STEAM Rollers to Read Moo by Sharon Creech

Moo by Sharon Creech

This month, STEAM Rollers book club for grades 3-6 will read Moo by Sharon Creech.

Follow the efforts of twelve-year-old Reena, who has recently moved to rural Maine from a big city, as she adjusts to her new environment and unexpectedly bonds with an ornery cow named Zora. STEAM Rollers features STEAM crafts, activities and a discussion based on the selected book.  Join us for a lively discussion and hands-on slime making!   

STEAM Rollers will meet at the Cumming Library on Thursday, March 29 at 4:00 p.m.  No registration necessary

Library Limelight: Mendy Gunter, Branch Manager, Sharon Forks Library

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!

Mendy Gunter
Branch Manager
Sharon Forks Library

Where is your hometown?

Ellicott City, Maryland 

How long have you been at FCPL?

Approaching 11 years

What other jobs have you had at FCPL?

Information Services Supervisor, Cumming Library

Why did you choose to work in a library?

Public libraries have always felt like my second home. I can’t imagine doing anything else. 

Describe your job in five words or less.

Set the tone for branch.

What is unique about your job?

I am the liaison between branch staff and patrons, and Management Team.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Seeing staff happy and patrons who are leaving the library happy.

What’s the most interesting place you’ve lived or traveled?

I’ve traveled to many of the states. One of my more memorable trips was camping in Acadia National Park with my husband before we had kids.

What are your hobbies?

Cooking, reading, gardening

What are you reading right now?

Best Day Ever by Kaira Rouda

Paper books, eBooks, or audiobooks?

Paper books and audiobooks. I love listening in my car and continuing with the print book at home.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Working at Forsyth County Public Library and serving this community is amazing!

Local Teens Complete Leadership and Public Speaking Training This Wednesday

Fifteen Forsyth County students will be surrounded by their mentors and cheering family and friends as they complete the eight-week Youth Leadership Program in public speaking hosted by Toastmasters International at the Post Road Library on Wednesday, February 28 at 6:30 p.m.

“This is the third year that our organization has volunteered to host the program,” says Distinguished Toastmaster Francis Chidambaram of the Navigators Toastmasters Club in Cumming, who led this year’s program.

Students in the Youth Leadership Workshop
practice speaking from prepared
 notes at the Post Road Library.

Toastmasters International is a non-profit organization that helps people develop communication and leadership skills. The Youth Leadership Program provides a supportive and positive experience for students in middle and high school to overcome the nervousness they feel when asked to speak before an audience.

“Each student comes in with a different level of comfort and confidence in speaking publicly. But they all supported one another with constructive feedback and everyone improved their speaking skills,” explains Chidambaram.

Throughout the Youth Leadership Program, students learn to organize their ideas logically and practice presenting those ideas convincingly. They also learn to listen carefully to ideas presented by others. The results of the Program and the students’ practice will be evident at the Graduation ceremony.

For more information on library programs, including a Toastmasters Speechcraft program for adults beginning at the Hampton Park Library on March 8, please visit www.forsythpl.org.

Staff Picks - Adult Non-Fiction

The Blender Girl by Tess Masters

Tess Masters is the blender girl. This is her debut cookbook and it includes a wealth of healthful information written in an easy-to-read manner. She writes about how your blender can become your partner in the kitchen. It can help you bring healthier snacks, drinks and meals to you and your family in a doable time frame. I enjoyed the beautiful photos throughout.

The book is broken down into several sections titled, Healthy Ideas to Blend In, Smoothies and Shakes, Appetizers, Snacks, Dips and Spreads, Salads, Soups, The Main Event, Desserts, Drinks, Juices, and Tonics, Condiments, Sauces, and Creams. I liked the wide variety of recipes with ingredients that can be found in grocery stores.

I tried several of her recipes; Thyme for Corn Chowder (delicious), Fluffy GF Pancakes (best ever), Orange Dreamsicles (yummy) and Dark Chocolate Pudding (great surprise – loved it). My family and I enjoyed every bite. They even asked for seconds.

This book is great for those starting and/or those who are already on a whole food diet. You do need to read the recipes all the way through before you start cooking. I like how Tess talks about things you might be tempted to do and warns you not to do it. For example, when I made the pancakes they took 4 minutes on one side and 3 more minutes after you flipped them. If you rushed the process she tells you that you’ll have soggy pancakes. These pancakes take longer to cook but they are so worth the wait. She was right. There are 100 Gluten-Free, Vegan recipes to try! I’m looking forward to trying more.

Nora St. Laurent

Collection Support Aide

Staff Picks: Need to Know by Karen Cleveland (Adult Fiction)

This is the first book in a long while that I've had trouble putting down. It starts as our protagonist Vivian Miller, a CIA analyst on the rise in the agency, discovers that one of the members of a Russian sleeper cell is closer to her than she could have imagined.  She is the bread winner for her family and has 4 kids, one of them with special health needs, so her job and income is critical to the family. She is faced with a difficult decision: does she turn the information over to her superiors realizing it will threaten her life and family as she knows it? Or does she make the information disappear, committing treason? With flash backs to fill in details of her family and children the suspense builds as the reader goes back and forth with Vivian as she tries to decide how to protect what matters to her most while also protecting the country she loves. The author does a good job of making the reader feel the dilemma and wondering what they would do if they were in the same position. How far would you go to protect your own family?

Lola Nichols
Information Specialist

Staff Picks: Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman (Adult Fiction Audiobook read by the author)

Neverwhere is a Neil Gaiman book written for adults. When I first heard that he was the reader I was skeptical, but he does a great job with multiple voices and accents, keeping them consistent throughout the 10 CD’s. Each CD starts and ends with a brief music interlude, a nice alert that it’s time to change CD’s. This story is about 2 Londons, the one we know and London below. Our protagonist Richard Mayhew discovers an injured young woman named Door on the sidewalk in London. By helping Door he soon becomes entangled in the dark world of London below. He feels utterly lost and not up to the task before him including rats that can communicate through humans, an evil pair that loves to inflict pain, a beast that roams the underground, an angel, and many other unimaginable things. Neverwhere is classic Neil Gaiman  as well as a classic story of good versus evil. It’s an entertaining story about an everyday person trying to cope with otherworldly situations.

Lola Nichols
Information Specialist

#ShelfLife - February 16, 2018

Happy Friday, fellow book lovers! School's out for a holiday break and we've seen lots of patrons visit the library today as they check out books to read over the rainy long weekend.

Please remember that all FCPL locations will be closed on Monday, February 19 in observance of Presidents' Day, but the eLibrary is always open at www.forsythpl.org.

Authors of Instagram were showing us some love on this Valentine week: Cookbook author Elettra Wiedemann stopped by to comment on our photo of her book Impatient Foodie: 100 Delicious Recipes for a Hectic, Time-Starved World. On Valentine's Day we announced that Johanna Luthman, author of Love, Madness, and Scandal: The Life of Frances Coke Villiers, Viscountess Purbeck, will visit the Cumming Library on March 5 as part of our Tying the Windsor Knot royal wedding series.

What was your favorite #ShelfLife photo this week? Leave a comment below and let us know!

It’s warm today (we’re attempting to ignore the wind) and we’re all impatient for spring to arrive. While there’s some rain headed our way, we hope you’ll find a moment to get outside with a good book this weekend. Go wild and take a picnic with you! We’re reading SPRING FEVER by Mary Kay Andrews (@marykayandrews) and IMPATIENT FOODIE: 100 DELICIOUS RECIPES FOR A HECTIC, TIME-STARVED WORLD by Elettra Wiedemann (@impatientfoodie) under a tree full of lovely blossoms. . . What are you reading this weekend? . . Don’t forget that all FCPL locations will be closed on Monday, February 19 in observance of Presidents’ Day. Stop by for your books this weekend, or check them out from your computer or smart device at www.forsythpl.org. #ShelfLife #amreading #FridayReads #spring #marykayandrews #springfever #fiction #impatientfoodie #cookbook #nonfiction #librariesofinstagram #bookstagram #readersofinstagram #goodreads #ForsythReads #FCPLstories

A post shared by Forsyth County Public Library (@forsythpubliclibrary) on Feb 16, 2018 at 8:05am PST

The 2018 Printz Award winner WE ARE OKAY by Nina LaCour (@nina_lacour) and Printz honor titles can be found in our eBook collection on OverDrive and our eAudiobook collection on RBdigital! Visit the eLibrary at www.forsythpl.org to check out one of these titles for young adults today! #ShelfLife #LibraryInMyHand #PrintzAward #winner #teenreads #ya #fiction #OverDrive #RBdigital #loveeaudiobooks #eBooks #bookstagram #shelfie #librariesofinstagram #GeorgiaLibraries #ForsythReads #FCPLstories

A post shared by Forsyth County Public Library (@forsythpubliclibrary) on Feb 15, 2018 at 8:33am PST

The latest Newbery Medal titles, including the 2018 winner HELLO, UNIVERSE by Erin Entrada Kelly (@erinentrada), are ready for download in our eBook collection on OverDrive and our eAudiobook collection on RBdigital! Visit the eLibrary at www.forsythpl.org to check out one of these titles for your young reader today! #ShelfLife #LibraryInMyHand #NewberyMedal #award #winner #HelloUniverse #ErinEntradaKelly #kidlit #childrensbooks #fiction #nonfiction #OverDrive #RBdigital #loveeaudiobooks #eBooks #bookstagram #shelfie #librariesofinstagram #GeorgiaLibraries #ForsythReads #FCPLstories

A post shared by Forsyth County Public Library (@forsythpubliclibrary) on Feb 15, 2018 at 7:56am PST

Trending now on the Bookmarked blog (fcplnews.blogspot.com): @norastlaurent reviews THE MASTERPIECE by Francine Rivers and the crowd goes wild! We noticed lots of patrons requesting that book and we're glad to say some of the additional copies we had on order have arrived and are making their way to patrons now! #ShelfLife #trending #fiction #inspirationalfiction #staffrecommendation #amreading #bookreview #bookstagram #librariesofinstagram #behindthescenes #goodreads #ForsythReads #FCPLstories

A post shared by Forsyth County Public Library (@forsythpubliclibrary) on Feb 14, 2018 at 5:33am PST

Psst! Can you keep a secret? Johanna Luthman, author of LOVE, MADNESS & SCANDAL: THE LIFE OF FRANCES COKE VILLIERS, VISCOUNTESS PURBECK, will visit the Cumming Library soon! Official details will be announced on the library’s Bookmarked Blog (fcplnews.blogspot.com) tomorrow! #ShelfLife #LoveMadnessAndScandal #JohannaLuthman @ung_news #authortalk #writersofinstagram #readersofinstagram #nonfiction #history #love #mother #royalwedding #FCPLstories #ForsythReads

A post shared by Forsyth County Public Library (@forsythpubliclibrary) on Feb 13, 2018 at 10:12am PST

Meet Gregory Maguire, author of WICKED: THE LIFE AND TIME OF THE WICKED WITCH OF THE WEST, during Forsyth Reads Together on Thursday, March 8 at 7:00 p.m. at the Forsyth Conference Center. Free admission. Register at www.forsythpl.org. An Evening with Gregory Maguire is sponsored by Forsyth County Public Library, FCPL Friends & Advocates, The Forsyth County Arts Alliance Fund at the Forsyth County Community Foundation, and BookLogix. #ShelfLife #ForsythReads #FCPLstories #GregoryMaguire #Wicked #amreading #read #communityread #ForsythReadsTogether @booklogix

A post shared by Forsyth County Public Library (@forsythpubliclibrary) on Feb 12, 2018 at 5:21am PST

TEEN Book Club: A book club for grades 6 – 12. Cumming Library – March 6, 2018 at 6:30 p.m.

When Friendship Followed Me Home by Paul Griffin

Our Teen Book Club meets the first Tuesday of the month to discuss a featured book. We’ll also enjoy a craft or activity related to the book. This month’s selection is When Friendship Followed Me Home by Paul Griffin. Seventh-grader Ben, always an outsider, is led into a deep friendship with Halley, who is being treated for cancer, by the special dog he and his adoptive mother take in. No registration required.

Lorraine Lane
Youth Specialist
Cumming Library

Tying the Windsor Knot Series Serves Up Scandal, Sweets, and Style Ahead of Royal Wedding

With the wedding of Britain’s Prince Harry to American actress Meghan Markle coming in just a few months, fans of history and romance should mark their calendars for the Tying the Windsor Knot series on royal weddings at the Forsyth County Public Library.

The first event in this five-part series will be led by Johanna Luthman, Ph.D., Associate Professor of History at the University of North Georgia and author of Love, Madness, and Scandal: The Life of Frances Coke Villiers, Viscountess Purbeck, on Monday, March 5 at 7:00 p.m. at the Cumming Library.

Johanna Luthman, author of
Love, Madness, and Scandal:
The Life of Frances Coke Villiers, Viscountess Purbeck

“Dr. Luthman’s book just arrived on our shelves from Oxford University Press and our patrons who love history and biographies will want to be among the first to check it out,” says Tracy Walker, Programming and Outreach Manager.

Frances Coke Villiers lived in the early 1600s and was forced into a politically convenient marriage. She separated from her husband, but was involved in a scandalous affair and gave birth to an illegitimate child. Her incredible - and tragic - story includes court drama with kings and queens, smallpox, madness, kidnappings, prison breaks, exile, and involvement in civil war.

While this may sound more like a new HBO drama than actual history, Dr. Luthman’s recounting of Viscountess Purbeck’s life will highlight the challenges of living in this period in English history, as well as her determination to keep both her child and her place in society.

Luthman will also present Drama Queens: Exploring the Marriages of Henry VIII, the second portion of the royal wedding series, at the Post Road Library on Thursday, March 15 at 6:30 p.m.

“England’s Henry VIII is one of history’s most notorious kings,” says Walker.

“He and his six queens are the subject of many popular works of non-fiction and fiction in our collection, but Dr. Luthman will share new perspectives on the politics of his court and the deadly intrigue his wives faced.”

Lauren Duxbury (right), owner and founder of Panbury's

The mid-point of the royal wedding series will bring Lauren Duxbury, owner and founder of Panbury’s, to the Hampton Park Library on Saturday, April 14 at 3:00 p.m. for Pie in the Sky: British Treats and Traditions.

“Panbury’s was recognized by Atlanta Magazine, Zagat, and Creative Loafing as making the best savory pies in Atlanta, so we’re delighted to have Ms. Duxbury share the history and traditions surrounding these delicious pastries,” explains Walker.

Duxbury will bring along samples of several sweet and savory British pies for the audience to taste. Admission is free, but advance registration is required for this portion of the royal wedding series.

The last two events in the series will be held at the newly expanded Sharon Forks Library, set to reopen on March 24.

Sordid Affairs: History’s Most Scandalous Marriages will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 22. Luthman, who specializes in issues of love, sex, and marriage in the Tudor and Stuart eras, will reveal secrets behind the clandestine meetings and doomed love affairs of the time.

Finally, in preparation for the festivities surrounding the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in May, library patrons will get a glimpse of royal wedding fashion, both past and present.

Sarah Collins, Associate Chair of Fashion,
Savannah College of Art and Design

From Fashionistas to Fascinators: A Look at Royal Wedding Fashion will be hosted by Sarah Collins, Associate Chair of Fashion at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24.

“Ms. Collins started the fashion program at SCAD Atlanta,” says Walker.

“She has a unique background in both art and fashion that will give our patrons a sense of how historical and contemporary designers work to create fashions for the royal couple, their attendants, and their families.”

For more information on the Tying the Windsor Knot royal wedding series, please visit www.forsythpl.org.

Staff Picks: The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers (Adult Fiction)

The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers

A successful L.A. artist, Roman Velasco appears to have everything he could possibly want—money, women, fame. Only Grace Moore, his reluctant, newly hired personal assistant, knows how little he truly has. The demons of Roman’s past seem to echo through the halls of his empty mansion and out across his breathtaking Topanga Canyon view. But Grace doesn’t know how her boss secretly wrestles with those demons: by tagging buildings as the Bird, a notorious but unidentified graffiti artist—an alter ego that could destroy his career and land him in prison.

Like Roman, Grace is wrestling with ghosts and secrets of her own. After a disastrous marriage threw her life completely off-course, she vowed never to let love steal her dreams again. But as she gets to know the enigmatic man behind the reputation, the jagged pieces of both of their pasts slowly begin to fit together . . . until something so unexpected happens that it changes the course of their relationship—and both their lives—forever.

There is so much in this novel, that I don’t know where to begin to describe it. It's a wonderful character-driven adventure. In the authors’ note to readers she says, “…I wanted to explore two individuals and how traumatic childhood experiences impact their adult thinking and behavior. Can they have a normal life?”…With Christ, all things are possible, but what if faith is lacking?”

This is a powerful topic with rich characterization where the reader is allowed to walk in the character's shoes as they struggle in their spiritual journey, they feel the traumatic pain from childhood and the joys of being set free. This is a masterpiece on so many levels. I’ll be reading this novel again and highly recommend it for your next book club pick. The author includes fifteen discussion questions.

Nora St. Laurent
Collection Support Aide

Wicked Author Gregory Maguire Speaks to Fans at Forsyth Reads Together Event

Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, will visit Forsyth County to speak and sign books for fans at the Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd., at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 8. Admission to An Evening with Gregory Maguire is free, but advance registration is requested.

An Evening with Gregory Maguire is sponsored by Forsyth County Public Library, FCPL Friends & Advocates, The Forsyth County Arts Alliance Fund at the Forsyth County Community Foundation, and BookLogix and is part of Forsyth Reads Together, a county-wide program that encourages the whole community to read, discuss, and participate in programs associated with a selected book.

This year’s book selection is Maguire’s Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, a New York Times bestseller and the inspiration for the hit Broadway musical Wicked. The book is also the first in a four-volume series called The Wicked Years that includes Son of a Witch, A Lion Among Men, and Out of Oz.

“Wicked is a favorite among our patrons. We’re already hearing how excited they are to meet Mr. Maguire and have their well-loved and dog-eared copies of their books signed,” says Tracy Walker, Program and Outreach Manager.

Copies of Wicked may be borrowed from the library. Barnes & Noble will also be on-site during the event to offer copies of Mr. Maguire’s books for sale. Mr. Maguire will sign books following his author talk.

Wicked Discussions

Inspired by the untold backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West in L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, this fantasy novel for adults profiles the green-skinned Elphaba as an animal rights activist striving to avenge her sister's death, not simply an evil villain.

In a reimagined Oz where animals talk and strive to be treated like first-class citizens, Munchkinlanders seek the comfort of middle-class stability, and the Tin Man becomes a victim of domestic violence, readers will find much to discuss on themes of religion, politics, societal norms, and economics.

Readers will gather to discuss the book at the Cumming Library on Thursday, March 1 at 2:00 p.m. After Mr. Maguire’s visit, readers can discuss the book and share their thoughts on his author talk at the Sharon Forks Library on Wednesday, March 28 at 10:30 a.m.

Families Celebrate Forsyth Reads Together

Younger readers are invited to participate in this year’s program by attending the Forsyth Reads Together Celebration from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 1 in the Forsyth Central High School cafeteria.

This family-friendly event is a joint effort between Forsyth County Schools, Humane Society of Forsyth County, Makerspace Forsyth, and Forsyth County Public Library.

“Forsyth County Schools are excited to be working with the Forsyth County Public Library to present a family night filled with music, makerspace activities, storytelling and so much more,” says Kristen Deuschle, District Media Specialist.

Forsyth Reads Together Celebration will include presentations of student work, a Toto and Friends Reading Lounge where children can read aloud with furry friends from HSFC Humane Hearts Pet Therapy program, and a Wizard of Oz-themed LED shadow box activity. Other craft activities and a puppet show for younger children will also be part of the event.

At the celebration, families can enter to win an Admit Four All-Inclusive Ticket package to the Center for Puppetry Arts to enjoy one Family Series Performance, the Create-a-Puppet Workshop, and Museum Exhibits.

Admission to the Forsyth Reads Together Celebration is free and advance registration is not required.

Additional Oz-themed programs for children, tweens, and teens are scheduled throughout March, including Saving Oz, a breakout box adventure at the Hampton Park Library and Storybook STEM, a study of rainbows, tornadoes, and hot air balloons at the Post Road Library.

For more information on Forsyth Reads Together, or to register for An Evening with Gregory Maguire, please visit www.forsythpl.org.

Staff Picks - Adult Non-Fiction

The Sleep Revolution, Transforming Your Life One Night at a Time by Arianna Huffington

Arianna Huffington is the co-founder, president, and editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post Media Group. Arianna Huffington was on the fast track to success. She believed the lie like many other successful individuals did that says, sleep is a waste of time and sleep is over-rated.

Ariana had been running on very little sleep and lots of caffeine for too long when her world came to a screeching halt as she collapsed, hit her desk on the way to the floor and broke her cheek bone. Her body shut down which caused her to reevaluate everything. I was surprised to hear how lack of sleep can be deadly.

The first part of this book talks about the problems caused from lack of sleep and our attitude about sleep itself. I liked how she describes the huge shift our culture has made through the years about sleep. It’s the wake-up call.

The second part of the book talks about solutions. Not everything works for everybody but being aware of the warning signs is the first step. I had no idea that fatigue is a warning sign which tells you trouble is brewing in your body. It’s not time to drink more caffeine or work more. It’s time to stop and evaluate your condition. I appreciated the authors transparency. This is an eye-opening read.  The author gives lots of helpful information to readers so they can find a way to have more restful sleep. This is a must read for everyone.

Nora St. Laurent
Collection Support Aide

Staff Picks: American Radical (Adult Non-Fiction)

American Radical by Tamer Elnoury is a non-fiction book that reads like a fictional spy novel.

Mr. Elnoury is a American Muslim born in Egypt. After graduating from college, he became an undercover police officer. After 9/11, he offered his services to the FBI. He had previously been told that he would be valuable to the FBI because he speaks Arabic.

In September 2012, Mr. Elnoury went undercover to infiltrate an Al Qaeda cell and helped to prevent a train derailment in Canada and a possible Times Square bombing on New Years Eve.

Learning about the life of an undercover FBI agent was fascinating. The Bureau sends their undercover officers to Hollywood for a week of acting classes. Mr. Elnoury credits the acting lessons for doing as much to save his life as any other training that the FBI provided. 

Until I read this book, I never appreciated the effects that working undercover could have on a person. Mr. Elnoury had to spend months calling a man "brother" - a man that he considered to be an evil monster. He had to take another "brother" on a tour of the 9/11 memorial in New York City knowing that the man idolized Osama Bin Laden and wanted to kill thousands of Americans. 

Mr. Elnoury is not the FBI agent's real name since he is still working as an undercover agent. He possibly saved the lives of hundreds of Americans and yet, no one knows  his name. In fact, until I read the book, I really did not have an understanding of just how many potential terrorist attempts are prevented by the hard working men and women of the FBI. I consider Mr. Elnoury, whoever he is, to be a true American hero.


Recommended by:
Amy Weiler
Information Specialist
Sharon Forks Library