Celebrate National Friends of Libraries Week

Stop by the Smyrna Public Library Atrium and learn about the Friends of Smyrna Library. Members of the Board of Directors will be staffing an information table through the weekend.  

The Friends of Smyrna Library (FOSL) is an independent, non-profit, volunteer organization that supports the Smyrna Public Library through fund raising events and volunteer activities. FOSL is a member of the Friends of Libraries USA organization and is one of the most active Friends chapters in Georgia. Our cash donations and volunteer support provide important enhancements to the library.  

Mayor Bacon & Smyrna City Council Recognize Friends of Smyrna Library Board of Directors

Thank you, Mayor Bacon and the Smyrna City Council for recognizing the work of the Friends of Smyrna Library at last night's City Council meeting. October 20-26 is National Friends of Libraries Week, and the Smyrna Friends will have a table in the library atrium Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Stop by to learn more about all we do for the library.

Left to Right: William M, Mary Ann M, Louisa C, Ellie W, Anne P, Marvin P, GeeGee W, Charles Stannard, Mary Moore (Library Director).  Not Present Due to Injury: Jeff J 

Fall Book Sale Moving to November and Being Held in Smyrna Public Library

To all our loyal book buyers: the Friends of Smyrna Library has moved its Fall Used Book Sale to November. The sale will be four days instead of two, and the location will be the Smyrna Library Meeting Room. The fantastic selection is still the same. So please mark your calendars to visit our sale from November 15-18 during normal library hours. See you then!

First Sunday Lecture Series: The Western & Atlantic Railroad

Thank you, Todd DeFeo, for presenting your lecture this afternoon on the Western & Atlantic Railroad.  

Mr. DeFeo discussed the rich history of the Western & Atlantic Railroad, its impact on surrounding communities, including Smyrna, and his recently published book.

The State of Georgia chartered the Western & Atlantic Railroad in 1836. The railroad aided in the development and growth of many communities between Atlanta and Chattanooga, Tennessee. In constructing the railroad, workers created a winding route that cut its way across the North Georgia landscape. 

During the Civil War, both armies used this vital artery, and it was the setting for one of the war’s most iconic events, the Great Locomotive Chase. The state still owns the Western & Atlantic and has leased it since 1870.

Speaker: Todd DeFeo, author of Western & Atlantic Railroad

Smyrna resident Todd DeFeo has studied railroads since growing up alongside the Northeast Corridor line in New Jersey. He is the editor of Railfanning.org and founder of The DeFeo Groupe. Today, he lives near the historic Western & Atlantic. The images that help make up the visual history in this book come from the many libraries and museums dedicated to preserving the Western & Atlantic’s history, the archives of Railfanning.org, and the author’s collection.

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

Thank You, Smyrna Fire Department Engine No. 1

It’s fire safety month and the amazing firefighters of Smyrna Fire Department Engine No. 1 paid us a fun filled visit this past Thursday! A warm & big thank you to our wonderful firefighters for taking the time to visit us, teach us, and for protecting us everyday!

SMYRNA READS: "Buttons for General Washington" Performance

Thank you, Cathy Kaemmerlen with TattlingTales for teaching us about Revolutionary War spies and Quaker families at this morning's play, "Buttons for General Washington." This event was sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Event Description:

This event is part of "Smyrna Reads: Revisiting the Founding Era." 
For ages 5-12 years old

Set in the Revolutionary War, covering the time frame of October, 1777 through late summer 1778, this is a spy story of one Quaker family, the Darraghs of Philadelphia, who sent secret messages in code developed by the father and oldest son Charles with the coded messages hidden in buttons sewn on a coat.  Seen through the eyes of daughter Anne, who, because of her other brother John’s illness, must deliver the buttons to brother Charles, an aide de camp for General George Washington.

The 45 minute program is designed for elementary grades who study the Revolutionary War.
About the performer:

Cathy Kaemmerlen, professional actress, dancer, and storyteller, is known for her variety of characters, one-woman shows, and for her rapport with audiences.  A performer and “creator of shows” since she can remember, she has toured in schools coast to coast, since receiving a BA in English/elementary education from UNC-Charlotte, and a MFA in dance performance/choreography/theatre at the University of Wisconsin.  She tours through Tattlingtales Productions, the Georgia and South Carolina Touring Arts Rosters, Fulton County Teaching Museums, and has received numerous grants and honors, including Outstanding New Interpreter for her region with the National Association of Interpreters. Author of three non-fiction books.

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Section Members Perform at Smyrna Public Library

Thank you, Christina Smith and Elisabeth Remy Johnson for the exquisite flute and harp recital yesterday. And thank you to Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for your community outreach program. We were entranced.