“Fall” into Fun at Your Library

It may not feel much like autumn here in our corner of the world, but we’re going to grab a pumpkin-spiced coffee and forge ahead with a season full of fall fun for our patrons.

Here’s a peek at what’s in store for those who love creating fall crafts, listening to spooky music, and curling up with a spine-tingling book:

From the Sublime to the Spooky
Tuesday, October 2 at 6:30 p.m.
Sharon Forks Library

Part of the Music to Your Ears music appreciation series with Dr. Esther Morgan-Ellis of the University of North Georgia, this program shares sublime pieces by Antonio Vivaldi and Joseph Haydn, as well as music that will give you goosebumps!

Frankenstein: Mary Shelley's 'Dare to Scare' and the Questions It Continues to Raise
Thursday, October 4 at 6:30 p.m.
Hampton Park Library

Lyn Froehlich of the University of North Georgia presents the first of two discussions about this creepy classic in our series on The Great American Read.

Science Fiction: Aliens, Animals, and Artificial Intelligence
Saturday, October 6 at 3:30 p.m.
Post Road Library

Dr. Austin Riede of the University of North Georgia will lead a discussion of the allegorical representations of animal, alien, and artificial life in our favorite science fiction books in our series on The Great American Read.

Adult Crafting: Felt Owls 
Sunday, October 7 at 2:00 p.m.
Sharon Forks Library

Create a felt owl to decorate your home for fall! No crafting or sewing experience necessary.

Community Arts and Music: Spooky Spectacular
Sunday, October 14 at 2:00 p.m.
Sharon Forks Library

Get in the mood for Halloween with spooky songs and music in this family-friendly concert presented by the South Forsyth Middle School Chorus and other student musicians.

Día de los Muertos with Coco
Wednesday, October 17 at 1:30 p.m.
Post Road Library

Make Día-inspired crafts, play games and watch the Disney Pixar movie Coco (Rated PG).

Frankenstein Rocks!
Friday, October 19 at 2:00 p.m.
Cumming Library

Literature students from the University of North Georgia will join tweens and teens in grades 4 and up for a celebration of literary monsters. Create your very own painted rock monster masterpiece!

Murder at Skull Manor Costume Ball 
Friday, October 19 at 5:15 p.m.
Sharon Forks Library

Teens in grades 6 – 12 are invited to wear their favorite costumes and help us solve the mystery of the Murder at Skull Manor.

Random Fandom: Haunted Library Maze
Friday, October 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Post Road Library

Teens in grades 6 – 12 can share their favorite chilling fandoms, tell scary stories in a deserted library, and explore our "haunted" library. Feel free to come in cosplay for your favorite fandom!

Ghost Hunting 101 
Saturday, October 20 at 5:30 p.m.
Hampton Park Library

Learn about the methods and devices used during paranormal investigations from Southeastern Institute of Paranormal Research, then go on a ghost hunt in the library! Adults 18+ only, advance registration required.

Adult MakerDay: Clothespin Wreaths
Sunday, October 21 at 2:00 p.m.
Post Road Library

Create a reversible clothespin wreath using holiday-themed scrapbook paper and decorate your space for both fall and winter!

Outdoor Survival Skills with Mark Warren
Tuesday, October 23 at 7:00 p.m.
Sharon Forks Library

Mark Warren is author of Secrets of the Forest and director of Medicine Bow, a primitive school of earthlore. Our discussion will cover plant identification and medicinal uses, fire creation techniques, tracking animals, and other survival topics.

Trick-or-Treat Storytimes
All FCPL branches

Between October 25 and October 31, each branch will host Trick-or-Treat storytimes for young readers to wear their costumes and join a costume parade. Check the Event Calendar at www.forsythpl.org for specific dates and times.

TechLab: FrankenToys 
Thursday, October 25 at 4:30 p.m.
Hampton Park Library

Explore circuits, robotics, programming, and animation as children ages 7 to 14 embrace their inner mad scientists and transform old toys into something new!

Library Haunted House
Friday, October 26, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 27, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sharon Forks Library

Dress in your Halloween costume and prepare for a screaming good time as you wander through spooky rooms packed with literary scares! The whole family is welcome to attend this program, but be warned, you will be spooked. Younger children may want to wait outside.

Harry Potter and the Party at the Post Road Library
Sunday, October 28 at 1:30 p.m.
Post Road Library

Wizards and Muggles of all ages are invited to catch the Hogwarts Express and join us for a celebration of all things Harry Potter! Dress in your house colors (or Death Eater best) or any costume from the Potter-verse for our costume parade.

Frankenstein: Monster and Myth
Tuesday, October 30 at 6:30 p.m.
Post Road Library

Dr. Melissa Schindler of the University of North Georgia presents the last of our discussions about this creepy classic in our series on The Great American Read.

After all that, if you're still craving fun fall activities, please visit the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Story Walk on the Scarecrow Trail at Warbington Farms, 5555 Crow Rd, Cumming. Our staff adapted the classic tale of The Three Little Pigs and built scarecrows representing the pigs and the big, bad wolf. If you like what you see, you can vote for the library in the Warbington Farms Scarecrow Trail contest while you’re there.

If you have questions about any of these programs, please visit the Ask Us desk at any Forsyth County Public Library branch or visit www.forsythpl.org.

Fall Break Fun Starts with Star Wars Reads Day this Sunday

Parents: Keep calm and visit the library during Fall Break. There’s so much for children and families to do!

“We know that lots of Forsyth families are looking for fun and free things to do during Fall Break. All four library branches are hosting programs each day next week, plus we have a few special events planned for the weekends, as well,” says Deputy Director Stephen Kight.

The fun begins with a busy weekend at the Sharon Forks Library.

On Saturday, children and families with special needs can enjoy a sensory-friendly storytime. Then, avid readers and aspiring writers are invited to hear Dr. Leverett Butts of the University of North Georgia speak at the third guest lecture in The Great American Read series. Dr. Butts will discuss the writing process and ways authors conduct research for fiction.

On Sunday, Star Wars fans can visit the Sharon Forks Library dressed as their favorite Star Wars character to meet members of the 501st Legion and participate in a costume parade at Star Wars Reads Day. The event is open from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and fans of all ages are welcome to participate.

“Star Wars Reads Day is a free event and we’ll have activities for all ages, including Star Wars crafts, a Jedi Training obstacle course, Star Wars escape rooms, and a scavenger hunt worthy of a galaxy far, far, away,” adds Kight.

On Monday, the Cumming Library begins a week full of animal activities as the critters from Wildlife Wonders crawl, climb, and slither their way into the library for a show at 3:00 p.m.

Animal antics continue at the Hampton Park Library on Tuesday as author Kristy Hamby hosts a special storytime at 11:30 a.m. featuring her book Chicken Lips, a charming tale about a cow on a quest to learn the meaning of his silly name.

On Wednesday, a very bad cat will visit the Post Road Library. Nick Bruel’s beloved book character Bad Kitty will present a cat-tastic storytime for all ages, complete with songs, stories, crafts, and a chance to take a photo with Bad Kitty herself!

Families will be star-struck at the Hampton Park Library on Thursday evening as we learn about the size and scale of the universe at the Astronomy for Everyone program beginning at 6:30 p.m.

On Friday, a week of Fall Break fun wraps up with crafts, movies, martial arts classes, and a bit of chill time for the older students before they head back to class on Monday.

A full schedule of free Fall Break programs at the Cumming, Hampton Park, Post Road, and Sharon Forks branches of the library is available at www.forsythpl.org.

Visit an Early Literacy Story Walk at Warbington Farms

If your fall plans include a visit to Warbington Farms, but sure to check out the library's story walk located near the tractor in the Family Fun Park.

We're retelling The Three Little Pigs in a shortened story walk format that is ideal for families with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Start at the welcome sign near the front of the tractor, then read the story aloud with your children.

Parents and caregivers will also find five simple tips on the story walk from the library's 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program that will help you practice early literacy skills at home.

Be sure to pick up a 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten flyer at the end your story walk and sign up for the program at forsythpl.beanstack.org.

The Scarecrow Trail at Warbington Farms will be on display September 15 through November 3, 2018.

You can vote for your favorite scarecrows in a special Scarecrow Trail photo album on the Warbington Farms Facebook Page or you can vote in-person at the farm through November 3.

Library Limelight: Nikki Watkins, Human Resources and Finance Manager, Library Headquarters

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

Nikki Watkins
Human Resources and Finance Manager
Library Headquarters

Where is your hometown?

Tuscaloosa, AL

How long have you been at FCPL?

It’s hard to believe but I have been here almost two months!

What other jobs have you had at FCPL?

This is my first job with FCPL.

Why did you choose to work in a library?

I really wanted to work for an organization where I could make a difference and at the same time give back to my community.   

Describe your job in five words or less.

Never a dull moment!

What is unique about your job?

I am very fortunate to have a combination of job responsibilities that include working with people and analyzing numbers at the same time. I love being in an administrative role – Support Services is an excellent fit for me.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Being part of a great team.

Where is the most interesting place you’ve lived or traveled?

I have traveled some in the US, Canada, and Europe but my most interesting trip so far was to New York City. NYC has everything I like to do in one place: Broadway, museums, and sightseeing! 

What are your hobbies?

I really enjoy cooking and I love watching Chopped on the Food Network. Secretly, I would like to compete on the show, but would probably be eliminated in the first round.

What are you reading right now?

I just finished The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt.

Paper books, eBooks, or audiobooks?

I love all three!

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

So far, my first two months with FCPL have been better than I could ever have imagined.  

Chatterbooks, A Book Club for Grades K-2

How the Cookie Crumbled: The True and (Not-So-True) Stories of the Invention of the Chocolate Chip Cookie by Gilbert Ford

How the Cookie Crumbled is the featured book for our September Chatterbooks Book Club for Grades K-2. This book features lesser-known stories about the invention of the chocolate chip cookie (not all of which are actually true) and describes how talented chef and entrepreneur Ruth Wakefield started a restaurant, wrote a cookbook and invented a dessert in three possibly different ways.

Join us for the story, fun food fractions, cookie relay races and making cookie cutter birdfeeders. Chatterbooks will meet on September 27, 2018 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Cumming Library. No registration necessary.

Holly Raus
Youth Specialist