FOSL Donates $1000 To Purchase Children’s Audio Books

The Friends of Smyrna Library recently donated $1000 to purchase a new collection of juvenile audio books. The collection arrived today. 

Smyrna Public Library Awarded $2,000 Grant

The Smyrna Public Library recently received a $2,000 grant from Gas South to support STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) resources in the collection. The grant allowed the library to purchase more than 75 new STEM-related titles for Youth Services and created 15 new MAKER BOXES. Each box contains a book on a STEM topic and a related hands-on activity. These boxes may be checked out from the Youth Services Desk and used in Smyrna Library.  

The Bright Side featured the grant in a December edition article.  Youth Services Librarian Rebecca Power, left, and Smyrna Library Director Mary Wallace Moore display some of the new Maker Boxes in the article photo.

Thanks to Gas South and The Bright Side for their support of the Smyrna Public Library. 

FOSL Hosts 25th Anniversary Celebration

The Friends of Smyrna Library hosted “An Evening with the Friends…” on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at the Smyrna Public Library to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

President Charlie Stannard opened up the event with a speech where he chronicled FOSL’s history and major achievements over the last 25 years. Former members of the Board of Directors were in attendance and they were recognized for their past contributions.  

The event was well attended and featured heavy hors d'oeuvres, desserts and punch. The entertainment highlight was a dramatic reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas by actor Neal Arnoff. The dramatic reading was paired with a performance of the Pebblebrook High School Chamber Orchestra.  The evening concluded with the winners of the silent auction, which raised $1000, being announced. 

Photo: Friends of Smyrna Library President Charlie Stannard

Teen Territory Upgrade

Take a look at the new cafe table and four chairs the Friends of Smyrna Library purchased for the Teen Territory!

New Genealogy Research Computer Workstation

Smyrna Public Library now has a dedicated computer workstation for genealogy research as well as a brand new ScanPro microforms reader to make copies and scans from microfilm and microfiche. 

Thank you to all our generous project partners!

Letters to Santa

Have you written your letter to Santa yet? No worries! We have a letter-writing station and a Santa mailbox in the Smyrna Public Library atrium.

New Curiosity Creates Program for Tweens

The Smyrna Public Library hosted the first Curiosity Creates workshop last night. This is a new program for Tweens (age 8 to 12). The Tweens had a lot of fun learning about different watercolor techniques from our artist, Kathi Wall Fly. Next Tuesday the tweens will be able to come back to our Open Lab and practice the techniques they learned to create their own watercolor piece that inspires them. 

The Curiosity Creates program was made possible by a grant Smyrna Library received from the Association for Library Service to Children and Disney.

Congrats, Henry!

Our friend, Henry, was one of the winners in our Clifford contest. He'll get to see Clifford the Big Red Dog live this Friday. 

Special thanks to ArtsBridge Foundation for donating the tickets!

Awarded Grants Fund New 200-Book Collection for Children

A 200-book, nonfiction collection of new titles for children and young adults was recently added to the Smyrna Public Library. The purchases were funded by grants awarded by community organizations.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) books were purchased through a grant from Gas South.

Financial Literacy books for children and young adults were purchased through a grant from Wells Fargo.

History books were purchased through a grant from Friends of Smyrna Library.

Thanks to all involved for adding these great new reading options for our young library patrons!

Oils and Acrylics by Karen Snider Opens in Art Gallery

The final art gallery exhibit for 2015 opened today - Oils and Acrylics by Karen Snider. Ms. Snider's paintings are on display until January 3. The art gallery is located on the 2nd floor of the Smyrna Library. The art gallery exhibits are sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library. 

Artist Statement: 

"My main interest in creating several of my paintings is to portray a slice of daily life. I attempt to showcase some of America's unique individuals going about their daily activities.

I'm also fascinated with studying and painting nature's amazing detail, form and color."

All my life I've been interested in expressing myself through art. I minored in art when I attended the University of New Mexico. Through the years, I drew using graphite and ink, and painted with pastels.

When I lived in California and Oregon throughout the 1990's, I showed and sold my work in several galleries and exhibits. After I moved east, I began painting in oils. In the past 7 years, my work has been accepted in many juried shows in both South Carolina and Georgia. Several of my pieces have received awards at the National Juried Shows.

Glass Inspirations by Lori Schinelli Opens in Display Gallery

The final display gallery exhibit for 2015 opened today - Glass Inspirations by Lori Schinelli. Ms. Schinelli's glass art is on display until January 3. The display gallery is located on the 2nd floor of the Smyrna Library. The display gallery exhibits are sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library. 

Artist Statement:

A native of Brooklyn, Lori received her Bachelors degree in Nursing from the State University of New York. She dabbled in glass in the 1970s but left it to work as a nurse and raise her family.

Moving to Georgia in the 1990s, she resumed her artwork, studying painting, ceramics and sculpture at several southeast art centers before rediscovering glass in 2002.

She has since studied with prominent masters in the glass world at The Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Washington; The Corning Glass Museum Studio in Corning, New York; The Pittsburg Glass Center, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; and The Oatka Glass School, in Batavia New York. She has also received mentorship at the private studios of some of the masters,while maintaining a teaching studio in Dunwoody, Georgia.

Her work can be found in private collections across the US as well as in Brazil. She is currently represented at the Corning Museum of Glass Glass Market and Gallery in Corning New York, and The Gingerbread Square Gallery in Key West, Florida

Walking Tour of Smyrna's Williams Park Neighborhood Postponed Due to Rain

Today's scheduled Historical and Architectural Walking Tour of Smyrna's Williams Park Neighborhood is being rescheduled to next week due to rain.  Meet next Sunday (November 8) 3PM at the Pergola in Williams Park on Roswell Street.  Do not meet at the library.

Speaker: Casey Clavin

Participants should gather at the pergola in Williams Park on Roswell Street - will be limited to the first 24 people who RSVP to wpmarchione@gmail.com or 857-919-0505.

The Williams Park neighborhood of Smyrna (the streets lying east of Atlanta Road, opposite Market Village) contains the largest concentration of older structures in the city, many dating from the 1885 to 1925 period, a unique architectural ensemble that could well qualify as Smyrna's first National Register Historic District. The area also has a fascinating history. Casey Clavin, who has given much attention to the architectural history of this interesting neighborhood, and local historian Bill Marchione, will co-narrate this walking tour of the city's oldest neighborhood, a tour that will also feature visits to the interiors of some of Williams Park's most interesting residences.

The Williams Park walking tour is being co-sponsored by the Smyrna Arts & Cultural Council (SACC) and the Friends of the Smyrna Library (FOSL), as one of the Smyrna Library's regular "First Sunday" programs.

Thank You, Charyn Darby Foundation

Thanks to a generous donation from the Charyn Darby Foundation the Smyrna Public Library has some great new books! They have lots of pictures books and 6, count them, 6 new juvenile series. 

Stop by today to check them out.

Thank You, Wells Fargo

A big THANK YOU goes out to Wells Fargo, Smyrna Branch on Atlanta Road, for nominating the Friends of Smyrna Library for a $1,000 grant. 

The library is using the grant to purchase books about money for children, teens and adults. Pictured below are some of the titles being cataloged and processed this week. 

Watch for more titles coming soon!

Fall Jonquil Festival Book Sale Results

We raised $1,774 at the Jonquil Festival book sale this weekend. Thanks to all of the volunteers!!! We also have a new (and huge) banner.

Thank You, Book Sale Volunteers

We finished all the sorting and pricing of the books today. Whew – we are tired!  Thanks to Louisa, Sam, Susan, John, Nicole and JJ for getting it all done in 7 hours..

Here is a breakout of the inventory: 

- Approximately 100 Fiction Bestsellers – most are $3 each. 

- Non-fiction lovers will definitely be interested in the 400+ biographies, WW2 and historical-themed books - $3, $5 for the coffee table books.

500+ Children’s Books ranging from $2 to $5 if nearly new and 50 cents and $1 used. The kiddie pool will be full of 50-cent specials, teen books are boxed separately

- 250 Cookbooks $3 each

- 150 Other – Home Improvement, Religion, Fishing, Golf, Baseball, Crafts $3 each

- 200 Paperback Bestsellers $1 each

- Assorted CDs and VCR Tapes (kids movies)

We open at 10 AM and our tent will be located in front of the Community Center. See you this weekend!

Spirits of Smyrna

The Spirits of Smyrna storytelling event last Saturday was a lot of fun for the kids and the adults too. Special thanks to all of the storytellers - especially Marion, the Vampire Librarian...

FOSL Funds Upper Level Entrance Upgrade

The Friends of Smyrna Library donated funds for the purchase of these new display boards and  shelf. The City of Smyrna contributed the new tables, paint, and manpower. Results = snazzy new entrance to the Upper Level. Pop up if you haven't taken a look yet.

Max Parnell, Flying Tiger Lecture Concludes WWII Speakers Series

Dr. William Marchione, author of A Brief History of Smyrna, presented the culminating program in our series marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. He spoke on the life and career of Smyrna war hero, aviator, and Japanese prisoner-of-war Max Parnell (1922-2005).

Parnell saw service in the India-Burma-China theater of war under famous general Claire Chennault. This lecture will be based upon a huge collection of papers (comprising more than 500 items), one of the finest collections of World War II memorabilia in existence, now housed in the Smyrna Library’s developing archive, deposited there through the generosity of Mayor Bacon, Parnell’s godson and namesake. Items from the Parnell collection will be on display in the library during the entire month of October.

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

Smyrna Announces Bike Sharing - Easy With Zagster – “Enjoy Smyrna Life - Ride a Bike”

The City of Smyrna, announces a Bike Share program, making it easy and affordable to “Enjoy Smyrna Life – Ride a Bike” with Zagster bikes, stations and borrow/riding system.

"Over the years, the City of Smyrna has made an investment in our trail network, and throughout Smyrna, residents and visitors use these great trails for fitness, for fun, and even for their daily commutes. Our bike share program will expand the opportunities for everyone to enjoy these trails, whether they want to take a quick ride to the coffee shop or the park, or trek down the Silver Comet," explains Teri Anulewicz, Council representative for Smyrna’s downtown ward who presented the concept to City staff after using the bike share program in Austin, Texas in late 2014.

The program offers bike rental from three sharing stations, located at the Smyrna Public Library on the Village Green, at Taylor-Brawner Park on Atlanta Road along the multi-use trail, and near Jonquil Park along Spring Road which is the corridor that stretches from downtown Smyrna to the Cumberland District and the new Braves stadium complex. A fourth location will be announced soon.

With four bikes at each station, the program is beginning on a smaller scale to allow for evaluation for future expansion. The ease of use, however, is huge. There are two ways to join. Go to the website www.zagster.com/smyrnaga or download an app for iPhone and Android from iTunes or Google Play. You may also borrow bikes using SMS text messages. View an instructional video at https://vimeo.com/121167227.

“It’s simple. Borrow, unlock, ride and then return, but wear a helmet. When you are done, return the bike, lock it in the Zagster station and close the lockbox and tell the app to end the ride. It’s really that easy,” says Steve Ciaccio, City of Smyrna Parks & Recreation Director.

Rides are free for the first four hours. After the first four hours, there is a $5.00 an hour charge – up to $40 per ride. The bikes, called “Cruisers,” have adjustable seat heights that fit adult riders, front and rear lights for nighttime visibility, a basket for storing the “U-Lock” while you ride, seven gears that allow riders to go anywhere, and fenders and a chain guard to keep you clean while riding. Again, an instructional video may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/121167227.

There is an FAQ section on the quick and easy website at http://zagster.com/smyrnaga/ that covers things like “Where can the Zagster bike go?” or “What do I do if my bike breaks down?” It is recommended that you review the FAQs to become familiar with obligations and requirements of membership. Wear a helmet. An ANSI certified helmet is required for all riders under 16 years of age. Helmets are recommended for all riders. Remember that users are subject to Georgia bicycle laws.

Raymond Reed and the Reed House Lecture Presented Today

Historian & Preservationist Michael Terry was today’s guest speaker for the First Sunday Lecture Series. (It was moved one week this month due to the holiday.)

With the City of Smyrna’s recent purchase of the Raymond Reed house, September’s lecture focused on the history of that distinctive and conspicuously situated Smyrna mansion, and upon the political career of its most recent occupant, the late Raymond Reed (1916-2014), a courageous State Legislator who served in the Georgia General Assembly during tumultuous late 1940s and 1950s, a man of unusual courage who championed much forward looking and often controversial legislation that challenged the political bosses of his day.

A related exhibit of Reed memorabilia is also on display in the library’s second floor gallery during the entire month of October.

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

Smyrna Reads Event: Paint Like Ivan

Join us in the Library Atrium between 4 and 6:30 p.m. for more fun with "Smyrna Reads."

Smyrna Reading Group Upcoming Selections

The Smyrna Reading Group meets the first Tuesday of each month in the Smyrna Public Library.  

The selections from this October to next May follow:

October 6, 2015 - Glorious by Bernice McFadden 

November 3, 2015 - Don't Ever Tell by Branden Massey

December 1, 2015 - My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier

January 5, 2016 - Toughest Indian in the World by Sherman Alexie

February 2, 2016 - The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

March 1, 2016 - Me Before You by Jojo Moyes  

April 5, 2016 – National Poetry Month

May 3, 2016 - The Food of Love by Anthony Capella

Smyrna Reads Event: Zoomobile Visit

Join us for the official kick-off of this year's "Smyrna Reads" project with a visit from the ZooMobile! We'll see live animals and hear about them from Zoo Atlanta Zookeepers. 

Today (9/5/15) at 1 p.m. in the Smyrna Library Meeting Room.

Automotive Art by John Lander Opens in Art Gallery

The September and October art gallery exhibit opened today - Automotive Art by John Lander. Ms. Lander's work is on display until October 31. The art gallery is located on the 2nd floor of the Smyrna Library. The display gallery exhibits are sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.  

Artist Statement:

For automotive artist John Lander, cars as more than just transportation: "Some are beautiful examples of rolling sculpture. I try to do more than just draw pretty pictures of cars; I include interesting people, backgrounds, and try to set a mood or tell a story."

The work of years, this collection of Lander's vintage car art includes over 100 color illustrations with a short description, including comments by the artists, for each picture.

Foreword by Larry Crane, former art director for Automobile magazine.

Old Smyrna by Mike Terry and Bill Marchione Opens in Display Gallery

A fantastic collection of "Old Smyrna" artifacts that date from the mid-1800s to the 1960s is now on display until October 31 in the upstairs display gallery. The collection includes many old photos, very old pottery, books and political campaign items to name just a few of the unique items that will capture your attention.

Did you know Smyrna once had a very large legal liquor distillery? Yes, it did and a number of distillery-related artifacts will be shown for the first time at the library.

Additionally, the display gallery will feature a presentation on the Reed House and Raymond Reed. Don't miss this great collection of Smyrna memorabilia. Thanks to local historians Mike Terry and William Marchione for curating this exhibit. 

The Annual "Smyrna Reads" Begins

What if everyone in Smyrna read the same book? 

"Smyrna Reads," a "One Book" project, poses this question, but this year's project has a twist. In September, 2015, Smyrna Library will promote The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, the winner of the 2013 Newbery Medal for Distinguished American Children's Literature.

This year's project will be a "Family Read." Although The One and Only Ivan is children's literature, the story and the quality of the writing make it enjoyable for any age. We hope that multiple generations will read the book, and this project will spawn meaningful discussions across ages.

Families with small children may elect to read Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla, a moving and beautifully illustrated non-fiction picture book, also by Applegate. Or read both!

"Smyrna Reads" Returns

What if everyone in Smyrna read the same book? Please join us for Smyrna Public Library's annual "one book" project, "Smyrna Reads." 

This year, we are reading the award-winning novel "The One and Only Ivan" by K. A. Applegate.

Full details at smyrnareads.com.

Smyrna Reads is a "One Book" project sponsored by Smyrna Public Library and Advanced Disposal.

Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee Book Discussion

Thank you to everyone who attended yesterday's discussion of "Go Set a Watchman" by Harper Lee. And thank you to Adult Services Librarian, Colleen Harris, for the detailed preparation.

The Library hopes to do another "in-depth" discussion like this in the future. Any title suggestions?

First Sunday Lecture Features Documentary Film “The Return of the Violin"

The "First Sunday" lecture at the Smyrna Public Library today featured a viewing of the powerful film "The Return of the Violin". The violin in question, a priceless Stradivarius, was owned by famed violinist Bronislaw Huberman. Before the rise of the Nazis, he was considered one of the most prodigious musicians of all time.

During the war Huberman was a tireless opponent of the Nazis and saved many Jews by bringing them to Palestine to create an orchestra that would become one of the world's foremost ensembles, the Israeli Philharmonic. The violin in question, missing for over 50 years, now belongs to noted Jewish-American violinist Joshua Bell. This is a compelling 1-hour documentary that you can watch on YouTube (click the link).

Kennesaw State University Holocaust Museum guide Zach Berman introduced the documentary. Thank you, Mr. Berman.

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

Summer Reading Program: Congratulations, Grand Prize Winner!

Hey, meet our big winner! Congratulations to Kayleigh B. who won the grand prize in the "Escape the Ordinary" adult summer reading program. The Friends of Smyrna Library purchased GoPro HERO cameras for both the adult and Young Adult reading raffles. Do something epic, Kayleigh, and share the footage with us!

Summer Reading Program: Congratulations to Weekly Winners

Congratulations to weekly winners in the "Escape the Ordinary" Summer Reading program. They won books, flash drives, coffee mugs, and gift cards to local restaurants (courtesy of the Friends of Smyrna Library).

2015 Summer Reading Program Finale

The Friends of Smyrna Library sponsored the 2015 Summer Reading Program finale today to cap off our support of the entire program since late May. The summer theme for the kids’ program was “Every Hero Has a Story” and our reading heroes were out in force!

The Youth Services team put on a wide array of activities that kept the kids busy and entertained.  Activities included hero crafts, face painting, an obstacle course, sidewalk chalk artistry, lots of soap bubble fun and more.

The Friends of Smyrna Library sincerely appreciate all of the great work of the Children’s Service team this summer.         

FOSL passed out the ice cream and had a small book sale of New York Times Bestsellers.  All had a great time!  Click this link to enjoy the photos.

     

FOSL 25th Anniversary Project #2 Completes: 2,000 Photos Organized Into Online Albums

Over the past 25 years we have taken a lot of photos.  The library also had quite a few in old photo albums.  

To commemorate our Silver Anniversary we searched, scanned and organized 2,000 photos into over 150 online photo albums.

The oldest photo is from the 1930s. There is a large assortment of 1970s and 1980s Summer Reading Program photos too. There are around 1,800 photos of Friends of Smyrna Library events over the years. 

Albums are ordered chronologically. If you have scanned photos you can contribute please email jjatlanta@gmail.com.   

Click this link: https://picasaweb.google.com/113792345765857937547

FOSL 25th Anniversary Project #1 Completes: All Old Printed FOSL Newsletters Now Online

The Friends of Smyrna Library published THE LINK printed newsletter from 1994 to 2010.   It highlighted the activities at the Smyrna Public Library and the support from FOSL to promote appreciation of the library within the community. In 2010 we moved to an online format to take advantage of new technology and share information more quickly.

To celebrate FOSL’s 25^th anniversary this year we located all printed copies of our past newsletters. They have now been scanned (over 600 pages) and are available on our website.

Additionally, our online news blog now has over 250 articles dating back to 2010. Enjoy reading the old newsletters and the new blog entries!

Click here to take a walk down Memory Lane: http://tinyurl.com/p9rvuhm

Dr. Jennifer Garlen Presents a Celebration of Harper Lee

Dr. Jennifer Garlen presented a celebration of beloved Southern author, Harper Lee, on the eve of the publication of her second novel today. In addition to the speaker’s presentation, attendees enjoyed deliciously Southern refreshments and special access to the reserve list for Go Set a Watchman. One lucky attendee won a gift basket.

The arrival of Harper Lee's second book, Go Set a Watchman, makes the summer of 2015 an especially appropriate time to revisit her 1960 debut, To Kill a Mockingbird, which earned the Pulitzer Prize and became a beloved American classic. Reading this iconic novel is more than an exercise in nostalgia, however, since Lee's themes and problems are still very much with us today. The author's brilliant handling of such thorny issues as racial prejudice, injustice, class inequality, and even gender roles makes To Kill a Mockingbird as much a work for the present moment as it was for the 1960s.

Enjoy the photo album

Speaker Bio: Dr. Jennifer C. Garlen holds degrees in English Literature from Agnes Scott College, Georgia Southern University, and Auburn University. She teaches for LearningQuest in Huntsville, Alabama, and is the author of several books, including Beyond Casablanca: 100 Classic Movies Worth Watching and the YA fantasy novel, Wierm's Egg.  

   

Oral Historian Pat Burns Presents WWII at Smyrna Public Library

Oral historian Pat Burns presented at today’s “First Sunday” lecture.  

Ms. Burns introduced her videotaped interview with World War II veterans entitled "The Cobb County Boys" comprised of multiple interviews with local veterans. The program featured a display of World War II photographs. Audience members had the opportunity to sign up to participate in an oral history training workshop, directed by Bill Marchione, who has had much experience over the years in oral interviewing.

Thank you Ms. Burns for an excellent presentation.

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

Pastels by Paula Landry Opens in Art Gallery

The July and August art gallery exhibit opened today - Pastels by Paula Landry. Ms. Landry's work is on display until August 30. The art gallery is located on the 2nd floor of the Smyrna Library. The display gallery exhibits are sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.  

Artist Statement:

Paula Landry is a pastel artist living and working in Smyrna, Georgia. After many years of teaching art in the Cobb County School District, she has spent her retirement years focusing on expanding and exploring her own artistic skills.

With a BFA in Art Education from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master’s from the University of Georgia, Paula has studied and has shown work everywhere from France to the small towns of the Southeast. Paula’s portraits and landscapes reflect the vibrant colors found in the Georgia landscape. She is often commissioned for her informal child portraits.

Porcelain Paintings by Mary Belle Cordell Opens in Display Gallery

The July and August display gallery exhibit opened today - Porcelain Paintings by Mary Belle Cordell. Ms. Cordell's work is on display until August 30. The display gallery is located on the 2nd floor of the Smyrna Library. The display gallery exhibits are sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.  

Artist Statement:

Mary Belle Cordell is a porcelain art teacher, certified by the World Organization of China painters. She has studied at the prestigious Penland School of Arts and Crafts, the Virginia Douglas School of Porcelain Art in N. Carolina, and with internationally known porcelain art teachers. She paints in many mediums but her first love is porcelain painting.

Mary Belle has a broad experience in teaching this fine art and is presently on the staff of the Boca Museum of Art the Art School. She attributes her successful professional life to a challenging teaching style and a passion for porcelain painting. Her commissions have included painting very large murals on tiles and designing the smallest porcelain boxes from Limoges, France.

As a tribute to her fine eye, the works of Mary Belle are in several prestigious private collections including the collection of best-selling author Mary Higgins Clark. A winner of many awards from regional South Florida art shows, Mary Belle continues to be nourished by her art and the passion it inspires in her teaching.

Smyrna Fire Department Conducts CPR Training Class

According to the American Heart Association “About 92 percent of sudden cardiac arrest victims die before reaching the hospital, but statistics prove that if more people knew CPR, more lives could be saved. Immediate CPR can double, or even triple, a victim’s chance of survival.”

The Teen Summer Reading program sponsored a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification to educate attendees on this life-saving skill.  Thanks to our local Smyrna city firefighter heroes for the excellent training and CPR certification!

Enjoy the photo album

Tweens Have Furry, Fluffy, Felt Fun

For hundreds of years, wool fibers have been made into hats, jackets, boots and even homes. In today’s workshop, tweens learned the basic steps to making felt. 

Using hand-dyed wool, participants designed and made their own objects from felt. They then created small wall hangings, secret pouches, small purses and more.

Thank you to Toni from the Georgia Museum of Art for putting on this felt-astic program!

Enjoy the photo album

The Summer Reading Program “Tween Time” activities are designed for children aged 8-12.

Summer 2015 Reading List & Featured Book

Featured Book

Go Set A Watchman

by Harper Lee

Other Recommended Reading Selections

14th Deadly Sins by James Patterson
A Game of Thrones by George R R Martin
A New Hope by Robyn Carr
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
American Sniper by Chris Kyle
Bengals Quest by Lora Leigh
Country by Danielle Steel
English Spy by Daniel Silva
Ever After by Judy Deveraux
Fifty Shades Darker by EL James
Finders Keepers by Stephen King
Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver
The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman
Grey by E L Jones
Hilter's Last Days by Bill O'Reilly
Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
by Jamie Ford
In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume
Kiss Me by Susan Mallery
Memory Man by David Baldacci
On My Knees by J Kenner
Paper Towns by John Green
Ride Steady by Kristen Ashley
Safe At Last by Maya Banks
Summer Secrets by Jane Green
The English Spy by Daniel Silva
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
The Isle of the lost: A Descendants Novel by Melissa de la Cruz
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
The Nightgale by Kristin Hannah
The President's Shadow by Brad Meltzer
The Rumor by Elin Hilderbrand
The Wright Brothers by David McCullough
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Tom Clancy Under Fire by Grant Blackwood
Truth or Die by James Patterson
Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts
Your Baby's First Word Will be Dada by Jimmy Fallon

Compiled by FOSL Volunteer

Summer Reading Program: Congratulations to Mary Ann F.

Congratulations to Mary Ann F. -- winner of the Week #2 raffle for the adult summer reading program. Mary Ann won a $20 gift card to The Honey Bee (courtesy of the Friends of Smyrna Library), books and much more. Thank you for participating!

Rebel Legion and the 501st Legion Appear at Star Wars Extravaganza

Rebel Legion and the 501st Legion appeared today at the Smyrna Public Library for the 2015 Summer Reading Program Star Wars Extravaganza.

Our local Jedi’s had the force with them as they made light sabers, blasted storm troopers, saved Princess Leia and explored the galaxy. They successfully defended the library from The Empire.

The Friends of Smyrna Library extend our deep thanks and appreciation to the Rebel Legion and the 501st Legion for putting on a great show today. They have appeared many times over the years and every show is excellent.

Enjoy the photo album

FOSL Donates $2500 for Juvenile Book Collection

The Friends of Smyrna Library recently approved a donation of $2500 at the monthly Board of Directors meeting to expand the juvenile book collection.  

The first 64 books purchased with the donation were added to the collection today!   

Author Steve Snyder Presents "Shot Down"

Author Steve Snyder gave a book talk last night on his recently published, award winning work, “Shot Down,” the story of the author’s father, Howard Snyder, and the crew of the B-17 Susan Ruth, shot down over Belgium in WWII.

Mr. Snyder recounted the fascinating story of the five out of ten crew members of the Susan Ruth who survived the crash and were taken in by Belgians who risked their lives to hide them from German soldiers.

As one recent reviewer noted “stories like the ones in Shot Down revive the past, give it new life, and offer a link between the heroes of yesterday and the men we now call “Grandpa.” Steve Snyder’s extensive research, careful storytelling, and humane treatment of his subjects make Shot Down a must-read for anyone with an interest in this gripping period of American history.”

Mr. Snyder’s appearance was sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

Summer Reading Program: Congratulations to Beth H.

Congratulations to Beth H., the winner of the Week 1 giveaway in the Adult Summer Reading program. Beth won books, a mug, a flash drive, and a $20 gift card to Rev Coffee (courtesy of the Friends of Smyrna Library). We're giving away cool stuff every week, so stop by the Front Desk to enter.