Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Local Authors and Historians to Present Fall Genealogy Series


Fall is just around the corner and as we begin planning family gatherings during the holidays, many of us also begin to wonder about our roots. Where did our family come from? Who were our great-great-grandparents?

Three local authors, two archivists, and a digital librarian will present six events designed to help both amateur and experienced family genealogists discover their own histories as part of the Forsyth County Public Library Fall Genealogy Series.

The series kicks off with local historian Don Shadburn presenting the seminar “Forsyth County History and Genealogy Research” on Sunday, October 19 at 2:00 p.m. at the Cumming Library. Shadburn is recognized as a leading research authority on Georgia families of Cherokee blood. He will share tips for using basic research resources available on Forsyth County history and genealogy.

Those who are curious about their ancestors but don’t have any experience in genealogy or research should join Atlanta History Center Senior archivist Sue VerHoef for “Life in the Past Lane – Beginning Genealogy” on Thursday, October 23 at 6:00 p.m. at the Hampton Park Library. VerHoef will introduce tips and resources to help participants embark on their own ancestral journey.

Digital Projects Librarian Mandy Mastrovita will present the “Digital Library of Georgia” workshop at the Sharon Forks Library on Monday, October 20 at 2:00 p.m. Mastrovita will introduce workshop participants to collections in the Digital Library of Georgia that are helpful to genealogical researchers, such as historical newspapers, tax records, marriage records, death certificates and photo collections. All these resources are available online and may be used free of charge.

Archivist and librarian Angela Stanley will present “Navigating the Genealogy Heavyweights – Ancestry and FamilySearch” on Tuesday, October 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Post Road Library. In this informative classroom-style presentation, Stanley will answer questions on how to access Ancestry and FamilySearch and how to use either resource to discover your family history online.

If you’re interested in local history, you won’t want to miss Atlanta author Joe Dabney as he discusses his book Mountain Spirits on Wednesday, October 22 at 2:00 p.m. at the Cumming Library. The folklore of moonshine whiskey is full of fact and fiction, but the real characters tell stories even more humorous and exciting. Dabney will share interviews about actual moonshiners to help illuminate the origins and development of the art of making whiskey.

But such law-breaking wasn’t just limited to the mountains. Join author Laurel-Ann Dooley as she discusses the underworld of Atlanta’s past from her latest book, Wicked Atlanta. Dooley will take you on a journey through the past as you learn about kidnapping, bribery, wives hiring hit men, and all sorts of criminal debauchery in the city. “Wicked Atlanta – Author Talk with Laurel-Ann Dooley” will be held at the Sharon Forks Library on Saturday, October 25 at 2:00 p.m.

Each event in the Fall Genealogy Series is free, but advance registration is requested. For more information, or to register, please visit www.forsythpl.org.

Monday, September 29, 2014

Staff Picks

Bullied by the neighborhood drug addict and losing his mind to dementia, ninety-one-year old Ptolemy Grey exists on canned sardines and 24 hour news in a rundown apartment filled with memories and debris.   But the sudden death of Ptolemy’s caregiver and an unlikely encounter with a seventeen-year-old girl stir up memories of a lost treasure that the old man would do anything to recover – even if he has to make a bargain with the devil himself!   

Even with his mind and body betraying him, Ptolemy remains a powerful force to be reckoned with -- for both family and foe alike.  The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey is an unforgettable story of love, loss, hope and tragedy from master storyteller and award winning writer, Walter Mosley.
  
Alicia Cavitt
Information Specialist

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Investing Expert to Speak at Sharon Forks Library

If you have purchased a stock, bond, or mutual fund and are not sure what your next step should be, then mark your calendar to attend “Beyond Stocks, Bonds and Mutual Funds – Advanced Investment Concepts” on Tuesday, October 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Sharon Forks Library.

Chris Hardy, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and owner of Paramount Investment Advisors, Inc., will help patrons dig deeper into advanced investing concepts, such as proper portfolio structure, making tax efficient investments, and avoiding the seven most common mistakes individual investors make.

Hardy has been guiding businesses and individuals in making decisions about investments, insurance, mortgages, taxes, and financial planning for over 18 years. He holds several professional designations, including Chartered Financial Consultant and Chartered Life Underwriter.

Hardy is also an Enrolled Agent for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and has earned the right to represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the IRS. Beyond that designation, Hardy is recognized for becoming a Fellow of the National Tax Practice Institute and has completed coursework covering all variances of examinations, audits, collections, and appeals to aid taxpayers in working with the IRS.

Participation in the seminar is free, but registration is requested. To register, please visit www.forsythpl.org.

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Staff Picks

In Boy, Snow, Bird a young woman finds herself cast into the role of the wicked stepmother of myths.   I love Helen Oyeyemi’s unique style of Magical Realism in this atmospheric story set in 1950’s New England.  

Family secrets (and the lengths that individuals go to protect them) lie at the heart of this intriguing novel.

Alicia Cavitt
Information Specialist


Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Chatterbooks: A Book Club for Grades K-2

Chatterbooks: A Book Club for Grades K-2 meets at the Cumming Library on September 25th at 4:30 p.m.  

The Most Magnificent Thing is about a little girl perfectionist and her best friend, a dog. One day she has a wonderful idea to build a contraption, the most MAGNIFICENT thing. She sets out collecting her items and starts tinkering with them. Frustration sets in, as things just aren't turning out like she planned. In steps her best friend to help give her a new and fresh perspective. A great picture book about persevering, friendship and the end result. This book is the featured selection for the new Chatterbooks book club. Registration is recommended.

Lorraine Lane
Information Specialist Youth Services

Reading Rules: A Book Club for Grades 3-6

Reading Rules: A Book Club for Grades 3 - 6 meets at the Cumming Library on  September 25th at 1:00 p.m.  

Have you ever wanted to keep something that wasn't yours? In Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, a young boy named Marty is hiking in the woods and comes across a beagle that follows him home. Marty wants to keep the dog, however his father makes him return it to the owner. The owner is not a very nice man and treats his animals poorly. A few days later the dog returns and Marty decides that he will secretly build a pen for Shiloh in the woods. In order to feed Shiloh, Marty is willing to go hungry, sneaking out a portion of his meals each day. He enjoys caring for and playing with the dog, managing to keep it a secret from his family and friends.   Then one night a terrible accident happens that changes everything.

Reading Rules is a book club designed for schedules of families who homeschool their children, but all children whose schedules allow are welcome to attend.

Lorraine Lane
Information Specialist - Youth Services

Monday, September 22, 2014

FCPL to Host Seminar on Ebola, Give Flu Shots, and Teach Nutrition

Forsyth County Public Library is partnering with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Walgreens, and Publix to educate residents about Ebola and other infectious diseases, immunize teens, adults, and seniors against influenza, and help those with chronic disease meet their unique nutritional needs.

Dr. James Lange of the CDC will present a lecture about Ebola and other infectious diseases at the Sharon Forks Library on Wednesday, October 8, 2014, at 6:30 p.m. This event is free to the public and is intended for adults and teens.

Dr. Lange’s presentation will focus on the facts about Ebola, including what it is, how it spreads, and how it is treated. He will also discuss infectious diseases, such as influenza and the common cold, and talk about the importance of vaccinations and other prevention tips. Advance registration is recommended for this presentation.

Dr. Lange has a BS and a Masters in Microbiology from Louisiana State University and a PhD of Pathology from University of North Carolina. He has worked as a research Microbiologist for the CDC, as well as assisting international organizations with research, education, and training. Dr. Lange is also a decorated veteran officer of the United States Army and he has managed and conducted research in several domestic and overseas military hospitals.

To help protect against the spread of the influenza virus this flu season, Walgreens will be hosting clinic days at all four library branches. Flu shots will be offered at the Hampton Park Library on Wednesday, October 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Cumming Library on Wednesday, October 8 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Sharon Forks Library on Wednesday, October 22 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and at the Post Road Library on Wednesday, October 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Flu shots will be given by Walgreens Certified Immunizing Pharmacists at a discounted rate of $25.99 for the regular trivalent vaccine or $54.99 for the high dose vaccine given to seniors ages 65 and up. Walgreens will accept cash and checks, or they can process insurance and accept copays.

Advance registration is not required, but patrons may pick up the Walgreens Vaccine Administration Registration form at any library branch to complete before the clinic day. Forms will also be available on clinic day. Patrons ages 13 and up may receive a flu shot. The Flumist nasal spray will not be available during clinic days. If you have a fever on clinic day, you will not be able to receive the immunization.

To help patrons with chronic diseases better manage their health, Publix Pharmacist Amy Knaperek will visit the Sharon Forks Library on Friday, October 24 at 10:30 a.m. to present a program entitled “An Apple a Day.” The seminar will focus on basic nutrition programs for people with certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.  Advance registration is recommended for this seminar.


For more information about these events, or to search for books, magazines, and other resources on health and medicine, please visit www.forsythpl.org

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Mobile Job Training Unit to Visit Cumming Library

The Georgia Mountains Regional Commission (GMRC) Mobile Training Unit will return to the Cumming Library at 585 Dahlonega Road on Tuesday, September 23. The Mobile Training Unit (MTU) will be available to the public from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

The MTU is a unique bus-type vehicle that houses computers and training stations for jobseekers to write or refine their resumes, practice interviewing techniques, and take online skill and interest assessments.

“The MTUs have been operational for over a year and half and we have been able to assist over 1200 individuals,” says Micah Thomas, MTU Instructor with GMRC Workforce Development.

Thomas explains that the MTU operates on a regular schedule to visit nine different libraries in eight north Georgia counties, as well as making periodic visits to two other libraries in the 13-county area that GMRC serves.

We are always excited to visit the Cumming Library as the staff is both very professional and a pleasure to work with,” adds Thomas.

The GMRC offers the Mobile Training Unit as a free service for residents of north Georgia and no advance registration is required.


Additional scheduled visits for the Cumming Library are available at www.forsythpl.org. Visits scheduled at other libraries are available on the GMRC website at www.gmrc.ga.gov/MTU.htm and on the GMRC Workforce Development Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/GMRC.WD

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Bookmarks: A Book Club for Grades 7 & up - Cumming Library - September 25th at 1:00 p.m.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Get ready for the movie by reading the book first!  This quick paced and suspenseful story is about a teenage boy, Thomas, who awakens one day with no memory.  He discovers, as he emerges from a box, that he has been brought to a bizarre village called the Glade, which is filled with other teen boys who also lack their memories.  Everything is deep with mystery, especially the large maze on the border of the Glade.  Although Thomas doesn’t know who he is, he knows he is meant to be out in the maze – even if it is riddled with scary monstrous Grievers.  The entrance of a girl, Teresa, triggers vague memories in Thomas as he discovers that he has a crucial role to play in his strange predicament…before it’s too late!    This title is the featured selection for the Bookmarks book club for teens in grades 7 and up.  This book club meets at the Cumming Library on Thursday, September 25 at 1:00 p.m. and is designed for the schedule of homeschoolers, but all teens available at this time are welcome to attend.

 Registration is recommended.

Julie Boyd
Youth Services Supervisor
Cumming Library




Sunday, September 14, 2014

Page Turners: A Book Club for Grades 3-5 - Cumming Library - September 25th at 4:30 PM

George Brown, Class Clown: Dance Your Pants Off! by Nancy Krulik

Have you ever wished on a star? George did but only half of his wish came true and without the other half of the wish things have become completely twisted from his original intention so when he gets that certain gurgling feeling in his stomach, mischief is sure to follow!  George and his classmates are excited to learn that their teacher, Mrs. Kelly, will appear on a televised dance show (even though they don’t think she is a very good dancer), but when they show their support for her and go to see a taping, the Super Burp proves it is not camera-shy.   This book is the featured selection for the Page Turners book club for children in grades 3-5 at the Cumming Library on Thursday, September 25 at 4:30 p.m. Registration is recommended.

Holly Raus
Information Specialist - Youth Services



Friday, September 12, 2014

Library Limelight: Vanessa Cowie at Hampton Park

Library Limelight is intended to be a quick read to help FCPL patrons get to know our librarians and staff.  We hope you enjoy learning about the people who make our libraries great!

Vanessa puts on her goggles and
lab coat for Summer Reading
Outreach at Chestatee Elementary.
Vanessa Cowie
Information Specialist, Youth Services
Hampton Park Library

Where is your hometown?
I was born here in Cumming, in a small hospital on the square, and was raised in Coal Mountain.
How long have you been at FCPL?
I worked in the Cumming branch briefly in 1992, then returned in 2001, so 13 and half years now.
What other jobs have you had at FCPL?
I’ve worked in circulation, as an Information Specialist, as a supervisor, and as Programming Coordinator.
Why did you choose to work in a library?
I always loved to read, so I wanted to work in a library since childhood. But, in college, I was persuaded to become an agricultural journalist because there were more jobs available in that industry. I edited magazines and newspapers for several years, but then I had an opportunity to work part-time in a library while raising my children. 
Describe your job in five words or less.
Young People, Empower, Delight, Portal, Imagine
What is unique about your job?
I’m into amateur acting and community theatre, so it’s wonderful that I get to tell stories on the job. I enjoy the occasional odd question from a patron. And I also understand the inner workings of our bubble machine.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love matching the right person with the right book. I love the look on a child or an adult patron’s face when they get what they need, whether it’s a book, or a sticker, or giving them a chance to talk, or simply remembering their name or something they like.
What’s the most interesting place you’ve lived or traveled?
I taught English for a summer in China in the 1980s. I lived in Lushan, in central China, and was surprised how much it reminded me of north Georgia. Mountains, pine trees, red clay, and misty mornings.
What are your hobbies?
I love to travel and just got back from a trip to Vancouver. I like hiking and camping, cooking, and, of course, reading. I’m involved in community theatre and have had roles in The Sound of Music and To Kill a Mockingbird at The Cumming Playhouse, as well as Steel Magnolias with the Dawson County Arts Council, and several roles at The Holly Theatre in Dahlonega.
What are you reading right now?
I always have several books going. I’m serving on the Georgia Peach Teen Book Award committee again, so some of the books I’m reading now are candidates for that honor. In the car, I’m listening to The Reluctant Assassin by Eoin Colfer. On my iPhone, I’m listening to A Town Called Alice by Nevil Shute. I’ve got The Summer of Letting Go by Gae Polisner on eBook from our OverDrive library and Six Feet Over It by Jennifer Longo in traditional book format.
Paper books or eBooks?
Both. And audiobooks.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I’m grateful for our wonderful patrons and I’m enjoying the opportunity to interact with them face-to-face more often in this position than I was able to do in my last position.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Teen Team Volunteer Picks

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

This heartfelt novel captivates the reader from the very beginning to the end. Green addresses an extremely relevant conflict as the teens in this book attempt to live a normal life after being diagnosed with fatal cancers. However, the author manages to write from a humorous and lighthearted angle, despite the depressing overall topic. Green does an excellent job of evoking emotion out of the reader as this story unfolds and he keeps the reader engaged with quirky metaphors and a heartwarming love story. This modern love story is crafted wonderfully by Green and is definitely worth reading.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald 

In this book, Fitzgerald captures the essence of the 1920s through the eyes of a newcomer in the social and economic scene of New York City. His frequent stabs at the materialistic ideals of the wealthy give the reader an alternative view to the time period than what is commonly displayed. The mystery and romance included in this book also keep it very interesting. While Fitzgerald does seem to have a more cynical view of the time period, which can become unappealing at times, this book still carries an interesting story and provides a captivating commentary on the American public of the 1920s.

Isabelle
Teen Team Volunteer

FCPL Writing Group

On Tuesday night I attended the first meeting of the FCPL Writing Group at Post Road Library.  Writers of fantasy, thriller, science fiction and non-fiction stories met to ask questions and talk one on one with local author and professor David Darracott.

Darracott’s personal insights into writing and his guidelines for effective workshops were enthusiastically welcomed by the group.  One attendee came prepared with the first pages of her manuscript and passed them out for feedback while several others promised to have pieces ready for the next meeting.

FCPL looks forward to seeing where this creative endeavor will lead.

Alicia Cavitt
Information Specialist

Monday, September 8, 2014

Dragon Con


Dragon Con is one of my favorite weekends of the year and, in my opinion, the best way to spend Labor Day weekend. It is a special event because it celebrates everything pop culture, literature, music, art, gaming, and really anything you may be a fan of.

Dragon Con began in 1987 with only 1,400 attendees and has grown to include all types of fandom and was expected to have over 62,000 people attend this year. It has over 3,500 hours of panels, programming, workshops, concerts, and seminars, so there is something for just about everyone. My favorite thing to do during the weekend is people watch because many attendees create and wear fantastic costumes featuring their favorite characters, many of which are literary based, such as characters from comic books and manga, Hunger Games, Game of Thrones, Jurassic Park, Star Wars, Alice in Wonderland, and I even saw a couple of Dr. Seuss’ Thing 1 and Thing 2!

I also love to attend the Artist Alley and Gallery, which features artists from all over the country. The parade is another must-attend event, as it has over 3,000 participants all dressed up as their favorite characters and can have as many as 80,000 spectators. Dragon Con also offers a lot for book lovers too. There are multiple different tracks with programming dedicated to Fantasy Literature, Science Fiction, Young Adult Literature, Anime/Manga, and Writers development.

Overall, Dragon Con is a great conference to visit, whether you are wanting to meet new people with similar interests, discuss your favorite books, learn more about your favorite fandom, or just see some fascinating people and costumes, and have a lot of fun doing so.


Vikki Doerr
Information Specialist



Friday, September 5, 2014

Library to Loan Over 5,500 New Titles to Mobile Users

Today we are pleased to announce that we have partnered with two digital content distribution services to add more than 5,500 new digital magazines, comic books, manga, and graphic novels to the Forsyth County Public Library eLibrary collection.

Both services, Flipster and Comics Plus, launched on Wednesday, September 3. Patrons can now access the services from computers in any FCPL branch, or from their own Internet-connected computers, tablets, and mobile devices.

Flipster provides a selection of 40 popular weekly and monthly magazines for adult readers, such as Time, Money, Southern Living, Entertainment Weekly, Sports Illustrated, and People. Patrons can browse and checkout magazines by visiting www.forsythpl.org, clicking eLibrary, and then clicking the Flipster icon or they can download the Flipster app for iPad or iPad Mini. An app for Android devices is expected to be released later this year.

Print magazines have always been very popular with our patrons, and in the past few years, more and more magazine publishers have been ceasing publication on some traditional magazines, and going to a digital-only model.  We felt that now is the right time to introduce this digital format to our patrons,” says Linda Kelly, Assistant Director for Materials Services.

Comics Plus will offer over 5,500 comic book, manga, and graphic novels for younger readers, ages 5 to 13+, including Geronimo Stilton, Sonic the Hedgehog, Archie, Big Nate, Ninjago, Naruto, Dragon Ball, and Classics Illustrated. Like Flipster, Library patrons can check out materials from the Comics Plus collection by visiting the eLibrary on www.forsythpl.org.

The popularity of graphic novels in print form has grown tremendously at the Library, says Kelly.

“At times, we can’t keep enough of them on the shelves to meet the appetites of these voracious young readers,” Kelly notes. “So, adding a service that allows these patrons to stream their favorite materials from virtually any computer or mobile device is a good strategy to encourage them to keep reading.”

Both of these new eLibrary services include automatic expirations and returns, so patrons won’t have to worry about late fees. When the borrowing period ends, the title will simply disappear from the patron’s account. Patrons may log back into their Library account for Flipster or Comics Plus to check out the item again, if additional reading time is needed.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Decatur Book Festival

For book lovers the place to be last weekend wasn't the Georgia Dome, Atlanta Motor Speedway, or even Dragon Con.

The only place for true bibliophiles any Labor Day Weekend is the Decatur Book Festival which hosts over 600 authors and is one of the largest independent book festivals in the country.

It was a thrill to be among the 85,000 who attended the event this year.  With so many great authors appearing, the logistics of seeing them all was challenging so I decided to stick to the children’s area where so many of my favorites were meeting their fans and autographing books.

Our first event was Jedi Council with Tony Diterlizzi and Tom Angleberger (pictured below), authors of two very popular series, The Spiderwick Chronicles and Origami Yoda. The audience enjoyed a folding lesson from Tom Angleberger and made origami Luke Skywalkers.   Tony Diterlizzi’s excitement over his upcoming adaptation of the original Star Wars Trilogy was obvious as he revealed scenes from the book’s trailer produced by Lucasfilm.  (Look for The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight to be appearing soon in the FCPL catalog.) Tony's seven-year-old daughter Sophia helped her dad out by signing books and postcards along side him.

The next panel included FCPL celebrities Jennifer L. Holm, the author of Baby Mouse, Stick Dog creator Tom Watson, Magician Mike Lane and award-winning author Jon Scieszka.

Jon Scieszka, donned a fluffy white wig to promote his newest book, Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor.    Mike Lane, coauthor of the Magic Shop series entertained the crowd with magic tricks while Tom Watson taught us to draw Stick Dog.

The highlight of the event for me was meeting so many well-known authors and heading home with my backpack full of autographed books.  For the younger fans it seemed that the best part of the event was meeting Pete the Cat in person.

Alicia Cavitt
Information Specialist

Tuesday, September 2, 2014