Recommended Winter 2024 Reading List

Featured Book

THE BOOK OF FORM AND EMPTINESS by Ruth Ozeki

Other Recommended Reading Selections

FOURTH WING by Rebecca Yarros

IRON FLAME by Rebecca Yarros

THE HEAVEN & EARTH GROCERY STORE by James McBride

HOLMES, MARPLE & POE by James Patterson and Brian Sitts

FIRST LIE WINS by Ashley Elston

ICEBREAKER by Hannah Grace

THE HOUSEMAID by Freida McFadden

SANCTUARY OF THE SHADOW by Aurora Ascher

HOUSE OF EARTH AND BLOOD by Sarah J. Maas

LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY by Bonnie Garmus

A COURT OF SILVER FLAMES by Sarah J. Maas

HOUSE OF SKY AND BREATH by Sarah J. Maas

TWISTED LOVE by Ana Huang

REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES by Shelby Van Pelt

IT ENDS WITH US by Colleen Hoover

OATH AND HONOR by Liz Cheney

THE BOYS IN THE BOAT by Daniel James Brown

KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON by David Grann

THE WAGER by David Grann

OUTLIVE by Peter Attia with Bill Gifford

THE WOMAN IN ME by Britney Spears

ELON MUSK by Walter Isaacson

THE KINGDOM, THE POWER, AND THE GLORY by Tim Alberta

SOURCE: NY Times Bestseller Lists 
01/28/2024

Adult Craft Workshop: Nature & Medicine: Salves & Balms

The Smyrna Public Library is hosting a special exhibit in January called “From DNA to Beer: Harnessing Nature in Medicine and Industry.” The exhibit explores how humanity utilizes nature to advance technology. 

In today’s Adult Craft Workshop, attendees used natural ingredients to create their own salves with beeswax, almond oil, botanicals, and essential oils.

This workshop was sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.  It is the first in a new series of Adult Craft Workshops for 2024. 

Pottery Teapots by Tripti Yoganathan Opens In Display Gallery

The January/February 2024 Display Gallery exhibit has opened – Pottery Teapots by Tripti Yoganathan.  Yoganathan’s exhibit is on display through February 29. 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:

I AM INSPIRED BY NATURE

Pots, from the beginning of human civilization represented the utility, beauty and the aesthetics of the time when they were created and used.

About 20 years back, when I joined this community of makers of everyday vessels, I wasn’t aware of the joy of making something that is unique representation of my own self.

Studio pottery was a novel experience for me, Although, I came from a country where we have a whole community making earthenware as profession. I remember when I made my very first decent bowl (which I still have). I painted it with Indian Folk designs from north India as it made me feel close to home. And then the curiosity from fellow potters about the designs helped me further my connection to my roots through the representation of the different Indian folk arts.

After living in Georgia for over 20 Years, now, I am inspired by Nature.

Atlanta is most beautiful in spring and fall. The influx of the colors of the irises from my backyard and the dogwood trees from the front inspired my designs for my latest pieces.

I am always exploring and learning and I don’t know what will be on my pots in the future.

So, whenever you visit ‘Ananya’ be ready to be pleasantly surprised!!

https://www.triptiyoganathan.com/

Photography by Kelley Krohnert Opens In Art Gallery

The January/February 2024 Art Gallery exhibit has opened – Photography by Kelley Krohnert.  Ms. Krohnert’s exhibit is on display through February 29. 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:

My name is Kelley and I live in Smyrna, Georgia with my husband and daughter. My husband and I moved to the Smyrna/Mableton area from Dunwoody over 15 years ago, and we absolutely love this part of town.

I became interested in photography as a hobby shortly after my daughter was born in 2008, and 5 years later, when she went to Kindergarten, I launched my photography business, Kelley K Photography. In April 2016, I was accepted into the Click Pro network of talented photographers, part of Click Magazine. It is an honor to be included in this professional organization of well-respected professional photographers and artists.

My specialties are corporate headshots and children and family photography. On the personal side, I’m also very drawn to fine art photography, because it pushes me creatively and allows me to really enjoy the more artistic side of photography. I shoot a variety of landscape and nature photos, as well as abstract and macro (close-up) images.

I first pursued photography as a way to capture better photos of my daughter and our family. As I learned more about my camera and about light, I began to truly capture images that I was proud to display on our walls. I love that I am able to capture these kind of beautiful images for my clients as well.

https://kelleykphotography.com/

Author Appearance: Paige Watts To Discuss "What's With Atlanta?"

 

Friends of Smyrna Library to Sponsor Winter Adult Workshop Series

The Friends of Smyrna Library dedicated a portion of the proceeds raised in the Annual Fall 2023 Book Sale to sponsor a series of NEW workshops for adults.  Details are found below.  Register from the Smyrna Public Library Calendar. 

Adult Craft Workshop:  Nature & Medicine: Salves & Balms

Friday, January 19, 2024
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Smyrna Library, Meeting Room
ages: 18 and up

Smyrna Library is hosting a special exhibit in January called “From DNA to Beer: Harnessing Nature in Medicine and Industry.” The exhibit explores how humanity utilizes nature to advance technology. In this Adult Craft Workshop, we will use natural ingredients to create our own salves with beeswax, almond oil, botanicals, and essential oils.

Adult Art Workshop: Chinese Calligraphy

Friday, February 9
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Smyrna Library Meeting Room
Ages 18 and up

Celebrate Chinese New Year with an introduction to Chinese Calligraphy - a visual art form of writing Chinese characters. A paper sculpture craft is also included in this session. All supplies will be provided.

Instructor: Ms. Loyee Ling is a certified Chinese teacher and an advocate of cultural education. 

Adult Art Workshop: Watercolor inspired by Women Artists

a Women's History Month event 

Friday, March 1
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Smyrna Library Meeting Room
Ages 18 and up
All supplies will be provided.

This workshop will introduce the techniques, materials, and vocabulary of watercolor painting. It will focus on getting comfortable with watercolor painting techniques and enjoying the process of painting. In addition- color, value and “seeing” your subject will be explored as well as the fundamentals of shape, line, and color. Advanced artists are also welcome to attend this course.

Artist Abby Redmond will work on a painting inspired by Georgia OKeeke. As an artist at the forefront of American Modernism, Georgia O’Keefe is one of the most celebrated female artists in history and her early drawings led to bold experiments in abstraction with a focus to express her feelings.

Instructor: Abby Taylor Redmond studied art at O'More College of Art and Design and graduated with a BFA from the prestigious Parsons School of Design. She spent the first part of her career as a costume designer and design assistant. Since moving to Smyrna, Abby has focused on watercolor paintings and has worked as an art teacher to children of all ages, starting her own business Art With Ms. Abby, and for adults with her program Shake n' Create.