Friday, December 10, 2021

Ferst Readers of Cobb County Smyrna, Division Fundraiser


Beginning Wednesday, Dec 15th, Youth Services will be selling a variety of Harry Potter ornaments and wand pencil sets made by Smyrna Library Teens. 100% of the proceeds will go to Ferst Readers of Cobb County  Smyrna, Division.

100% of the proceeds will go to Ferst Readers of Cobb County, a non-profit organization that provides a free book to registered children each month from birth until the child's 5th birthday.

Friday, December 3, 2021

Friends of Smyrna Library Donates to Youth Services

The Friends of Smyrna Library purchased a new rug for Youth Services. The fish pond design has lots of animals for the kids to discover. The kids can then go next door to the real pond and find similar animals!

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

FOSL Funds Purchase of 75 Board Books


The Friends of Smyrna Library recently provided funding to purchase 75 new board books for Smyrna Library's youngest readers. Board books are beloved by library customers and are constantly checked out.
 

Thursday, November 11, 2021

THANK YOU, Crafts for a Cause Volunteers

THANKS to the teenagers at Crafts for a Cause through the Smyrna Public Library for making and donating beautiful Christmas wreaths to the residents at Woodland Ridge Assisted Living.  Thanks also to Amy Cuzzort who heads up the program and delivered the wreaths today. 


Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Bonus Borrows on Hoopla Are Back!

Bonus Borrows on Hoopla are back! Check out as many items from the Bonus collection as you like in November - no limits! Need help using Hoopla Digital? Contact Smyrna Library's Adult Services team (sreference@smyrnaga.gov). They are happy to help.

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Photojournalism by Johnny Crawford Opens at Smyrna Public Library Art Gallery


The November/December 2021 2021 Art Gallery exhibit has opened – Photojournalism by Johnny Crawford.  Mr. Crawford’s 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

Mr. Crawford's exhibit includes selections from Mr. Crawford's "Vietnam Black Soldiers Portrait" project and sports photography from Georgia Tech games.


Computer Art by Justin Blount Opens at Smyrna Public Library Display Gallery

The November/December 2021 Display Gallery exhibit has opened – Computer Art by Justin Blount.  Mr. Blount’s 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

Justin Blount is a Smyrna Public Library regular customer and local artist. His computer art is based on his own sketches and mathematical concepts. It is beautiful and cerebral.

Thursday, October 21, 2021

Access Popular Magazines Online with Your Smyrna Public Library Card

Did you know you have free access to digital magazines with your Smyrna Public Library card? Here's how: download the Libby app to your mobile device, search for "Georgia Download Destination" (our library's consortium), and sign in with your Smyrna Library card number and PIN. The Libby app gives you access to eMagazines, eBooks, and eAudiobooks. Have fun!

Friday, October 15, 2021

Visit from Stellaluna

Thank you to all our friends who came out to meet Stellaluna. She was so excited to fly back to her mom with stories about all the high-fives she's got!


About Stellaluna:

While out searching for food, fruit bat Stellaluna and her mother are attacked by a vicious owl. Stellaluna is separated from Mother Bat and taken in by a family of birds where she must put aside her bat habits to fit in with her new family. 

But one fateful flight when she is separated from her adoptive siblings, Stellaluna is reunited with her bat family and learns that even though we're different, we're very much the same. 

©1993 Janell Cannon


Thursday, October 14, 2021

Congratulations to Ms. Hannah !!!


Congratulations to Ms. Hannah on her fifth anniversary with the City of Smyrna!  We appreciate everything you do at the Smyrna Public Library. 

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

New Smyrna Public Library Movie DVD Titles

Please check out the Smyrna Public Library Movie DVD collection and new September DVD arrivals. You will find classics, movies from the Film Movement Series or the movie not available in any of your streaming apps! 

Friday, September 17, 2021

Congratulations to Smyrna's National Merit Semi-Finalists!

Congratulations to Smyrna's National Merit Semi-Finalists!

Campbell High School:
Sameer Aurora, Lauren Y. Lee

Whitefield Academy:
Aaron R. Berry, Alisha R. Berry, Zoe A. Justice

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month


Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by reading a great book! Sign up for Smyrna Library's Adult Reading Challenge; read a book by a Latinx author or about Hispanic heritage, and be entered to win dinner for two at Porch Light Latin Kitchen!

Thursday, September 2, 2021

Mixed Media by Howard Conyers Campbell Opens at Smyrna Public Library Art Gallery


The September/October 2021 Art Gallery exhibit has opened – Mixed Media by Howard Conyers Campbell.  Mr. Campbell’s exhibit is on display through October 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

Campbell was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, in 1961 and grew up in the small agrarian community of Metter, Georgia. He was immersed as a young person in the vast outdoors, and the many dimensions of nature and various civic activities of the city.

He is a contemporary abstract artist, who creates vibrant paintings that express luscious colors and shapes in intricate compositions. His noted personal style emanates joy, peace and harmony, with a healthy vivid imagination and artistic ability, that is compatible with his curiosity and awareness about the experiences of everyday life.

The artist graduated with a Bachelors of Technology, Printing management-Layout & Design. He traveled to Europe visiting major museums in Amsterdam, France, Germany and Italy. This adventure cemented an insatiable desire to pursue creating art. Moving forward, whatever he created, such as landscapes or now, abstract paintings, using tools of acrylics, oils and the palette knife, he brought together combinations of bold colors, shapes and light, as the principles of spirit in each creation. As Georgia O’Keeffe said, “I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way - things I had no words for.” They help us to identify most things in nature. He has been painting full time for many years now after leaving the work force as an Elementary School Teacher, Federal Assigned Program Tutor, and a Florist.

He has shown/exhibited at various artist markets, such as ARTucker Artist Market, Virginia Highlands Summerfest, Inman Park Spring Festival & Tour of Homes, “Art form the Heart” Artist Market, Candler Park Fall Fest, and Plogix Gallery Group. He is now sponsored by the Smyrna Arts Council, and has had installments in the Smyrna City Hall and Smyrna City Library. Other social media platforms that he participates in are Facebook, Instagram, and is a continuing Contributing Member of the High Museum of Art.

His website is www.howardcampbell-art.com

He presently lives in the beautiful area of Virginia Highlands in Atlanta, Georgia.


Hand Thrown Pottery by Kimberly Shelton Opens at Smyrna Public Library Display Gallery


The September/October 2021 Display Gallery exhibit has opened – Hand Thrown Pottery by Kimberly Shelton.  Ms. Shelton’s exhibit is on display through October 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

Kimberly Shelton graduated from Georgia State University, in 2007, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics. From 2009 to 2015, Kimberly lived in Philadelphia where she worked as a studio technician at The Clay Studio. During that time she also worked as an assistant to many local artists and began developing her teaching philosophy with the clay mobile outreach program. Kimberly also began working within the slow food movement where she discovered her attraction to the connection between ceramic tableware and fresh foods. She moved to Whidbey Island, Washington in 2015 to apprentice with Robbie Lobell of Cook On Clay, a flameware production specializing in ceramic cookware. She has experienced workshops at various Craft Schools including Penland, Haystack, and Arrowmont. In 2017, she relocated back to Georgia to attend her first professional residency at The Hambidge Center and reconnect with that wood firing community. Kimberly is happy to be back in the South, rekindling her connections to home and her roots.

“I am a maker, trying to find my way by contributing a positive impact on the world. I have found reprieve in the repetitive practice of manipulating clay. Forming daily use-utilitarian objects, that ideally bring enjoyment to others. My personal practice is selfish and introspective, while the challenge lies in the relevancy of its contribution to our community. I regard a deep seeded connection between our food sources and the table service on which we choose to consume. Dirt Dobber Wares is not only about utilitarian tableware that is pleasing to the eye and hand, but about the combined energies to grow and raise foods to nourish ourselves.”


Tuesday, August 10, 2021

1,000 Books B4 Kindergarten


1,000 Books B4 Kindergarten is a program to encourage families to make reading a part of your daily routine and help children develop pre-reading skills vital for kindergarten readiness. 

If you need any of the below, please email Mrs. Rebecca at rpower@smyrnaga.gov with your request. We understand that families are limiting their library trips and want you to have the resources to continue to participate. We are always here to help!

1) If you have not registered for 1,000b4k and you would like to

2) You finished your last form and need an additional tracking form

3) You have completed 1,000 books and would like to receive your certificate by mail

Monday, August 2, 2021

New Books for Read a Romanace Month


The Joy of Reading and Joy of Romance: find your match in August! August is Read a Romance Month.  

Love is for Everyone!

Monday, July 26, 2021

Summer Reading Program: Finale with Magic Man Keith Karnock


Magic Man Keith Karnock has a special virtual end of summer magic show just for Smyrna Library! You can view it all week here on facebook or by visiting YouTube

Tuesday, July 20, 2021

Smyrna Public Library 2nd Floor Closed to Public


The second floor of Smyrna Library is now closed to the public, except for customers needing to use a public computer. 

If you need materials retrieved from the second floor (non-fiction, biography, young adult), please place the item on hold. Staff will retrieve the item for you. 

If you need to use a computer, please visit the front desk on the first floor and ask for a number. Computer users will be seated one at a time. Thank you for your cooperation and for using Smyrna Public Library.

Thursday, July 1, 2021

FOSL Virtual Reading Group: July to December Selections

The book selections for July to December and dates are listed below.  Book discussions will be will take place via a ZOOM call on the discussion date at 7 pm.  Please email mwmoore at smyrnaga.gov for an invitation.   

July 6, 2021
A Study in Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

August 3, 2021
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins

September 7, 2021
The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich

October 5, 2021
The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson

November 2, 2021
Midnight Library by Matt Haig

December 7, 2021
The Giver by Lois Lowry


4th of July Holiday Baking Suggestions

Are you planning to bake an Independence Day cake? Remember we have baking pans that you can check out too? Also, check out these fabulous cookbooks that are currently available.

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Summer Reading Program: Teen DIY Kit

This week's Teen DIY Kit is a Brushbot!  Stop by the Smyrna Public Library today and pick up your kit while supplies last.  

Click this link for instructions


Summer Reading Program: Meet Page Turner and Kenny

Don't forget that tomorrow at noon you can meet Page Turner and Kenny from Page Turner Adventures. They'll have trivia, jokes, prizes, and more!



Monday, June 14, 2021

Summer Reading Program: Page Turner Animal Adventures

Join Smyrna Library Kids for “Page Turner Animal Adventures”. This is professionally produced online content for kids with fresh videos every week. Videos are reader-focused with author chats, field trips, crafts and activities.

Visit the Smyrna Library calendar for more info and to view any of the videos you missed, or watch one again, they are available all summer long.

Sunday, June 13, 2021

Celebrate Juneteenth History

Celebrate Juneteenth and learn more about the history of Juneteenth from the Smyrna Public Library's nonfiction collection.

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Thank You, CobbWorks

CobbWorks, thank you for bringing the Mobile Career Center to the Smyrna Public Library today.    

CobbWorks helps jobseekers search for job postings, apply for positions, and improve their resumes. This is a free service. 

The mobile center will visit again June 10, June 23, and June 28, from 10 am to 3pm.


Summer Reading Program: Story Walk Opens


Have you checked out our StoryWalk at the duck pond yet? Follow the path to read the story and learn about some of the animals featured.

Virtual Summer Reading Program Starts Today!

Show Day: Myrtle Over the Moon

What do a former Ringling clown and a children's author have in common? They're coming together to entertain YOUR children this summer with a WILD Animal Adventure! We're pleased to offer this new, free program for our patrons in partnership with Page Turner Adventures. From comedy shows to cooking, this interactive program is sure to entertain. There will be a new adventure each weekday for all EIGHT weeks of summer reading.

SHOW DAY: MYRTLE OVER THE MOON

In this original Moooosical Adventure, a “boring bovine” seeks love and fame on MooTube by attempting to jump over the moon using a trampoline, roller skates, and a jetpack. She fails, but finally realizes the appreciation she craves was there all along. A cast of talented kids join Kenny and Page Turner in this tale of farmyard friendship.

Click through to Library Calendar for links to this Virtual Presentation and the other shows this summer. 

Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Celebrating the Life & Volunteer Service of Harold Lee Smith

Harold Lee Smith, former Mayor of Smyrna, Georgia died peacefully at his home on Saturday night, May 22. He was born January 15, 1930 in Atlanta, Georgia. He spent most of his life in Smyrna where he developed a great love for this city. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Sharp Smith.

He served his country in the US Navy where he was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Cabot, CVL-28.

Mr. Smith and his wife Betty were lifelong supporters of the Smyrna Public Library and Mr. Smith served as a Friends of Smyrna Library Board member for many years. He will be greatly missed.

Saturday, May 15, 2021

Virtual Summer Reading Program Kicks Off on June 1









The Annual Summer Reading begins on June 1.  

This year's theme is "Tales with Tails" and the program is scheduled to be virtual due to COVID-19. Craft kits will be also available for pick-up, follow the Library Kids Facebook page for details and dates when available (quanitities will be limited).    

Check out the Library Calendar every week day for fun virtual shows and activities from Page Turner Adventures. The Summer Reading Program kicks off with an awesome Moooo-sical called "Myrtle Over the Moon".

The Summer Reading Program is sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library. 



Thursday, April 1, 2021

New Selections for National Poetry Month

April is National Poetry Month. Check out the poetry collection at the Smyrna Public Library. Here are some of the new slections available.

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Smyrna Public Library Reopens to the Public

Smyrna Library reopened to the public on Monday, March 15, 2021, but with limited hours and services.  In order to keep both library staff and library customers safe, we are adhering to the following guidelines for public access to the facility and its collections.

New Public Access Hours

The public is allowed onto the first floor of the library facility to browse the shelves, pick up holds, and checkout their materials at the Self-Check units. To browse materials on the second floor, ask for a Browsing Pass at the front desk on the first floor. Or you may place holds on materials needed from the upper level (adult non-fiction, adult biography, and young adult). Staff will retrieve the materials for the customer. If you need assistance selecting materials, please use this online form.

Monday-Friday:  10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Saturday:  12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m.

Face Masks Required

The library asks that all members of the public who enter the building wear a face mask throughout their visit. This guideline includes children older than 2. Please bring your own mask. Maintain social distancing at all times. Hand sanitizer will be placed throughout the building. Water fountains will not be available.

Public Access Computers and Printing

Cardholders and guests may use the public access computers, but only six computers will be available at a time. Visit the Circulation desk on the first floor and ask for assistance. Computer users will be seated one at a time. Cardholders are encouraged to make reservations in advance. Guests may buy a guest pass at the Circulation Desk for $1 for 1 hour of time. If the computers are full, waiting may be necessary. Printing services are available also: $.15 per page for B&W and $.50 for color.

No Public Meeting Space/Chairs

The meeting rooms and study rooms will not be available for meetings or study. No rentals until further notice. Chairs will be removed from the public tables and study carrels.

Virtual Events & Classes

Story time, lectures, book discussions, and special events will continue to be presented online until further notice. Take-home craft kits are distributed periodically. Watch for details on the online events calendar and in the library's eNewsletter. (Sign up for newsletters here.)

Youth Services Area

No games, puzzles, toys, and stuffed animals will be available for use until further notice. The sensory bin is closed. The children’s public access computers will not be available for use. Maker Boxes will not be available for check out. No tours or group visits will be scheduled until further notice.

Borrower Registration

New borrowers may apply for a card online at https://library.smyrnaga.gov/#section=obrsignup. Applicants are encouraged to fill out the form at home before visiting the library. Bring proof of residency to the library for the application to be finalized and the card issued. If the borrower is a non-resident, a $25 fee is due before the card will be issued.

Donations

Please hold book donations. Because of the closure, the Friends have not been able to sell their existing stock of book donations and do not have room to store new donations. The Friends will solicit new donations on their Facebook page when they are ready to accept more.


Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Celebrating the Life & Volunteer Spirit of Lina Clare Isanhour

We are deeply saddened to share that Lina Clare Isanhour passed away March 8, 2021 at age 92.

Ms. Isanhour was active in volunteer work at the Smyrna Public Library, where for several years, she was editor of The Link, the quarterly newsletter of the Friends of the Smyrna Library. This blog is the digital successor to the printed newsletter she started. 

A certified genealogist, she taught a course in genealogy at the Smyrna Library, donating the class fee to the library, and was instrumental in the library's accumulating a large genealogy reference section. In recognition of her contributions the Friends of the Smyrna Library recommended to the Smyrna City Council that they name the genealogy reference room for her; the Mayor of the City of Smyrna issued a proclamation so naming the department, and a bronze plaque was placed there, designating it the "Clare Isanhour Room." The Smyrna City Council later issued a second proclamation commending her general good works toward the library and the city of Smyrna, particularly her assistance in finding some of the descendants of those who had lived in Smyrna’s Taylor-Brawner house, as it was being renovated.  A tree was planted there in her name.

Ms. Isanhour wrote, compiled, or assisted in research for numerous books on family history and local history in metro Atlanta and elsewhere, and was working on a final family history book—which her friends plan to finish from her notes—at the time of her death. She became interested in genealogy when, in researching her family so she could join the DAR at her mother’s insistence, she learned that she was a distant cousin of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. 


Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Smyrna Library Kids Recipe: Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here is today's recipe card: Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe is so easy and flexible (as always) to suit your family's dietary needs.
Flour can be substituted for gluten free baking flour
Coconut oil can be changed to butter or vegan butter
Milk can be changed to a non dairy milk of your choice
Applesauce can replaced with 1 egg, or 1 egg replacer such as flax.



Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Thank you, Chef Jesse Jones!

Chef Jesse Jones conducted an online cooking demonstration yesterday as one of our Black History Month activities.  He made the Smothered Chicken that looks so delicious in the attached photo. 

Chef Jesse Jones is a renowned chef and author known for his modern approach to southern cuisine. A native of Newark, New Jersey, Chef Jesse's culinary DNA was developed during childhood summers in Snow Hill, North Carolina where his grandmother's cast iron stove was the source of many memorable food experiences. Today, he continues to be influenced by her legacy, bridging past and present through interpreting classic southern dishes with French techniques. He is the author of a cookbook/memoir, POW! My Life in 40 Feasts.


Tuesday, February 23, 2021

For Fans of Firefly Lane

 What do you read next after watching Firefly Lane? Try these titles.


Wednesday, February 17, 2021

For Fans of Cozy Mysteries

Do you love Cozy Mysteries? Check these books out. You can request them through our curbside service. 



Friday, February 12, 2021

Online Genealogy Workshop Conducted


Thank you Janice Bryant for presenting “What’s Your Ancestor’s Story? Learn Basic Genealogy Strategies and Techniques” this morning online to registered Smyrna Public Library patrons.  It was a great additional to our Black History Month activities. 

Seminar Summary:

Would you like to figure out your ancestors’ stories behind the dash, which is located between the birth date and the death date on their tombstones? Our ancestors have many unique and interesting real-life stories.  Some of these stories will make us feel proud, patriotic or some may even challenge us. This presentation will provide you with basic strategies and techniques of discovering your ancestors’ stories.

Instructor:

Janice Bryant is a retired educator. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, and a Master’s Degree in Education from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is a member of the African American Historical & Genealogy Society –ATL Metro Chapter (AAHGS) and the Georgia Genealogy Society (GGS).  She has been a genealogist and family historian since the age of 19. She has researched her ancestors living in North Carolina and Virginia before the Revolutionary War, and two ancestors who arrived in Virginia in 1619.


Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Congrats, Winter Reading Challenge Winners!


Congratulations to Jessica F., and Robert M. for winning the gift bags in the Smyrna Public Library's Winter Reading Challenge.  Thank you for participating! We hope you enjoy your prizes.


Monday, February 1, 2021

Introducing James Ransome!

Introducing James Ransome! 

Named as one of the 75 authors and illustrators that everyone should know by The Children’s Book Council, Ransome is artistically inspired by painters such as Mary Cassatt and Edgar Degas. He uses the uniqueness of each story to guide his choice of color palette and design.



Introducing Vashti Harrison!

 Introducing Vashti Harrison! 

Now a best-selling author and illustrator, Harrison originally received degrees in filmmaking. She most enjoys digital illustration and using elegant layouts, which is why she uses bold colors.



Introducing Donald Crews!

Introducing Donald Crews! 

Recipient of the 2015 Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal for his lasting contribution to children’s literature, Crews' subjects often include modern technology, especially travel vehicles. Influenced by his training in graphics, Crews uses a Pop Art style which includes bold colors, clean lines, and faceless people.



Introducing Frank Morrison!

Introducing Frank Morrison!  

Originally a graffiti artist, Morrison was influenced by his high school art teacher who encouraged him to visit his first art museum, The Louvre in Paris, France. His work strives to capture people as they are and has won him numerous awards including the Coretta Scott King Book Award. In fact, he was this year's winner for his illustrations in R-E-S-P-E-C-T! Morrison lives in Atlanta.



Friday, January 15, 2021

MLK Holiday Closure


Smyrna Public Library will be closed on Monday, January 18, in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Friday, January 1, 2021

The Friends of Smyrna Library Reading Group to Continue Via Zoom in 2021

The Friends of Smyrna Library Reading Group will continue to use Zoom in 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions.  Book discussions will be will take place via a ZOOM call on the discussion date at 7 pm.  Please email mwmoore at smyrnaga.gov for an invitation.  The book selections for the first half of 2021 and dates are listed below.  

January 5, 2021
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

February 2, 2021
Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan

March 2, 2021
The Engineer's Wife by Tracey Enerson Wood

April 6, 2021
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett

May 4, 2021
Radium Girls by Kate Moore

June 1, 2021
Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck


The Friends of Smyrna Library First Sunday Lecture Series Going on Hiatus Until Further Notice

 The Friends of Smyrna Library First Sunday Lecture Series is going on hiatus due to COVID-19.  When we can safely assemble in the Smyrna Public Library Meeting Room we will restart the lectures.  Thank you for your understanding.