked tirelessly to maintain a Christian, private-school alternative in northwest Atlanta.

Whitefield's Fine Arts program encourages students to develop artistic skills to reach their creative potential and build the confidence to express themselves. Whitefield students, through age appropriate and challenging curriculum, explore many techniques to express their individual creativity.

Stacy Quiros, Fine Arts Director, has assembled a show of the children's art work for an exhibition in our gallery through January 3, 2015.

Designs in Glass Exhibit by Thom Lillie Opens in Display Gallery

Lillie Glassblowers is a father and son glassblowing studio based in Smyrna Georgia who creates beautiful hand blown works of art and engraved-glass awards on a daily basis. Don Lillie acts as the company patriarch, presiding over basic operations.

But Thom has the most enviable position being (for lack of a better term) genius in residence. His job is producing phenomenal amounts of salable works in sheer numbers in addition to drafting the design of some of the most unusual and unique hand blown glass art never before seen.

Thom Lillie could be found anywhere in Atlanta, conferring with a client, rushing a delivery, stopping by the studio to brainstorm, or possibly chatting with one of the stream of fascinating people who stop by the studio and are enthralled by the whirlwind inside.

Thom’s father Don described the work environment best saying “If you get bored in our group, you would get bored in the middle of a tornado.” Thom and Don have produced some amazing art pieces that truly capture his artistic passion."

On display until January 3, 2015.

Sunday, November 2, 2014

First Sunday Lecture - Mike Terry Speaks on the Historic Taylor-Brawner House

Mike Terry, Historian of the Taylor-Brawner Foundation, and author of the book, “A Simpler Time: The Story of the Taylor-Brawner House and Brawner Hospital,” presented today at the First Sunday lecture series. The event was hosted at the restored 1890 Taylor-Brawner House on Atlanta Rd. 

Mr. Terry gave a comprehensive and thoroughly enjoyable 90-minute narrative on the history of one of Smyrna’s most historic structures. Jonquils, the small daffodils that are the city’s signature flower and emblem, were introduced to the area by the Taylors. The Brawner family built the famous mental health center, which is now a city park, behind the home in the early 20th century.

FOSL thanks Mr. Terry for his leadership with the home’s restoration and a great presentation today!

The "First Sunday Lecture" series is sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library. Learn more at www.friendsofsmyrnalibrary.org.
   

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Dennis Boggs Presents at Dinner With Destiny: Meet Mr. Lincoln

Professional Abraham Lincoln presenter, Dennis Boggs presented an enlightening and informative look at the life of Lincoln, as it might have been told by Honest Abe himself..

Tonight's 90-minute presentation, told in the first person, touched on all facets of Lincoln’s life from childhood to marriage to the Presidency and the Civil War.  Nearly 100 guests attended.  The event was preceded with a catered dinner from Jim & Nick’s BBQ.

A great time was had by all.  Special thanks to Mr. Boggs for making this fundraiser a success!   






THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS TOO!

Silver Level Donors:
Carmichael Funeral Homes on King Street
Helios Acupuncture Clinic on West Spring Street
The Friends of Representative Rich Golick

Bronze Level Donors:
The Bright Side newspaper
Allison Hooks, CPA, on Concord Road
Sports Chiropractic Institute on West Spring Street

Pebblebrook Chamber Orchestra Opens "Dinner With Destiny: Meet Mr. Lincoln" With Concert Performance

The Pebblebrook High School Chamber Orchestra performed night and gave a concert introduction the "Dinner With Destiny: Meet Mr. Lincoln" event.  

The crowd was impressed with their talent and professionalism during the 45 minute performance during dinner.  

FOSL extends special thanks to the students who did an absolutely outstanding job and to their Orchestra Director J. Rae Litowich. 

The six students who participated tonight are:

Destiny Lowe: Violin, Senior
Ania Lizzeth Rivera: Violin, Senior
Jonah Haney: Violin, Sophomore
Leah Johnson: Violin, Freshmen
Jermaine Jenkins: Viola, Senior
Paisley Cass: Viola, Freshman
Shanelle Thomas: Cello, Junior

We look forward to future performances from the Pebblebrook High School Chamber Orchestra.

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Fall Jonquil Festival Book Sale Concludes

The annual Fall Jonquil Festival Book Sale was conducted this weekend.  Over 50 volunteers participated and we raised over $1,900.  This was a 15% increase over last year. Thank you Smyrna volunteers and shoppers. 

The Fall Jonquil Festival Book Sale will be held on April 25 & 26, 2015.

Volunteer information is available on the Friends of Smyrna Library website.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Letter from Afghanistan: Soldiers Respond to Smyrna Care Packages!

One of the events during the “Smyrna Reads” program in September was dedicated to our troops serving overseas.  Local Smyrna volunteers and library patrons wrote thank you letters and assembled 3 large care packages filled with treats and books and sent them on their way. 10 days later they arrived in Afghanistan. 

Today the library received a wonderful thank you card in reply! Special thanks to all who participated and the United States Postal Service, for all the help with the packages.
  

Sunday, October 5, 2014

First Sunday Lecture - Mayor Max Bacon Speaks on Smyrna in the 1950s & 1960s

Smyrna Mayor Max Bacon shared his recollections of growing up in Smyrna in the 1950s and 1960s. A standing room only crowd enjoyed the well done presentation.

First elected Mayor in 1985, Max Bacon has presided over Smyrna's city government during three decades of remarkable growth and development. Mayor Bacon reflected on how the city has changed over the years. This was much anticipated historical talk by the longest serving mayor in the southeastern United States.

Thank you Mayor Bacon!

The "First Sunday Lecture" series is sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library. Learn more at www.friendsofsmyrnalibrary.org.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

City of Smyrna Recognizes 15 Years of Service!


Congratulations to Nedra Kish for 15 years of wonderful service to the Smyrna Public Library. 

Thank you, Nedra!   

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Smyrna Reads Program Ends with “Bark in the Park” Finale!

The Smyrna Public Library’s first community read, Smyrna Reads, wrapped a month of community events today with a fun and festive finale event named “Bark in the Park”.

The event was held at Tolleson Park and featured numerous pet contests: Toss & Catch, Best Trick (adult leading dog), Best Trick (child leading dog), Best Costume, Cutest Puppy, Loudest Bark, Best Human Bark, Smallest Dog and Largest Dog.

Food trucks from FLAVOURS Curbside CafĂ© and King of Pops offered tasty treats for the hungry crowd - both two and four legged.  

Today's finale event was rounded out with great support from The Cobb County Public Library system, The Smyrna Fire Department and the Humane Society of Cobb County.

Thank you to everyone who made the Smyrna Reads event such a resounding success throughout the month of September!

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Author Luis Carlos Montalván Presents at Smyrna Community Center

Author, Luis Carlos Montalván, and Tuesday, his therapy dog made a guest appearance at the Smyrna Community center tonight. 

Montalván is the author of the New York Times best-selling memoir, Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him. The book details Montalván's experiences with PTSD and how his therapy dog, Tuesday, helped him to heal. 

Montalván's new book is a children's book, Tuesday Tucks Me In, which shows children the work of therapy dogs. 

This was the keynote event of the "Smyrna Reads" program which featured his books.  The crowd thoroughly enjoyed meeting both Captain Montalván and Tuesday and learning their story. 

FOSL Fall 2014 Reading List & Featured Book

Featured Book: 

To Kill a Mockingbird
by Harper Lee


Other Recommended Reading Selections
A Country Christmas by Debbie Macomber
All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Archangel's Shadows by Nalini Singh
Being Mortal by Atul Gawande 
Blood Magick by Nora Roberts
Burn by James Patterson
Burn For Me by Ilona Andrews
Command Authority by Tom Clancy
Cross My Heart by James Patterson
Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
Deadline by John Sandford
Food by Jim Gaffigan
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Gray Mountain by John Grisham
Havana Storm by Clive Cussler
Jeter Unfiltered by Derek Jeter 
Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult
Mirage by Clive Cussler
Not That Kind Of Girl by Lena Dunham
Only Enchanting by Mary Balogh
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Pegasus by Danielle Steel. 
Prince Lestat by Anne Rice
Smiley by Laurann Dohner
Snow Angel Cove by Raeanne Thayne
Starry Night by Debbie Macomber
Sycamore Row by John Grisham
Tall, Dark And Deadly Books by Lisa Renee Jones
The Best Of Me by Nicholas Sparks
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
The Casual Vacancy by J. K. Rowling
The Gods Of Guilt by Michael Connelly
The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
The Slow Regard Of Silent Things
by Patrick Rothfuss
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Winners by Danielle Steel
Wyoming Strong by Diana Palmer
Yes Please by Amy Poehler
Yours For Christmas by Susan Mallery


Compiled by FOSL Volunteer

Friday, September 12, 2014

Fundraiser Note Cards Are Now On Sale

Our local architect, Thomas K. Smith of Smith-Boland Architects, volunteered his talent to help the library with its fundraising.  He created four sketches representing Smyrna - the Smyrna Library, the Brawner House, the Covered Bridge and the Smyrna Duck Pond. 

The Friends of Smyrna Library then created note cards from these drawings along with one representing our FOSL group and packaged them in packs of ten.  Each pack may be purchased at the library circulation desk for $10.00. 

Mr. Smith also donated the original of each sketch - several will be hung in the library in honor of his effort. Thank you Mr. Smith for your generous donation and your support of the Smyrna Public Library!

Monday, September 8, 2014

"Dinner with Destiny: Meet Mr Lincoln" Signature 2014 Fundraiser & Dinner Sponsored by FOSL; $40 Tickets Now on Sale

What if you had the chance to have dinner with America’s 16th President? What would you ask him?

Now’s your chance! Join the Friends of Smyrna Library on Saturday, November 1, at 6:30 p.m. for the first annual “Dinner with Destiny” fundraiser where we will “Meet Mr. Lincoln.”

Professional Abraham Lincoln presenter, Dennis Boggs presents an enlightening and informative look at the life of Lincoln, as it might have been told by Honest Abe himself. The audience will travel from Lincoln's birth in the wilderness of Kentucky to his early years in Indiana and Illinois... from storekeeper to self-taught lawyer and politician... through his years as President during the Civil War and to his death at the hands of an assassin in Ford's Theater.

Dennis Boggs is a fulltime Lincoln presenter from Nashville, Tennessee. His credits include two documentaries for the History Channel, “Being Lincoln” and “Looking for Lincoln.”

Mr. Boggs finds that the most rewarding part of his program is through the question and answer session which immediately follows his presentation.  During this time, President Lincoln is able to address questions about his life, presidency and legacy. 

“Dinner with Destiny” is a fundraiser sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library (FOSL) to benefit the children’s print collection at Smyrna Public Library. FOSL’s goal for this fundraiser is to generate $3200 in funds to support the educational pursuits of Smyrna’s youth.

Individual tickets for the dinner and presentation are $40 each. Event sponsorships are also available.

The sesquicentennial observation of the Civil War has brought new interest to this time of American History. Join us for a special evening with the “Great Emancipator” and support the young minds of Smyrna!

TICKET INFORMATION

$40 each – includes dinner, dessert, presentation, and door prizes

Tickets to “Dinner with Destiny: Meet Mr. Lincoln” are available for purchase at the Smyrna Public Library, 100 Village Green Circle, in downtown Smyrna. Cash or check only please. Make checks payable to the “Friends of Smyrna Library.”

You may also mail checks to the following address. Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return tickets.

Friends of Smyrna Library
100 Village Green Circle
Smyrna GA  30080

Sunday, September 7, 2014

First Sunday Lecture - Jeffrey Wagner Speaks on the Life of Great American Composer Louis Moreau Gottschalk

Jeffrey Wagner was today’s guest speaker for the September First Sunday Lecture.  Mr. Wagner discussed the extraordinary life and work of American composer, Louis Moreau Gottschalk, America’s first native born piano virtuoso.  The presentation at the Smyrna Community Center was in honor of Classical Music Month. 

A crowd of 50 enjoyed the narrative on Gottscalk’s life, which included recordings of some of his most famous works.  The lecture was followed at 4:30 pm with a brief piano performance by Mr. Wagner at the Tara Simon Studios at 1306 Concord Rd., corner of Dunn Street, Smyrna.

Thank you Mr. Wagner for a wonderful presentation and mini concert.

About Louis Moreau Gottschalk:

Louis Moreau Gottschalk (1829 - 1869) represents, in his work and life as a performer and composer, a remarkable American creative artist. A Southerner by birth (New Orleans was the city of his birth), Gottschalk showed himself to be an unusually great musical talent at an early age. His father was a Jewish Englishman and his mother of Creole origin who raised him as a Catholic. His prodigious feats as a youngster were recognized by prominent New Orleans citizens, and with their support he traveled with his father to Europe for several years of study and performance. There, his talents were applauded by no less an artist than Frederic Chopin, a notoriously critical listener and appraiser of musical gifts.

Upon returning to the U.S. Gottschalk toured as a performing pianist extensively. His tours took him to the Caribbean nations, as well as Central and South America. After a scandalous liaison with a young lady seminary student in California, he fled the US and spent the last four years of his life in South America. He died after contracting malaria while concertizing in Brazil,

Gottschalks's music, which will be excerpted and played, consists of much American folk material. In one popular work, he cleverly imitates the sounds of country banjo music on the piano, and in another the infectiously rhythmic sounds of Puerto Rican-African chant. As did many European composers of his generation, Gattschalk sought to bring fresh and authentic folk material into his music (as Chopin did, for example, with the music of his native Poland, or Dvorak with that of his native Bohemia).Gottschalk's life and work stands as a distinctively American voice dating from and era when America was spreading its wings artistically and culturally, thereby distinguishing itself from its strong Euro-American roots.

About Jeffrey Wagner:

Jeffrey Wagner holds a BA in Music from Northwestern University, an MM in Piano Performance from Indiana University, and has pursued doctoral studies at the Cleveland Institute of Music and Case Western Reserve University. His teachers in piano have included Walter Robert, Hans Graf, Vitya Vronsky, Paul Schenly, and Louise Szkodzinski. For the past 25 years he has contributed regularly to Clavier Magazine, for whom he is currently a Consulting Editor. During this time he has traveled around the USA and Canada to interview over 40 well-known pianists and teachers. He has twice won the "EdPress" award for excellence in educational journalism. Having pursued a career in software analysis and design, he continues his avocation of interviewing, writing, and performing primarily in the Chicago area, where he lives. He has served as pre-concert lecturer for the Northwest Choral Society in suburban Chicago, and also presented lectures for the Chicago Area Music Teachers Association.

The "First Sunday" lecture series is held in the Smyrna Public Library Meeting Room unless otherwise specified and is sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

"Smyrna Reads" September Reading Program Starts - Until Tuesday by Luis Carlos Montalván is featured book!




What if everyone in Smyrna read the same book? 

"Smyrna Reads," a "One Book" project, poses this question. We hope the answer is spontaneous outbreaks of discussion, community-building, and fun! Throughout the month of September, 2014, Smyrna Library will promote Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him by Luis Carlos Montalván. 

"Smyrna Reads" includes events for adults, families and children. Montalván's newest title is a children's book, Tuesday Tucks Me In. For families who want to extend the discussion to their young children, Tuesday Tucks Me In, is a perfect way to introduce the concept of therapy dogs. 

SMYRNA READS 2014 brochure

EVENTS: 

BOOK DISCUSSIONS Thursday, September 4, 12:00 noon 
Tuesday, September 9, 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, September 11, 6:00 p.m.

FAMILY PROGRAMS "Meet a Helper Dog"
Tuesday, September 16, 4:00 p.m. 

"Meet Tuesday on Tuesday"
AUTHOR APPEARANCE 
Tuesday, September 23, 6:30 p.m. 


SERVICE PROJECT 
MAKER MONDAY: "Homemade Cards for Soldiers" Monday, September 15, 12:00 noon - 8:00 p.m. 

SOLDIER CARE PACKAGES: "Packaged with Care" Friday, September 19, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 


CLOSING EVENT 
"Bark in the Park" Saturday, September 27, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

Monday, September 1, 2014

Skyscapes vs. Landscapes Exhibit by Sophie Guoer Opens in Art Gallery

Skyscapes vs. Landscapes is a painting exhibition by Sophie Guoer. "The clouds, they seem so far away yet are closer than we know. I previously depicted clouds in a pond mirroring the sky's image. When I worked on this series of paintings, the striking images baffled me. I wished I could understand such images. My perception has since altered how I view the sky mirrors how we live on Our Earth".

Sophie attended the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa for her graduate studies. She majored in Studio Art in Painting and has her studio in Duluth, Georgia.

She recently has had shows at the Fayetteville Public Library, the Lawrenceville Public Library, the Collins Hill Public Library and will shortly be exhibiting at the Cherry Hill Public Library in New Jersey.

On display until November 1, 2014. 

Local Smyrna Artists Exhibit Opens in Display Gallery

Nest Home and Garden of Smyrna provided us with an array of gift and garden items, jewelry and original artwork from local artists to display in our cases for the September/October show.

Located in Dickson Shopping Center, Nest is a supporter of our local artists by providing space for consignment sales.

The featured local artists are Dee Rogers, Barbara Kincaid, Paula Landry, Deb Cook and Suzi Lawrence.  On display until November 1, 2014.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

10 Year Service Recognition!

Congratulations to Adult Services Librarian, Colleen Harris, on ten years of service to Smyrna Library. 

Thank you, Colleen, and Happy Anniversary!

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Summer Reading Program: Congratulations, Winners

Congratulations to Susan C., our big winner in the summer drawing. Thank you, Friends of Smyrna Library, for purchasing the Google Nexus Tablet that Susan won. 

Susan is looking forward to our next "Bring Your Own Device" party to learn how to download ebooks. Congratulations to Janet C., Elizabeth K., and Joni B. - all gift bag winners too!

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Summer Redaing Program: Congrats, Literary Elements Raffle Winners

More winners in the Literary Elements raffle. Congratulations to Perry Yates, Gina Shirley, and Jean Crist. Thanks for participating!

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Summer Reading Program: More Winners

Congratulations to Sarah C., winner of the Muss & Turner's Wine Tasting Party. 

Kieran D. (top) and Gene G. also won a gift bags.  

Thank you for participating in this summer's "Literary Elements" summer program. 


Monday, August 4, 2014

Record Attendance at Jeff Clemmons' First Sunday Lecture on Rich's Department Store

The Library had a record-setting crowd for Jeff Clemmons' presentation about Rich's yesterday. Jeff was fantastic as he recalled the history of Rich's - Georgia and the South’s iconic department store. The crowd contributed anecdotes and trivia to the discussion. 

Thanks go to the speaker, organizers and audience for such a successful event!

The "First Sunday" lecture series is held in the Smyrna Public Library Meeting Room and is sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library and is free to the public.








Monday, July 28, 2014

Children’s Summer Reading Program Concludes with Fantastic Results

The children’s summer reading program, Fizz, Boom, Read!, wrapped up this week with fantastic results.  Smyrna area children who participated in the program logged over 3,700 hours of reading in June and July.  

Congratulations to the readers and thank you to all of the sponsors who made this possible.  Surveys are available at the Children's Services desk to help with next summer’s planning.






Friday, July 25, 2014

FOSL Sponsors Summer Reading Finale with Puppet Master Lee Bryan

The Friends of Smyrna Library sponsored the grand finale of the children’s summer reading program today at the Smyrna Community Center.

Lee Bryan, "That Puppet Guy," presented the "Planet Earth, Inc." puppet show. We had a full house. The thoroughly entertaining show featured musical themes of recycling, clean air, water conservation, and rain forest preservation. 

Before and after the show the kids were able to claim their reading prizes.  The should was enjoyed by all and was a great way to end a very successful summer program. 

Thursday, July 24, 2014

FOSL Sponsors Curious Moon Puppet Show To Celebrate Midpoint of Summer Reading Program

Curious Moon Puppets presented "Fizz, Boom, Bugs & Machines," an exciting new twist on the classic story of "The Grasshopper and the Ant" today.   

Today’s awesome show at the Smyrna Community Center was one of the “Fizz, Boom, Read!” Summer Reading Program activities sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

About Curious Moon:

Curious Moon Puppets is headquarters is in Brunswick, GA with additional puppeteers based in Atlanta. They tour throughout Georgia, Northern Florida, South Carolina, and Eastern Alabama. Curious Moon Puppets provides professional quality, original puppet shows and puppet making workshops for all ages and venues. 

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Summer Reading Program: Congratulations to Andrea S.

Congratulations to Andrea S., winner of the garden goodies gift basket. Andrea has been working on her brand new garden, so the supplies and Pike Nurseries gift card were such a blessing. Bring us pictures of your garden, Andrea!

Saturday, July 19, 2014

After Hours Reception for July/August Exhibitors Judy Garrard and Brenda Romero

Judy Garrard (left) and Brenda Romero (right) are the featured artists exhibiting at the Smyrna Public Library in July and August.  Ms. Garrard is exhibiting “Photography” in the art gallery and Ms. Romero is exhibiting “Painted Lighthouses” in the display gallery.

The Friends of Smyrna Library present the work of two area artists in the Smyrna Library Upper Level galleries every two months. Visitors tonight had the chance to speak with the artists and learn more about their craft, process and inspiration.

Thank you to our features artists and everyone on the community who supports our exhibits throughout the year. 

Monday, July 14, 2014

Bonus “Second Sunday” Event Held at Smyrna Public Library

The topic of last Sunday’s First Sunday lecture was "Smyrna Georgia: Civil War Battlefield" and it was presented by Dr. William Marchione, Ph.D..  Yesterday the Friends of Smyrna Library sponsored a follow-up event at the library.  The film "Kennesaw: One Last Mountain” was presented. It chronicled the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain and the Atlanta Campaign.

This is the official film of the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. This beautifully crafted film, narrated by Emmy Award winning actor Peter Coyote, uses authentic battle recreations and compelling accounts of soldiers, civilians, and freed slaves to bring to life one of the most dramatic episodes of the Civil War, an event that immediately preceded our own July 4 battles of Smyrna Camp Ground and Ruff's Mill (which the city will be commemorating during the first week in July). 

Kennesaw Battlefield Park representative Willy Johnson was on hand to introduce the film and to answer the audiences questions.  We thank Mr. Johnson for joining us and congratulate him on his 40th anniversary with the National Park Service. 

The "First Sunday" lecture series is held in the Smyrna Public Library Meeting Room and is sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Southeastern Reptile Rescue Present Amazing Reptile Show

We extend special thanks to Jason and Sara Clark of Southeastern Reptile Rescue who put on an amazing reptile show today at the Smyrna Community Center.  The show featured a wide variety of snakes and an alligator too.  

Southeastern Reptile Rescue is based in Orchard Hill in central Georgia.  They specialize in rescuing snakes and other reptiles and then finding suitable homes for those animals ready to be adopted.  Their facility is not open to the public.  They also offer educational programs in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. 

Today’s exceptional event was one of the “Fizz, Boom, Read!” Summer Reading Program activities sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

Monday, July 7, 2014

First Sunday "Smyrna, Georgia: Civil War Battlefield" Lecture

Yesterday Dr. Marchione, Ph.D., the author of the recently published A Brief History of Smyrna, Georgia presented a slide / lecture on "Smyrna, Georgia: Civil War Battlefield" that demonstrated that the battles and troop movements in and around Smyrna (at Smyrna Camp Ground, Ruff's Mill, and at the River Line fortifications) were far more important and decisive than is generally recognized.

His talk dealt with such facets of the Atlanta campaign as General Francis Asbury Shoup's two defensive barriers constructed in South Cobb---the Smyrna Line and the River Line (the latter dubbed by historians "The Maginot Line of the Confederacy"; the near death experience of General William Tecumseh Sherman, not once, but twice here in Smyrna and the likely consequences had Sherman been killed on our home turf; the critical importance of the W&A railroad in the Atlanta Campaign as a line of supply for the federal army; and finally, how the conquest of Atlanta and the collapse of the Confederacy were virtual certainties once Sherman's federal juggernaut breached that last great physical barrier on the road to Atlanta, the Chattahoochee River.

The "First Sunday" lecture series is held in the Smyrna Public Library Meeting Room and is sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Gumdrop Construction Event Held with ASCE Georgia Section

How many books do you think a dome of gumdrops will hold? With help from the ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) Georgia Section we learned today that the answer is “a lot”! It was also a lot of tasty and sticky fun to learn about civil engineering and construction too. The event was held at the Smyrna Community Center.

Today’s creative educational event was one of the “Fizz, Boom, Read!” Summer Reading Program activities sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

Thank you to the ASCE Georgia Section for presenting a wonderful educational experience. 

Photography Exhibit by Judy Garrard Opens in Art Gallery

Judy Garrard is a life-long resident of Georgia and has called Smyrna her home for 22 years. Photography is her hobby and her passion. Judy also loves to travel and no matter where she goes, she is compelled to take photos so that she can share the beauty she finds with you.

She focuses primarily on nature and is self taught. Over the past couple of years, she has participated in several juried art exhibits around Atlanta, but says that the opportunity to exhibit at the Smyrna Public Library has been the most exciting.

To learn more about Judy, please visit her website at judygarrard.com.

On display until September 1, 2014.

Painted Lighthouses Exhibit by Brenda Romero Opens in Display Gallery

Painting lighthouses is my passion. I am inspired by the rich and fascinating history of lighthouses, some of which go back to the 1700's, and the Keeper's who kept watch over ships as they navigated through trecherous waters.

I have photographed and climbed many of the lighthouses on exhibit. There are about 45 lighthouses on the endangered list. My effort to photograph as many of these lighthouses as possible has taken me to many remote locations and isolated islands.

Rather than the traditional canvas, I love to paint my scenes on a natural canvas from the sea (large five to six inch sand dollars). I use acrylic paints with a medium gloss finish. Each sand dollar is meticulously hand-painted, and represents lighthouses from every coastal state around the U.S. and the Great Lakes.

Special requests are available by commission.  On display until September 1, 2014.