City of Smyrna Announces Black History Month Celebratory Dinner

The City of Smyrna has announced a Black History Month celebratory dinner with Dr. Daniel Black, novelist, essayist, and professor at Clark Atlanta University. The Black History Month Celebration Dinner will be held Friday, February 23, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at Smyrna Community Center, 1250 Powder Springs Street, in downtown Smyrna.

The Black History Month Celebration Dinner includes dinner, a presentation by Dr. Black, and a book signing. Book sales will be available on site, courtesy of Bookmiser.

More Information

FOSL Bookstore Temporarily Closed

The bookshelves in our Friends of Smyrna Library (FOSL) Bookstore reached their end of life and had to be removed yesterday due to safety concerns.  Our bookstore is temporarily closed.  (We do still have magazines for sale in the magazine rack.)  Pop-up sales will also be held in the library atrium in the interim.    

New heavy duty replacement shelving will be ordered in January and we hope to announce the Grand Reopening Sale sometime in February.  

Smyrna World War II Veterans Photo Exhibition

The November/December 2023 Art and Display Gallery exhibits have opened – Smyrna World War II Veterans by Smyrna World War II Veterans by Pat Burns and the Smyrna Historical and Genealogical Society.  These exhibits are on display through December 31.  The Art and Display Galleries are located on the 2nd floor of the Smyrna Public Library.

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

Exhibit Description:

In observance of Veterans Day, Smyrna Library screened the documentary, "The Lieutenant and the Cobb County Boys".  This exhibit features wartime photographs of World War II veterans from the Smyrna area. They were collected by local historian Pat Burns and the Smyrna Historical and Genealogical Society in 2001 while creating the documentary.

Sunday Lecture: Smyrna Public Library Hosts Tribute to Local WW2 Veterans

In observance of Veterans Day, Smyrna Library screened the documentary, "The Lieutenant and the Cobb County Boys", on November 5.  This short film includes excerpts from oral histories of World War II veterans of Smyrna collected by local resident and historian, Pat Burns. The veterans included in the documentary are Dorothy Moseley Bacon, Watson Petty, James Pressley, Edward Laporta, Cleveland Thrower, Peter Burnette, Virgil Sexton, Arthur Crowe, Jr., Eugene Williams, and William E Price. 

Thank you, Pat Burns for screening your documentary and excellent discussion afterwards. 

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

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) Author Presentation

Special thanks to authors Kristine Anderson, D.A. D'Aurelio, and Kim Zachman, for the informative discussion last night about how to get published.  November is National Novel Writing Month, and these authors shared their experiences about creative writing and getting published. You can check out all their books as well as books on writing skills from Smyrna Public Library.

Learn More About NaNoWriMo on their website. 

NaNoWriMo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides tools, structure, community, and encouragement to help people find their voices, achieve creative goals, and build new worlds — on and off the page.

FOSL Celebrates the Life of Jim Wooten, Former President

We are very saddened to learn that Jim Wooten passed away on October 29. Jim was very committed to the Smyrna Public Library and the Friends of Smyrna Library. He retired as the Friends of Smyrna Library President in 2010. During his many years serving on the FOSL Board of Directors he passionately supported the Annual Spring & Fall Book Sales, the Murder Goes South Mystery Festivals, Dinner Theater Fundraisers, Guest Speakers & Special Events at the Smyrna Public Library, and the Summer Reading Program. We extend our condolences to his wife, Ann, and family. Thank you, Jim, for all of your contributions.

Jim Wooten Obituary

FOSL Suppports Vision Rehabilitation Services of Georgia

The Friends of Smyrna Library donated 40 Books on CD from our Fall Book Sale to Vision Rehabilitation Services of Georgia on South Cobb Drive in Smyrna today.   

Learn more about the important services they provide that assist individuals who are blind or visually impaired at https://vrsga.org/.

National Friends of Libraries Week Event: One-Act Play "Ms. Lillian"

We hosted a wonderful one-act, one-woman play, Ms. Lillian, this afternoon at the Smyrna Community Center.  The play was written by Carol Cook Puckett and performed by Elaine Hubbard. The play takes place in 1978 at Lillian Carter’s home while she is waiting for a New York Times reporter to interview her as the recipient of the prestigious United Nations Ceres Medal.

Ms. Hubbard’s performance was superb, at times quite funny and at other times introspective.  It was a fantastic presentation of Lillian Carter’s life as a social activist, nurse, humanitarian, and a modern & outspoken Southern woman ahead of her years.  The play ended with 2 minutes of applause and Q & A.  Thank you, Ms. Hubbard and Ms. Cook Puckett!

This event was sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

Help the Friends of Smyrna Library sponsor more events like this by making a donation.  

Photo (left to right): Elaine Hubbard, Library Director Mary Moore, Carol Cook Puckett. 

National Friends of Libraries Week Event: The Amphibian Foundation

Thank you, Amphibian Foundation! Your program for kids at the Smyrna Public Library this afternoon to celebrate National Friends of Library Week was excellent. The kids had a great time making amphibian friends!

This event was sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

Help the Friends of Smyrna Library sponsor more events like this by making a donation.  

About The Amphibian Foundation:

The Amphibian Foundation is dedicated to connecting individuals, communities and organizations in order to create and implement lasting solutions to the global amphibian extinction crisis.

We provide unique educational opportunities for all ages to learn about amphibians and inspire conservation.

Established in 2016 by Mark and Crystal Mandica, we collaborate with partners in the fight against amphibian extinction. This page highlights all the people and organizations that have joined the Amphibian Foundation in their mission.

Website  

2023 National Friends of Libraries Week Activities

Join the Friends of Smyrna Library as we celebrate the 2023 National Friends of Libraries Week at the Smyrna Public Library! 

Tomorrow: New Membership Drive Kick-Off

Sunday: Book Sorting Volunteer Event

Monday: Atlanta Amphibian Center Visit for Kids 4:45 pm

Tuesday: “Miss Lillian”, A One-Act Play about Lillian Carter 2 pm (Community Center) 

Wednesday: Friends of Smyrna Library History Since 1990 (Online) 

Thursday: Book Sale Volunteer Event

Friday: Book Sale Volunteer Event

Saturday: Fall Book Sale & Volunteer Event

Sunday: Fall Book Sale & Volunteer Event

Hispanic Heritage Celebration Youth Art on Display

Don't miss this extra art exhibit currently on display in the downstairs reading room. The art is from the first Hispanic Heritage Celebration youth art contest. 

Participants submitted artwork inspired by the prompt: “What My Heritage Means to Me.” One winner was selected from each age group by the Smyrna Arts Council. 

Winners include Isabella Gasca, Gabriel Gasca, Zion D. Darius, and Peyton Holsinger. Art is on display through the end of the month.

Two-Part Lecture: A Developmental History of Smyrna

Thank you, Dr. William Marchione, for presenting the two-part lecture entitled “A Developmental History of Smyrna” on September 18 and September 25.  

Your richly illustrated talks described, in detail, the forces that transformed Smyrna from a community of less than 2,000 residents in 1940 into a dynamic community of nearly 60,000 residents of today. Very informative!

Celebrating 10th Anniversaries!

Please join the Friends of Smyrna Library and celebrate the 10th anniversaries for Library Director Mary Moore and Children’s Librarian Rebecca Power.  

They and their team’s innovative programs and commitment to excellence make the Smyrna Public Library a treasured community asset.  

Thank you for everything you do.  It is truly appreciated!   

Congratulations to Alex Rawls

Congratulations to Alex Rawls, Library Associate, in Technical Services, who is celebrating her 5-year work anniversary this week. Thank you for all you do to make the library a wonderful place, Alex!

Annual Fall Book Sale and Volunteer Opportunities Announced

The Friends of Smyrna Library Annual Fall Book sale will be held on Saturday, October 21 from 10:00 am to 4 pm and Sunday, October 22 from 1 pm to 4 pm.  

A large selection of gently used Hardbacks, Paperbacks, Books on CD, Movie DVDs, Music CDs, and Puzzles will be available and priced from $1 to $5.  Cash, Check, PayPal, and Venmo will be accepted for payment.

There are 138 volunteer opportunities available between October 14 and October 23 to support the book sale.  Adults & Teens (age 13 and up) are welcome to volunteer.  

Learn about volunteer book sale duties by clicking here. 

Sign up to volunteer by clicking here. 

KID-CON 2023 Enjoyed By Over 800 Attendees!

Today’s KID-CON at the Smyrna Community Center was a spectacular success!  Over 800 people attended, WOW!  

Thank you to everyone who joined us this morning for the crafts, games, character appearances, and fun stuff for the whole family.  

A big event like this takes a lot of planning and volunteers.  We want to take this opportunity to pass on kudos and sincere thanks to all who made it happen.
First, we want to recognize the amazing Smyrna Library Team for the months of planning that resulted in today’s wonderful community event.  

In addition to KID-CON 2023 sponsors Smyrna Public Library and Friends of Smyrna Library, we thank 2 additional sponsors: Smyrna Parks & Recreation and the Dairy Queen on Spring Road.  We also thank our adult volunteers from the Cobb Collaborative, the Friends of Smyrna Library, and the Smyrna Education Foundation.     

Lastly we are sending a big “Shout Out” to our local teen leaders from the Campbell High School IB Program and the Friends of Smyrna Library Teen Volunteer Program who staffed all of the craft tables.

Towering Views: Remembering the World Trade Center 20 Years After 9/11 by David Batley Opens In Art Gallery

The September/October 2023 Display Gallery exhibit has opened – Towering Views: Remembering the World Trade Center 20 Years After 9/11 by David Batley.  Mr. Batley’s exhibit is on display through October 30.  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:

This gallery represents a portion of an exhibit I first put together to mark the 10th anniversary of the events that took place In New York on September 11, 2001. The photographs were exhibited to the public at a gallery in Marietta, Georgia, followed by another exhibit at a gallery in Kennesaw, Georgia. The exhibit was well-received by those who experienced it in person, and I was encouraged to try to share it with a larger audience. This is my effort to try and share these photos. For those who saw them in person during the two exhibits, much of the reaction was heart rendering, as so many remembered that day in their lives. The perennial question has been, "Do you remember what you were doing on that day?"

My story about 9/11 goes back a few weeks prior to that fateful day. I was in New York City attending a national arts conference and had an opportunity to join a guided tour of significant art locations in Lower Manhattan. The tour concluded at a reception in a studio space on the 92nd floor of the North Tower, World Trade Center.

The studio space was called "World Views," and occupied a corner of the 92nd floor, allowing views from two sides of the tower. Fifteen artists used this space as part of a residency program sponsored by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. The idea was that these artists might be inspired to create their art based on the "views" allowed at that height over the city.

I used this opportunity to take some shots out the windows using both Kodak Ektachrome and Kodak infrared film. I was able to capture some of the feeling of being at this great height, looking outward and downward (and occasionally zooming the lens a little).

Pottery & Paintings by Steve Stoichev Opens In Display Gallery

The September/October 2023 Display Gallery exhibit has opened – Eclectic Pottery & Paintings by Steve Stoichev.  Mr. Stoichev’s exhibit is on display through October 30. 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:

From a very early age Steve Stoichev's life has been connected with art. At 4 years old he had his first exhibit at his preschool, displaying clay figurines. That was the beginning. Throughout his schooling he began to paint and provided his art to many different community and school exhibits. Throughout the 1980's he concentrated on fashion design, and in 1989 he founded his own fashion design company where he designed and created high-end unique wearable art and accessories.

After over 10 years in the fashion business, Steve returned to his first artistic loves and is realizing an old new dream. Since that time, he has presented his paintings and sculptures in community exhibits in the Atlanta area starting with a 2006 solo show titled �Exhibit of Impressionism�. In 2008 he returned home to Europe for another solo impressionist paintings exhibit . Since then he creates and shows award-winning art through various community and national exhibits.

Steve's current interests alternate between design and creation of sculpture, jewelry and paintings. His sculpture and jewelry are inspired by his heritage and by the artifacts found in Thracian, Greek, and Roman archeological excavations, all of which evoke in him and his art a sense of mysticism and timelessness. His experiences with sculpture and fashion have influenced his painting style. He creates textured and brightly colorful modern or impressionistic paintings that are pleasing both to the sense of touch and to the sense of sight.

Steve currently lives in Smyrna, GA with his wife and three children. He is a member of The Society of Sliven Artists and the South Cobb Art Alliance.

FOSL Salutes Smyrna Eagle Scout Volunteer

Campbell High School Senior, Blair B., achieved the rank of Eagle Scout last February with Troop 220 in Smyrna.  Blair built 10 of the Little Libraries found in Smyrna Parks for one of his Eagle Scout Service Projects.  He spent the weekend stocking Little Libraries with books donated from our recent book sale as he has done several times before.   

Thank you, Blair!  The Friends of Smyrna Library salute your Eagle Scout leadership achievement and your fantastic community service maintaining Little Libraries!

Upcoming Lectures at Smyrna Public Library

Mark your calendar with 5 upcoming lectures in September and October!

Towering Views: Remembering the World Trade Center 20 Years After 9/11
Sunday, September 17 at 3 pm
Presenter: David Batley

A Developmental History of Smyrna, Georgia (2-Part Series)
Monday, September 18 at 6:30 pm
Monday, September 25 at 6:30 pm
Presenter: Dr. William Marchione

Solar Eclipses in America
Sunday, October 1 @ 3 pm
Presenter: NASA Solar System Ambassador Chris Thompson

Notable Women of Smyrna & Vicinity
Monday, October 30 at 6:30 pm
Presenter: Dr. William Marchione

All of the above lectures will be held in the Smyrna Public Library Downstairs Meeting Room and light refreshments will be served.  

Learn more about the lectures at https://foslga.org/_lectureseries.htm 

The First Sunday and Special Event Lecture Series is sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

FOSL Bookstore Clearance Sale Announced, Runs Through September 30

The first Friends of Smyrna Library Bookstore CLEARANCE SALE since 2019 will run through September 30.   ONE THOUSAND 50-Cent specials are marked with Green and Pink Dots. 

The FOSL Bookstore next to the left staircase when entering from the parking lot is organized as follows:  The Pink Cart is stocked with Biographies/Historical Nonfiction on one side and Cookbooks on the other side.  The 3 wooden shelves are stocked with Fiction.  The bottom shelf in the middle features Scholastic Fiction Chapter Books for young readers.  The upper left shelf is stocked with books on CD. 

The sales extends into the Library Lobby on two tables organized as follows:  Poetry, Religion/Spirituality, Movie DVDs, Travel, Sailing, Pets & Animal Rights, Politics/Social Causes, Humor, Parenting/Childcare, and Art/Crafts/Hobbies.

Cash, Paypal, Venmo, and Checks (payable to Friends of Smyrna Library) are accepted for payment. 

The NEW Wonderbooks Are Available to Check Out!

The NEW Wonderbooks are in stock! The Friends of Smyrna Library donated $1500 to Smyrna Library to underwrite the purchase of 26 new Wonderbooks. These special books are combo books/audiobooks in one. No need for a separate device to listen to the book and enjoy the illustrations. 

Visit the Youth Services Desk and check them out today!

Successful 2nd Annual Children & Young Adult's Book Sale Concludes

Our 2nd Annual Children & Young Adult's Book Sale was held on August 26 & 27.  The sale was a big success.  We exceeded last year’s sales by 10%.

We want to express our heartfelt thanks to the 27 volunteers who either sorted & priced books over the summer or worked this weekend (or both) to make the sale a great fundraiser:    

Alex, Bill, Brandon, Denise, Elbie, Ellie, Emory, Ethan, Evelyn, Hayden, Heather, Jaden, Jan, Jaylin, JJ, Juliana, June, Len, Mary Ann, Matt, Meredith, Mickie, Miles, Nancy, Neelam, Reese, and Zuzu.  

If interested in volunteering, please email FOSLvols@gmail.com. 

Smyrna Public Library Launches New Phone App

The Smyrna Public Library has launched a new phone app. It's a free download from the Android and Apple app stores. Enter your library card number and PIN into the app, and you've got Smyrna Public Library in the palm of your hand. Give it a try today!

First Sunday Lecture: Death on the Rails: Major Mishaps from the Civil War to the Early 20th Century

Thank you, Mr. DeFeo, for your great lecture at the Smyrna Public Library.  Your discussion on “Death on the Rails: Major Mishaps from the Civil War to the Early 20th Century” was very interesting and tremendously informative. 

Lecture Summary: While rail travel improved mobility and opened new markets, it could be, at times, incredibly dangerous. Sadly, train wrecks and mishaps changed the lives of passengers, workers, and innocent bystanders. 

Presenter:  Todd DeFeo has written extensively about railroads, authoring books about the Atlanta Northern Railway, the Memphis, Clarksville & Louisville Railroad, the Western & Atlantic Railroad and others. He will present anecdotes from those books and unveil new research to bring to life the stories of those affected by railroad mishaps.

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

Large Print Book Pop-Up Sale Starts Today

Shop the new Large Print Book Pop-Up Sale in the Smyrna Public Library atrium this week. Just $1 each!

Award-Winning Magician Ken Scott Headlines Summer Reading Program Finale

The Summer Reading Program wrapped up yesterday morning with a wonderful finale featuring award-winning magician Ken Scott at the Community Center.  The Friends of Smyrna Library also want to recognize Rebecca Power and her incredible Youth Services Team for once again exceeding all expectations delivering an exceptional summer program for Smyrna’s kids.  THANK YOU!

After the event the kids were provided gift books by the Friends of Smyrna Library.  The Annual Summer Reading Program is a signature sponsorship of the Friends of Smyrna Library. 

Summer Reading Program: Escape the Library

Escape the Library
2023 Summer Reading Program Event
For ages 5 and up PLUS an adult

Friday, July 14, Saturday, July 15, and Monday July 17 by appointment
Smyrna Library, Meeting Room

Work together to solve clues that will lead to a hidden surprise before time runs out. Each group will be required to register for a timeslot and will have 30 minutes to complete the Escape Room.  

If you are unable to attend at your previously scheduled time, please remove your sign-up or notify the library. It is important to arrive promptly for your scheduled time so that your group has sufficient time to complete the escape room. To maintain the schedule for subsequent participants, additional time will not be allocated for late arrivals. 

At least one adult is required to participate with any registered group. The total number of children and/or adults who participate should be limited to 8. 

Summer Reading Program: Touch-a-Truck

Thanks to everone from the fire department, police department, public works, and the recycling center for today's Touch-a-Truck event in the Smyrna Public Library parking lot. 

The kids had a great time exploring all of the vehicles and meeting everyone who keep Smyrna strong.

Wanted: Your Used Books

Do you have gently used books that you no longer need?  You can donate them to the Friends of Smyrna Library at the library lobby circulation desk.  We especially need children’s books (all ages) for our August book sale and New York Times fiction bestsellers.       

Thank you for your donation.

Summer Reading Program: Journey with Monarchs!

Cobb County Water System Presents: Journey with Monarchs!
2023 Summer Reading Program Event
For ages 4-7 years old

Friday, July 7th at 10:30AM
Smyrna Library, Meeting Room

Join us as Cobb County Water System presents an epic storytime featuring Señorita Mariposa by Ben Gundersheimer, with rhymes in both English and Spanish, about the monarch butterfly's 3,000-mile journey to Mexico. Experience the variety of people, places, and animals the monarch sees on its trip. We'll learn about what these butterflies need to survive on their long migration and then craft a monarch stick puppet with fluttering wings!

2023 Teen Volunteer Summer Service Projects Program Concludes

We had 10 awesome teens volunteer this evening to close out our 2023 Teen Volunteer Summer Service Projects Program.  Nineteen local teens volunteered over 60 hours since the end of May. They helped us complete much needed mini projects and kept our Friends of Smyrna Library Bookstore stocked weekly.  

They did a great job organizing our clearance sale tonight – all books with Pink Dots on the Pink Cart and the Bottom Bookshelves are only 25 cents!  The Top Shelf has almost new New York Times Bestsellers for $2.  Everything in between is 75 cents or $1.  

THANK YOU, Teen Volunteers!  Y’all did a great job over the last 6 weeks!

First Sunday Lecture: The Battle of Ruff's Mill, July 4, 1864

Thank you to Phil Ivester of the Concord Covered Bridge Historic District for the informative and moving lecture on Sunday, July 2, about the The Battle of Ruff's Mill, July 4, 1864. We had a full house, so a big thank you to the community for supporting the program!

Lecture Summary:
Speaker: Philip Ivester, Concord Covered Bridge Historic District Board President
 
Mr. Ruff discussed new research and discoveries about the Battle of Ruff's Mill. The Battle of Ruff’s Mill was fought along Concord Road during Confederate General Joseph Johnston’s retreat towards Atlanta. After U.S. General W. T. Sherman’s failed direct assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Sherman reverted to his standard flanking maneuvers, directing a massive army down the Sandtown road under cover of night toward what his maps indicated was Ruff’s Mills on the Nickajack Creek. This flanking operation had the desired effect, forcing Johnston to evacuate the stronghold of Kennesaw Mountain. Sherman anticipated that Johnston would be retreating all the way across the Chattahoochee River–no general would ever think of making a stand with his back so close to a major river. Sherman pressed his commanders to advance forward as quickly as they could to catch Confederate armies in the chaos of a retreat. What Sherman encountered next surprised him: Johnston had previously prepared two major defensive lines north of the Chattahoochee River. The first of these works extended from Smyrna Campground westward along Concord Road toward Ruff’s Mill, curving south to follow Nickajack Creek and its natural defenses. The Battle of Ruff’s Mill, also referred to as the Battle of Nickajack Creek, took place along the western section of this line.

Smyrna-native Philip Ivester, serves as CEO of Kennesaw-based Energy Management firm. His degree is in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech, but he is passionate about Smyrna history, having grown up in the historic Martin Luker Ruff house near the Concord Woolen Mill, Grist Mill, and Covered Bridge. Over the years he has done extensive research into the history of 19th-century communities known as Concord, Millgrove, Nickajack, and Tillman. He is President of the Friends of the Concord Covered Bridge Historic District and Treasurer of the Smyrna Historical Society.

Sunday Lectures are sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

Glimmer: A Journey Through Glass by Julie Mazzoni and Margery Kellar Opens in Art Gallery

The July/August 2023 Art Gallery exhibit has opened – Glimmer: A Journey Through Glass by Julie Mazzoni and Margery Kellar.  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 Statements:

Margery Kellar grew up in the Midwest, graduating from Ball State University with a BS in Art Education. She moved to Atlanta in 1979, employed by Fulton County DFACS in Adult Protective Services, retiring in 2011. She became interested in creating stained glass art when her church was demolished in 2006, seeing the colored windows in shards on the ground. Margery creates window art, cabinet windows, suncatchers, jewelry, lights and lanterns, plant sticks, and does custom work. She also repairs broken pieces. She participates in at least three shows per year: Stone Mountain Highland Games (October), Central Florida Scottish Highland Games (January), and Apple Annies Craft Fair (December). She is a teaching assistant at the Spruill Center for the Arts in Beginning and Intermediate Stained Glass. She is the current president of the Atlanta Glass Art Guild, which has given her a better understanding of the many ways glass is used in art.

Mosaicist Julie Mazzoni finds the splendor in everyday moments and captures it in mosaic. After living in six cities in twelve years while raising four children, a sense of place and home became driving themes in her work, expressed through subjects of nature and people. Julie teaches mosaic classes at The Art Place Mountain View and Spruill Center for the Arts. She has a YouTube channel showing her process from the studio. Julie creates three-dimensional hand-built substrates for her mosaics, but also explores in two dimensions. Her contemporary take on mosaics emphasizes the unique qualities of the medium – the reflectivity and refraction of light on the work, dimensional or sculptural possibilities, the texture of the tesserae, the nature of substrate and the andemento, or flow of the pieces.

Glass Fusing and Slumping by Teresa Barnes Opens In Display Gallery

The July/August 2023 Display Gallery exhibit has opened – Glass Fusing and Slumping by Theresa Barnes.  Ms. Barnes’ exhibit is on display through August 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:

Teresa is an artist that loves to work in three dimensional media.  She is comfortable creating art in either clay or glass.  She is an excellent teacher, but is always ready to increase here skills by furthering her own arts education.  She has gone from simply designing dishes and vases in glass to creating the most beautiful picturesque scenes in glass  When you consider the difficulty of making glass do what you want it to do instead of what is wants to do, her art is truly remarkable.

Glass Fusing and Slumping is the art of creating works both functional and artistic using colored glass.  More versatile than leaded or stained glass because of the ability to shape and meld the glass, use colored glass powder to create shadow, and generally being able to paint with glass is very exciting  The results, whether fanciful character studies or a set of one of a kind sushi dishes all share the same dedication and attention to detail that has been the hallmark of her work  Of course, the colors and sparkle are always there.

Artist Website

KID-CON: A Kid's Lit & Pop Culture Fest Returns on September 9

 

KID-CON: A Kid's Lit & Pop Culture Fest

a Smyrna Public Library event

All ages
Saturday, September 9
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Smyrna Community Center, Big Gym
free admission

Join us for a morning of crafts, games, character appearances, and fun for the whole family!

COSTUME CONTEST:  Children of all ages are encouraged to dress as their favorite book character and enter our KID-CON costume contest. Registration for the costume contest will be held from 10:30AM-11:00AM on the stage. Winners will be announced at 11:30AM and will be called to the stage to receive their trophy.  

ACTIVITIES:  Explore different genres of children's literature with hands-on activities, games, and crafts. Participate in at least one activity from each genre to receive your special genre brag tag. Visit each genre to collect them all!

CHARACTER APPEARANCES:  We'll have special appearances from Fly Guy (books by Tedd Arnold), Taco Dragon (books by Adam Rubin), Cinderella, and Marshall from Paw Patrol.

PARKING:  Please utilize the over-flow parking lot across from the Community Center. Handicap and stroller accessible entrance will be available from the Powder Springs Rd entrance of the Community Center. 

SPONSORS:  KID-CON is sponsored by Smyrna Public Library, Friends of Smyrna Library, Smyrna Parks & Recreation, and Dairy Queen on Spring Road.

Summer Reading Program: Science for Every1

Science for Every1
2023 Summer Reading Program Event
For ages 4-10 years old

Monday, June 26 at 3:00pm
Smyrna Community Center, Big Gym

Have you seen a pickle glow? Or a bar of soap grow to the size of a volleyball? Join us for some interactive STEM fun and watch as Michael Green, The Science Machine, performs feats of science and more!

Note: This program will be held in the Community Center’s Big Gym.

Former FOSL President, Charles Stannard, Honored with City Proclamation

At the Tuesday, June 20, 2023, Council meeting during the Mayoral Report, a proclamation was presented in recognition of Charles Stannard's service as former President of the Friends of Smyrna Library Board. Mr. Stannard served as the group’s President from 2013 to 2023 after serving as Treasurer for 3 years starting in 2010.  

Pictured are Councilmember Susan Wilkinson – Ward 5, Charles Stannard former President of the Friends of the Smyrna Library Board and Mayor Derek Norton.

Summer Reading Program: Arthur Atsma, Comedy Magician

Arthur Atsma, Comedy Magician presents:
All Together Now
2023 Summer Reading Program Event
For ages 4-10 years old

Monday, June 12 at 3:00pm
Smyrna Library, Meeting Room 

Join special guest, Arthur Atsma, for a fast-paced, sleight of hand magical comedy show with lots of audience participation, laughs, and fun for all ages. 

First Sunday Lecture: From Eyes to Ears: The Process of Creating Audiobooks

On Sunday, June 4, the Friends of Smyrna Library sponsored a fascinating lecture about the production of audiobooks and the industry's future as it relates to A.I. The speaker was professional audiobook narrator, Janet Metzger who has narrated over 150 audiobooks. 

Thank you, Ms Metzger, for a wonderful afternoon!

Presenter Bio: Janet Metzger, of Decatur, GA, has been an audiobook narrator of fiction and nonfiction since 2009. She has worked in film and theatre as well as behind the mic for CNN and CNN International. She has narrated over 40 podcasts for The Center for the Study of Law and Religion at Emory University. Her theatrical experiences include many years with the Atlanta Shakespeare Company and as a puppeteer with the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta. She has been recognized for excellence multiple times by AudioFile Magazine’s Earphone Awards. Over 90 of her more than 150 audiobooks are available through Hoopla. www.janetmetzger.com

Summer Reading Program: Link Smyrna Public Library and CCSD Beanstalk Accounts

Don't forget to log your minutes in Beanstalk! Cobb County School District students can now link their school account with their Smyrna Public Library account. 

Log reading once, but get credit for school AND the library. 

Visit our Summer Reading website for details on how to participate.

https://www.smyrnaga.gov/.../smyrna-public.../summer-reading

Summer Reading Program: Mr. Keith the Magic Man

Mr. Keith the Magic Man Presents: Magical Acts of Kindness
2023 Summer Reading Program Event
For ages 3-7 years old

Monday, June 5 at 3:00pm
Smyrna Library, Meeting Room

Come join Keith Karnok, better known throughout Georgia as "Mr. Keith the Magic Man”, and his trusty sidekick “Vern” the talking/singing Gooney Bird as they share “Magical Acts of Kindness” in this fun magic and ventriloquism reading show about kindness, friendship, and unity.  

FOSL Sponsors Juneteenth Concert by Deleesa Archer

 

Sunday, June 18
3:00-3:45 p.m.
Smyrna Library Meeting Room
Light refreshments will be served.

Concert Description: Singer Dileesa Archer puts her experience and training in multiple genres on display in this eclectic and exciting celebration of the Black American experience. Don’t expect any sad songs during this concert! Get ready to smile, tap your foot, and clap your hands to the best of black composers and artists of the 20th century. 
 
Performer Biography:  Dileesa Archer is a dynamic singer, vocal coach, and vocal director. She holds a Masters degree of vocal performance and is capable of singing in several genres, including jazz, R&B, soul, gospel and classical music. Most recently, she was featured on PBS Soundfield episode ‘Why is  Brandy called the “Vocal Bible” when her video of “How to Sing like Brandy” caught the eye of the producers, due to her uncanny ability to imitate the singer’s voice so closely. Her total youtube views are topping 5 million, with many of them being her ‘How to Sing Like’ videos, where she describes how a singer  creates a unique sound and then emulates it. 

sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library

Summer Reading Program Event Schedule Published for Tween Creativity Club

 

Thanks for the Beautiful Flowers!

This is the third bouquet of amazing flowers brought in by Library Customers this spring. We should have posted pictures of the others too. Our customers have amazing gardens and generous spirits.

Thank You, American Legion Post 160 of Smyrna Auxiliary!

Thank You, American Legion Post 160 of Smyrna Auxiliary, for the free coloring book gift packets. The library has a display of fiction and non-fiction books commemorating Memorial Day and those who have given their life in service. Be sure to pick up coloring books for your children while visiting the display.