Thank You, Georgia Power

With a $2,500 grant from Georgia Power, the Friends of Smyrna Library purchased four new computer tables for us. These tables allowed the library to set up two workstations with six Internet computers each and a networked printer. Wait time was greatly reduced and more public Internet access became available.

The new computer tables helped solve another problem. More users means more people are looking for a place to study in the Library. At night, students would cruise around upstairs, hoping someone would leave, so they could grab a seat. Repurposing (love that word!) the old computer tables provided study space for eight more people and a little relief for the students.

Photography by John Clemmer Opens in Art Gallery

Photography by John Clemmer on display until January 3, 2011.

Artist Statement:

John is a retired Navy Musician with 24 years of service. After his retirement in 1991, he attended The Portfolio Center in Atlanta and studied advertising photography. Since that time, he has developed his craft in architecture and interiors, and sets himself apart with quality, distinction, and a hard work ethic.

John is one of Atlanta's premier architectural photographers. His style is unmistakable, and commitment to quality is second nature to him. The direct results of the quality of John's work stem from his passion for it.

"My greatest passion in life is fine art, whether it be music, architecture, painting, photography. Beauty presents itself and I absorb it. Hopefully my work gives back some of what I take from life. I am grateful for the fun of doing it."

Exhibitor's Website


 The art galleries at the Smyrna Public Library are sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

'Tis The Season by FOSL Volunteers Opens in Display Gallery

On display until January 3, 2011.

Well, it's that time of the year again to think about the holidays. For your enjoyment our November and December display gallery will feature ornament collectionss from around the world presented on miniature fir trees.

The beautiful ornament collection, lent by FOSL Volunteers Dorothy Sibert and Jane Lamkin, will enhance a winter village scene lent by FOSL Volunteer Louisa Cohn. Combined, they make a beautiful and festive presentation for the holiday season.

The collection of ornaments represents the following countries:

Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, India, Israel, Jordan, New Zealand, Poland, Russia, Turkey and USA.

  

Manuscript Critiques by New York Literary Agent Janet Reid at Murder Goes South

Murder Goes South is excited to offer to registered attendees an individual manuscript critique by New York literary agent Janet Reid for the low additional fee of $20 per critique. Ms. Reid will accept up to 20 pages of your double-spaced manuscript, though she suggests not breaking a chapter paragraph, or line. 

You may go over a bit if you need to. She also recommends leaving out prologues and headers. Begin with Chapter 1, page 1. Ms. Reid will meet with each writer for 10 minutes on Saturday of the onference and give you a one-on-one evaluation of what works and what does not with your manuscript.

Slots are limited, so register now for the conference and a manuscript evaluation. Once your slot is confirmed, you will receive information about where to email your manuscript pages and the time for your one-on-one meeting.

Add a manuscript evaluation to your registration today. The deadline for sending your pages is December 15, 2010,and remember—slots are limited.

9th Annual Murder Goes South Ticket Sales Begin

Ticket sales for the 9th Annual Murder Goes South have begun. The 2-day event will be held on Friday January 28, 2011 and Saturday January 29, 2011 at the Smyrna Community Center. Tickets to both events are $50. Tickets for either the Friday night or all day Saturday event are $30 each. A manuscript critique (limited to 12) by Literary Agent Janet Reid will be offered for the first time. Members of the Friends of Smyrna Library receive a 10% discount.

Friday’s events will begin at 7 PM and will feature New York Times and International Bestselling Mystery Writer Erica Spindler and a catered dinner.

Saturday’s events will run from 8:45 AM until 4:30 PM and will feature Writers' Forums, Workshops, Book Signings, & Lunch. The featured writer will be Eric Spindler. The featured guest writers are "Georgia Adams", Glynn Marsh Alam, Carla Damron, Mitchell Graham, David Hunter, Lee Lofland, Cathy Pickens, William Rawlings Jr. Literary Agent Janet Reid, Dr. Susan Kirkpatrick Smith and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency will also present.

To order tickets or to learn more about Murder Goes South please visit our website.

    

Record Sales & Volunteer Participation at Fall Jonquil Festival

Thank you to all of the shoppers and volunteers who supported our Book Sale at the Fall Jonquil Festival on October 23 and October 24. We raised over $2500 and more than 30 volunteers worked the event. Additional book sales are planned on a monthly basis beginning in December.  See the FOSL website for news when available.  The Spring Jonquil Festival Book Sale will be held in April 2011.

Storytelling by Auntie Renee

Everyone loves to hear a great story. It doesn’t matter if you are ages 3 to 73, you will always take the time to hear a good story, from a great storyteller. Auntie Renee is an award winning captivating storyteller, who puts her creative skills to use by performing Storytelling and Motivational speaking. She is a member of Kuumba Storytellers of Georgia, Toastmasters International, and does monthly workshops. Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, her stories sometimes include that Southern flare. She now considers Atlanta home. *


In celebration and recognition of National Friends of the Library Week (October 18-22, 2010), Auntie Renee, a gifted storyteller will be the guest of The Friends of Smyrna Library on October 22, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in a storytelling event at the Smyrna Cemetery on Atlanta Road. Refreshment will be served just across the street at the Smyrna Museum. If you love a good story, come hear this skillful storyteller, and help us celebrate Friends of the Library Week.

Resource: Kuumba website

National Friends of the Libraries Week Upcoming Activities

OCTOBER 17-23 is National Friends of the Library week.  At the Monday, October 18, meeting of the Smyrna City Council, a proclamation from Mayor Max Bacon will be read declaring that week Friends of the Library Week in Smyrna. Friends of Smyrna Library board members and volunteers will receive the proclamation. FOSL members are invited to attend at 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, Smyrna City Hall, 2800 King Street at the end of the Village Green.

Other events during the week include a FOSL membership drive at the Library during lunch hours each day. An invitation-only Volunteer Recognition on Wednesday evening honors individuals who have given outstanding service to the Library. On Friday evening at 7:30, Auntie Renee tells stories in the Smyrna Memorial Cemetery, next to the Market Village. Refreshments will be served just across the street at the Smyrna Museum. The event is free and open to the public.

FOSL holds its outdoor Fall Book Sale at the Jonquil Festival to benefit the Library on Saturday, October  23 from 10 am to 6 pm, and on Sunday, October 24 from 12 pm to 5 pm. Our tent is in front of the Smyrna Community Center. The Jonquil Festival admission is free.

In Memoriam: Carl Carnahan 1927 - 2010

Longtime Friends member and volunteer extraordinaire, Carl Carnahan, passed away in June 2010 after a long battle with heart and lung disease. He was laid to rest in Georgia Memorial Park Cemetery in Marietta. His son and daughter-in-law, George and Alice Carnahan, a granddaughter and her husband, a brother, and numerous nieces and nephews survive him.

In a fascinating life spanning 83 years, Carl saw action in WWII in the U.S. Navy and was part of an official party sent out to search for the downed pioneer female aviator, Amelia Earhart. During the Korean Conflict, Carl again heeded the call from his country, this time serving in the U. S. Army. Carl had a special soft spot in his heart for people (especially the hungry) and animals in need. One story tells of Carl traveling through the mountains of eastern Kentucky during his work rounds and noticing many, many dogs without shelter. Carl went home and began building—doghouses.

On subsequent trips out, often he’d “just happen to have this doghouse in the truck,” and his offer of it to the dog’s owner was never refused. Some 50 dogs kept warm and dry in a Carnahan Special doghouse. He was also known to put out food and water for “poor cats and dogs” anywhere he saw the need.

Carl served both his community and his church, Smyrna Christian Church. His work with Friends of Smyrna Library brought him into the Library almost daily, where he organized and maintained the Book and Magazine Sales section.

Carl was named FoSL Volunteer of the Year for 2006-2007 for his unstinting dedication of some 200-300 hours per year for the previous seven years. A bronze plaque has been created and will be placed in the Book Sales area of the Library by Friends of Smyrna Library in Carl’s memory, honoring his long and steadfast service.
 

Fall 2010 Reading List & Featured Book

Featured Book

A King's Ransom
by James Grippando

Other Recommended Reading Selections

A Journey by Tony Blair
Angelina by Andrew Morton
Broken by Karin Slaughter
Burn by Nevada Barr
Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwynne
Faithful Place by Tana French
Family Ties by Danielle Steel
Fly Away Home by Jennifer Weiner
Foreign Influence by Brad Thor
Frankenstein: Lost Souls by Dean Koontz
Furious Love by Sam Kashner
Home Team by Sean Payton
Ice Cold by Tess Gerritsen
Imperial Bedrooms by Bret Easton Ellis
In A Heartbeat by Leigh Anne Tuohy
In The Name of Honor by Richard North Patterson
Live To Tell by Lisa Gardner
Lowcountry Summer by Dorothea Benton Frank
Mission of Honor by David Weber
Packing For Mars by Mary Roach
Private: #1 Suspect by James Patterson
Queen of the Night by J. A. Jance
Scarlet Nights by Jude Deveraux
Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich
Spies of the Balkans by Alan Furst
Star Island by Carl Hiaasen
Super Sad True Love Story by Gary Shteyngart
The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean
The Glass Rainbow by James Lee Burke
The Island by Elin Hilderbrand
The Murder Room by Michael Capuzzo
The Rembrandt Affair by Daniel Silva
The Search by Nora Roberts
The Tenth Parallel by Eliza Griswold
The Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoet
by David Mitchell
The Vigilantes by W. E. B. Griffin
Tough Customer by Sandra Brown
Undead and Unfinished by Mary Janice Davidson
Waking the Witch by Kelley Armstrong
Whiplash by Catherine Coulter

Compiled by FOSL Volunteer

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency to present at the 9th Annual Murder Goes South

The Friends of Smyrna Library and the Sisters in Crime: Atlanta Chapter announce The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency as a featured Guest Presenter for the 9th Annual Murder Goes South... A Festival of Readers and Writers of the Southern Mystery. A representative will present during the Saturday January 29, 2011 program.  Details of the presentation will be announced on the Murder Goes South website when available.
   

Watercolors by Marsha Chandler Opens in Art Gallery

Watercolors by Marsha Chandler on display through October.

Marsha Chandler is a watercolorist, who, as a child, dreamed of being an artist. She is now realizing that childhood dream. After rearing here children and pursuing a successful career in real estate appraisal, she then moved into the world of professional painting. In her studio in Douglasville, Georgia, she creates vivid landscapes and still lifes which reflect her love of history and antiquities, such as a battered tin bowl, a weathered iron gate, a 12th century hilltown in Italy or an old barn in the Georgia mountains.

For years, Marsha carried a camera around to photograph scenes and objects as potential painting subjects, knowing without a doubt that one day she would use them. She captures her subjects in luminous watercolor, her medium of choice. "It is the translucency that appeals to me. I love the way watercolor glows. Watercolor has become the driving force in my life and a day without painting feels empty" she says.

Her travels throughout the United States, Mexico, and Italy have created a desire to capture everything she can on paper from rural farmlands to historic buildings, from old homes and barns to broken down wagons. She tries to convey to her viewers what she experiences when she sees a place or object for the first time or in a new light.

As much as she loves to paint these scenes, she enjoys painting vibrant still lifes that give viewers a new look at color and light in everyday things. "Color brings me joy and I love to create paintings with expressive color," she says. With her vibrant colors, she seeks to invoke a feeling of intimacy in the viewer, to make them feel s if they can reach out and pick up a piece of fruit. Also, she captures a sense of nostalgia by incorporating family heirlooms and vintage items of yesterday in her still lifes.

Since becoming a full-time artist, she has studied extensively with local artists and has taken workshops with regionally and nationally known watercolor artists. Marsha paints in her studio, on location and travels abroad and around the United States both to paint and find subjects for her art.

She has been accepted in numerous juried exhibitions throughout Georgia and the Southeast. Her works hang in many private collections and she is represented by Gallery 4463, Acworth, GA.

Marsha is a member of Atlanta Artists Center, South Cobb Arts Alliance, Douglas County Art Guild, ART Station, Watercolor Society of Alabama, Georgia Watercolor Society. and Southern Watercolor Society. Her website is http://www.marshachandler.com/.

Acrylic Paintings and Nature Photos by Nicole Lohr Opens in Display Gallery

Acrylic Paintings and Nature Photos by Nicole Lohr on display through October.

Read Artist Statement:

My name is Nicole Lohr, I was born in 1980 on Long Island, New York. I am a self-taught artist and work in a variety of media including acrylic paints, oil pastels, clay, photography and writing. Photography and writing are my favorites. My favorite style of art is abstract. I enjoy the freedom that the abstract expressionist style gives me to explore moods and ideas.

I am an avid photographer, which has been a passion for me since I was twelve years old. I take my inspiration from nature and love to photograph animals and birds. I hope that my photography reflects at least some of the beauty, peace and harmony I find in the natural world.

My passion for art began with my grandma Stanco who helped to raise me. We enjoyed many hours together making homemade cards and gifts for Christmas. We experimented with different kinds of art forms such as projects made from shells, pom poms, animals and much more.

Digital photography has become the art form that is most special to me. I experienced a very difficult home life and because of that, while growing up, I started taking pictures of family events trying to capture every good moment I could. I slowly found myself being more and more drawn by the beauty of nature and then wanting to capture every cool encounter I had with these wild creatures, whether it be birds, squirrels, bees, butterflies, dragon flies or even turtles and fish. I wanted to capture them all on my camera. I never try to pose anything, I just observe. I then listen and wait and watch and see what happens. I have a lot more patience with the animal world then I do with the people world.

Many of my nature shots are taken in Cobb county with several taken at the pond near the Smyrna Library. I enjoy traveling to take my shots and include places like the Chattahoochee Nature Center, Chattahoochee River trails, and Amicalola Falls.

I also really enjoy being playful with my oil pastels and my acrylic paints. I just sit down, pick up some colors, and start to create, never knowing how it is going to come out. I don't really think much when I'm doing it. I just clear my mind and something will come to me after I start to put the colors to the paper. I love to use my fingers and to use smudging techniques. I enjoy sharing my art, and I hope everyone enjoys it too.

I welcome all inquiries about my work and can be reached  at Mermie41780@yahoo.com.

9th Annual Murder Goes South Featured Guest Presenter Announced: Dr. Susan Kirkpatrick Smith

The Friends of Smyrna Library and the Sisters in Crime: Atlanta Chapter announce Dr. Susan Kirkpatrick Smith as a featured Guest Presenter for the 9th Annual Murder Goes South... A Festival of Readers and Writers of the Southern Mystery. Dr. Smith will present during the Saturday January 29, 2011 program.

BIOGRAPHY: Dr. Smith received her Ph.D. in anthropology from Indiana University. Her areas of research interest include skeletal analysis and the interaction between health and social status in ancient Greek populations. She has spent a year living in Athens, Greece researching skeletons from the Late Bronze Age cemetery at the foot of the Acropolis in Athens. Her teaching interests include forensic anthropology, human evolution, and human biological variation.
  

Lynda Crumbley Memorial Internship Awarded to Sara Henderson

Sara Henderson, a student in the Master of Library and Information Sciences program at Valdosta State University, was selected by Friends of Smyrna Library as the second student to receive the Lynda Crumbley Memorial Internship. 

This honor awards the student a $2500 stipend, and she will rotate through the various departments in the Smyrna Library. Sara began her ten-week intern experience on August 25, 2010. “I am strongly interested in a public library career,” she stated. The Friends of Smyrna Library and the entire staff of the Smyrna Public Library welcome Sara. 

Please say “hello” when you see her!

9th Annual Murder Goes South Featured Guest Presenter Announced: Janet Reid

The Friends of Smyrna Library and the Sisters in Crime: Atlanta Chapter announce Janet Reid as a featured Guest Presenter for the 9th Annual Murder Goes South... A Festival of Readers and Writers of the Southern Mystery. Ms. Reid will present during the Saturday January 29, 2011 program.

BIOGRAPHY: Janet Reid is a literary agent specializing in compelling fiction, particularly crime fiction, and narrative non-fiction. Her publishing background includes over fifteen years in book publicity. She is actively looking for projects that show mastery of craft and originality.

Ms. Reid is a past board member of the NYC chapter of the Women's National Book Association. She keeps a blog with information about clients, answering questions about publishing, query letters and her other interests.
 

9th Annual Murder Goes South Featured Guest Writer Announced: Lee Lofland

The Friends of Smyrna Library and the Sisters in Crime: Atlanta Chapter announce Lee Lofland as a featured Guest Writer for the 9th Annual Murder Goes South... A Festival of Readers and Writers of the Southern Mystery. Mr. Lofland will present during the Saturday January 29, 2011 program.

BIOGRAPHY: With a career in law enforcement that has spanned nearly two decades, Lee Lofland is a nationally acclaimed expert on police procedures and crime scene investigations. During his career he held roles from Patrolman to Detective. He solved cases in areas including narcotics, homicide, rape, murder-for-hire, robbery, and ritualistic and occult crimes.

In addition to now writing books, Lee writes articles for both Mystery Writers of America and Sisters In Crime newsletters. He also writes regular features and exclusives for newspapers across the country.

He's written for The Writer magazine and has served as a consultant for Slate Magazine, Spike TV, and for many bestselling authors. Lee has appeared on BBC television, CNN, and on NPR radio's Talk of the Nation, and he's the founder of the Writers' Police Academy, a fun and exciting hands-on event for writers.

 

Woodturning by Steve Pritchard Opens in Display Gallery

Handcrafted examples of Woodturning by Steve Pritchard are featured in the display gallery through August 31, 2010.

Steve Pritchard was born in a small town in South Dakota, growing up on a farm. He developed an interest in working with wood while helping his father build pole barns, cattle sheds, and even a grain elevator. Steve graduated with a BS from South Dakota State University in 1970 and joined the Air Force becoming a pilot instructor. He also worked for the Federal Courts as an instructor of their computerized case management system. In 1995 he moved to Atlanta to become the IT manager for the US District Court and retired in 2007.

His lifetime interest in working with wood led him to consider woodturning and in 2000 he purchased an inexpensive Craftsman lathe. After making his share of bowls, boxes and weed pots, he focused in the exploration of three areas:

Hollow Forms - This involves shaping the outside of a vessel and then using specialized tools to remove the wood from the inside. The walls of the vessels are usually about ¼ inch thick or less.

Piercing - The process of using a dental drill to create holes in very thin walled vessels. The holes form patterns and shapes.

Coloring - Much of the work is finished with a clear lacquer, oil, or shellac. Some of it is painted, or pierced, or both. He uses a variety of paints including acrylic, airbrush paint, and milk paint (his favorite). Milk paint is made using the cassien from milk as the binder. Because of its thickness it is great for distressing pieces.

The process used in most of Steve's woodturning involves turning the piece twice. He starts with wet or "green" wood and produces a rough version of the piece with thick walls. After the piece dries he returns it to the lathe and produce a finished piece.

Steve's favorite woods are Bradford pear, cherry, and maple but he uses almost any wood except pine. Bradford pear heads the list because it turns easily, finishes like glass, and is a wonderful blank pallet for woodturning, painting, and piercing.

Like everything in nature, each piece of wood has its own character and also its own personality and appeal. Being able to see that personality emerge from a large wet lump of wood is very enjoyable.

Almost all of the wood that Steve uses comes from trees that have been felled due to disease, storms, or development and destined to be ground into mulch. Woodturning is one of the few ways that we, as individuals, can preserve a little of a tree that once stood tall and proud in our community.

Steve is president and webmaster for the Georgia Association of Woodturners (GAW) and a member of the American Association of Woodturners (AAW).

 

Olympic Pins Designed by Gene Ledbetter Opens in Art Gallery

For July and August the art gallery will feature a solo exhibit of framed official Olympic Pins and other pins designed by Gene Ledbetter.

Gene Ledbetter attended the University of Georgia and the University of Miami. He worked fpr 20 years as the Art Director and and partner for Harris & Weinstein Advertising Agency. In 1970 he began his own graphics company, the A La Carte Graphics, Inc. with his wife Alice.

The beautiful exhibit of pins that Gene designed covers a span of many years, from the late 1970s through 2000 when he retired. He designed Olympic pins as well as other types of pins for the Coco Cola Company as well as the American College in Atlanta and London.

Early in the Olympics history there were no pins or posters. Gene was involved in researching the history in Switzerland in order to create pin designs.

 

Friends of Smyrna Library to Host Free “Frozen Yogurt Social & Book Sale”

July 18th Event to Feature Frozen Yogurt by Pinkberry and Live Music by Peter Vogl

Friends of Smyrna Library (FOSL) announces their free summer event, “Frozen Yogurt Social and Book Sale,” taking place Sunday, July 18, 2010 from 3-5 p.m. outdoors in the Smyrna Library plaza. This special event will feature free frozen yogurt from Pinkberry, family-friendly entertainment by Peter Vogl and a book sale with incredible bargains. As with any FOSL event, all proceeds from the book sale will go to the award-winning Smyrna Library for technology, books, art, reading programs, and much more.

"The value of our library to the community goes well beyond all things related to the printed word,” says Dorothy Sibert, President of the Friends of Smyrna Library. “The Friends appreciate the donations, volunteer hours, and more that the Smyrna community has given to the library and are sponsoring this event as a thank you to the community for its support."

FOSL is really looking forward to this year's event as the world-famous Pinkberry is donating the frozen yogurt, which will be free to everyone who attends. Pinkberry will be opening its first Atlanta-based store June 25, 2010, in the Akers Mill Shopping Center on Cobb Parkway, so attendees will have a chance to be some of the first in the Atlanta area to taste their “swirly goodness.”

FOSL is also honored to have the talented Peter Vogl perform live at the event. Vogl is a guitarist, session player, and instructor who has performed on stage with Michael Bolton, James Brown, Bo Diddley, Francine Reed and many other famous musicians. Vogl currently performs around Atlanta with several local bands including The Blue Rhythm Band and Jan Smith. Not only is the entertainment free, but we're sure you will become a new fan of Vogl's music, if you're not already!

FOSL's Board of Director member Jeff Jones will be heading up the book sale and is sure to offer prices that can't be beat. It will feature a carefully vetted selection for of New York Times bestsellers and gift quality books priced at just $1, $3 and $5. This year's "Frozen Yogurt and Book Sale" is going to be an event you don't want to miss! Bring your family to the Smyrna Library for an afternoon of fun.

About Peter Vogl

Peter Vogl started playing guitar in second grade and quickly realized his calling. He played in many bands throughout high school and proceeded to study classical guitar at the University of Georgia under the tutelage of John Sutherland. In collaboration with the NARAS organization Peter is the band leader each year at the Heroes Award Dinner in Atlanta. Visit his website at http://www.petervogl.com/.

About Pinkberry

Pinkberry reinvented the frozen yogurt category when it launched in West Hollywood, Ca. in January 2005. Today it is the most talked about, best tasting, premium frozen yogurt, made with high-quality fresh ingredients. From store design to exceptional customer service to our irresistible flavors and toppings, Pinkberry provides a social experience that indulges the senses. Pinkberry’s distinctive flavors are expertly crafted to complement its daily fresh-cut fruit and premium toppings that offer an irresistibly tangy, incomparable refreshing taste. Pinkberry is certified by the National Yogurt Association and carries the Live & Active Cultures Seal. Get a taste of Swirly Goodness by visiting http://www.pinkberry.com/.

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, please e-mail Jeff Jones at jjatlanta@gmail.com or call 770/401-3050.

  

Summer 2010 Reading List & Featured Book

Featured Book

A Painted House
by John Grishman

Other Recommended Reading Selections

61 Hours by Lee Child
A Painted House by John Grishman
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Changes by Jim Butcher
Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang by Chelsea Handler
Dead In the Family by Charlaine Harris
Deception by Jonathan Kellerman
Deliver Us From Evil by David Baldacci
Eight Days To Live by Iris Johansen
Every Last One by Anna Quindlen
Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin
Heartburn by Nora Ephron
Innocent by Scott Turow
Jaws by Peter Benchley
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes
New York by Edward Rutherfurd
Oprah by Kitty Kelley
Run by Ann Patchett
Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb
Solar by Ian McEwan
Spoken From the Heart by Laura Bush
Tales of Discworld by Terry Pratchett
The 9th Judgment by James Patterson
The Death and Life of the Great American School System by Diane Ravitch
The Girl Who Chased The Moon
by Sarah Addison Allen
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers
The lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver
The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
The Promise by Jonathan Alter
The Shadow of Your Smile by Mary Higgins Clark
The Spellmans Strike Again by Lisa Lutz
The Spy by Clive Cussler
The Walk by Richard Paul Evans
Think Twice by Lisa Scottoline
This Body of Death by Elizabeth George
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
When I Stop Talking, You ll Know I m Dead
by Jerry Weintraub
Without Mercy by Lisa Jackson
Wizard Under Fire by Jim Butcher

Compiled by FOSL Volunteer

Smyrna Library Kicks Off Children's Summer Reading Program

Annual reading program chooses fun-filled
science theme for the summer.

Smyrna, Ga. - (June 7, 2010) - Smyrna Library announces the return of their free summer reading program aimed specifically at children, which began June 1, 2010. The goal of this program is to keep kids reading over their summer break, while also making it fun. Each summer, the reading club focuses on a particular subject, and this year’s theme is science. 

The nine-week program will be focused on various types of science each week. For instance, one week readers will learn about zoology, and the next week’s book might be about geology.

The program is divided into two groups: "Ready Readers" and "Rockin' Readers." "Ready Readers” is for children age four through rising first graders, and "Rockin' Readers” is for children going into second to fifth grade. With their families, children will be asked to set a goal of how long to read each day, and then they must track their reading in a log. The library suggests that each child aim to read about 30 minutes each day. Every child who meets their goal will receive a free book, a certificate and coupon from a local sponsor.

This summer every reading program participant will be able to enter additional contests and challenges, including the "The Recycled Rocket Art Contest," which gives kids a chance to be creative and help the environment by using recycled materials. The deadline for this project is June 26th, so check with the library for specific details. Also, be sure to visit the library all summer long to participate in other contests and challenges that will be offered.

The summer reading program doesn't require attendance at the Smyrna Library; therefore, children can read at home or anywhere else and still track their reading on their own. However, the library will have reading groups set up every Wednesday and Thursday for those children who would like to have more science fun through thematic story programs. The library groups will be offered twice during the week at different times to accommodate patrons' schedules. Both reading groups will meet simultaneously, which allows parents with more than one child the opportunity to visit the library only once.

At the end of the summer there will be an exciting pool party to celebrate the kids' hard work and dedication to the program with games and food. Along with "Friends of Smyrna Library," local sponsors of this year's reading program include: Carvel Ice Cream, Glazy Dazy, Rev Coffee, IHOP, Smyrna Golden K Kiwanis, Keep Smyrna Beautiful, Scamp the Cat and Karen Lightsey. Thank you to all of sponsors for the incredible generosity and support!

2010's summer reading program includes a children's movie shown every Friday afternoon at the library. All summer programs and events are FREE for Smyrna Public Library cardholders. Everyone must have their card to participate.

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If you would like more information about this program, please call Laura Boynton at 770.431.2860 Ext. 3 or e-mail at lboynton@ci.smyrna.ga.us.

  

9th Annual Murder Goes South Keynote Speaker Announced: Erica Spindler

The Friends of Smyrna Library and the Sisters in Crime: Atlanta Chapter announce Erica Spindler as Keynote Speaker for the 9th Annual Murder Goes South... A Festival of Readers and Writers of the Southern Mystery. Ms. Spindler will be the Keynote Speaker for the Friday January 28, 2011 dinner program as well as present during the Saturday January 29, 2011 morning/afternoon program.

BIOGRAPHY: A New York Times and International bestselling author, Erica Spindler's skill for crafting engrossing plots and compelling characters has earned both critical praise and legions of fans. Published in 25 countries, her stories have been lauded as “thrill-packed page turners, white- knuckle rides and edge-of-your-seat whodunits.”

Raised in Rockford, Illinois, Erica had planned on being an artist, earning a BFA from Delta State University and an MFA from the University of New Orleans in the visual arts. In June of 1982, in bed with a cold, she picked up a romance novel for relief from daytime television. She was immediately hooked, and soon decided to try to write one herself. She leaped from romance to suspense in 1996 with her novel Forbidden Fruit, and found her true calling.

Her novel Bone Cold won the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award for excellence. A Romance Writers of America Honor Roll member, she received a Kiss of Death Award for her novels Forbidden Fruit and Dead Run and was a three-time RITA® Award finalist. Publishers Weekly awarded the audio version of her novel Shocking Pink a Listen Up Award, naming it one of the best audio mystery books of 1998.

Other mystery novels include Blood Vines, Breakneck, Last Known Victim, Copycat, Killer Takes All, See Jane Die, In Silence, All Fall Down, Cause For Alarm and Fortune

Erica lives just outside New Orleans, Louisiana, with her husband and two sons and is busy at work on her next thriller.

  

9th Annual Murder Goes South Featured Guest Writer Announced: Glynn Marsh Alam

The Friends of Smyrna Library and the Sisters in Crime: Atlanta Chapter announce Glynn Marsh Alam as a featured Guest Writer for the 9th Annual Murder Goes South... A Festival of Readers and Writers of the Southern Mystery. Ms. Alam will present during the Saturday January 29, 2011 program.

BIOGRAPHY: Glynn Marsh Alam is a native Floridian. Born in Tallahassee, she is familiar with the live oak forests and cypress swamps of the area. She also knows the sink holes and reptilia that abound there. She often swims in the cold, clear springs above the openings to fathomless caves. These are the settings for her Luanne Fogarty mystery series and for her literary novel, River Whispers.

After graduating from Florida State University, Glynn worked as a decoder/translator for the National Security Agency in D.C., then moved to Los Angeles where she taught writing and literature and earned an MA in linguistics. After many years of traveling back to Florida twice a year, she has now moved there and writes full time. Her many wonderful books include Bilge Water Bones, High Water Hellion, River Whispers, Deep Water Death, Dive Deep and Deadly, Green Water Ghost, Cold Water Corpse, Moon Water Madness (winner of The Gold Medal Florida Book Award), and her latest novel, Tide Water Talisman.

9th Annual Murder Goes South Featured Guest Writer Announced: Mitchell Graham

The Friends of Smyrna Library and the Sisters in Crime: Atlanta Chapter announce Mitchell Graham as a featured Guest Writer for the 9th Annual Murder Goes South... A Festival of Readers and Writers of the Southern Mystery. Mr. Graham will present during the Saturday January 29, 2011 program.

BIOGRAPHY: Mitchell Graham was born in New York City. He attended college at Ohio State University on a fencing scholarship and later went on to earn a law degree. After practicing for twenty years he went back to school to study neuropsychology. He has represented the United States in international fencing competitions and has won or placed in the finals of over 83 separate tournaments.

The Fifth Ring was his first novel and has received rave reviews. His mystery novels include Majestic Descending, Dead Docket and Circle of Lies which will be released in November 2010. He presently lives in Miami, Florida.

9th Annual Murder Goes South Featured Guest Writer Announced: William Rawlings Jr

The Friends of Smyrna Library and the Sisters in Crime: Atlanta Chapter announce William Rawlings, Jr. as a featured Guest Writer for the 9th Annual Murder Goes South... A Festival of Readers and Writers of the Southern Mystery. Mr. Rawlings will present during the Saturday January 29, 2011 program.

BIOGRAPHY: Like generations of his family before him, William Rawlings, Jr. was born in Sandersville, Georgia where he still lives on the family farm with his wife and two children. He was educated at Emory University in Atlanta, and at Tulane University in New Orleans where he earned a Master’s Degree and his Doctorate in Medicine. He did his postgraduate medical training in Internal Medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, after which he returned to Sandersville to practice medicine. Later in his successful medical career he began writing about the real South, a passion easily recognizable in his literary works.

His first novel The Lazard Legacy was published in 2003 followed by The Rutherford Cipher, The Tate Revenge and Crossword over the next 3 years. William’s latest novel, The Mile High Club, was published in December 2009. He is currently working two projects, a suspense novel set in Savannah and a non-fiction history of an infamous 1925 murder.

 

9th Annual Murder Goes South Featured Guest Writer Announced: Cathy Pickens

The Friends of Smyrna Library and the Sisters in Crime: Atlanta Chapter announce Cathy Pickens as a featured Guest Writer for the 9th Annual Murder Goes South... A Festival for Readers and Writers of the Southern Mystery. Ms. Pickens will present during the Saturday January 29, 2011 program.

BIOGRAPHY: Cathy Pickens has been, under different names, a lawyer, a business professor, a university provost, a clog-dancing coach, a church organist /choir director, and a typist.

The most profound influences on her life have been her family, her faith, Nancy Drew, and Perry Mason. She grew up in a small town and, forced to move to "big cities" to support herself, first as a lawyer and then as a professor, she found the only way to return to the comfortable familiarity of her childhood was by moving Avery Andrews back home and chronicling her exploits. Her novels include Southern Fried, Done Gone Wrong, Hog Wild and Hush My Mouth. Her latest, Can’t Never Tell, was published in February 2009.

9th Annual Murder Goes South Featured Guest Writer Announced: “Georgia Adams”

The Friends of Smyrna Library and the Sisters in Crime: Atlanta Chapter announce “Georgia Adams” as a featured Guest Writer for the 9th Annual Murder Goes South... A Festival for Readers and Writers of the Southern Mystery.  Georgia Adams will present during the Saturday January 29, 2011 program.

BIOGRAPHY: “Georgia Adams” is the pen name for three writers - Patricia Browning, Joann Dunn and Karen McColgan who write together. All three women live in the Atlanta area. Patricia Browning is the 2009 President Sisters in Crime (Atlanta Chapter). Joann Dunn earned a Juris Doctor degree from Loyola University in Chicago, is author of seven books and was nominated as Georgia Writer of the Year for Books 2 and 3 of the Curtis Family Chronicles. In addition Joann is publisher of DueWestBooks, LLC of Marietta. Karen McColgan, a New Jersey native, has earned several degrees including a B.S. in psychology. She is a Past President of Sisters in Crime (Atlanta Chapter)

Their book A Well-Manicured Murder is the first in the LitChix Murder Mystery series.

 

9th Annual Murder Goes South Featured Guest Writer Announced: David Hunter

The Friends of Smyrna Library and the Sisters in Crime: Atlanta Chapter announce David Hunter as a featured Guest Writer for the 9th Annual Murder Goes South... A Festival for Readers and Writers of the Southern Mystery. Mr. Hunter will present during the Saturday January 29, 2011 program.

BIOGRAPHY: David Hunter is a decorated former police officer, a 20-year editorial columnist for the Knoxville News-Sentinel and author of 15 books/novels and memoirs.

His first novel The Jigsaw Man, was nominated for the prestigious Edgar Award. His novel The Archangel Caper received a nomination for the Appalachian Writers Best Book Award. His other works include the novel The Dancing Savior and the short fiction collection titled Things to Do in Knoxville When You're Dead.

His latest novel Tempest at the Sunsphere is the first in a series set in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he lives with his wife, Cheryl.

9th Annual Murder Goes South Featured Guest Writer Announced: Carla Damron

The Friends of Smyrna Library and the Sisters in Crime: Atlanta Chapter announce Carla Damron as a featured Guest Writer for the 9th Annual Murder Goes South... A Festival for Readers and Writers of the Southern Mystery. Ms. Damron will present during the Saturday January 29, 2011 program.

BIOGRAPHY: South Carolinian Carla Damron is a Licensed Independent Social Worker, specializing in the field of mental health, who draws upon her own experience in this field in her novels. Tapping into her keen insight into human behavior, she developed main character Caleb Knowles, a devoted brother, an astute therapist, and a determined investigator. And like Caleb, her protagonist, Carla understands the dark and curious workings of mental illness and offers her intuitive skills to the reader.

Her novels include Keeping Silent and Spider Blue. Her latest novel published in April 2010 is Death in Zooville.

FOSL announces the 9th Annual Murder Goes South via Twitter

The 2-day 9th Annual Murder Goes South... A Festival for Readers and Writers of the Southern Mystery will be held at the Smyrna Community Center on Friday Jan 28, 2011 and Saturday January 29, 2011. Friday evening’s activities will feature a keynote speaker and a catered dinner. Saturday’s events will run from early morning until late afternoon and will feature guest writer presentations, workshops, supporting special events, a catered lunch as well as treats & refreshments. Guest writers, other presenters and events will be announced soon.

A new website http://www.MurderGoesSouth.com/ was also launched today. The website will be updated frequently moving forward. Bookmark it so you can have quick access to the latest information. You can also follow Murder Goes South on Twitter and Facebook to receive the latest automated announcements via cell phone text messages and e-mail.

FOSL is also very pleased to announce that Sisters in Crime: Atlanta Chapter will co-sponsor the event.

 

Painterly Refacimento and Four Studies by H. Gay Allen Opens in Art Gallery

On Display Until June 30

Artist Statement

For May and June the art gallery will feature a solo exhibit of photographic art by H. Gay Allen, entitled "Painterly Refacimento and Four Studies". 

The work begins with Ms. Allen's original photography and through various elaborate processes, is transformed into original art work and displayed, via pigmented print, on archival paper. The main body of work is 17 large photographs that have been altered in a painterly fashion. In addition, studies exploring four subjects are presented: Flamingo Moods; Peonies Perfect; Sunsations; and Pieces of Water.

The process was dubbed, by the New York Times, as refacimento (ree-FATCH-e-men-toe), the radical refashioning of a work of art, by use of a computer. Some works are recognizable as the original objects, some are mysteriously familiar, but not readily identifiable; and others have been taken beyond recognition.

The art galleries at the Smyrna Public Library are sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

Handcrafted Studio Pottery by Hank Hogan & Janet Erickson Hogan Opens in Display Gallery

On Display Until June 30

Artist Statement

Handcrafted studio pottery by Hank Hogan and Janet Erickson Hogan is featured in the display cases through June 1, 2010.

Born in Atlanta, Hank Hogan has been a studio potter since 2004. His functional stoneware vessels are fired in an electric or gas kiln. The vessels are wheel thrown and use a vast selection of high-fired food safe glazes for his finishes. He and his wife, Janet, work out of the MudFire Clayworks & Gallery.

Janet Erickson Hogan has a vast background in many mediums including quilting, drawing, and painting. She began pottery with husband Hank in 2004 and incorporates her skills in fabric design and drawing to create hand-built carved pieces using many different glazing techniques. Her work focuses on nature, people, and places, with a whimsical attitude.

Hank and Janet can be reached at hhogan2663@aol.com and 404-915-6425.

The art galleries at the Smyrna Public Library are sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

Book Sale a HUGE Success

Today’s book sale was a HUGE SUCCESS! Today was sunny and business was brisk. We raised over $2000 for the library in 5 hours – a one-day record. THANK YOU to our wonderful volunteers and everyone who shopped the sale.

Jonquil Festival Book Sale is on for Sunday!

The annual Spring Jonquil Festival FOSL Book Sale was rained out today. Thanks to everyone who helped us setup and sell some of our inventory during the brief window between the storms this morning. We had a mad dash to get everything put away and managed to get the last book cart wheeled in before the storms returned. It will be sunny on Sunday and we are open from Noon to 5 PM. Our booth is located in front of the Smyrna Community Center. We lost a day of sales today so we need a big turn out on Sunday. Tons of great books will be available at great prices. Hope to see you then!

National Library Week: Puppeteer Lee Bryan

It's National Library Week!  

Tonight at 7 p.m. Puppeteer Lee Bryan will present Planet Earth at the Community Center.  Go to www.SmyrnaLibrary.com or call 770-431-2860 for Smyrna Library's National Library Week events.

Spring 2010 Reading List & Featured Book

Featured Book

House Rules
by Jodi Picoult

Other Recommended Reading Selections

All Things At Once by Mika Brzezinski
Altar of Eden by James Rollins
Angelology by Danielle Trussoni 
Backlash by Aaron Allston
Big Girl by Danielle Steele
Black Magic Sanction by Kim Harrison
Bleachers by John Grisham
Blood and Smoke by Stephen King
Blood Ties by Kay Hooper
Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande
Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert
Crisis by Robin Cook
Days of Gold by Jude Deveraux
Deeper Than The Dead by Tami Hoag
Drive by Daniel H. Pink
Fired Up by Jayne Ann Krentz
Game Change by John Heilemann
Good Girls Gone Bad by Susan Nadler 
Hell Gate by Linda Fairstein
House Rules by Jodi Picoult
I, Sniper by Stephen Hunter
Impact by Douglas Preston
Just Kids by Patti Smith
Kisser by Stuart Woods
Kitchen Privileges by Mary Higgins Clark
Noah s Compass by Anne Tyler
Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton
Shalador's Lady by Anne Bishop
Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane
Sizzle by Julie Garwood
Split Image by Robert B. Parker
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
The Honor of Spies by W. E. B. Griffin
The Nazi Conscience by Claudia Koonz
The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
The Politician by Andrew Young
The Wolf At The Door by Jack Higgins
Vendetta by Jackie Collins
Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah
Worst Case by James Patterson

Compiled by FOSL Volunteer

Very Successful Smyrna Reads! Program Concludes

A week of fun activities sponsored by FOSL surrounding the Smyrna Reads! program concluded last night. The film adaptation of “To Dance with the White Dog” was shown at the library, an encore presentation of Wednesday night’s showing.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Terry Kay (author of the featured novel) presentation, the White Dog Contest and the two movie showings.

Special thanks are extended to Linda Evans and her volunteer committee for organizing a very successful series of events that were enjoyed by the community.

Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration

The Smyrna Public Library’s Children’s Department hosted a family story time program last night in celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday. The events included family team trivia, lots of FUN activities, story reading and prizes for the kids.

The Friends of the Smyrna Library donated 15 Dr. Seuss Lorax dolls and 15 companion books that were given away to the families.

A fun time was had by all in attendance who numbered 42 and ranged in age from 3 to 80.

Congratulations to our wonderful Library Team for doing such an excellent job!
  

The Smyrna Reading Group Presents Margaret Johnson-Hodge on Tuesday March 9 - 7:30 PM (Rescheduled Due to March 2 Snowstorm)

Margaret Johnson-Hodge is a nationally acclaimed author. She is a winner of the Reviewer’s Choice Awards for The Real Deal. Her novel Butterscotch Blues made the Blackboard Bestsellers List, the Essence Magazine Bestseller List and a Black Expressions Book Club Book of the Year.

Though born and raised in New York, she now calls Georgia her home.

Please join Ms. Johnson-Hodge and The Smyrna Reading Group to discuss her book A Journey to Here on March 9, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. in the Smyrna Public Library’s upstairs meeting room.
 

Pastels by Sandy Jane Tabor Opens in Art Gallery

On display until April 30, 2010

Artist Statement:

Sandy is a Georgia native, born in Atlanta and residing in Marietta. She attended the Univ. of Ga and graduated from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. She moved to Brittian with her family as a young teenager and began her love affair with art while in Europe. "Every weekend we would be at some famous art museum. I noticed how huge some paintings were and how tiny others were. When I viewed the paintings up close, I was amazed to see that those colorful, random strokes of paint, became a mostly dark and gray picture of someones face from far away.”

While backpacking solo through Europe and Greece as a college graduate, she continued her visits to the beautiful places of the world. Sandy has traveled as far north as the Artic Circle, as far south as Brazil, as far east as Iran and as far west as Hawaii. She raised three children who are now in college themselves , a son at Univ. of Alabama, another son at Florida State University and a daughter at Kennesaw State. They have all been subjects in her paintings. "My children have taken my more serene paintings to school with them. Those that they can retreat into during their hectic student days."

Sandy has studied under local artists David Mathews, Gary Baughman, Ann Cockerill and Chris Didomizzio. Her preference in mediums is pastel. "It is very similar to coloring with crayons and is very soothing to use. Art is like therapy to me. It helps to make sense of the world."

The art galleries at the Smyrna Public Library are sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

Mosaics by Herschel Kranitz Opens in Display Gallery

On display until April 30, 2010

Artist Statement

As his business career began to wind down in 1998 he discovered that he possessed an aptitude and interest in mosaics. He started by teaching himself and then went on to study in Ravenna, Italy. His work has been displayed and sold in galleries in New England, Georgia, Arizona and Alabama. While his formal training is in Roman classical mosaic he most enjoys working in the folk art genre…doing utilitarian pieces (belt buckles, pots, tables, mirrors, trays) as well as more traditional portraits and still life. While the inspiration for most of his work grows out of his own cockeyed view of the world he also enjoys working in collaboration with others translating and adapting their visions into glass mosaics.

He can be found every day....from early morning until dinner....toiling in his studio in Norcross, GA fighting off the ravages of age and the uncooperative muses while making works of mosaic art that he finds (and hopes you do as well) fun!!! He teaches classes - sharing the last great passion of his life with unsuspecting students. He appreciates feedback (particularly positive), enjoys collaborating with other craftspeople and will accept your money if you insist on buying one of his creations or take one of his classes.

The art galleries at the Smyrna Public Library are sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

"To Dance with the White Dog" White Dog Contest

To celebrate Terry Kay’s Friday night presentation FOSL sponsored a white dog contest on Saturday morning. Over 20 “white” dogs came in various forms of white including white, tan, fawn, red, brown, black and mixtures of all of these shades of “white”. All of the dogs played nicely and everyone else enjoyed a really fun time.

The winners were White Dog - Romeo, Tan Dog - Skeeter, Big Dog - Patches and Small Dog - Axel.

Alex Neely donated a professional photo shoot to Romeo, the White Dog 1st place winner. Anne Mincey, from Pet Portraits with PURR-sonality!, donated silhouettes to Skeeter, Patches and Axel. FOSL thanks both for their lovely donations that will be enjoyed for years by the winners’ families.

Though 4 dogs were selected for prizes, all are winners in our hearts!

Photos of the event and all of the beautiful dogs have been posted to the website and can be viewed at http://www.friendsofsmyrnalibrary.org/