Our June picnic basket themes highlight books for foodies, short stories, classics, and green reads, which include fiction and nonfiction books that have an environmental angle.
The foodie basket includes colorful cookbooks, fun and fascinating fiction for cooks and gourmets, and even a Thai comic cookbook, Noodles, Rice, and Everything Spice by Christina de Witte.
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| Aztec Step Pyramid Image credit: Forsyth County Public Library created in Canva.com |
Juneteenth, a federal holiday celebrated on June 19, marks a pivotal moment in American history. On this day in 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that the Civil War had ended and enslaved people were now free—over two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This day symbolizes the end of slavery in the United States and is a time for reflection, education, and celebration of African American culture and achievements.
To help our community learn more about Juneteenth we've curated a list of insightful and engaging books available at Forsyth County Public Library. Dive into these compelling reads to better understand the significance of Juneteenth and the enduring legacy of resilience and freedom.
This beautifully illustrated children's book follows young Mazie as she learns about the history of Juneteenth. Through the storytelling of her father, Mazie discovers the struggles and triumphs of her ancestors, making this book a perfect introduction for younger readers.
Discover the history of the Lewis and Clark Expedition as presented by Ken Johnston of History Now on Saturday, June 22 at 2:00 p.m. at the Cumming Library. This program is for 6th grade through adults. Get ready to add some adventure to your life!
Melissa
Information Specialist
Here are a few of the winners of the 2023 Libby Book Awards.
Libby is the digital platform Forsyth County Public Library uses to provide patrons with free access to thousands of eBooks and eAudiobooks.
In March, the Libby Book Award winners were officially announced at the first-annual Libby Book Awards. The ceremony was presented on YouTube by podcast duo, the Professional Book Nerds. Books in 17 categories were chosen by voters from over 1,700 librarians and library workers across the country.
Here are a few of the winners of the 2023 Libby Book Awards in several fiction categories.
In 1972, when workers in Pottstown, Pennsylvania were digging the foundations for a new development, the last thing they expected to find was a skeleton at the bottom of a well. Who the skeleton was and how it got there were two of the long-held secrets kept by the residents of Chicken Hill, the dilapidated neighborhood where immigrant Jews and African Americans lived side by side and shared ambitions and sorrows.
Libby is the digital platform Forsyth County Public Library uses to provide patrons with free access to thousands of eBooks and eAudiobooks.
In March, the Libby Book Award winners were officially announced at the first-annual Libby Book Awards. The ceremony was presented on YouTube by podcast duo, the Professional Book Nerds. Books in 17 categories were chosen by voters from over 1,700 librarians and library workers across the country.Here are a few of the winners of the 2023 Libby Book Awards in nonfiction categories. Some of these titles are not owned by FCPL in the eBook or eAudiobook format, but all are in the physical collection.
Introducing: “Where’s Loanie,” a weekly, county-wide scavenger hunt!
As part of our "Adventure Begins at Your Library" Summer Reading Fun program, the FCPL Bookmobile, Loanie, will be parked in a different mystery location in Forsyth County every Friday, June 7–July 12, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., and Friday, July 19, 9:30–11:00 a.m.
To uncover the mystery Bookmobile location each week, participants will need to solve 1–2 riddles posted on the Library’s Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter)X (formerly known as Twitter), and Threads Threads accounts (@FoCoLibrary). New clues will be posted on our social media accounts the Monday and Wednesday before each “Where’s Loanie?” event beginning June 3.
Additionally, clues will be posted weekly on our Bookmarked Blog and library staff will also have clues available in the branches each week for library patrons who aren't using social media.
The FCPL bookmobile is a bright blue, 33 feet long mobile library launched in the fall of 2020 to support the Library’s ongoing mission to serve the entire Forsyth County community. With a collection of 3,500 books, modular furniture, hydraulic wheelchair lift, and a 22-foot awning sheltering a 72-inch television screen, the Bookmobile serves as a rolling ambassador to expand awareness about all the materials and resources Forsyth County Public Library offers Forsyth County residents.
The Bookmobile lowers barriers to using public libraries by bringing books, technology, and resources to areas that are further away from the Library’s physical locations. The name Loanie came about in an Outreach Department meeting a few years ago when someone accidentally combined the names of two of the Bookmobile’s original staff, Lorraine and Joanie. “The name just stuck and couldn’t be more perfect for a mobile library that travels around the county loaning materials and resources for free!” said Leslie Marinelli, FCPL Communications Manager.
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| FCPL Outreach staff: Christine, Kandy, Lorraine, Katie, and Jeanine |
“The Bookmobile currently makes 28 scheduled stops every month at a variety of neighborhoods and schools. This scavenger hunt is a fun way for us to expand our route and partner with local businesses and organizations to bring the Library to new kid-friendly locations across the county,” said Lorraine Lane, FCPL Outreach Manager.
“Each of the mystery locations is a fun destination for kids and families. Adding the Bookmobile to incorporate literacy is just the icing on the cake! We’re hoping families will enjoy working together to solve our clues and go on a unique adventure each week,” Lane continued. “We’ve planned a different theme for each week to make it extra fun for the kids. We’ll also have Summer Reading prizes and activities in addition to everything else you can do on the Bookmobile like get a library card, borrow or return books, use our free Wi-Fi, and more.”
Kids who attend all seven mystery events will receive a free book.
For more information, visit the Library’s website at ForsythPL.org or call the Library at 770-781-9840.
Weekly Themes:
June 7 - Science Lab
June 14 - Bilingual (Spanish) Storytime
June 21 - Wear your favorite costume!
June 28 - Dancing in the streets
July 5 - Big Games Fun
July 12 - PJ Party
*July 19 - Bubble Bonanza! (special time: 9:30–11:00 a.m.)
Leslie Marinelli
FCPL Communications Manager
