Holiday Programs at FCPL

Celebrate the holidays with these special events at the library!

Sensitive Santa

Christmas isn’t always the most wonderful time of the year for children with sensory or other special needs, such as autism. In fact, a visit to sit on Santa’s lap can be downright scary for the children and frustrating for parents that simply want to give their child a good experience with such a time-honored tradition.

This year, the Forsyth County Public Library will offer a Sensitive Santa program in hopes of giving those special children and their families a more positive and memorable experience with Santa Claus. The program will be held at the Hampton Park Library on Saturday, December 13 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

“We understand how challenging it can be for a child with sensory or other special needs to wait in line, be overwhelmed with noises, sounds, and smells, and then rushed to sit on the lap of a person they don’t know very well,” says Stephanie Hampson, Youth Services Supervisor at the Hampton Park Library.  “Many of those families have given up on the possibility that their children might have a positive experience meeting with Santa.  The library offers those families an alternative to long lines, bright lights, and noisy malls.”

Parents of children with sensory or other special needs can sign their children up to visit Santa for a 10-minute session. This gives the child time to get familiar with Santa and warm up to the idea of sitting on his lap or talking to him, rather than being rushed through the visit.

“When Santa visits the library, he’ll be using his best library behavior,” says Hampson.  “Santa’s workshop will have dimmed lights, he and his elves will move slowly, and speak gently.  Instead of waiting in line, families are welcome to bring snacks and we will provide a space for crafts and drawing until it’s time to see Santa.”

The Sensitive Santa event is free and all ages are welcome to participate. Parents are encouraged to bring their own cameras and may take as many photos as they like during their visit with Santa. Questions about the event, including reservations and requests for special accommodations, should be directed to the Hampton Park Library at (770) 781-9840 ext. 6709.

Tis the Season for Stories

This special storytime is a holiday tradition for the library and will include several Christmas stories, a puppet show, and merry music.

“Tis the Season for Stories” will be held at the Cumming Library on Tuesday, December 16 at 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.; at the Sharon Forks Library on Wednesday, December 17 at 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.; at the Hampton Park Library on Friday, December 19 at 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.; and at the Post Road Library on Saturday, December 20 at 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.  No registration is required and all ages are welcome to attend.

Polar Express Parties

For the second year in a row, the library will also host Polar Express events at each of the branches.  The library will celebrate the beloved classic, The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg, and will enjoy themed treats and crafts.  And who knows?  Maybe a special visitor from The North Pole may drop by for a visit!  

Polar Express Parties will be held at the Sharon Forks Library on Monday, December 8 at 6:30 p.m. and Monday, December 15 at 6:30 p.m.;  at the Hampton Park Library on Tuesday, December 9 at 6:30 p.m. and Tuesday, December 16 at 6:30 p.m.; at the Cumming Library on Thursday, December 18 at 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; and at the Post Road Library on Monday, December 22 at 5:15 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Patrons are encouraged to register for one session by visiting the library’s website.  The Polar Express Parties are sponsored by the FCPL Friends & Advocates.

For more information about these programs, please visit www.forsythpl.org.

One World Forsyth Series to Showcase Animals from Around the World

Zookeepers from the North Georgia Zoo will visit the Cumming Library to present “Animals Around the World” as part of the One World Forsyth cultural series sponsored by the Forsyth County Public Library and the FCPL Friends & Advocates on Monday, December 8 at 6:30 p.m.

A bushbaby (pictured above) 

is a type of primate native to Africa. 

The event will include a vast array of animals from the tropics to the desert, from reptiles to insects, mammals, and birds. Professional wildlife educators will explain where in the world certain animals live, what their natural habitat includes, what they eat, how their family groups are structured, and how they behave in their environment. 

Animals such as kangaroo, monkey, lemur, bushbaby, African Serval cat, hedgehog, python, parrot, alligator, tortoise and New Guinea Singing Dog will be presented during the event. Some of the animals will be available for up-close viewing and petting as well.

The library’s One World Forsyth series offers a fun and entertaining way for children, teens, and adults to widen their worldview by learning about geography, plant and animal life, different cultural traditions, celebrations, games, and even different foods from all around the world. One World Forsyth programs will be hosted each month at one of the four library branches on a rotating basis. 

“We launched the One World Forsyth series earlier this fall and have already presented programs for Native American Heritage Month and for the Hindu holiday of Diwali,” says Laura Bradley, Program Manager. “Our next events will include a celebration of Chinese New Year and a program for National Women’s History Month.”

All ages are welcome to attend “Animals Around the World,” but children and families will find the program especially entertaining. Participation is free and no registration is required.

For more information about this event or others in the One World Forsyth cultural series, please visit www.forsythpl.org. 

Hobbyists and Crafters Wanted for Hobby Share Fair - Holiday Edition

The holidays are often a busy time of year for crafters and hobbyists, but the Cumming Library is asking those talented local folks to take a moment to share their expertise with others in the community that would like to learn a new craft or hobby.

The Cumming Library will host a Hobby Share Fair – Holiday Edition on Sunday, December 7 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Crafters and attendees swap stories and share techniques

at the first Hobby Share Fair held at the Cumming Library in July.

Participation is free for vendors, hobbyists, and crafters that would like to display and demonstrate their work. Attendance is also free for all ages of library patrons and those interested in learning a new hobby or craft.

The Hobby Share Fair – Holiday Edition will include booth displays and demonstrations of several types of hobbies, such as spinning, knitting, jewelry making, paper crafts, dream-catchers, needlework, and crocheting.

“We’re excited to welcome the Forsyth County Rug Hookers to this special holiday Hobby Share Fair,” says Jennifer Kovac, Information Services Supervisor at the Cumming Library. “This group meets twice each month at the Sharon Forks Library and dedicates their meetings to learning about rug-making techniques and crafting beautiful rugs in pictures and patterns.”

Spinning the Moon, a local knitting and spinning organization, as well as other local fiber artists, jewelry-makers, and paper crafters are expected to participate.

Vendors will offer demonstrations and some will also be leading hands-on “make-and-take” projects in which patrons may try their hand at a particular art or craft by creating a small sample piece to take home.

“We find that patrons really enjoy doing a make-and-take mini-project with the vendors,” says Kovac. “It gives our patrons a chance to try a craft under another crafter’s experienced guidance and without having to invest so much in tools or supplies to get started.”

Aside from offering new crafters a way to learn certain skills and techniques, participating in the Hobby Share Fair – Holiday Edition allows crafters, hobbyists, and other vendors a chance to share their expertise, and their passion, with other like-minded people.

Admission to the Hobby Share Fair is free and no registration is required. Vendors and crafters should contact Jennifer Kovac at 678-513-9393 to reserve a booth or register online at www.forsythpl.org.

Bookmarks: A Book Club for Grades 7 & up - Cumming Library - December 4th at 1:00 p.m.

War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells

While I enjoy almost all books about aliens and outer space, The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells is even more amazing in that it was written in the 1890’s.  Way ahead of its time and one of the first of its kind, this book is a classic and still in print as it continues to entertain science fiction lovers.  The story covers the invasion of Martians in England during the late 19th century.  The narrator relays the excitement of the events in first person which include his descriptions, thoughts, feelings, and struggles as he watches the fearful demise of mankind.  This book is the December selection for the Bookmarks book club at the Cumming Library. This book club is designed for homeschooled students in grades 7 and up. Other teens who are available in the early afternoon are also welcome. Refreshments, donated by the FCPL Friends & Advocates, will be provided.

Registration is recommended.

Julie Boyd
Youth Services Supervisor
Cumming Library

Page Turners: A Book Club for Grades 3-5 - Cumming Library - December 4th at 4:30 p.m

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein

Twelve year-old Kyle Keeley suffers from having two overachieving, yet loving older brothers. Kyle loves games, not sports or school. When the world’s most famous game maker decides to give back to his and Kyle’s home town, he designs and builds an incredible public library for the citizens of Alexandriaville, Ohio. Kyle and his classmates are encouraged to enter an essay contest to win the chance to see the library before its official opening; the twelve winners get to go to a library lock-in. Kyle is lucky enough to be one of the winners and he and they are awestruck when they actually enter the amazing space. Mr. Lemoncello has ensured that a night in the library will be rewarding in many ways: great food, wacky games, and a tour of the library. The next day, the contestants are surprised to find themselves facing the ultimate challenge: how to get out of the library! Who will work together and who will go it alone: bookworm Sierra, brainiac Miguel, teen beauty Haley, or the insufferable Charles Chillington? Roll the dice and try your hand at this adventure that pays homage to Roald Dahl and E.L. Konigsburg.  This book is the featured selection for the Page Turners book club for children in grades 3-5 at the Cumming Library on Thursday, December 4th at 4:30 p.m. Registration is recommended.

Holly Raus
Information Specialist - Youth Services
Cumming Library

Staff Picks-Adult Graphic Novel

I just finished reading my first graphic novel and it was nothing like I expected.  Instead of the exploits of super heroes and super villains, in Jerusalem: Chronicles of a Holy City, I found an engaging look at what it’s like to live in the volatile climate of modern Jerusalem. 

I almost feel like I have visited the historic city, thanks to Guy Delise’s simple pencil drawings and the very human characters that live in the pages of this book.  I certainly know a lot more about the city and the clashes that arise between devote and non-practicing members of the three major religions that dominate Jerusalem than I did before reading this book.  

Jerusalem is rich in holy sites, customs and conflicts.  Road blocks, check points and tourists from all over the world complicate daily life.  Despite the heavy military presence, there’s also the very serious threat of terrorism and violence. 

Anyone who wants to learn more about the subject or is considering visiting the area will gain some real insight from this unique book.     

Alicia Cavitt

Information Specialist

Staff Picks - Adult Fiction

I thoroughly enjoyed Matthew Quick’s The Good Luck of Right Now, a quirky story about a man who views the world through the eyes of a child and truly shines through adversity.

The passing of Bartholomew Neil’s mother introduces him to a slew of bizarre characters including a priest in crisis, a graduate student with secrets of her own and a brother and sister pair preoccupied with alien abductions.  This unique novel is told through Bartholomew’s soul-baring letters to actor/humanitarian Richard Gere and reveals how one's perception can shape reality.  

While the story's message of courage and redemption is positive, for some readers the adult language may seem extreme.  (One character seems to suffer from anger issues as well as Tourette Syndrome.) Fans of Quick's The Silver Linings Playbook will recognize familiar characteristics and themes.
 

Read more about lost souls with hearts of gold in The Pleasure of My Company written by none other than the actor/comedian Steve Martin.

Narrator Daniel Pecan Cambridge lives in near-isolation due to a severe obsessive compulsive disorder but as this witty novella shows, even a man who can’t cross his own street can wind up a hero.  

Alicia Cavitt

Information Specialist

Free Trial of World Cinema, a foreign films service

Forsyth County Public Library (FCPL) is pleased to announce the launch of World Cinema, a free streaming service featuring foreign films and domestic films from Hollywood’s golden age.

World Cinema is a new film collection provided by Infobase, a streaming video platform the library already uses to deliver non-fiction video clips, films, and television. Because local library patrons are such strong users of Infobase materials, the company offered FCPL a free trial of the World Cinema service through June 2015. FCPL will collect statistics on usage of the streaming service, as well as feedback on the service and collection of films from patrons, and then determine if an ongoing subscription to World Cinema is warranted.

“Many patrons have requested films in other languages, and there is definitely a local audience that enjoys foreign films, so we believe our patrons will like World Cinema,” says Linda Kelly, Assistant Director for Materials.

World Cinema is a unique collection that includes the best of the silent era, groundbreaking international directors, American and European masterpieces, and award-winning contemporary films. Initially, the collection includes 380 films and is expected to expand each month.

Users will have access to German, French, Japanese, Eastern European, Asian, British, African, Indian, Italian, Chinese, Latin American, Turkish, and Middle Eastern films from such directors as Fritz Lang, Georges Melies, Jean Renoir, Akira Kurosawa, Alfred Hitchcock, Federico Fellini, Roberto Rossellini, Yilmaz Guney, and Satyajit Ray. All foreign language films are accompanied by English subtitles.

To access World Cinema from any location, patrons simply visit www.forsythpl.org and click “eLibrary,” then click “eVideos,” and then "Infobase Access Video". From there, you can select "Collections" and browse all Infobase offers, or click "World Cinema" to start streaming the film of your choice. Films may be streamed with unlimited access and are compatible with iPad, PC, Mac, and Android devices.

For more information on World Cinema, please visit www.forsythpl.org or attend the November 8 movie screening to receive an overview of the service.

Library Limelight: Daisy Papa, Materials Department

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!

Daisy Papa
Cataloging Supervisor
Materials Department, Headquarters

Where is your hometown?

Dover, New Jersey

How long have you been at FCPL?

10 years

What other jobs have you had at FCPL?I’ve been a Collection Support Aide (CSA), a Materials Processor, and a Cataloging Assistant.

Why did you choose to work in a library?
Ten years ago, I had two young daughters at home and I wanted part-time work that offered some flexibility. Working as a CSA filled those needs and I’ve always loved to read, so it was a perfect fit.

Describe your job in five words or less.
It’s detail-oriented work.

What is unique about your job?
The level of detail and precision required to maintain the information is something unique to libraries.

What is your favorite part of your job?
I get a great deal of satisfaction from finding and fixing mistakes. If we make sure that the records are accurate and coded correctly, then our patrons can find exactly what they need in the catalog.

What’s the most interesting place you’ve lived or traveled?
Brazil is the most interesting place I’ve lived. The people were so friendly and, as a society, they offered women with children more consideration—special  express lines at the supermarket and bank, for example—than we’re accustomed to here in the U.S.

Thailand is the most interesting place I’ve traveled. After living in the States and then Central and South America, it was interesting to observe cultural differences in Asia—smells and sights of walking on the streets, riding in a tuk-tuk (a motorized rickshaw), and people leaving flowers and offerings to statues of Buddha.

What are your hobbies?
I enjoy reading and working outside—it’s my chance to enjoy a little peace and quiet.

What are you reading right now?
Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick. I don’t typically go for non-fiction, but this one was recommended by my husband and has been an interesting read.

Paper books or eBooks?
Paper, definitely. No one in my family even owns an eReader.

Native American Heritage Month Programs

November is Native American Heritage Month and the Forsyth County Public Library will be marking the occasion with two events designed to bring the history of Cherokee tribes in Forsyth County to life.

First, local author and historian Don Shadburn will discuss our community’s rich Native American history in a program called “Cherokee Countrymen and Mixed-Blood Families of Forsyth County.” The program will be held at the Hampton Park Library on Saturday, November 15 at 3:00 p.m.

Shadburn is widely recognized as the authority on Cherokee history in Forsyth County and has authored several books on the subject, as well as numerous newspaper and magazine articles. The Forsyth County Public Library collection includes all of Shadburn’s books.

“Cherokee Countrymen and Mixed-Blood Families of Forsyth County” is appropriate for teens and adults. The event is free, but advance registration is requested. Please visit www.forsythpl.org to register to attend.

Storyteller Barry Stewart Mann will perform

“Peace Pipes and Talking Leaves: Leaders 

and Lore of the Cherokee” at the 

Hampton Park Library on November 16.

The second event honoring Native American Heritage Month will also be the second event in the library’s One World Forsyth series. Acclaimed storyteller Barry Stewart Mann will present “Peace Pipes and Talking Leaves: Leaders and Lore of the Cherokee” at the Hampton Park Library on Sunday, November 16 at 2:00 p.m.

This program features authentically-styled costumes and props, inventive puppets and staging, and plenty of audience participation to make this a stimulating learning experience that honors the tales, traditions, and contributions of this influential Native American nation.

“Peace Pipes and Talking Leaves: Leaders and Lore of the Cherokee” is appropriate for families and all ages are welcome to attend. The event is free and advance registration is not required.

For additional information about these programs or to learn about other library events, please visit www.forsythpl.org.

Staff Picks

Northanger Abbey by Val McDermid

I enjoyed this modern twist on Jane Austen's classic tale of letting your imagination run away with your senses.

Meredith Bowermeister
Information Services Supervisor