Digitized Issues of Forsyth County News Now Available Online

Forsyth County Public Library and Forsyth County News are pleased to announce that digitized issues of the Forsyth County News, dating from March 16, 1917 through July 30, 1959, are now available online in the Georgia Historic Newspapers website, which can be accessed free of charge by all Forsyth County Public Library cardholders through the library website.

“The Forsyth County News has chronicled life in the area since 1908, so having easy access to our archives will be a great historical resource for our readers and the community at large,” says Forsyth County News Editor Brian Paglia.

Through Georgia Historic Newspapers, users can access information without having to travel to individual newspaper offices or library archives across the state. It isn’t even necessary to learn how to use archival equipment or microfilm readers, as all archived newspapers can be searched and viewed directly in a web browser with no additional software needed.

“This is an interesting project because it offers a way to turn historical printed newspapers into digital records. Those hard-to-search paper records become keyword searchable and can be browsed by date to make finding the desired information so much easier,” says Library Director Anna Lyle.

This initiative between the library and the Forsyth County News is expected to be a two-phase project. The first phase was made possible through a grant from Georgia HomePLACE, a project of the Digital Library of Georgia operated by the Georgia Public Library Service. The second phase, digitizing issues from 1959 to 2012, is expected to take place over the next three years, with a portion digitized and made available each year.

For more information, or for assistance in accessing Georgia Historic Newspapers, please visit the Ask Us desk of any Forsyth County Public Library branch.

Families Kick Off an Out-of-this-World Summer with Free Events at the Library

School is out and the wait is over! An absolutely out-of-this-world summer packed full of space-age fun kicks off at Forsyth County Public Library on May 29.

Free fun for families with children of all ages begins at the Cumming Library’s Summer Reading Kick-Off Carnival on Wednesday, May 29 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and continues at the Hampton Park Library’s Summer Reading Kick-Off Carnival on Thursday, May 30 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Both events include acrobatic performances from Cameron’s One Man Circus and balloon twisting from Once Upon a Fiesta, as well as family-friendly carnival games, activities, and prizes.

Staff from the Post Road and Sharon Forks branches will team up to host a Summer Reading Kick-Off Carnival on Friday, May 31 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Forsyth Conference Center.

The event will include a family concert from Mr. Michael, co-founder of The Learning Groove and the music producer of the bestselling Pete the Cat picture books, along with high-flying, slam-dunking stunts and fantastic gymnastics from Gutsy, the Flying Fox.

Admission to all Summer Reading Kick-Off Carnival events is free and all ages are welcome to attend. Guests who want to see the acrobatic performances and concerts should plan to arrive early, as space is limited.

The kick-off events are only the start of what promises to be a summer full of fun.

“The theme of this year’s summer reading program is ‘A Universe of Stories’ and our staff had such fun planning programs and activities based on planetary science, stars and constellations, and other areas of astronomy and physics,” explains Programming Manager Tracy Walker.

Kids and teens who are interested in engineering or coding will enjoy events such as the Cumming Library’s Aerospace Workshop, Machine Learning Crash Course for Python coding, or LEGO® Robotics program.

Young children can enjoy a full schedule of storytimes, animal and reptile encounters, planetarium shows, and theatrical performances.

Teens and tweens will find weekly activities at the library that include opportunities to paint, make clay sculptures, participate in mystery role playing games and breakout boxes, talk with author Geanna Culbertson about her Crisanta Knight book series, as well as learn how to cook from a local chef.

Adults can also find a fun-filled summer at the library with painting classes, crafting workshops, gardening programs, escape room games, author talks, stargazing events, and even a free concert with rising folk and country star Angela Easterling.

“While our patrons are enjoying these special summer events at the library, I hope they’ll take a moment to browse the stacks or stop by the Friends Bookstores to pick up a book or two to read on vacation, by the pool, or under their favorite shade tree at home,” says Walker.

Library patrons of all ages who register and track their reading this summer can win a variety of prizes.

“Our Beanstack tracking app makes keeping up with what you read – or what your children read – so much simpler. Patrons can enter books quickly, track reading minutes with ease, and even make note of other activities they complete to earn points in our Summer Reading Fun program,” adds Walker.

Patrons from infants to age 18 accumulate points for reading books or engaging in other activities related to this year’s “A Universe of Stories” theme. Upon earning 100, 250, and 500 points, these young patrons can visit any FCPL branch to claim such prizes as a free book, a Frosty from Wendy’s, a Kidz Meal from Zaxby’s, or passes to Stars & Strikes.

Earning 500 points also enters these patrons in a random drawing for grand prizes such as a telescope, a Kindle eReader, movie tickets, and tickets to a Gwinnett Stripers baseball game.

Adult patrons may track their reading to earn points, too. Adult patrons who earn 500 points will be entered in grand prize drawings for eReaders, a YMCA Gift Card, gift cards for popular local restaurants and stores, and a gift bag from The Home Depot.

“We’re so grateful to the FCPL Friends & Advocates and Forsyth County businesses for their support of Summer Reading Fun. It’s so encouraging to know that local business leaders want to take an active role in preventing the ‘summer slide’ by giving our students a greater incentive to keep reading, even when school isn’t in session,” says Walker.

Instructions for registering and earning points for the Summer Reading Fun program are available online. A full schedule of summer programs is available on the library’s event calendar at www.forsythpl.org.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Forsyth County Edition

Visit the Sharon Forks Library May 13-26 to share your thoughts and observations on life in Forsyth County in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Forsyth County Edition.  Add your insights to entries on sweet tea, Forsyth County's best restaurants, Springtime pollen, traffic, red clay and much more. (We’re still waiting for a contributor to explain the kudzu.)

Don’t miss your chance to contribute to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Forsyth County Edition, a one-of-a-kind book that will be appreciated by visitors to the county no matter what galaxy they hail from.

Take a selfie at the contributor's desk to share with your friends on May 25th, the day fans across the globe celebrate the original The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams by wearing towels in his honor. Why towels?

A towel, [The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy] says, is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have. Partly it has great practical value. You can wrap it around you for warmth as you bound across the cold moons of Jaglan Beta; you can lie on it on the brilliant marble-sanded beaches of Santraginus V, inhaling the heady sea vapors; you can sleep under it beneath the stars which shine so redly on the desert world of Kakrafoon; use it to sail a miniraft down the slow heavy River Moth; wet it for use in hand-to-hand-combat; wrap it round your head to ward off noxious fumes or avoid the gaze of the Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal (such a mind-boggingly stupid animal, it assumes that if you can't see it, it can't see you); you can wave your towel in emergencies as a distress signal, and of course dry yourself off with it if it still seems to be clean enough.   

Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Alicia Cavitt
Information Specialist

The Murder on the Links - an FCPL Unreadable Podcast

Have you ever wanted to perform in a podcast? 

On Monday, May 13th, FCPL patrons will show off their talents by performing scenes from Agatha Christie’s The Murder on the Links. If you’ve dreamed of playing the famous fictional detective, Hercule Poirot, you won’t want to miss this opportunity. 

There's no prior experience necessary.  We’ll cast all the roles at 7 p.m. and rehearse and record the show on the spot. Participants will also learn about the public domain and how to avoid copyright infringement.

Join the fun! And be sure to listen to FCPL's Unreadable podcast this summer to hear the performance.

Alicia Cavitt
Information Specialist

Library Limelight: Ann Decherd, Branch Manager, Post Road Library

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!

Post Road Library Branch Manager Ann Decherd (second from left) is pictured with her husband and daughters.

Ann Decherd
Branch Manager
Post Road Library

Where is your hometown?

Fort Myers Beach, Florida

How long have you been at FCPL?

11 years

What other jobs have you had at FCPL?

I have been an Information Specialist, an Information Services Supervisor, and a Branch Manager. I have been lucky enough to work at all four branches!

Why did you choose to work in a library?

I always wanted to be a librarian. When I was thirteen years old, I decided to beat the heat one summer and volunteer at the coolest spot on the island. After one summer I was hooked and decided library school was for me. At first, it was all about being surrounded by books. But, as the years progressed, it turned into a love of research and helping others.   

Describe your job in five words or less.

Help staff provide wow moments! 

What is unique about your job?

Serving as a liaison between branch staff, patrons, and leadership team, my job gives me a unique perspective on how to turn challenges into chances to improve our library system.

What is your favorite part of your job?

I love patron interactions at the desk when I have the opportunity to talk about books! I love the concept of on-the-fly book-talks. More often than not, both the patron and I leave with a new author to explore or a genre to try.  

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

It's not the most exotic, but one of my most favorite places to spend time is Useppa Island, Florida. It is a beautiful private island off the southwest coast with a lot of history. Since you can only get there by plane or boat, it is a quiet spot with no congestion and beautiful beaches.

What are your hobbies?

I am not a hobbies kind of person – not enough patience!

What are you reading right now?

Unmarriageable by Soniah Kamal and Fairies of Sadieville by Alex Bledsoe

Paper books, eBooks, or audiobooks?

Between my failing eyesight and the availability to download a book whenever I want (that patience thing!), I love eBooks!  

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I have been a librarian for 31 years (yikes!) and have worked all types of libraries. I have never had more fun or felt I made more of an impact than working at FCPL. It is an amazing library system!

Register for Summer Reading Fun 2019 and Discover "A Universe of Stories"

Discover "A Universe of Stories" this summer at the library!

Early registration for Summer Reading Fun 2019 begins May 1, 2019 on the library's website or on the Beanstack app.

Journey to Planet Libros

Blast off on a journey to the planet Libros with Ms. Kayla and Ms. Jill as they tell all their fellow space travelers about the Universe of Stories to be discovered this summer in a special YouTube video.

Watch the video to see some of the awesome prizes you can win!

How to Register for Summer Reading Fun 2019

Begin by visiting forsythpl.beanstack.org.

If you participated in Summer Reading Fun 2018, Winter Reading Fun 2018, or 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, you do not need to create a new account. Simply sign in and select Summer Reading Fun 2019.

To create a new account, click “Register an Individual or Family.” You will create your own personal reading account or a reading account for a child.

You can register multiple family members—children or adults—once you are logged in to your account by clicking the arrow next to your name in the upper left hand corner of the screen and then “Add a Reader.”

If you need assistance with registration on Beanstack, please call 770-781-9840 or visit the Ask Us desk at any FCPL branch.

Track Your Reading & Activities Online or on the Beanstack App

To track your activities online:

1. Log in using your Username and Password to access all information about your account, including badges earned and activities completed.
2. Click “Log Reading and Activities” in the upper left hand corner of your screen.
   
   Select “Books” if you would like to enter individual books for 20 points each.
   
   Select “Minutes” if you would like to enter the amount of time you spent reading (every 20 minutes earns 20 points).
   
   Select “Activities” if you would like to log points earned in a variety of ways.
3. If you wish to post a written or picture review of a book, you may do so by clicking “Add a Review” in the upper left hand corner of your screen. You can also browse book recommendations by age group by clicking “Recommendations” in the upper right hand side of the screen.
4. When you are finished logging your books or minutes, click “Close” to return to the home screen.

Track your activities on the Beanstack app:

The Beanstack Tracker app is available in the App Store for Apple devices and on Google Play for Android devices.

Earn Points from May 24 to August 1

There are several ways to earn points this summer:

• Reading one book earns 20 points.
• Reading for 20 minutes earns 20 points.
• Earn varying point values for completing other activity options.

Please note that reading and activities logged during the early registration period between May 1 and May 23 do not earn points toward summer reading prizes.

Exchange Your Points for Prizes

Be sure to track your reading and activities and you could win wonderful prizes.

• 100, 250, and 500 Point Prizes
  Preschoolers, elementary-aged children, and teens can claim a prize for earning 100, 250, and 500 points.
• 500 Point Grand Prize Drawings
  Preschoolers, elementary-aged children, teens, and adults will receive one entry in a grand prize drawing for every 500 points earned.

All prizes must be claimed by August 8, or while supplies last.

Prize Selections

Prize selections may vary by location and are subject to availability.

100, 250, and 500 Point Prizes

• Preschoolers: Shaky egg with FCPL logo, colorful storytime scarf, new board book
• Elementary: Zax Kidz Meal, small Wendy’s Frosty, Fun 4 Free pass from Stars and Strikes, Chick-fil-A treat, new book, McDonald’’s treat, Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers treat (Hampton Park branch only)
• Teens: Zax Kidz Meal, small Wendy’s Frosty, Fun 4 Free pass from Stars and Strikes, Chick-fil-A treat, new book, McDonald’’s treat, Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers treat (Hampton Park branch only), Dutch Monkey doughnut (teens only)

500 Point Grand Prizes

• Preschoolers: Family pass to INK (Donated by INK), Preschool Gift Basket
• Elementary: Telescopes, Room Planetariums, Kindle Paperwhite, and Gwinnett Stripers tickets
• Teens: Horseback Riding Adventure, AMC Gift Basket, Telescope, and River Tubing
• Adult: eReaders, YMCA Gift Card, Restaurant Gift Cards, Shopping Gift Cards, and a Gift Bag from The Home Depot

Find Your Summer Fun at the Library

Visit the FCPL events calendar to find events for kids, teens, and adults all summer long! For the enjoyment and safety of our patrons, program admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis (unless otherwise requiring registration). Please arrive early to secure your place in the program; we will issue tickets to patrons in line 15 to 30 minutes prior to each program (time differs by branch).

Use your library card to place a hold on books and materials in our online catalog. Or, visit the Friends Bookstores to pick up gently used books and magazines to read on your summer vacation.

Summer Reading Fun 2019 is sponsored by FCPL Friends & Advocates and local businesses.

DON'T PANIC: Add your advice for interstellar travelers to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy 2019: Forsyth County Edition

"A towel is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have," according to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

Visit the Sharon Forks Library from May 13 to May 26 and record your own advice for interstellar travelers in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy 2019: Forsyth County Edition.

Once you've recorded your entry, be sure to snap a selfie with the display and share it with us on Facebook or Instagram in honor of Towel Day on May 25.

About The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy has already supplanted the great Encyclopaedia Galactica as the standard repository of all knowledge and wisdom, for though it has many omissions, it scores over the older, more pedestrian work in two important respects. First, it is slightly cheaper; and secondly, it has the words DON'T PANIC inscribed in large friendly letters on its cover. 

This wholly remarkable book has been compiled and recompiled many times over many years and under many different editorships. Containing over 5,973,509 contributions, it is described as a very unevenly edited book and contains many passages that simply seemed to its editors like a good idea at the time.  Most of the actual work got done by any passing stranger who happened to wander into the empty offices one afternoon and saw something worth doing.

Excerpt from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Use Your Library Card to Reserve the Book

Copies of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and other books in the series are available in the library's online catalog.

Log into the catalog with your library card account and place a hold on any book in the series for express pick up at your preferred FCPL branch.