FCPL's Favorite Books of 2026 (So Far...) - PART THREE

Welcome to the third and final installment of FCPL's Favorite Books of 2026 (So Far), featuring book recommendations by our staff, organized by genre. 

Contemporary Fiction

The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025)

Recommended by Sarah, Branch Manager, Denmark Library

Listened to audiobook

What is it about: A darkly comic and warm-hearted novel about an old man on a cross-country mission to reunite with his high school crush—bringing together his adult daughter, two orphaned kids, and a cat who can predict death.

Why they recommend it: Featuring exceptional writing and meaningful themes, this story is filled with humor and heart—plus a cat whose inner thoughts you get to hear! The audio edition is fantastic, and Unlikely Animals by the same author was just as delightful.

The Wedding People by Alison Espach (2024)

Recommended by Kim, Branch Manager, Post Road Library

Read the eBook

What is it about: A darkly funny and moving novel about Phoebe Stone, a recently divorced woman who arrives at a luxury Rhode Island hotel intending to end her life, only to be mistaken for a guest at a massive, chaotic destination wedding.

Why they recommend it: It approaches sensitive subjects through a witty lens, featuring deeply thought-provoking interactions between the protagonist and various characters.

Biography/Memoir

The Boys in the Light by Nina Willner (2025)

 

Recommended by Julie, Youth Services Supervisor, Cumming Library

Listened to the audiobook

What is it about: It follows the parallel journeys of Company D and Eddie Willner, the author’s father, as they are caught up on two sides of World War II.

Why they recommend it: An incredible true story highlighting the remarkable strength of two boys surviving Nazi cruelty, as well as the compassionate soldiers who rescued them. The reality of what they endured is almost unimaginable, making this harrowing true account all the more powerful and exceptionally well told.

Classic

Middlemarch by George Eliot (1871)

Recommended by Ellie, Youth Specialist, Sharon Forks Library

Read the physical book

What is it about: A sweeping Victorian realist novel set in an 1830s fictional English town, exploring marriage, ambition, and social reform. It follows Dorothea Brooke's failed, idealistic marriage to the elderly scholar Casaubon and Dr. Lydgate's financial ruin due to his shallow wife, Rosamond.

Why they recommend it: Virginia Woolf famously described Middlemarch as "one of the few English novels written for grown-up people." Eliot excels at crafting complex characters and revealing profound depth within life's everyday moments. Through its exploration of character desires and choices, the novel thoughtfully examines how significantly society shapes an individual's life. At roughly 880 pages, it is lengthy, but truly worth every second.

Children’s Literature

Wombat Waiting by Katherine Applegate (2026)

Recommended by Riley, Collection Support Aide, Hampton Park Library

Read the physical book

What is it about: A stunning middle grade standalone novel-in-verse about compassion, resilience, and surprising friendships, following a dog named Wombat in the aftermath of a catastrophic fire.

Why they recommend it: This story is absolutely adorable! Seeing dual perspectives from both Wombat and her soul human was truly wonderful. Written as a novel in verse, it is a fast-paced read filled with immense heart and emotion, packing so much narrative power into very few words.

Historical Fiction

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower (2020)

Recommended by Morgan, Information Specialist, Sharon Forks Library

Read the eBook

What is it about: A cozy, witty historical fiction series presented as the unedited journal entries of a young woman named Emma. Set in 1883 London, it follows her daily life, financial struggles, and eccentric neighbors.

Why they recommend it: “Told in the form of the protagonist's journal entries, this series set in 1883 London just oozes charm. Blending historical fiction, romance, and humor with a touch of magical realism, Emma M. Lion is the most Jane Austen-esque heroine I have read in a long time. Emma is such a charming, witty narrator. The love interests are all charming in their own ways. Even the characters you're not meant to like are so funny that it's kind of endearing! I've been reading the eBooks, but I have heard that the audio is exceptional!”

That concludes our three part series. If you're just joining us, catch up on PART ONE and PART TWO, and let us know in the comments if any of our choices were your favorites this year too!   

Jessica Dillard

Information Specialist

Denmark Library

Marvin's World of Wonder at Sharon Forks Library

2026 ended up being a very exciting year for Marvin the Mouse, the Sharon Forks Library mascot. He found his calling to travel across the globe, then shared his experience of world culture, traditions, cuisine, and language with all the kids during Storytime at Sharon Forks through the Marvin’s World Travels series.

This entire series was the brain child of Ms. Stephani. She had the brilliant idea to include my love for languages and world culture in Storytime, and before we knew it, Marvin was on a plane with his boarding pass and suitcase!

Guest presenters, who are native speakers of various languages, shared their language and culturally significant objects from the country they represent for “show & tell.” This brought far off countries into the palms of our young patrons and their families. 

We had presenters who hailed from China, French Canada, Japan, Korea, Maharashtra (India), Tamilnadu (India), and Ukraine.

A big heartfelt thank you to all the guest presenters. We could not have done this without your time and effort. Thank you so much! 

The series was loved by one and all, and we started getting requests from parents to grow this series for elementary-aged kids. 

With Marvin's recent graduation from preschool to elementary school, the timing was perfect for the Marvin's World Travels program to evolve into World Of Wonder (WOW)—an interactive monthly series designed for elementary explorers who are ready to see the world without leaving the library.

WOW is a version of Marvin’s World Travels series geared towards older kids, with more of a focus on geography, history, and culture through hands-on crafts and activities. In September, Marvin traveled to Russia, and he has a fabulous itinerary lined up for the rest of the year! 

Our next adventure for elementary-aged students is on Thursday, October 22, 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Sharon Forks Library. Join us to "land" in a brand-new country and uncover its unique secrets. From the ancient stories that shaped its history to the languages spoken on its streets, we’ll dive deep into what makes every culture special. 

Want even more World Languages for your kids? Your Forsyth County Public Library card gives you FREE access to LOTE4Kids. Read and watch youth story titles and enjoy learning activities in a variety of languages. Each title is also available in English.

Ms. Anu

Youth Specialist

Sharon Forks Library

Adult Nonfiction Staff Pick: No One's Coming by Kevin Hazzard

No One’s Coming: The Rogue Heroes Our Government Turns to When There’s Nowhere Else to Turn by Kevin Hazzard

This is a fascinating nonfiction account of how a small aviation company became a crucial support group for not just the United States but nations around the world. Their company initially grew by flying dangerous cargo that no one wanted to. These included explosives and other potentially volatile and flammable items, as well as, emergency medical evacuation missions.

In 2014, the world's largest Ebola outbreak was occurring in Africa. Two medical volunteers had contracted Ebola and were needing to be returned to the United States for treatment. No one had ever done something like this before and almost no one wanted to. The Ebola virus can have up to a 90% fatality rate if patients do not receive treatment. Thankfully, Phoenix Air had created a prototype of an airtight container that could be fit onto an airplane. Phoenix Air was requested to create a version that could house a contagious patient along with the medically necessary gear to treat them while enroute. Considering the length of the flight and all the material needed, it would need to be able to fit in a large airliner.

A group of experts were pulled together to create, test, and prepare for this never before done feat. An older version plane was acquired that could load the hospital container in and out of the cargo hold. Beyond the container, the plane had to be equipped with air tight containment system for the medical team to enter and exit the container. Time was of the essence and little time allowed for testing.

In July, 2014, the first of two flights left Atlanta for Liberia to collect the first patient and return them to Atlanta so they could be treated at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Due to space constraints, only one patient could be taken. This trip would have to be made twice.

You may remember the headlines and the fear of bringing Ebola to the States. The book details the history of the airline company, the engineering requirements, and the selfless souls who risked their lives to save others.

Joan Dudzinski

Branch Manager

Cumming Library

Meet Tracey Jones—FCPL's Latest Library Limelight

Get to know the newest member of the Forsyth County Public Library Board of Trustees with the Library Limelight!

Originally from South Florida, Tracey Jones moved to Forsyth County in 2007 after she and her husband fell in love with North Georgia while visiting family. They chose to raise their four children here, and over the years, Forsyth County has truly become home for their family.

Tracey has many fond memories of spending time at the library throughout her life. She learned the card catalog and Dewey Decimal System in elementary school, researched Robert Frost in middle school (“I had to get an A on that paper!” Tracey shares), and spent countless hours studying through high school and college—microfiche and all!

When her first child was born in 1997, she started bringing her family to the library for Mommy and Me (similar to Books & Babies at FCPL). It became a place where they could learn, explore, and participate in wonderful child-centered activities that helped foster a love of reading in all of her children.

“The reward for volunteering is usually more volunteering!” Tracey likes to say. She is a volunteer at heart, so when Laura Semanson asked if she would consider serving on the Library Board, it felt like a natural, meaningful opportunity to give back to an institution that means so much to her and her family.

In her new role, Tracey hopes to bring a fresh perspective, a willingness to listen and learn, and a strong commitment to our community. She enjoys bringing people together, asking thoughtful questions, and looking at opportunities from different angles. She looks forward to contributing her experiences and skills while learning from staff, fellow Board Members, and the patrons we serve.

Tracey is excited to explore more of the ways that Forsyth County Public Library (FCPL) serves the county. “At our first Board meeting, I was genuinely surprised by the breadth of programs, services, and resources,” Tracey said. “I was so impressed to learn that our library is a leader in the state!”

She looks forward to further understanding the needs of our community and helping FCPL continue to grow and thrive. Tracey is especially excited about the opportunity to support the library's role as a place where everyone can learn, connect, and feel welcome.

Colorado holds a special place in Tracey’s heart. Her family lived there for a short time years ago, sparking a love of the mountains and an active lifestyle. She and her husband passed their “Rocky Mountain fever” on to their children through annual trips to ski, hike, and enjoy everything the state has to offer. 

Of all the places Tracey has traveled, Copenhagen, Denmark, stands out the most. Because her grandmother was from Denmark, visiting felt like a special opportunity to connect with a part of her family’s history. She loved exploring the city, and one of her favorite memories was how many people thought she was a local. “I took that as a great compliment!” Tracey said.

Tracey’s latest hobby is Mah Jongg! She plays every few weeks with close friends and is absolutely hooked. She also loves hiking and anything involving handcrafting—so much so that her creative passion led her to found two businesses. As a proud season ticket holder, Tracey can’t mention her interests without including the Florida Gators. “I know I’m surrounded by plenty of UGA fans and friends, so… sorry, y’all! Go Gators!” she exclaims.

Up next on Tracey’s reading list is When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi, a book she found so thought-provoking the first time around that she’s returning to it for that same inspiration. When asked the essential question, “Paper books, eBooks, or audiobooks?” her answer is clear: “Not even an ounce of hesitation for me—paper all the way! I love the feel of a real book in my hands and turning the pages. I’m a traditionalist when it comes to reading!”

As she exits the Limelight, Tracey shares a thoughtful message:

“I’m honored to serve alongside such a dedicated team and excited to help give back to a place that has been such an important part of my own life and my family’s.”

Thank you, Tracey, for sharing your story and passion for serving others. We are grateful for your commitment and look forward to seeing your contributions to our library and community!

Sara Higgins
Communications Specialist

FCPL's Favorite Books of 2026 (So Far...) - PART TWO

Picking up where we left off last month, here are some more of our favorite books of 2026 (so far):  

Fantasy

Seek the Traitor's Son by Veronica Roth (2026)

Recommended by Shannon, Information Specialist, Denmark Library

Read the physical book

What is it about: From the author of the Divergent series, this epic, romantic dystopian fantasy tells a story of a soldier and an enemy general who are bound by a prophecy. They face a fateful war, competing for victory while falling for a man tied to their doom

Why they recommend it: Featuring rich world-building and a unique, engaging storyline, the book stands out through its likeable yet tested characters and the compelling arc of the protagonist. While it occasionally dips into young adult angst, the tone remains grounded and appropriate given the hardships the main character endures.

Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett (2026)

Recommended by Leslie, Youth Specialist, Denmark Library

Read the physical book

What is it about: A woman who runs a cat rescue in 1920s Montréal turns to a grouchy but charming magician to help save her shelter in this heartwarming cozy fantasy.

Why they recommend it: “This book was a very fun read! Magic and cats, and cantankerous magicians! There was a bit of sass and snark, and some really fun things with the world building/magic system. The characters! I really enjoyed Agnes, and she had a lot that made her a well rounded character. Our main character, Agnes, deals with some grief over her husband who passed away, and that was one of the things that really resonated with me as I read it. I lost an uncle pretty recently, and the grief comes up at such random times, and it was so interesting to explore that with Agnes and her grief. There were a lot of similarities to the way we felt about our lost loved ones, even as there were some major differences. I also loved that all of the cats had their own personalities, too!”

Staff Picks: Shroud by Adrian Tchaikovsky

Shroud takes place in the far dystopian future after humans have wrecked the earth and have to live in space stations. Society is essentially one mega-corporation and humans spend all their time looking for new planets to extract resources from. We follow one character’s point-of-view, Juna, as a series of events cause her to crash land on a planet with an alien lifeform. Juna makes a desperate gambit to use her damaged escape pod to traverse the pitch-dark, hostile planet to make it back to her space station.

And…surprise! The aliens are there! The aliens get their own point-of-view chapters that are so weird and creative. I’ve never spent more time imagining how a character would look than with these aliens. They’re so remarkably different from anything I’ve read before and such a joy to puzzle out and get to know as characters.

My favorite part of the book is the astoundingly unique worldbuilding. Tchaikovsky clearly describes all angles of this world, from gravity effects to unique biospheres to alien culture, all without any tedious info dumping. The main character is believable in her situation and the plotting rises in an arc that makes the book impossible to put down.

The ending is not quite a twist, but certainly something I wasn’t expecting. Shroud is the first book in a long time to really capture my imagination so completely. It’s been months since I’ve read this book and I’m still thinking about it and recommending it to everyone with even the slightest interest in science fiction!

You can read Shroud in regular print from our collection.

Brooke West
FCPL Outreach Manager

FCPL’s Favorite Books of 2026 (So Far. . .) - PART ONE

With summer ending and marking the half-way point of the year, we are sharing our favorite books of 2026 (so far). Take a look at what we’ve been reading at FCPL and see if your favorite book made our list!

FCPL staff members have shared their top book recommendations from their reading lists so far this year. The selections cover a wide range of genres, from biographies and children's literature to science fiction. 

Based on the staff's favorites, the top-ranked genre was Mystery/Psychological/Thriller, closely followed by Science Fiction in second place, while Fantasy, Horror, and Literary Fiction all tied for third. 

When it comes to format, the team showed a strong preference for traditional print, with over half of the favorite titles read as physical books, and audiobooks coming in as the next most popular choice

This is a very long list, so we're going to break it up into multiple blog posts.

Now on to the books themselves! 

Mystery/Psychological/Thriller

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (2026)

Recommended by Jessica, Information Specialist, Denmark Library

Listened to the audiobook

What is it about: The story follows Natalie Heller Mills, a "tradwife" social media influencer, who wakes up one day in the 19th century, where she must learn how to live without modern society.

Why they recommend it: “The author's writing of the main character's voice is immensely entertaining and lyrical yet propulsive and blunt. Natalie is a character who you find is putting you through a rollercoaster of emotions as you read. First you hate her, then you feel pity for her, then despise her only to feel sympathy for her, and so on. The underlying message of the novel, to be present in life rather than online, is an important one in today's world. This book messes with your head in the best yet most disturbing way. One of the impending questions Natalie has is did she really time travel back to 1855, leaving her 6-month pregnant modern “tradwife” life, or was she kidnapped and is being gaslit into thinking she woke up in 1855 with an entirely different yet hauntingly familiar family and house all for a reality tv show. Or is she in some kind of afterlife created by God, that He placed her there for a purpose she doesn't know yet. The book flips between modern day, Natalie's past, and 1855 which the author blends nicely throughout the book, pulling you into Natalie's reality.”

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston (2024)

Recommended by Gretchen, Youth Specialist, Denmark Library

Listened to the audiobook

What is it about: A thriller driven by themes of identity, ambition, and survival. The story focuses on Evie Porter, a con artist navigating a complex web of deception and danger.

Why they recommend it: This fast-paced and engaging mystery features an entertaining, lovable cast of characters who aren't always who they seem.

Listen For The Lie by Amy Tintera (2024)

Recommended by Haguer, Information Specialist, Cumming Library

Listened to the audiobook

What is it about: Lucy is found wandering the streets, covered in her best friend’s blood, and now everyone thinks she is a murderer. Years later, after moving away to start a new life, Lucy returns to the place she vowed to never step foot in again to solve her friend’s murder, even if she is the one who did it.

Why they recommend it: Blending dark humor, psychological suspense, and podcast-style storytelling, this engaging and unpredictable read keeps you questioning every character and version of the truth right up until the very end.

One of Us Is Dead by Jeneva Rose (2022)

Recommended by Leena, Information Specialist, Sharon Forks Library

Read the physical book

What is it about: The Real Housewives meets murder in this deliciously savage and wildly entertaining thriller.

Why they recommend it: Set in Buckhead, Atlanta, this engrossing and fast-paced story is packed with drama and mystery, keeping readers hooked from beginning to end.

Forsyth County Wins Statewide Reading Challenge!

Congratulations, FCPL patrons: You did it again!  

In addition to being the "busiest library system" in Georgia—with Sharon Forks, Post Road, and Cumming Library holding the top three spots statewide for highest circulation—our community has earned another major bragging right.

Forsyth County Public Library won the statewide Georgia Reads for America250 Beanstack Reading Challenge!

People are going to wonder what's in the water here. 

FCPL patrons achieved the highest per-capita sign-ups in the state, logging 1,576 books and completing 4,270 activities by the 4th of July. The initiative—co-sponsored by the Georgia Public Library Service, the Georgia Council on Literacy, and the Georgia Municipal Association—was designed to foster civic literacy and historical inquiry in honor of America's 250th anniversary. Clearly, Forsyth County showed up. 

A Special Guest for an Incredible Milestone

To honor our community’s achievement, children's author, literacy crusader, UGA grad, and Super Bowl Champion Malcolm Mitchell is making a special visit to the Cumming Library on Monday, September 21, at 10:30 a.m.

Malcolm will help us celebrate by reading his latest book, Hey, Georgia—part of the Georgia Reads for America250 book list—signing books, and posing for photos with attendees. Numerous community leaders and students from Cumming Elementary School are also expected to attend. 

“His story is so inspiring—he’s like the Georgia Dolly Parton of literacy,” said Library Director Adrianne Junius, a fellow UGA alumnus. “It’s perfect that this celebration coincides with Georgia Reads Day and National Library Card Sign-Up Month. There is no better way to celebrate our community than alongside someone who shares our passion for reading.”

State Librarian & Vice Chancellor for Public Libraries Angela Stanley added her congratulations: “We're looking forward to celebrating this community of avid readers! We are deeply grateful for our partnership with the Governor’s Office of Education and Workforce Strategy (formerly the Governor's Office of Student Achievement) to build literacy across Georgia and share the magic of libraries.”

Thank you to every patron who joined this reading challenge, logged a book, completed an activity, and helped bring this honor home to Forsyth County! 

Note: Due to space constraints, seating is limited for the September 21 Read with Malcolm Mitchell storytime. Free event passes will be distributed on-site on a first-come, first-served basis starting 30 minutes prior to the event.

Leslie Marinelli

FCPL Communications Manager

Behind the Scenes: How Unreadable, the Library's Podcast, is Made

“Hello and welcome to Unreadable, the official Forsyth County Public Library podcast for news, upcoming programs, and recommendations. I’m your host, Ross Gericke, the branch manager at Hampton Park.”

Regular listeners to the library’s podcast will likely be familiar with this opening and Ross’s voice. But, have you ever wondered how Unreadable is made? 

History

The podcast was started in 2018, and for a long time, it was a one-man-show. Ross recorded, edited, and released the podcast for the library. 

Early episodes covered The Great American Read, Ghost Hunting, and library resources. Listenership started pretty strong, and this trend continued into 2019. Episodes in 2019 included staff recommendations, interviews with authors Martha Hall Kelly and Jeff Shaara, as well as an interview with professor Dr. Larry J. Young, and an audio drama adapted by Sharon Fork Library’s Alicia Cavitt.

However, it was in 2020, as you can imagine, that the podcast saw a huge spike in listeners. In addition to episodes about library resources and reading challenges, the podcast became an important avenue for disseminating information about virtual programming and reopenings. The episode from April 2020 about virtual programming remains one of our most downloaded episodes of all time.

As lockdowns relaxed and people returned to work and school, 2021 saw a dip in listeners, despite having some of the library’s most beloved episodes, including “A Ride on the Bookmobile” and “The Life Cycle of a Book,” both of which provided behind the scenes looks at the inner workings of the library. In 2022, the podcast took a short hiatus in order to give host and editor Ross a much needed break, and towards the end of the year, a podcast team was formed to help Ross produce the podcast. Despite this break, the podcast’s listenership continued to grow.

In 2023 and 2024, Unreadable saw continued growth. Episodes highlighted programs like the Summer of Jane Austen, Stokerfest, Diwali celebrations, and ghost hunting in the library. Authors Chitra Divakaruni, Lisa Wingate, and Benjamin Herold were all interviewed by Ross during this time, too. 

It is only this past year, 2025, that the Library saw downloads that surpassed its 2020 numbers. Episode highlights from 2025 include an interview with Shelby Van Pelt for Forsyth Reads Together and the Dedication of Denmark Library. As of July 2026, the podcast has 78 episodes!

Most Downloaded Episodes as of July 1, 2026

1. Color Our World: Your Summer Reading 2025 Guide
2. Summer is Back in 2022!
3. Adventure Awaits, Your 2024 Summer Reading Preview
4. Virtual Programming and Services (2020)
5. Forsyth Reads Together with Shelby Van Pelt (2025)
6. Summer Reading in 2020
7. Winter Reading Challenge 2025
8. Census 2020
9. Ghost Hunting at the Library (2025)
10. Winter Reading Challenge 2024

You may have noticed a few trends with our most downloaded episodes. Our Summer Reading episodes are our most popular! This is not surprising since they cover the Summer Reading theme, prizes and grand prizes, and popular events.

The Process

So, what does it look like to make a podcast? 

Well, for starters, this is what Ross sees:

And this is what the editor sees: 

But, let’s start from the beginning. For Unreadable, podcast episodes fall into a few categories: reading challenges, author interviews, book recommendations, and peeks behind the scenes. Many episodes are connected to events and feature interviews with presenters or library staff.

Usually, the podcast team meets a few times a year and maps out what episodes we’d like to do. As the team is made up of staff from different branches, we often ask if there are any library events that would be interesting to talk about or to talk to their presenters. One episode staple is an interview with the Forsyth Reads Together author, who visits Forsyth County for an author talk. This used to be a once-a-year event, but it has become so popular in our community, we started offering multiple events a year beginning in 2025.  

For author interviews, FCPL's Programming Manager Sarah Brubaker often helps coordinate scheduling the interviews. She is also a frequent guest on the podcast for our reading challenge episodes. 

After an interview is scheduled, Ross will read the author’s or presenter’s book and prepare a list of questions. For other episodes, like “Ghost Hunting at the Library,” Ross had a more hands-on interview, where he recorded the active ghost hunt and interviewed the ghost hunter in-person afterwards.

After an interview, the files are then given to the editor (me!). I edit the audio, adjusting the sound levels and removing any pre- and post- interview chat. I try to keep the audio as intact as possible, so that listeners can enjoy the natural flow and rapport. Occasionally I clip out flubs or retakes of questions.

Once I have edited the audio, adding Ross’s introduction and outro, I listen to the episode multiple times to make sure the timing is right for the opening music, the transitions are smooth, and there are no weird audio anomalies. I listen MANY times, not only to edit but also to create a transcript. Google Meet generates a transcript, but it often needs a lot of editing.

After an episode is done, it goes back to Ross for approval. Then I export the audio and upload it to our podcast hosting website. There I add a description of the episode as well as any links to events. 

The transcript becomes a blog post, so that anyone wishing to access the audio and text-form of the podcast can. 

Finally, we coordinate with the Communications Department to create graphics, proofread the podcast show notes and blog posts, and promote the episode on social media and the Library's website.

Then at last, dear listener, you find it and enjoy it!

Brittany
Circulation Supervisor
Hampton Park Library

The Sea Child by Linda Wilgus

If you are looking for a story with a multi-genre feel, you might enjoy The Sea Child by Linda Wilgus. There is action, adventure, romance, and intrigue—all with a strong female protagonist, a heart-warming rogue, and a hint of magical realism. 

The setting is nineteenth century England and begins with all the intrigue swirling around the newly returned young widow Isabel to the small town she grew up in. She can’t seem to shake her past as she settles into her new life living on the outskirts of town. 

As Isabel starts to get acquainted with people in the town she learns of the unrest in the area and the opposing sides that soon try to draw her in. Unintentionally, she is soon stuck in the middle of the unrest and must choose a side. 

This seaside town and its inhabitants allow Isabel to find a new freedom being herself. But in the process, she must face the mysteries tied to her past. With some sea-faring adventures and budding friendships this is a warm-hearted and adventurous read. 

Arlene Melton

Information Services Supervisor

Cumming Library

The Man of the Revolution

Just after midnight on April 18, 1775, a rider galloped up to a parsonage to deliver a message—“The regulars are coming”—and issue a warning. General Gage of the British army had ordered troops to march on Lexington and Concord and arrest two of the most incendiary patriots in the colony of Massachusetts: Samuel Adams and John Hancock. The following morning saw the Battle of Lexington and Concord fought, setting the American Revolution into motion. Thanks to that midnight rider, Paul Revere, and his warning that April night, Adams and Hancock were able to escape the British troops. 

In The Revolutionary Samuel Adams, author Stacy Schiff takes readers back to this moment in time and beyond. Her subject is Samuel Adams, the second cousin of John Adams. Thomas Jefferson called Samuel 'the earliest, most active, and persevering man of the Revolution.' When John traveled to France to request funds for the war, the French greeted him with a hero's welcome until they found out that 'the famous Adams' was his cousin, Samuel.

Schiff does a thorough job of describing colonial life and the tensions that built with increasing ferocity until war broke out in 1775. Samuel Adams was in the thick of it, writing anonymous letters to various Boston newspapers, taking part in committees, and seizing any opportunity to lambast the British - all with the goal of liberty in mind. A signer of the Declaration of Independence, he was one of the first to identify liberty from Great Britain as an objective for the American colonies. He was truly the man of the Revolution.

Two hundred and fifty years have passed since Samuel Adams signed the Declaration of Independence. Though we cannot stand in the room with the Continental Congress or take part in committees to establish the American colonies as separate from Britain, we can celebrate America’s milestone anniversary through the Georgia Reads for America 250 Challenge. Read about Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, and others who made their mark on American history. 

Melissa Gunter

Outreach Specialist

Introducing the Essential Resources Brochure

Forsyth County Public Library (FCPL) is your Resource, Connection, Destination, and Workplace. 

We hope to always be your first stop, whether you are looking for reading recommendations, printing help, or a fun program to attend with the whole family. Your needs are our priority—and this includes the needs that may be more tender than others. 

Your library has created an Essential Resources brochure to provide for needs that ordinary library resources may be unable to meet.  

The Essential Resources brochure contains the contact information of help hotlines, transportation means, food banks, job help, housing, temporary shelters, long term shelters, divorce and grief share, financial aid, and clothing resources. These programs are run by passionate individuals who are eager to provide assistance to everyone they can. If you find yourself seeking out financial assistance, transportation, temporary housing, or other tender needs, please visit any of FCPL’s branches to receive an Essential Resources brochure with information on how to reach these organizations.

If you are unable to visit in person, we encourage you to check out our Community Resource Guide, which is available for free on our eResources webpage. This resource is provided by United Way and is accessible 24/7. You also are welcome to contact us during our hours of operation, and we are more than happy to provide you with assistance over the phone or via email.

We understand how hard life can be, and we want you to know that you are not in this alone! Your library is here to help you.

Brianna

Information Specialist

Sharon Forks Library

Build-A-Book at Post Road Library

A custom made version of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.

Have you seen people ripping the covers off of their paperback books, just to reattach the most beautiful hardback cover to it? Do you ever have the urge to buy books with sprayed edges, but they just haven’t come out with a version of your favorite book with them yet? Are you creative and like repurposing things? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Post Road Library’s Build-A-Book program series is right for you!

Build-A-Book is a series consisting of four separate programs throughout the month of August that will take you through all of the steps of rebinding a book into your dream creation. 

Week one will teach you how to make endpapers and DIY book cloth.  

The second week will help you learn how to construct the hardback case with your book cloth and attach it to a text block using the endpapers from week one. 

For week three you can bring back your freshly bound book with a blank cover to decorate and add embellishments. 

During the final program in this series, you will be creating a custom splashed edge to match your book.

Bring your own book to customize, or if you don't have that special book yet, use a library-provided book for practice. 

Coming to each session is recommended for the full learning experience, but not required. 

This program series will be held on every Thursday of the month of August, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the Post Road Library. View the entire series with all of the details on our website.

Please note: this event will require event passes. Event passes are free and available to interested participants on the day of the program. They will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis starting 30 minutes before the event start time. 

Look ahead for a sneak peek at some of the parts of this project!

Construction of the hardback case for your book.

Painting the edges of your book.

After learning how to rebind a paperback, the sky is the limit! Rebind your favorites at home, but leave the library books as they are! If you do rebind one of your books, we would love to see it. Tag us on social media at @FoCoLibrary on Facebook, Instagram, or Threads.

Sarah Spiller
Information Specialist
Post Road Library

Dino Art Giveaway!

This summer, paleoartist Daniel Eskridge displayed his artwork at the Denmark Library, perfectly complementing our dinosaur theme. He also presented a program explaining paleoart and how artists collaborate with scientists. Following this, he generously offered to share his work with Forsyth County Public Library patrons.

Beginning Friday, July 24, each branch will offer patrons a chance to win a stretched canvas of one of Daniel’s pieces. Every time a patron visits a library branch, they can enter the drawing for the specific artwork displayed at that location. Winners will be notified on August 6.

Thank you to Daniel for sharing his talents with FCPL and our community.

Sarah Reynolds
Branch Manager
Denmark Library

30 Years of the Forsyth County Public Library Card

What does your Forsyth County Public Library card look like? 

Is it mostly white or teal? Does it have the old FCPL logo with stars and an open book on it or the current, stylized FC book logo? Or is it one of our special, limited-edition cards? 

In honor of FCPL's 30th Anniversary in 2026 of being our very own single-county, independent library system (July 1st is our Independence Day!), I thought I'd share what our library card designs have looked like over the years. 

1996

The very first Forsyth County Public Library card design was teal with all our contact information on the front of the card. Behold, a rare view of an O.G. teal key tag spotted in the wild. Very few of these teal key tags survive today.

2001 

Around 2001, the renewal line phone number changed. We must have had a large inventory of these cards because for the next few years, new patrons received the original card, but with a sticker over the outdated information. I'm not sure what glue was used, but this is my card (below) and the sticker hasn't peeled in 25 years! 

2005

White became the new teal, and a new card with our first logo and an updated web address was born in 2005! 

2015

As often happens, time passes and logos are updated. It had been 10 years since our last card design, and during that time period we had also built and opened two new branches (Hampton Park Library in 2010 and Post Road Library in 2013)! The new card featured our new logo and tagline on the front and all 4 library branches on the back. 

2017

Macaroni Kid partnered with FCPL in 2017 to sponsor the "My First Library Card" art contest where kids were encouraged to submit their designs for a new library card. Two winners, Samantha and Kavya, created the winning designs.

2020 

When it was time for our next library card order in 2020, we added our updated mission statement to the front: "FCPL champions literacy, lifelong learning, and personalized service to all patrons." 

2021

FCPL celebrated our 25th anniversary as an independent library system in 2021! New, limited-edition  library cards commemorated this milestone and we saw a record-breaking 700 new registrations that year!

2024 

For our next library card order in 2024, FCPL created three new card designs and asked our patrons to vote for their favorite. The voting was intense and patron opinions were shared with each and every one of us, but the majority spoke. Our current colorful collage with the smiling face of one of our staff was voted the clear winner.

2026

Celebrating the 250th anniversary of America's founding, Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) sponsored a commemorative, limited-edition Georgia Reads for America 250 library card and provided all libraries in Georgia with 2500 of them. These are currently available now—while supplies last—for no replacement fee! Visit your local branch to get yours before they're all gone. 

Do you have a favorite design? Which of these cards do you currently have in your wallet? 

Jennifer 

Information Specialist

Hampton Park Library