SAVE THE DATE - Mrs. Lincoln: The First “First Lady”

SAVE THE DATE! The Friends of Smyrna Library Present:

Mrs. Lincoln: The First “First Lady”

Starring Laura F. Keyes, as Mary Todd Lincoln

Sunday, April 13, 2025

3 pm

Smyrna Community Center, Magnolia Room

1250 Powder Springs St, Smyrna, GA 30080

This is a ticketed event and includes a tea service at intermission. Ticket sales start soon.

Mary Todd Lincoln lived a life filled with triumphs and tragedies, but few people know her story. Now, librarian Laura Keyes shares Mary’s story in an entertaining and educational program entitled “Mrs. Lincoln: The First ‘First Lady,’” focusing on the life and losses of Mrs. Lincoln, set on April 14, 1865. This program depicts an extraordinarily important time in our nation’s history from a point of view that is not often explored. Learn how Mary Lincoln influenced monumental events in her lifetime and why her story is still relevant today.

Biography: Laura Keyes graduated from UW-Madison with a Master’s Degree in Library Studies, and is Director of the Dunlap Public Library. Laura is a lifetime member of the Association of Lincoln Presenters, and recently won the Mary Todd Lincoln Oratory Contest at the Lincoln Days celebration in Hodgenville, KY.

More information:

www.LauraFKeyes.com

https://www.facebook.com/HistoricVoices

If you are interested in volunteering for the event planning committee, please email FOSLvols@gmail.com

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

Photo Credit: Andreoli

FIrst Sunday Lecture: First Women - Culture and Change Among the Creek and Cherokee

Thank you, Jennie Eldredge, for presenting “First Women: Culture and Change Among the Creek and Cherokee” at last Sunday’s First Sunday Lecture.  

The very informative lecture discussed the roles of women in Cherokee and Muscogee Creek cultures both before and after relocation. The shared ancestry of both groups in Georgia and how women anchored these matrilineal groups throughout their history was discussed in detail.

Jennie Eldredge has been the Museum Manager for the City of Smyrna since October of 2017, overseeing the Museum and 3 historic cemeteries. She graduated from Georgia State University with a BA in Anthropology, and an M.A. in Heritage Preservation. 

“The Mississippian Era Around Us” Now on Exhibit in Galleries Through December

The Smyrna Public Library Art & Display Galleries feature “The Mississippian Era Around Us” through December 31, 2024.  The exhibit is located on the second floor. 

In honor of Native American Heritage Month (November), the Smyrna Museum and Smyrna Public Library bring you a photo exhibit showcasing two Mississippian Era sites in Georgia, Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park and Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site. The Mississippian Period in Georgia archaeology stretches from AD. 800 A.D. to 1600 and is characterized by complex societies that built large, earthen platform mounds. 

Museum Manager, Jennie Eldredge and Library Associate Jennifer Moore visited Ocmulgee Mounds in May of 2024 and Etowah in October 2024 and captured views of the structures around these spectacular parks. The images are presented here with informative signage to introduce viewers to the monuments built by Native Americans in the Georgia area over hundreds of years. Both the Cherokee Nation and Muscogee Creek Nation who later occupied the Smyrna area are descended from these Mississippian peoples.

The Smyrna Museum is a city owned property and collection that is housed in a reconstruction of the train depot that was located on Atlanta Road until the 1950s. Beginning with the Native American period of Smyrna history, visitors are taken on a chronological tour of the city's history with over 100 objects on display. Museum Manager and Cobb native, Jennie Eldredge, has been overseeing the museum since 2017. She holds a master's degree in Heritage Preservation from Georgia State University.

Successful Fall Book Sale Concludes

Thank you, Smyrna Shoppers, for supporting this weekend’s successful Friends of Smyrna Library Fall Book Sale!

SPECIAL THANKS to the 40 volunteers, many of whom volunteered for multiple shifts over the past month, who made this sale another success!

EXTRA SPECIAL THANKS to these 5 AWESOME teens who were the teen closing crew this afternoon. WOW! They did an amazing job – worked hard & fast (we only have one hour to breakdown the book sale room), followed directions, stayed on task, asked to do more when a task was finished, and they had a good time too. They will be great employees when they get their first paying jobs. They put in a total of 12 volunteer hours and this book sale close was one of the best organized to date with their help.

Acclaimed Artist, Marsha Hamby Savage, Speaks at Smyrna Public Library

Thank you, Marsha Hamby Savage, for your wonderful presentation today at the monthly Sunday Lecture.   If you have not seen Ms. Savage’s art exhibit at the Smyrna Public Library, it’s on display through the end of the month in the 2nd Floor Art Gallery.

Lecture Synopsis: 

Ms. Savage discussed her exhibit in the library's upper level galleries. Based in Smyrna, Ms Savage is a seasoned artist with over 50 years of experience, known for her vibrant landscape paintings in pastel, oil, and acrylic. Her deep connection to nature is reflected in her works, which often capture the serene beauty of creeks, rocks, and cascading water. Living in the Southeastern U.S., she frequently paints en plein air, drawing inspiration from both local and western landscapes. Savage's art has been widely recognized, with numerous awards and commissions, including prominent installations at the Georgia State Capitol and various hospitals.

Sunday Lectures are sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

50 New Titles Added to the Wonderbook Collection

The Smyrna Public Library added 50 new Wonderbooks to the collection this week! These books have an audiobook built into them, so young readers can enjoy a print book while listening to the story being read aloud.

The books are wildly popular among families with young children. The library received a donation of $1,000 to purchase books in memory of former library director Doris Morris and her husband Max. The Friends of Smyrna Library matched this donation with an additional $2,000. This allowed the library to purchase these 50 new titles. Enjoy!

Friends of Smyrna Library Purchase Cover One Book Repair Machine

The Friends of Smyrna Library purchased a Cover One Book Repair Machine for Smyrna Public Library over the summer.

The machine uses heat and a special type of glue to repair books with loose pages and broken spines.

Pictured here, Technical Services Associate Lawrence C. repairs a juvenile graphic novel with a completely broken spine. The next day, the glue is set, and the book is ready to check out again!

This is just one of many examples of how your book sale purchases and donations are put to use in the Smyrna Public Library.

Sunday Lecture: Architectural Eras of Smyrna

Thank you, Jennifer Corcoran (r) and Rebekah Helfgot (l), for yesterday’s wonderful and informative "Architectural Eras of Smyrna" lecture at the Smyrna Public Library.

The lecture outlined the evolution of housing and neighborhoods in the city throughout the twentieth century, divided into five architectural “eras”. The presentation included illustrations and examples of the types of houses and neighborhoods that were constructed during each era. Jennifer and Rebekah explaind how local, national, and world events influenced the size, style, and arrangement of our local homes.

Speaker biographies:

Jennifer Corcoran is an architectural historian and NEPA planner for Jacobs Engineering. She has a Master’s degree in Heritage Preservation from Georgia State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Florida State University. She primarily works on environmental and cultural resource documentation for GDOT projects. She lives in a compact Ranch house in Cheney Woods and has been a Smyrna resident for 19 years. She is married and has one child at Campbell High School plus one pup named Apollo. Her favorite thing about Smyrna is living in a walkable neighborhood with school, restaurants, and entertainment close by.

Rebekah Helfgot is an architectural historian for AECOM. She has a Master’s degree in Historic Preservation and a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and History, from the University of Georgia. She works on architectural history surveys and historic evaluations for GDOT projects. She lives in a twenty-first century townhouse in Montclair and has been a Smyrna resident for 4 years. She is married and shares her space with 2 cats, Zoe and Eliot. Her favorite thing about Smyrna are the city events and facilities.

Sunday Lectures are sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

Happy Whimsical Ceramic Art by Karen Fincannon Exhibit Opens In Display Gallery

The September/October 2024 Art Gallery exhibit has opened – Happy Whimsical Ceramic Art by Karen Fincannon Exhibit Opens In Display Gallery.  Ms. Fincannon’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:

I have always been an artist. My first customers were students on the school bus who paid me for my paper dolls. Over the years, I have worked in a variety of mediums, and now primarily work in clay and acrylic paint. Eventually, I earned degrees in Photography and Art History from the State University of New York in Potsdam, but after taking a tile making workshop in Ann Arbor, Michigan, I never went back to the darkroom. After a couple of years making the relief tiles, I took a workshop with Lana Wilson at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, which changed my entire way of working with clay.

I like to create things I wish existed. My world is populated with fat, happy animals, including some holding puppets, and some wearing vintage bathing suits. My pieces are all one-of-a-kind, handbuilt ceramic. After constructing my sculptures, they are bisque fired and finished with a variety of underglazes. I like experimenting with different underglazes and glazes to achieve bright, happy colors. The sculptures are then fired for a second time. Most sculptures have a matte finish.

I believe that art can be complex, engaging, and finely crafted, while at the same time demonstrating a sense of humor and whimsy. One of the most rewarding compliments I can receive is to be told that I have created something that makes someone happy. Because much of my work is whimsical, people often find it accessible and are easily engaged. They understand that artwork can simultaneously be fun, while also well-crafted.

https://www.karenfincannon.com/

It's the Journey! Fine Art Pastels by Marsha Hamby Savage Exhibit Opens In Art Gallery

The September/October 2024 Art Gallery exhibit has opened – It's the Journey! Fine Art Pastels by Marsha Hamby Savage.  Ms. Savage’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:

I have created art for over 50 years being inspired by and painting mostly landscapes! My love of nature comes naturally because of the era I grew up in. Mom always said don't come back inside until I call you for dinner! That meant go several houses down and play in a creek, or create forts, climb trees, etc. So I paint trees, and rocks and water, just to name a few things that always inspire me!

Play and experimenting with still life, flowers, figures, animals, and some abstract work is key too. An artist is on a journey that never ends, a journey to learn more. That means I have loads of studies and half-finished artwork to return to for trying new ideas.

I participate in several regional plein air events each year. Artists depend on friendships of our fellow travelers in this artistic journey for understanding and discussions about being an artist. That is as much why I attend these events as for the painting part of it.

I have been represented by many galleries, and feel lucky to currently have three great galleries in Georgia. Invitational shows, art competitions, personal solo and group shows have always been part of my journey. I am honored to have won awards in some, gaining Signature Status and a few Master Status designations. I say those things for you to know I work hard to keep learning by putting my pieces out there for input. With these experiences I have knowledge to share when giving talks, demos for art organizations, and teaching private students and workshops.

I also say those things for the potential collector of my work. You may connect with a piece of art because of your own life experiences. But, I have found that most collectors are interested in the artist and their life. You can learn a bit about me by reading the descriptions I have for each painting here on my website. And, of course, there is the "About" page.

As we all know, things were in upheaval for the last two to three years. I had hopes 2022 would be a better year for workshops and classes. I did get to teach two workshops for two different art organizations in my general North Georgia area. That was good.

https://www.marshasavage.com/

Sunday Lecture: The Liquor Wars

Thank you, Dr. William Marchione, for yesterday’s fascinating lecture about Smyrna's and Cobb County's relationship with alcohol. The presentation covered the production and sale of alcoholic beverages and how it was one of the most divisive political issue Cobb County faced from its foundation in the 1830s to well into the 20th century.  Dr. Marchione also examined the strident and often violent history of liquor regulation in Cobb County, with particular emphasis on Smyrna and vicinity.

Sunday Lectures are sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

Impressive 2024 Summer Reading Program Statistics Published

The 2024 Summer Reading Program at the Smyrna Public Library was a resounding success. The Friends of Smyrna Library extend special thanks go to the amazing team at the Smyrna Public Library for their amazing work.  Congrats, Smyrna Readers! 

Here are the impressive statistics:

Author Michell Braxton Appears at Reed House

Thank you, Michelle Braxton, for today’s wonderful author appearance, interview, and cooking demonstration at the Reed House in Smyrna. 

Black-Eyed Pea Salad and Zesty Broccoli Pasta Salad were demonstrated and samples served to the attendees.  Signed copies of Ms. Braxton's cookbook, Supper with Love: Vibrant, Delicious, and Comforting Plant-Forward and Pescatarian Recipes for Every Day, were on sale by A Capella Books.  All attendees received entry tickets for a drawing to win beautiful ceramic bowls from East Fork Atlanta.  

The event was opened by Kate Conner of the Friends of Smyrna Library Board of Directors and Smyrna Public Library Director, Mary Wallace Moore.   

Today’s event was sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library through a grant received from Friends of Georgia Libraries.

FOSL Book Donation Processing Explained

We accept book, magazine, music CD, movie DVD, and puzzle donations at the Smyrna Public Library Circulation Desk during business hours.  Here is some information on how we process book donations and realize the maximum value of your gift:

Step 1: Donated books are first reviewed to see if they can be added to the library’s collection as a new title.  Other popular books are saved for future use as replacements for worn, lost or damaged books.  The donated books in this photo would have cost almost $20,000 to purchase.

Step 2:   If a book cannot be added to the collection, it is then reviewed to determine if it can be used as a reading prize.  Hundreds of books are awarded to kids & teens each year.  The Friends of Smyrna Library also provides funds to purchase additional reading prize books when needed.  Some books are used to stock the “Little Library” book boxes in City of Smyrna Parks.   

Step 3: All other books are sorted for sale with the proceeds benefitting the library.  Some books will be priced for our FOSL Bookstore which holds up to 500 books.  It’s on the way to the meeting room on the left. It’s open every day the library is open and cash, PayPal & Venmo are accepted for payment.  Most items are only 75 cents or $1.  Magazines are only 10 cents each.  

We price, box, and store the rest of the high-quality books (up to 90 boxes) for the meeting room book sales like the big sale last weekend.  Books that don’t sell at the big book sales get a second (and third) chance in the FOSL bookstore.

Step 4:  Books that do not sell in the book sales or bookstore will eventually be put in occasional Atrium Pop-Up Sale for 25 cents to $1.  Most (75% to 95%) of the books in Pop-Up Sales usually sell.

Step 5: If a book does not sell after multiple attempts, it goes in the green bin in the parking lot.  The company that manages the book bin pays us when the bin is full.  

Please do not put your donations in the green bin.  Take them to the Circulation Desk in the library during business hours.  We do not have access to the green bin and cannot realize the value of your donation if placed in it.

Step 6:  Any received books that are damaged or soiled are sent to paper recycling, not the solid waste landfill.

Thanks for your donations!

Record Setting Summer Book Sale

This weekend’s Summer Book Sale is one for the record books. We raised more money this weekend than we have at any other book sale since our first book sale in 1990. WOW!!!

Thank you to all of the friendly & kind shoppers who opened their wallets and patiently navigated the crowd when we were super busy.

A HUGE THANK YOU goes to the 65 volunteers who staffed the 100 available volunteer slots over 9 days (many working multiple shifts).

This incredible turnout allowed us to sort and price over 4,000 books & movies for a nice shopping experience.

Thank You, Volunteers, for Book Sale Preparations

Thanks to FIFTY SEVEN wonderful volunteers we are all set for the book sale.  The sale is on Saturday, August 10 (10 am to 4:30 pm) and Sunday, August 11 (1 pm to 4 pm) in the Smyrna Public Library downstairs meeting room.  100 Village Green Cir SE, Smyrna, GA 30080

The sale area is organized as follows: (Click through photos for details.)

Window Wall Tables & Book Shelves and Left Row of Tables: Biography, Business, Christmas, Cookbooks, Crafts, Education, Gardening, Health & Diet, History, Home Improvement, Reference, Religion, Self Help, Sports, Odd & Ends/Other

Center Row of Tables: Fiction Best Seller Hardback, Fiction Best Seller Hardback, Movie DVDs

Right Row of Tables - Children’s Books: Board Books, Picture Books,        Early Readers, Chapter Books, Magazines, Nonfiction, Middle Grade Books, Teen/Young Adult Paperback, Teen/Young Adult Hardback

The 3,500 Books & Movies in the Meeting Room are priced from $1 to $3.  Puzzles are $3 & $5.  Kiddie Pools $5 Local Scene Note Cards are $6.  FOSL Book Bags are $12,  We also received a donation of new ladies pocketbooks and wallets that are individually priced. Book marks $1.

Our FOSL Bookstore outside the meeting room has been stocked with over 500 Fifty Cent Bargains for this sale.    

Cash, Check, PayPal & Venmo accepted for payment.  We do not accept credit cards. However, you can set up a credit card to use with PayPal & Venmo. 

FOSL Announces Lead Teen Volunteers

Join us as we celebrate 2 of our most active teen volunteers, Brandon (l) and Jaylin (r).  Since we restarted post-pandemic teen volunteer activities in 2022, they have put in several hundred hours of volunteer service!  WOW!

They started their High School Senior Year today.  In recognition of their great volunteer service, they earned a promotion to Lead Teen Volunteer today.  They were also awarded a senior project that will run though the school year and, we hope, help them with their college applications.

Brandon and Jaylin, CONGRATULATIONS and THANK YOU!   

FOSL Website Translator Updated

We recently updated our website automated translator.  Click the flags on the upper right on the home page to translate the site into Spanish, Portuguese (Brazilian), French, Italian, German, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. 

www.FOSLga.org

Summer Reading Program Finale: Adventure Around the World

Today’s Summer Reading Finale featured an adventure around the world for the kids (age 3 to 10) without leaving the library!   

The kids learned about 10 famous landmarks and made crafts from different countries. 

Remember Kids, you have until July 31st to complete your summer reading challenge and win prizes for reading!  

The 2024 Summer Reading Program is sponsored by the City of Smyrna, the Friends of Smyrna Library, and Dairy Queen, Spring Rd.    

August Author Event Details: An Afternoon with Michelle Braxton

Author Event: An Afternoon with Michelle Braxton

Sponsored by The Friends of Smyrna Library and Smyrna Public Library
Sunday, August 18, 2024
3:00-4:30 pm
Reed House, 3080 Atlanta Rd SE, Smyrna, GA 30080

Click Here to Register for Free Tickets at Eventbrite
* Age 18 & Older *

Event Description:

The afternoon kicks off with a cooking demonstration with author and blogger Michelle Braxton in Smyrna's historic Reed House. Ms Braxton will make two fresh summer salads. After the tasting, enjoy a conversation with Michelle Braxton and Smyrna Public Library Director Mary Wallace Moore. The event includes snacks and fun summer mocktails. Books will be available for purchase courtesy of A Cappella Books, and a book signing will follow. Pre-purchased books are also available.

Tickets:

Free admission, but reservation tickets are required.
Click Here to Register for Free Tickets at Eventbrite

Pre-purchase a copy of her book Supper with Love: Vibrant, Delicious, and Comforting Plant-Forward and Pescatarian Recipes for Every Day through A Capella Books.

Speaker Biography:

Michelle Braxton is the author of the cookbook, Supper with Love. She is also the creator, writer, recipe developer, and photographer of Supper with Michelle, a blog she founded in 2014 as a way to spread the joy she finds in plant-forward and pescatarian cooking. Preparing every meal with love, she hopes that by sharing her fresh, vibrant, comforting, and veggie-enthusiastic recipes, others can pass on a little bit of that love, too. A firm believer in balance for both food and life, Michelle strives to incorporate as many seasonal, wholesome, and natural ingredients as possible into her dishes. Michelle has contributed to projects like Klancy Miller's For the Culture: Celebrating Black Women and Femmes in Food and Wine and Chitra Agawa's Brooklyn Delhi: Khanna Collective Recipe Zine as well as partnered with brands such as Cuisinart, Kroger Company, and Zwilling J.A. Henckels. Michelle lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Enjoy her popular blog:

https://www.supperwithmichelle.com/

To follow the author on her social channels, see below:

https://www.instagram.com/supperwithmichelle/

https://www.facebook.com/supperwithmichelle

https://www.pinterest.com/supperwmichelle/

https://www.threads.net/@supperwithmichelle

https://www.tiktok.com/@supperwithmichelle

Todd DeFeo Joins the Friends of Smyrna Library Board of Directors

Todd DeFeo joined the Friends of Smyrna Library Board of Directors during last week’s monthly board meeting. 

Bio:

Todd DeFeo has written several railroad histories and is an avid traveler, photographer and amateur historian; he is the founder of The DeFeo Groupe and publisher of Railfanning.org. He believes libraries, including the Smyrna Library, are integral to understanding our histories and telling our communities’ stories, and he is looking forward to contributing his efforts to our city.

The FOSL Board of Directors now has 15 members – 4 Officers and 11 Directors. We are excited to have a fully staffed board so that we can increase our community engagement, fundraising, program sponsorship, and volunteer recruitment.

Welcome New FOSL Board Member, Kevin Howard

Kevin Howard recently joined the Friends of Smyrna Library Board of Directors.

Bio:

As a father, engineer, and STEM educator who has been living and working in the city of Smyrna for the last 24 years, Kevin Howard is pleased to join the board to help support the Smyrna library and further its positive impact on our diverse and vibrant community.

Thank you for volunteering!

Summer Reading Program Event: Arthur Atsma, Magician

Thank you, Arthur Atsma, for the amazing magic show you put on for the kids today.  

Today’s show was geared for 3 to 7 year olds. They were mesmerized and really enjoyed the fast-paced, sleight of hand magical comedy show with lots of audience participation, laughs, and fun.

Arthur Atsma is a unique combination of sleight of hand comedy magician, electronic musician/composer, educator, and inspirational speaker.

His ability to diversify his performances for all audiences makes Arthur Atsma one of the most sought-after clean comedy performers in North America!

The 2024 Summer Reading Program is sponsored by the City of Smyrna, the Friends of Smyrna Library, and Dairy Queen, Spring Rd.    

FOSL Provides $1,000 Grant to Expand Graphic Novel Collection

The Friends of Smyrna Library recently provided a $1,000 grant to expand the library’s collection of graphic novels.  They are now available to be checked out! 

Graphic novels are a popular choice for kids who enjoy reading for fun, and they appeal to readers of all ages and skill levels. They are particularly attractive to younger readers who might be hesitant to pick up traditional books, providing a bridge from picture books to chapter books. 

Additionally, graphic novels can be a valuable resource for struggling readers, helping to expand vocabulary and develop essential reading skills.

Sunday Lecture: The Chattahoochee River Line

Thank you, Phil Ivestor & Guest Presenters, for today’s very informative presentation on the Chattahoochee River Line during the lead up to the Civil War Battle of Atlanta.  Mr. Ivestor is the President of the Concord Covered Bridge Historic District.  

The detailed presentation, attended by a standing room only crowd of 70, covered the troop movements & strategy in advance of the 1864 River Line Battles and the Shoupade Line that ran for six miles from present day Vinings to Smyrna to Mableton near 285.  

Letters from solders to their families were also discussed.  The locations of the 10 remaining Shoupades in the River Line Historic Area were mapped; 3 of which are accessible to the public.

On display were a Shoupade model, battle artifacts, a large map of the River Line Historic Area, and copies of Mr. Ivestor’s book. 

Mr. Ivestor was joined by Roberta Cook and Julie Schrodt from The River Line Historic Area.  Ms. Cook is the nonprofit’s Executive Director and Ms. Schrodt serves as the Secretary.  They elaborated further on the Shoupades and discussed the organization’s mission related to historic and environmental preservation.

Learn more about Concord Covered Bridge Historic District at their website.

Learn more about The River Line Historic Area at their website.           

Summer Book Sale Volunteers Needed

Our upcoming Summer Book Sale requires a lot of planning and volunteers.  We have 100 volunteer opportunities to prepare for, set up, conduct, and break down the Summer Book Sale between Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 11.  

Opportunities are available for adults and students (6th grade and up).  Light duty work is also available during each shift. 

Volunteer duties include sorting books, pricing books with colored price dots, organizing boxed books, sale set up, keeping sale area organized during the sale, assisting shoppers, and sale break down.   

Book Sale Duties  

We use Sign-Up Genius to manage volunteer participation.  It’s easy to use and will email you a reminder a couple of days before your volunteer shift.  If something comes up and you cannot make a shift all you have to do is remove your name from the shift so another volunteer can sign-up.        

Sign-up to Volunteer 

Thank you for volunteering!

WANTED DONATIONS: Gently Used Children’s Books, Magazines, and Puzzles

We are currently soliciting gently used Children’s Books (Board, Picture, EZ Reader, Early Chapter, etc.), Children’s Magazines (Highlights, Scholastic, etc.), Graphic Novels, Young Adult, and Puzzles.  

These donations will be used as reading challenge prizes, added to the library collection, or sold in our Summer Book Sale on Saturday, August 10 and Sunday, August 11.  The sale proceeds will benefit the library.  

Donations are accepted at the Circulation Desk in the Smyrna Public Library during business hours and are requested before August 9.  Thank you for supporting Smyrna Library Kids and Friends of Smyrna Library fundraising.

Save the Date! Upcoming Author Event

Save the Date! Upcoming Author Event An Afternoon with Michelle Braxton

This event is free and requires registration to secure your reservation.

Learn more and register at https://foslga.org/_awithm.htm

More details will be published soon.

 

Smyrna Library Kids Have Read Over 120,000 Minutes So Far This Summer!

Wow!  These are the metrics as of July 1 for Smyrna Library Kids participation in the Summer Reading Program.  The kids have almost 4 weeks left until the challenge ends.  Our Smyrna Library Kids summer reading goal is 200,000 minutes.

The Summer Reading Program is sponsored by the City of Smyrna, the Friends of Smyrna Library and Dairy Queen, Spring Rd.

Pâte de verre & Fritography (Fused Glass Art) by Ann Tewelow Opens In Display Gallery

The July/August 2024 Display Gallery exhibit has opened – Pâte de Verre & Fritography (Fused Glass Art) by Ann Tewelow.  Ms. Tewelow’s exhibit is on display through August 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:

“The beauty of glass with the depth of its reflective qualities and colors has always held a deep fascination for me.” Upon retirement she took up pate de verre and fritography  (methods of art using fused ground glass) and has since added mosaics, etching and sandblasting to her repertoire. She says, "All these mediums have allowed me a wide range of creativity."

Pâte de verre is a sophisticated glassmaking technique that involves creating intricate designs from a paste of crushed or powdered glass that is fired in a kiln to fuse the particles into a solid piece.

Fritography is a glass art technique that uses frit, which is finely crushed or powdered glass, to create vibrant and intricate patterns or images. It is also fired in a kiln. 

Collage Art by Atlanta Collage Society Exhibit Opens In Art Gallery

The July/August 2024 Art Gallery exhibit has opened – Collage Art by Atlanta Collage Society.  The Society’s exhibit is on display through August 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:

Five artists representing the Atlanta Collage Society are now on display through August 30 in the Smyrna Public Library Art Gallery on the second floor.

Collage refers to both the artistic technique of arranging and gluing pieces of various materials onto a supporting surface and to the resulting artwork. Collage is one form of mixed media. It first became popular in 1912 when Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque were innovating Cubism in their painting. Some say Picasso was the first to use collage in his oil paintings.

Because it combines material elements and visual culture, collage creates an exploratory and evocative process for both the artist and the viewer.

Pictured L to R: Cynthia Frigon, Jane Kelley and Ellen Kierr Stein. Not pictured: Jeff Rackley and Aaron Whitmoyer.

www.AtlantaCollage.org

Summer Reading Program Event: Talewise presents Science Heroes and the Adventure of the Lost Treasure

Thank you, Talewise, for today’s interactive and adventurous science show for the Smyrna Public Library Summer Reading Program!

Science and stories collided in this all new, interactive STEM show. The attendees were led on a treasure-hunting adventure deep within the jungle!  The audience helped the performer act out the tale, as they used the events in the story to explore several exciting science concepts: air pressure, energy transfer, physical vs. chemical changes, and more. 

Everyone had fun experiencing the fusion of science and stories!

The 2024 Summer Reading Program is sponsored by the City of Smyrna, the Friends of Smyrna Library, and Dairy Queen, Spring Rd.

Summer Reading Program Event: Mr. Keith the Magic Man presents Wild Adventures at the Library

Thank you, Mr. Keith for the Wild Adventures at the Library show for the Smyrna Public Library Summer Reading Program today.  It was a perfect fit for the theme of this year’s program, Adventure Begins at your Library. 

Keith Karnok, better known throughout Georgia as "Mr. Keith the Magic Man”, and his trusty sidekick “Vern” the talking/singing Gooney Bird helped the kids discover “Wild Adventures at the Library” in their fun magic and ventriloquism reading show about animals, adventure, and reading.    

The 2024 Summer Reading Program is sponsored by the City of Smyrna, the Friends of Smyrna Library, and Dairy Queen, Spring Rd.

Recommended Summer 2024 Reading List

Featured Book:

HOW CAN I HELP YOU by Laura Sims

Other Recommended Selections:

A COURT OF MIST AND FURY by Sarah J. Maas

A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES by Sarah J. Maas

AN UNFINISHED LOVE STORY by Doris Kearns Goodwin

CAMINO GHOSTS by John Grisham

ENTRANCES AND EXITS by Michael Richards

ERUPTION by Michael Crichton and James Patterson

FOURTH WING by Rebecca Yarros

FUNNY STORY by Emily Henry

JUST FOR THE SUMMER by Abby Jimenez

LEATHER AND LARK by Brynne Weaver

OUTLIVE by Peter Attia with Bill Gifford

THE ANXIOUS GENERATION by Jonathan Haidt

THE ASHES & THE STAR-CURSED KING by Carissa Broadbent

THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE by Bessel van der Kolk

THE COMFORT OF GHOSTS by Jacqueline Winspear

THE HOUSEMAID by Freida McFadden

THE WOMEN by Kristin Hannah

THE WREN IN THE HOLLY LIBRARY by K.A. Linde

THIS SUMMER WILL BE DIFFERENT by Carley Fortune

WHAT THIS COMEDIAN SAID WILL SHOCK YOU by Bill Maher

WHEN THE SEA CAME ALIVE by Garrett M. Graff

WHEN WOMEN RAN FIFTH AVENUE by Julie Satow

YOU LIKE IT DARKER by Stephen King

SOURCE: NY Times Bestseller Lists
06/23/2024

Summer Reading Program Event: Cobb County Water System Presents: River Adventure!

Thank you to Ms. Julie and Ms. Nan from the Cobb County Watershed Stewardship for teaching us today about our local rivers and how they help us.  

After a story about rivers, the kids got to make their own puppets of animals that use the river!

The 2024 Summer Reading Program is sponsored by the City of Smyrna, the Friends of Smyrna Library, and Dairy Queen, Spring Rd.

Friends of Smyrna Library Launch e-Mail Newsletter

 

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Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/960ac383c6ac/newsletter-signup