Wednesday, November 20, 2019

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. 


Thursday, November 14, 2019

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!

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

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!

Sunday, November 3, 2019

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.


Friday, November 1, 2019

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.