FOSL Donates Funds to Expand Youth Nonfiction Collection

We are please to announce that the youth nonfiction books funded by a recent Friends of Smyrna Library donation are ready to be checked out!  

Thank you for shopping our book sales and donating cash to our group.  Your purchases and generosity enble us to support the Smyrna Public Library.  

Books & Bricks LEGO Show and Fundraiser Concludes

Thank you, Dixie LEGO Users Group for the awesome show and fundraiser this weekend.  Books & Bricks LEGO Show and Fundraiser was a big success.  The trains, detailed buildings, winter scenes and more were really well done and everyone, of all ages, was impressed.

We look forward to partnering with you again in the future.

75-Cent Bargain Book Sale Begins Today in Friends of Smyrna Library Book Store

ATTENTION BARGAIN HUNTERS! 

We put out 250 books in our FOSL Book Store for only 75 cents each! Look for the eclectic collection of books with green dots on the lower shelves.

The Friends of Smyrna Library Bookstore is located behind the left staircase when entering the lobby from the parking lot. Shop the bookstore for hundreds of incredible bargains on hardbacks, paperbacks, magazines & more. 

Our First In-Library Fall Book Sale was a Big Success!

THANK YOU, Smyrna! 

We raised almost $1,400 at last weekend's first-ever indoor Friends of Smyrna Library Fall Book Sale. We sincerely appreciate all of the support from our shoppers and volunteers.

Moving forward our large Spring & Fall Book Sales will be held in the Smyrna Public Library Meeting Room. 

Thank You, Volunteers

THANK YOU, Kate, Rosie & June, for volunteering for almost 2 hours this evening to finish getting the books organized and priced for this weekend’s book sale. They made themselves available with short notice and again did an awesome job! They joined our teen volunteer program this summer and have been wonderful volunteers and great workers.

Our board member, who is recuperating from a fractured arm, was especially thankful since all he could do was organize the work to done and smile. Thanks to the other FOSL board members and library team members who helped throughout the day.

Stroud Family Donates Large Painting for Smyrna Public Library Conference Room

Steven & Linda Stroud donated a large painting of the historic Concord Covered Bridge to Smyrna Library today. 

The artist was Ada Stroud, and the view depicts the bridge in the fall of 1964. The painting now decorates the library's Conference Room, which is used for library programs and meetings. Thank you, Mrs. & Mrs. Stroud!

Teen Volunteer Orientation for 2020 Volunteer Program Scheduled for November 26

The Teen Volunteer Program that Friends of Smyrna Library established last summer has been a huge success! Over 20 teens actively volunteered and continue to do so. Their volunteer service made a big difference that directly translated into much needed service projects being completed along with a sizeable fundraising increase. THANK YOU.

For 2020 we want to grow the teen volunteer team! Please join us at Smyrna Public Library on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at 5:30 pm in the downstairs meeting room to learn more and sign-up.

Note: 2019 experienced teen volunteers do not need to attend this meeting. You are already signed up. This meeting is for new teen volunteers.

Teen volunteer opportunities are available for 6th to 12th graders. Adult FOSL volunteers will supervise all events. Children who volunteer will be setup for success and get meaningful and well-organized community service assignments.

Some of the teen volunteer opportunities throughout the year in 2020 include:

• Sort and organize books for 14 “pop-up” sales in the library lobby.

• Sort and organize books for the Spring & Fall Jonquil Festival Book Sales and work the book sales.

• Organize books for 3 book sales at Keep Smyrna Beautiful’s Smyrna Outdoor Market and work the book sales.

• Help plan and work our younger kids “Fun-O-Rama” book sale and family fun event at Keep Smyrna Beautiful’s Smyrna Outdoor Market.

• Help setup/breakdown the First Sunday Lecture Series meeting room and take event photos for social media.

• More events are being planned and will soon be announced.

THANK YOU for supporting our wonderful Smyrna Public Library and engaging your children in high-impact community service!

First Sunday Lecture Series: Georgia POW Camps in World War II

Thank you, Dr. Roe Coker, for today's very informative presentation about Georgia POW Camps in World War II at the Smyrna Public Library.  

Lecture Summary

During World War II, many Georgians witnessed the enemy in their backyards. More than twelve thousand German and Italian prisoners captured in far-off battlefields were sent to POW camps in Georgia. 

With large base camps located from Camp Wheeler in Macon and Camp Stewart in Savannah to smaller camps throughout the state, prisoner reeducation and work programs evoked different reactions to the enemy. 

There was even a POW work detail of forty German soldiers at Augusta National Golf Course, which was changed from a temporary cow pasture to the splendid golf course we know today. Join author and historian Dr. Kathryn Roe Coker as she explores the daily lives of POWs in Georgia and the lasting impact, they had on the Peach State.

Speaker: Dr. Kathryn Roe Cocker, author of Georgia POW Camps in World War II

Speaker Biography

Dr. Kathryn Roe Coker received a doctorate in history from the University of South Carolina. She served for thirty years as a historian for the Department of the Army (DA). Her interest in World War II POWs began at Fort Gordon while serving as the deputy command historian. She has published various articles in professional journals like the Georgia Historical Quarterly. While a DA historian, she published numerous books and pamphlets, including A History of Fort Gordon, World War II Prisoners of War in Georgia: Camp Gordon’s POWs and The Indispensable Force: The U.S. Army Reserve (1990–2010). She now resides in Richmond, Virginia, with her Miniature Schnauzer and Puggle.

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

Watercolors and Oils by Heidi Hunt Opens in Smyrna Public Library Art Gallery

The November/December 2019 Art Gallery exhibit has opened – Watercolors and Oils by Heidi Hunt.  The exhibit is on display through December 31. The Art Gallery is located on the 2nd floor of the Smyrna Public Library.

Art Gallery exhibits are organized by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

Artist Statement

I have always been fascinated with depicting the beauty of natural light falling on objects, the brilliance of nature’s creation, and the color harmonies and contrasts possible to perceive, distill and express on paper or canvas. I have a special love of portraying plants sitting in windows absorbing life and light. I also enjoy painting en plein aire, seeking out with fellow artists beautiful local spots for subjects, as well as returning to my New England roots from time to time to portray the beautiful rural area where I grew up.

Pottery by Holly Polich Opens in Smyrna Public Library Display Gallery

The November/December 2019 Display Gallery exhibit has opened – Pottery by Holly Polich.  The exhibit is on display through December 31. The Display Gallery is located on the 2nd floor of the Smyrna Public Library.

Display Gallery exhibits are organized by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

Artist Statement

Inspired by classical ceramic shapes from around the world.

All work is thrown on the wheel. The clay is midfire porcelaneous stoneware, fired to cone 6.5. My driving passion in ceramic work is glaze development.

All pieces are functional, watertight, dishwasher-safe, and made to use.

Celebrate National Friends of Libraries Week

Stop by the Smyrna Public Library Atrium and learn about the Friends of Smyrna Library. Members of the Board of Directors will be staffing an information table through the weekend.  

The Friends of Smyrna Library (FOSL) is an independent, non-profit, volunteer organization that supports the Smyrna Public Library through fund raising 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. Our cash donations and volunteer support provide important enhancements to the library.  

Mayor Bacon & Smyrna City Council Recognize Friends of Smyrna Library Board of Directors

Thank you, Mayor Bacon and the Smyrna City Council for recognizing the work of the Friends of Smyrna Library at last night's City Council meeting. October 20-26 is National Friends of Libraries Week, and the Smyrna Friends will have a table in the library atrium Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Stop by to learn more about all we do for the library.

Left to Right: William M, Mary Ann M, Louisa C, Ellie W, Anne P, Marvin P, GeeGee W, Charles Stannard, Mary Moore (Library Director).  Not Present Due to Injury: Jeff J 

Fall Book Sale Moving to November and Being Held in Smyrna Public Library

To all our loyal book buyers: the Friends of Smyrna Library has moved its Fall Used Book Sale to November. The sale will be four days instead of two, and the location will be the Smyrna Library Meeting Room. The fantastic selection is still the same. So please mark your calendars to visit our sale from November 15-18 during normal library hours. See you then!

First Sunday Lecture Series: The Western & Atlantic Railroad

Thank you, Todd DeFeo, for presenting your lecture this afternoon on the Western & Atlantic Railroad.  

Mr. DeFeo discussed the rich history of the Western & Atlantic Railroad, its impact on surrounding communities, including Smyrna, and his recently published book.

The State of Georgia chartered the Western & Atlantic Railroad in 1836. The railroad aided in the development and growth of many communities between Atlanta and Chattanooga, Tennessee. In constructing the railroad, workers created a winding route that cut its way across the North Georgia landscape. 

During the Civil War, both armies used this vital artery, and it was the setting for one of the war’s most iconic events, the Great Locomotive Chase. The state still owns the Western & Atlantic and has leased it since 1870.

Speaker: Todd DeFeo, author of Western & Atlantic Railroad

Smyrna resident Todd DeFeo has studied railroads since growing up alongside the Northeast Corridor line in New Jersey. He is the editor of Railfanning.org and founder of The DeFeo Groupe. Today, he lives near the historic Western & Atlantic. The images that help make up the visual history in this book come from the many libraries and museums dedicated to preserving the Western & Atlantic’s history, the archives of Railfanning.org, and the author’s collection.

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

Thank You, Smyrna Fire Department Engine No. 1

It’s fire safety month and the amazing firefighters of Smyrna Fire Department Engine No. 1 paid us a fun filled visit this past Thursday! A warm & big thank you to our wonderful firefighters for taking the time to visit us, teach us, and for protecting us everyday!

SMYRNA READS: "Buttons for General Washington" Performance

Thank you, Cathy Kaemmerlen with TattlingTales for teaching us about Revolutionary War spies and Quaker families at this morning's play, "Buttons for General Washington." This event was sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Event Description:

This event is part of "Smyrna Reads: Revisiting the Founding Era." 
For ages 5-12 years old

Set in the Revolutionary War, covering the time frame of October, 1777 through late summer 1778, this is a spy story of one Quaker family, the Darraghs of Philadelphia, who sent secret messages in code developed by the father and oldest son Charles with the coded messages hidden in buttons sewn on a coat.  Seen through the eyes of daughter Anne, who, because of her other brother John’s illness, must deliver the buttons to brother Charles, an aide de camp for General George Washington.

The 45 minute program is designed for elementary grades who study the Revolutionary War.
About the performer:

Cathy Kaemmerlen, professional actress, dancer, and storyteller, is known for her variety of characters, one-woman shows, and for her rapport with audiences.  A performer and “creator of shows” since she can remember, she has toured in schools coast to coast, since receiving a BA in English/elementary education from UNC-Charlotte, and a MFA in dance performance/choreography/theatre at the University of Wisconsin.  She tours through Tattlingtales Productions, the Georgia and South Carolina Touring Arts Rosters, Fulton County Teaching Museums, and has received numerous grants and honors, including Outstanding New Interpreter for her region with the National Association of Interpreters. Author of three non-fiction books.

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Section Members Perform at Smyrna Public Library

Thank you, Christina Smith and Elisabeth Remy Johnson for the exquisite flute and harp recital yesterday. And thank you to Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for your community outreach program. We were entranced.

First Sunday Lecture: John Wereat, The “Forrest Gump” of Georgia’s Revolutionary Era, 1775-1799

Dr. Lamplugh kicked off the annual "Smyrna Reads" campaign this year with yesterday's lecture on John Wereat. We are reading the U.S. Constitution and exploring America's Founding Era. Thank you, Dr. Lamplugh!

John Wereat, The “Forrest Gump” of Georgia’s Revolutionary Era, 1775-1799
A "Smyrna Reads" Event

Speaker: Dr. George Lamplugh, author of In Pursuit of Dead Georgians

Like Tom Hanks' version of "Forrest Gump" in the movie, John Wereat was in the middle of things for virtually every significant event in Georgia's history between the outbreak of the Revolutionary War in 1775 and his death in 1799. Does that make him a "great" man? Probably not, but he was an "ever-present" one, with a strong sense of public duty and a willingness to sacrifice wealth, health, and comfort for the "common good."

John Wereat was active during the Revolution, in Georgia, where he took part in the bitter factional politics that split the ranks of Georgia patriots; and he also served as the state's "Continental Agent," in charge of arranging shipments between Georgia and Philadelphia. Wereat served as the de facto "governor," for a short time, of the small section of Georgia that was outside the control of the British early in the war. Later, he was taken prisoner by the British and sent to Charleston. After the Peace Treaty was signed in 1783 and Georgia was an independent state, Mr. Wereat was elected several times as State Auditor, in which capacity he had the thankless task of trying to settle the Revolutionary Era financial claims of individual Georgians and of the state government with Congress in Philadelphia. Because of his knowledge of the arcane world of Revolutionary finance, Wereat made numerous friends in Philadelphia and among Georgians who were grateful for his efforts on their behalf. Later, when the Federal Constitution of 1787 was submitted to the states for ratification, John Wereat was unanimously chosen by the state's ratifying convention as its presiding officer. Finally, in 1795, during the furor over the Yazoo Land Fraud in Georgia, Wereat tried, unsuccessfully, to prevent that corrupt Yazoo sale from being approved by the legislature and signed by the governor.

Speaker Biography: Dr. Lamplugh holds a B.A. from the University of Delaware, 1966 (History); and an M.A. and PhD. from Emory University (1971, 1973). He spent 37 years on the high school faculty at The Westminster Schools (1973-2010), where he taught all sorts of History courses (and, for a couple of years, even some Old Testament), served as Head of the History Department, and edited the department's newsletter for a few years. Since he retired from the classroom, he has continued to "do" History, publishing two books on Georgia History in 2015. Moreover, since June, 2010, he has written a blog, "Retired But Not Shy: Doing History After Leaving the Classroom."

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

Thank You, Georgia Psychiatry & Sleep

Happy Shroff from Georgia Psychiatry & Sleep put a big smile on Youth Services Librarian Rebecca Power's face today. Happy dropped off a check for 2020's "Kid-Con" literary festival to help sponsor the event. The second annual "Kid-Con" will be Saturday, March 28.

Needlework by Embroiderers Guild of America, Dogwood Chapter Opens in Smyrna Public Library Display Gallery

The September/October 2019 Display Gallery exhibit has opened – Needlework by Embroiderers Guild of America, Dogwood Chapter.  The exhibit is on display through December 31. The Display Gallery is located on the 2nd floor of the Smyrna Public Library.

Display Gallery exhibits are organized by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

Artist Statement

Dogwood Chapter is the Metro Atlanta Chapter of EGA and has multiple stitch ins and interest groups located throughout the metro Atlanta area and Athens. The chapter meets on the first Sunday of most months for a stitch in and short program. All members are welcome in all groups and guests are always welcome.

Photography on Stretched Canvas by David Batley Opens in Smyrna Public Library Art Gallery

The September/October 2019 Art Gallery exhibit has opened – Photography on Stretched Canvas by David Batley.  The exhibit is on display through December 31. The Art Gallery is located on the 2nd floor of the Smyrna Public Library.

Art Gallery exhibits are organized by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

Artist Statement

David Batley has been capturing images for over forty years, starting with a simple Kodak rangefinder camera loaned from his grandmother when he traveled to Southeast Asia with the Army in the late 60's. Through the years, David has been passionate about his photography and has enjoyed the experiences of both film (35mm and medium format) and digital. He works as a versatile freelancer with the objective of providing a unique look at many types of subject matter, whether it be event oriented, documentary, or fine art.

SMYRNA READS 2019: THE U.S. CONSTITUTION Announced for September

SMYRNA READS 2019: THE U.S. CONSTITUTION

For 2019, we will revisit America's Founding Era and read the United States Constitution. Free copies will be available while supplies last. Other copies will be available for check out.

SUNDAY LECTURE: "John Wereat, The “Forrest Gump” of Georgia’s Revolutionary Era"
Sunday, September 8
3:00 p.m.
Smyrna Library, Meeting Room
Free of charge and open to the public.

Dr. George Lamplugh will discuss the life of John Wereat and his contributions to early 

America and Georgia from 1776-1799.

Monday, September 23, and  Monday, September 30
6:30-7:45 p.m.
Smyrna Library, Meeting Room
RSVP: sreference@smyrnaga.gov
Discussion Leader: Dr. William Marchione

Participants will be given readings in advance. Dr. Marchione will lead the group in a discussion of the context and relevance of the readings.

TINKER TUESDAY: "Colonial Crafts"
Tuesday, September 17
4:00-4:45 p.m.
Smyrna Library, Meeting Room
For ages 5-12 years PLUS parent/caregiver
RSVP: sreference@smyrnaga.gov by Sept. 16

We will make a quill writing pen and a pinch pot with air dry clay.

PERFORMANCE: " Buttons for General Washington"Monday, September 23

11:00-11:45 a.m.
Smyrna Library, Meeting Room
For ages 5-12 years

Actress Cathy Kaemmerlen will enact a spy story from Revolutionary War era America.

CRAFTERNOON: "Fall Crafts"
Tuesday, September 24
4:00-5:00 p.m.
Smyrna Library, Meeting Room
All ages

Participants will also enjoy crafts related to America’s Founding Era.

2019 SMYRNA READS SPONSORS

This program is part of "Revisiting the Founding Era," a three-year national initiative of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History presented in partnership with the American Library Association and the National Constitution Center, with

generous support from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Also sponsored by Smyrna Library and the Friends of Smyrna Library.

Want to be a Writer?

Have you always wanted to be a writer? This class is for you! Smyrna Public Library is launching its very own lifetime learning academy this fall with a creative writing course. Critically acclaimed novelist, Amber Brock will teach the four week course (Sept 14-Oct 12). Brock is the author of "A Fine Imitation" (2016) and "Lady Be Good" (2018). Classes take place in the Smyrna Library meeting room

Fisrt Sunday Lecture Series: Renovating History: Smyrna’s New Museum

Smyrna Museum Manager, Jennie Eldredge, presented Renovating History: Smyrna’s New Museum for today’s First Sunday Lecture. 

Ms Eldredge discussed the progress of the museum renovation so far and gave a sneak peek at some of the exciting new exhibit themes and topics. There were discussions about plans for the future once the museum reopens in the fall and ways people can get involved in the museum and the Smyrna Historical Society. The grand re-opening is planned for later this year.

Speaker Biography:

Jennie Eldredge is a Cobb County native, who attended Georgia State University both for her undergraduate and graduate degrees. She has worked in the field of Cultural Resource Management Archaeology and at public history venues like Historic Oakland Cemetery and the Atlanta History Center. She received her Masters in Heritage Preservation from Georgia State University in 2017, and has been working for the city for 2 years.

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

Successful Summer Teen Volunteer Program Concludes

Our first summer teen volunteer program ended today and we are THRILLED with the results! 20 local teens participated. THANK YOU, Abigail, Alaia, Ally, Eden, Emmy, Fiona, Grant, Isabella, Jaylen, June, Julie, Kate, Kathleen, Kegdrick, Maya,  Rosie, Sarah, Victoria, Xavastin, and Zoey.  YOU really made a difference and here is how:

- You volunteered for 106 hours of high-impact/results-oriented community service for the Smyrna Public Library and the Friends of Smyrna Library.  Last summer we had ZERO hours volunteered by teens. 

- Service Project #1: The “Elbow Grease” Party in June refreshed the old meeting room tables and made them look nearly new. Instead of replacing the tables from 10 years ago, the money can now be spent on new kid’s books.  This will become an annual event (along with some extra “cost saving” spring cleaning activities.) 

- Service Project #2: We sorted, discounted and sold ALL of the old books we have carried for years in our book sale inventory that never sold. 

- Service Project #3: The cookbook and gardening book sale at the Smyrna Outdoor Market was a fun first-time public volunteer event for the youth volunteers.

- Service Project #4: The Amazing 50 Cent Kid’s Book Sale & Family Fun-o-Rama was a great event!    

- Book/Music Sorting Weekly Projects : The weekly June/July book and CD popup sale sorting sessions generated over $1,000 in new fundraising at the popup sales. WOW!!!

We are taking a break for 3 weeks now that school is starting back.  We are expanding this successful program so look for updates on Facebook later this week and meeting invites in August and September so your family can participate. 

THANKS FOR SUPPORTING THE SMYRNA PUBLIC LIBRARY!

Summer Reading Program: Congrats, Wendy M.

Another happy winner in the Adult Summer Reading challenge. Congrats, Wendy M.!

Thank You, Volunteers

THANK YOU, Fiona, Emmy, Kate and Eden for your volunteer support setting up the Amazing 50 Cent Kid’s Book Popup Sale this afternoon!!!  Our young volunteers worked for a total of 6 hours, sorted over 700 books and organized them by age group on the tables to make shopping the sale easy for our customers.  GREAT JOB, YOUNG LADIES!!!

Summer Reading Program: Congratulations, Hannah Kate, Emily, and Jonathan

Congratulations to our three end of summer prize recipients, Hannah Kate, Emily, and Jonathan. All three completed their summer challenge of reading at least 8 hours.

Summer Reading Program: Congratulations to Rudi S.

Congratulations to Rudi S., another winner in Smyrna Library's adult summer reading challenge!

AMAZING 50-Cent Kid’s Book Sale & Family Fun-o-Rama

We had a lot of fun today at the Smyrna Outdoor Market with our AMAZING 50-Cent Kid’s Book Sale & Family Fun-o-Rama. Though we had to stop early due to the rain, we still sold several hundred children’s books and the kids had a blast! We partnered with many people on this event and sincerely thank the following organizations for helping us host a fun time for the kids: Keep Smyrna Beautiful, Jitterbug Performing Arts, #SmyrnaGaRocks, American Legion Auxiliary Post 160, and the Smyrna Police Department K-9 Unit.   

SPECIAL THANKS to all of the amazing volunteers!!!

Summer Reading Program: Congrats, Scott M.

Congrats to Scott M., another winner in our Adult Summer Reading Challenge, sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library. To enter, ask for an entry form at the Front Desk on the first floor.

Little Library Donation from Friends of Smyrna Library

We stopped by Vickery Ace Hardware today and made a book donation to The Little Library (which is located to the right of the store entrance). Kim H., thanks for being the resident volunteer librarian!

First Sunday Lecture Series: The Real Top Gun: Naval Aviators

Thank you, Brad Hawkins and Phillip Hunt from The Aviation Wing of Marietta Museum, for sharing information about the real "Top Gun" school this afternoon . 

This was a very engaging discussion on the path taken by naval aviators from recruitment to carrier landing qualifications and beyond.

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

Thank You, UGA Cobb Extension

Thank you, UGA Cobb Extension, for a fun morning cooking with an instant pot.

Pen, Ink, Graphite by Bill Needs Opens in Smyrna Public Library Art Gallery

The July/August 2019 Art Gallery exhibit has opened – Pen, Ink, Graphite by Bill Needs.  The exhibit is on display through August 31. The Art Gallery is located on the 2nd floor of the Smyrna

Public Library.

Art Gallery exhibits are organized by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

Artist Statement

What began as a curious retirement hobby has taken a surprising life of it’s own. Please visit www.billneeds.com to view my art and read about the circumstances or inspiration of that art. With this I hope to offer the visitor a walk with me through the process of my becoming an artist.
Whatever prompted you to make your first connection with my art, please feel free to visit as often as you wish to view new posts and comments which I hope inform, inspire or entertain.

New Easy Book KIts

The Smyrna Public Library has a large number of brand new easy book kits that are ready to be checked out. 

Thank you Mayor Bacon and City Council.

Morning Book Sale Today Starts at 8 am

Join us at the Smyrna Outdoor Market until noon today for our cookbook, gardening and crafting book sale. We are located on the lawn between the the Smyrna Community Center and Atlanta Road.

Thank You, Fielding Lewis Chapter, NSDAR, Marietta

The Fielding Lewis Chapter, NSDAR, Marietta, GA stopped by the library this rainy morning and cheered us all up with a generous donation to benefit the genealogy collection. Their donation funded the purchase of three new titles. Smyrna Library has over 5,000 volumes in its genealogy collection as well as access to several genealogy databases. The strength of this collection is due to the support of individuals and groups like the Fielding Lewis Chapter. Thank you, ladies!

Summer Reading Program: Congratulations, Colleen H.

Congratulations to Colleen H., one of our first winners in this summer's Adult Summer Reading Challenge. Each time you read a book this summer, fill out an entry form at the front desk on the first floor. You might win a gift bag full of prizes and goodies, sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

Frankenstein: Penetrating the Secrets of Nature

The next time you are in Smyrna Library, be sure to make some time for the traveling exhibit, "Frankenstein: Penetrating the Secrets of Nature." The exhibit will be in the downstairs reading room through July 13, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. 

For more information about the exhibit including teacher/student resources, visit: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/frankenstein/index.html

THANK YOU, New Teen Volunteers

THANK YOU to the eight Smyrna-area 6th to 10th graders who signed up today for our new Teen Volunteer Program.  We are thrilled to have you on our team! We are also eager to celebrate the new volunteer life skills you will demonstrate over the next 12 months! Welcome Aboard!!!

Summer Reading Program: Congrats, Cooper!

Cooper was the winner of this beautiful hand-made tote bag donated by AR Workshop Smyrna. Everyone who signed up for the Summer Reading program on May 24 was entered. Still haven't signed up? No problem! Stop by the Youth Services desk on the first floor to sign up for great prizes like coupons from local restaurants and free books donated by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

First Sunday Lecture Series: Neil Armstrong: First Man

First Sunday Lecture Series
Neil Armstrong: First Man

Sunday, June 9, 2019
3:00-4:00 p.m.
Smyrna Public Library, Meeting Room

Speaker: Dr. James R. Hansen, author of First Man: the Life of Neil A. Armstrong

When Apollo 11 touched down on the Moon’s surface in 1969, the first man on the Moon became a legend. In First Man, author James R. Hansen explores the life of Neil Armstrong. Based on over fifty hours of interviews with the intensely private Armstrong, who also gave Hansen exclusive access to private documents and family sources, this “magnificent panorama of the second half of the American twentieth century."

Free admission. Light refreshments will be served.

Sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

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

FREE ACT/SAT Prep Classes for Teens

The Smyrna Public Library is hosting FREE SAT/ACT prep classes on Fridays in June from 2:00-3:30. Learn how to use free test prep software which is available to all Smyrna Library cardholders. This program is open to teens ages 13-18.

Please RSVP: youthservices@smyrnaga.gov

Thank You, Mayor Bacon and Smyrna City Council

Thank you, Mayor Bacon and Smyrna City Council! 

Smyrna Public Library recently received additional funding to purchase new books. These books are just the first of MANY new books that will be available in the coming days. 

Our sincerest appreciation for the continued support of our library.

First Sunday Lecture: Smyrna's Historic Belmont Farm

Dr. William Marchione presented his original research of Smyrna's historic Belmont Farm at May's "First Sunday Lecture." He did a fantastic job of putting both the people involved and the remarkable agricultural practices into historical context. Thank you, Dr. Marchione!

Lecture Description:

Speaker: Dr. William P. Marchione, author A Brief History of Smyrna, Georgia

In the period 1905 to 1930, the City of Smyrna transformed itself into a fast growing commuter suburb, but the surrounding countryside, containing more than 200 farms, remained almost entirely agricultural. One of these farms, lying just north of downtown, Belmont Farm, was established in 1910 under the leadership of three dynamic entrepreneurs, Ed Wight, Loring Brown, and J. Gid Morris. Belmont Farm became the single most productive farming establishment in the entire state of Georgia, a mecca of advanced farming and animal husbandry methodologies. Join us for this examination of the golden age of farming in Smyrna and the economic forces that ultimately undermined this unique enterprise.

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

Friends of Smyrna Library Announce New Teen Volunteer Program

Summer break is fast approaching and the Friends of Smyrna Library (FOSL) need teen volunteers! We are starting a new teen volunteer program that will have both regular volunteer opportunities and volunteer LEADERSHIP opportunities over the summer and into December. 

Leadership opportunities start with rising 9th graders and 6th to 8th graders can also volunteer for non-leadership roles.  Adult FOSL volunteers will supervise all events and children who volunteer will be setup for success and get meaningful and well organized community service assignments.  

We need teen volunteers to help with:

• Sort and organize books for ten upcoming “pop-up” sales in the library lobby. (60 to 90 minutes for each sorting)

• Organize books for 2 book sales at Keep Smyrna Beautiful’s Smyrna Outdoor Market. (60 to 90 minutes)

• Setup and work book sale tent at Keep Smyrna Beautiful’s Saturday Smyrna Outdoor Market (7:30 am to 10 am) once scheduled. (1 shift leader volunteer opportunity)

• Work book sale tent and close up sale at Keep Smyrna Beautiful’s Smyrna Outdoor Market (10:00 am to 12: 30 pm) once scheduled.  (1 shift leader volunteer opportunity)

• Support the Summer Ice Cream Social on a Sunday in August (event being planned, volunteer needs TBD, shift leader opportunities will be available).

• Multiple book sorting and book pricing events from August to October in advance of the Fall Jonquil Festival Book Sale.  NOTE: The better the books are sorted and priced the more money we make to pay for great programs like last Saturday’s KID*CON. This is a VERY important volunteer contribution. 

• Lead the First Sunday Lecture Series meeting room setup/breakdown and take event photos (2:30 pm to 4:30 pm on the first Sunday of each month.)

• Computer help (must come to the library): Create a Jonquil Festival Book Sale “How To” Book. (multiple meetings)

• Computer help (must come to the library): Convert old Google Picassa Photo Albums to Google Photos Albums (multiple meetings)

• FOSL Storage Area Cleanup: We will need 10+ volunteers to pull everything out of our various storage areas in the library and reorganize them.  2 events TBD for 90 minutes each.  Shift leader volunteer opportunities available.

• Volunteer for Fall Jonquil Festival Book Sale (2.5 hour shifts SAT 8 am to 7 pm, SUN 10:30 am to 6:30 pm during festival).  Nine shift leader volunteer opportunities. 36 other teen volunteer opportunities.

• Support the December “Evening with the Friends” annual holiday party (event being planned, volunteer needs TBD, multiple shift leader opportunities will be available).

• Official FOSL Instagrammer for one month!  Become our official teen Instagrammer for one month assignments beginning in June, 2019. One parent/guardian will need to meet with a FOSL representative for the teen’s interview for this social media opportunity.

Parents/Teens: For more information please like this post or message our page directly and we’ll follow-up with you with upcoming meeting details.  THANK YOU for supporting our wonderful Smyrna Public Library and engaging your children in high-impact community service!

PLEASE SHARE THIS POST!!!

UPDATE:  Please email you contact info to foslvols@gmail.com and we will follow-up over the weekend. Thank you.