Harry Potter’s World: Renaissance Science, Magic and Medicine Program Began Today

Harry Potter’s World: Renaissance Science, Magic and Medicine travelling exhibit opened today at the Smyrna Library and runs through March 3.

The display uses materials from the National Library of Medicine to take a look at how those practices (of the Renaissance, not of people who travel through fireplaces) helped shape Western sciences like alchemy, astrology and natural philosophy.

In 1997, British author, J. K. Rowling introduced the world to Harry Potter and a literary phenomenon was born. Millions of readers have followed Harry to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry where he discovers his heritage, encounters new plants and animals, and perfects his magical abilities.

Although a fantasy story, the magic in the Harry Potter books is partially based on Renaissance traditions that played an important role in the development of Western science, including alchemy, astrology, and natural philosophy. Incorporating the work of several 15th- and 16th-century thinkers, the seven-part book series examines important ethical topics such as the desire for knowledge, the effects of prejudice, and the responsibility that comes with power. This exhibition, using materials from the National Library of Medicine, explores Harry Potter's world and its roots in Renaissance magic, science, and medicine.

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS:
- Earn a Certificate of Magical Thinking (open to ages 4 through 104)

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry has chosen Smyrna Public Library as their latest campus for the Extension and Outreach Program for Muggles. Earn 5 credit hours by March 4, and you will receive a Certificate of Magical Thinking and a wand from Ollivander’s Surplus Wand Supply for Muggles. Pick up a curriculum at the Front Desk.

- Harry Potter Game Day

Sunday, January 29, 2017
1:00-5:00 p.m.
Smyrna Library, Meeting Room

Join us for Harry Potter-themed card games, board games, and puzzles. What a great way to celebrate International Puzzle Day!

- Care & Feeding of Magical Creatures
Saturday, March 4, 2017
2:00-3:00 p.m.
Smyrna Library, Meeting Room

Learn about reptiles as well as their biology, their habitat, and their place in the food web. View a live snake and enjoy a snake craft. Event sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

The Library Corporation Salutes Smyrna Public Library

The Library Corporation salutes Smyrna Public Library, a member of the TLC family since 2008! Read the article at http://trib.al/IbXUjFN

First Sunday Lecture: The Cherokee Removal

Our guest speaker today for the First Sunday Lecture was Dr. George R. Lamplugh.  His presentation was entitled "The News from Cherokee Country: Elias Boudinot, and the Cherokee Phoenix, 1828-1839". 

Dr. Lamplugh reviewed the Cherokee removal controversy in Georgia through the eyes of Mr. Boudinot and the columns of the Cherokee Phoenix, the newspaper he founded and edited for most of its existence at the behest of Principal Chief John Ross and the Cherokee National Council.

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

Teen Curiosity Creates Art Exhibit on Display

The “Curiosity Creates” Art Exhibit by Smyrna Library Teens is on display in the upstairs Teen Zone.   Thank you for sharing your art! 

Enjoy the photos in this Facebook photo album. 

Oils & Acrylics by Katina Johnson Opens at Smyrna Public Library Art Gallery

The January/February art gallery exhibit for 2017 has opened - Oils & Acrylics by Katina Johnson.  Ms. Johnson’s exhibit is on display until February 28. 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:

Painting again! After many years of caring for a family and teaching, I am glad to return to my painting.  A palette of colors gives me the opportunity to try and capture nature’s glory on a sheet of blank paper or canvas.

The escape of creative expression thru art has long been a lifesaver for me. Here in central Kentucky, the beauty of nature is present every day to inspire me. Although I studied art during my years at UK and WKU, the time and passion for painting  have now returned to my life bringing a rewarding dimension.

Having time to paint with friends, participating in the  MC Arts Council, Girl Scouts, baby-sit grandchildren, and teaching art are my daily  pleasures.

Previous shows:

Art Over Louisville, Artemisia 2009
KY State Fair 2009, 2010, 2011
Smithsonian Exhibit/Art Show 2012
Marion County Ham Days Festival 2014,’15,’16
Wickland Art Show 2013, ’14.’15,’16   

Sculpture & Pottery by David Waltz Opens at Smyrna Public Library Display Gallery

The January/February display gallery exhibit for 2017 has opened - Sculpture & Pottery by David Waltz.  Mr. Waltz’s exhibit is on display until February 28. 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.

Biography:

I decided to become an artist in high school. After completing my BA at EKU and teaching for several years, I completed my Master’s at Marshall University. Then having taught art in Maryland for 32 years, I retired to Kentucky. It is wonderful to create art almost every day, go biking, go fishing, or garden, whenever I want.

Since returning to Kentucky in 2001, I have juried into the Kentucky Craft Market and the Kentucky Guild and participated in many local shows. Presently, I am exhibiting, meeting wholesale orders, and doing shows.

I design functional and decorative stoneware pottery, as well as create a wide range of figurative sculptures. When I am not wrapped up in producing my art, I enjoy traveling and biking. My desire for adventure, I have found, can be shared through art expression.  

Previous Shows:

KY Crafted Market 2012,’13,’14,’15,’16
Kentucky Guild Fall Show 2014,’15
St James Court Art Fair 2015, KY State Fair 2012,’13,’14,’16
Art in Speed Park, Sellersburg, IN 2012,’13,’14,’16
Kentucky Artisan Center, Berea. KY   2012,’13’,14’,15’,’16