Emma Davis-Hamilton Speaks on Researching African-American Ancestors

Emma Davis-Hamilton, President of the Atlanta chapter of the African American Historical and Genealogical Society, Director at Large on the board of the Georgia Genealogical Society, and Vice President of the Friends of the National Archives at Atlanta, spoke this afternoon at the Smyrna Public Library.

Ms Davis-Hamilton gave an introductory workshop on genealogy and addressed the challenges of researching African-American family history.  Thank you for presenting today and sharing your expertise!

"Stories of the Civil Rights Movement" is Black History Month Highlight

The Cobb Cluster of the Southern Order of Storytellers and members of the Kuumba Storytellers will share stories about notable African Americans. For all ages to enjoy!

Today’s program is part of Smyrna Library's celebration of Black History Month.

The Cobb Cluster of the Southern Order of Storytellers meets on the second Tuesday of the month at the Smyrna Public Library. Meetings are held from 6:30 – 7:45 PM. Contact Margaret Edinburgh at rose_marje@yahoo.com for information.

Kuumba Storytellers of Georgia is a group of professional storytellers who provide programs in schools, universities, festivals, museums, corporate and community events, and churches.  Their storytelling classes and workshops are available to teachers and anyone who would like to learn more about storytelling.  

Thank you for supporting the Black History Month program at the Smyrna Public Library!

Smyrna Public Library Hosts “Downton Abbey” Afternoon Tea

We had to wait an extra week due to the big snowstorm and Smyrna proved it was just mad about the hit TV show Downton Abbey this afternoon.  

The Smyrna Public Library hosted a classic English afternoon tea from 2 pm to 3:30.  We pulled out the lace tablecloths and fine china and properly attired attendees enjoyed hot tea and scones.

Attendees also enjoyed an exclusive viewing of Episode 6 - Season 4.       

FOSL Sponsors Keynote Event to Celebrate Black History Month 2014

The First Sunday Lecture Series kicked off Black History Month with Christine King Farris yesterday. Ms. Farris is the sister of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the only surviving member of the King family. She is the author of the children's book My Brother Martin and has been on the faculty of Spelman College since 1958. She lives with her husband in Atlanta. 

Ms. Farris spoke on civil rights in America and of her life experiences. This special lecture was the keynote event for Smyrna Library's celebration of Black History Month. The lecture was in the Community Center due to the large crowd.

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

FOSL Sponsors Annual Murder Goes South... Mystery Festival

The annual Murder Goes South... a Festival of Readers and Writers of the Southern Mystery was held today at the Smyrna Community Center. The special guest presenter was Tamar Myers.

Other guest presenters were Debby Giusti, Deborah Malone, Pamela V Mason, Bryan Powell, Larissa Reinhart, Louise B Richardson, Patricia Sprinkle, Lane Stone, Tina Whittle. 

Murder Goes South was first presented by Friends of Smyrna Library in 2003.  The annual event celebrates the history, beauty and tradition of Southern writers of mystery. This year’s event was sponsored with Sisters in Crime – Atlanta Chapter.

Thank you to our guests and attendees for another well done event!  Ms. Myers (left) is pictured next to former Murder Goes South guest presenter Patricia Sprinkle.    

Smyrna Public Library Inaugurates New Monthly Program - LEGO Club

With sponsorship from the Friends of Smyrna Library, the Smyrna Public Library has inaugurated a new program for 2014 and beyond – the LEGO Club!

For ages 5-10, the LEGO Club provides bricks and inspiration for kids to create a different design each month. 

DUPLO bricks will also be provided for kids 4 and under. Check the online library calendar for the monthly date for the club meetings throughout the year.

FOSL purchased the initial inventory of LEGO and DUPLO bricks.  New or gently used donations from the public are welcome.

Winter 2014 Recommended Reading List

The Friends of Smyrna Library recommend the following books for the winter reading season. This season’s featured book is Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich

Accused by Lisa Scottoline 
And The Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
Dark Witch by Nora RobertsDavid And Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell
Dear Life by Alice Munro
Death of an Artist by Kate Wilhelm
Doctor Sleep by Stephen King
Dust by Patricia Cornwell
Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
Fifty Shades Of Grey by E. L. James
I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai with Christina Lamb
Identical by Scott Turow
Inferno by Dan Brown

Killing Jesus by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard
Mirage by Clive Cussler With Jack Du Brul

Nine Horses by Billy Collins

Orange Is The New Black by Piper Kerman

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

Proof Of Heaven by Eben Alexander

Quiet by Susan Cain

Starry Night by Debbie Macomber

Stella Bain by Anita Shreve

Sycamore Row by John Grisham

Tatiana by Martin Cruz Smith

The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg

The Bully Pulpit by Doris Kearns Goodwin

The Devil In The White City by Erik Larson

The First Phone Call From Heaven by Mitch Albom

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty

The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks

The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton

The Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon by Alexander Mccall Smith 

The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult

The Valley Of Amazement by Amy Tan

Things That Matter by Charles Krauthammer

We Are Water by Wally Lamb

Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple

White Fire by Douglas Preston And Lincoln Child

Winners by Danielle Steel

Compiled by FOSL Volunteer