Bookmarked: Book Recommendations & News from Forsyth County Public Library

Friday, April 10, 2026

An Afternoon of Jazz with Dwan Bosman Sunday, April 19 at Sharon Forks Library

Dwan Bosman playing the saxophone in front of an orange, gold, and black circular background image.
An Afternoon of Jazz with Dwan Bosman (opens in a new window)

Sharon Forks Library presents an Afternoon of Jazz with Dwan Bosman on Sunday, April 19, 2:00–3:00 p.m. Mr. Bosman will perform the music of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Charlie Parker that jazz lovers of all ages can appreciate. 


There is never an end. There are always new sounds to imagine; new feelings to get at.
John Coltrane   

These illustrated biographies from our juvenile collection highlight the stories and artists behind some of the iconic jazz artists that inspired Dwan Bosman's own musical journey. 

Book cover of Spirit Seeker.

Vibrant acrylic paintings and mixed media illustrations reveal saxophonist John Coltrane’s musical and spiritual journeys. This biography describes Coltrane’s musical calling, and the thrill of playing alongside his heroes like Dizzy Gillespie, John Hodges, and Miles Davis. The book also describes Coltrane’s spiritual journey, revealing how his battles with addiction led to him losing his job playing with the Miles Davis Band, and how that setback changed his life. Coltrane returned to his family roots and spent time in meditation. After overcoming his addiction, he was able to perform even better than before, revolutionizing jazz, recording his own record, leading his own group and becoming a jazz legend of his own.  


Book cover of Birth of Cool.

Birth of the Cool describes Miles Davis' musical journey from listening to the music of Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington on the radio, receiving a trumpet for his thirteenth birthday, feeling overlooked in the high school band, and discovering bebop. Miles Davis' lucky break came when he was asked to fill in for an absent musician and got the opportunity to perform with Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Bird Parker. But Miles Davis had his own ideas about music and became a master at improvising short, soulful solos. Miles Davis even developed his own style of music,—cool jazz and variations like modal jazz, hard bop, and fusion all inspired by the sounds of his youth. 

Alicia Cavitt
Information Specialist
Sharon Forks Library

Event Image Credit: Forsyth County Public Library

Thursday, March 26, 2026

Picture Books About Being Alone

Time alone is as important for children as it is for adults. Children develop independence and their own sense of creativity during time alone. Solitude also allows children time to reflect on their day and work on their own solutions to problems. Here are a few picture books that support the importance of being alone.

This beautifully illustrated book shows why, every so often, being alone is fun. When else can you pretend to be as small as a bug?




Rabbit, Duck, and Big Bear love to do everything together, but discover a secret: they each like to have time alone, too.






This award-winning picture book imagines what artist Isamu Noguchi might have been like as a child. Isamu sees the world through the eyes of the artist he will become. This is a great story to showcase how we all experience things differently from one another.



Leave Me Alone! By Vera Brosgol
This imaginative Caldecott Honor-winning book is about a grandmother who is desperate for some alone time so she can finish her knitting. This humorous story highlights the importance of finding a place to be by yourself.

   



Kim Ottesen
Branch Manager
Post Road Library 

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Meet Sara—FCPL's Latest Library Limelight

I recently sat down with myself to ask—and answer some questions for the March Library Limelight!

Sara wearing a winter coat in a snowy field.


I joined Forsyth County Public Library (FCPL) in July of 2025 as one of the eight Sara(h)s…and also the Communications Specialist. Community is what I value most in life, and I’ve always admired the services and spaces that libraries provide. My school libraries were my safe haven, and I was so excited to see a position that aligns with my creative interests open up at FCPL. I grew up in the area, and the Cumming Library was the first library I ever stepped foot into!


Eight FCPL employees with names that are all variations of the name of Sara(h).

If I had to describe my role in five words or less, it would be “not just talking to people.” No day is the same in the realm of Communications! From assisting with program promotions, to organizing our social media calendar, and even putting on a fashion show in the hallway, there is never a dull moment.

I love getting to visit all the branches, as well as taking a ride on the Bookmobile from time to time! One of my favorite moments so far was joining Joanie and Leslee at a Lobby Stop. It was amazing to see how much of an impact those visits have on the residents, and I even got to show a few patrons how to use Libby.

My least favorite moment so far was accidentally giving a snake nestled on the side of my car a ride to work. I wish I had been calm enough at that moment to take photo evidence, but I have Preetha as a witness!


Collage of travel photos from Sara's favorite trips.

Some of my favorite cities that I have traveled to are Savannah, Chattanooga, and Denver. Any time I travel, I have to find a train or boat ride to go on. In fact, my favorite “ride” at Disney World is the ferry boat that takes you between parks. I have a guilty pleasure of bidding on cheap cameras on eBay, and enjoy documenting my travels with them!


Black tank top with the word Glee bedazzled on it.
A shirt I bedazzled for my best friend. 

Outside of traveling, I am a serial hobbyist. My leisurely activities mostly depend on the season. From spring through fall, I spend my off-days trying new coffee shops and visiting different parks. In winter, I hibernate and craft. This winter’s craft of choice was bedazzling!

When it comes down to paper books, eBooks, or audiobooks, I will always choose paper. I like being completely separated from my phone or iPad notifications when I’m reading. I’m currently reading And a Voice to Sing with: A Memoir by Joan Baez, one of my favorite singers.

I am truly thankful to be part of the FCPL team, where I can help share the incredible materials, programs, and resources that we provide! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on Library happenings.


Social media logos for Facebook, Instagram, and Threads with the FCPL handle: @FoCoLibrary

Sara
Communications Specialist
Forsyth County Public Library