Our Friend Maria

Our Friend Maria and staff member Erica

If you visit the Post Road Library, you will find the entrance to the Friends Bookstore tucked in the corner by the Holds shelves. The FCPL Friends and Advocates is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising funds that support programs, resources, materials, and staff at Forsyth County Public Library (FCPL). The Friends have bookstores at the Cumming, Post Road, Sharon Forks, and Denmark Libraries, and they maintain self-serve shelves at the Hampton Park Library. The revenue generated from the Friends Bookstores funds engaging and informative Library programs for all ages and supports staff and patrons with resources and materials beyond the Library's budget.      

We call our bookstore volunteers Friends and Maria is one of many Friends who is near and dear to the patrons and staff. With a unique story and a deep passion for the library, she is a wonderful part of our community and brings a distinct brightness to the bookstore.

Maria immigrated from Cuba to the United States in 1961 at the age of 12. She and her older sister traveled without their parents to attend school in Arizona. Maria has always had a special love for books; she fondly remembers her father taking her to the big library in Havana and how special those trips were to her. "I was always the kid to read all of my school books before school started. I could not get enough!" 

Once she entered high school, the library became a second home. Since she had after-school programs and could not go home before they began, she would spend hours among the shelves. She recalls how welcoming the librarians made her feel and how vital the library was at that age. Maria was often alone until her family returned late at night and the library provided a sense of safety.

Maria volunteers as a way to stay involved with the library. Even though it has been years since she was that little girl coming to the library, her love and passion for it has not dimmed. She loves interacting with the community, especially the children. As a former school teacher, she has a special place in her heart for children and their love of books. She is a strong believer that reading makes a huge difference in a child's life. When asked, "What do you love about the library?" Her response was heartfelt: "I love all of the staff here; they make me feel like I am welcomed. I love the programming—there is always more to learn! The guest speakers always teach me something new!" Maria most enjoys our knitting and crochet programming as a way to keep her mind sharp! She is always looking for ways to learn new skills and the library provides that for her. The staff are very grateful for our Friend Maria and the joy she brings to the bookstore every day.

Some of Maria's favorite books at the library include: 

• The Pendergast series by Preston and Child
• The God of the Woods by Liz Moore 
• Blood Moon by Sandra Brown

Maria is an outstanding example of how the Friends of the Library support FCPL. If Maria’s story has inspired you, you can find out more about becoming a Friend at on the FCPL Friends and Advocates website.

Erica Myers

Information Specialist

Post Road Library

Unreadable Podcast Transcript - June 2026

In this episode, Ross speaks with best-selling author Mary Kay Andrews about her newest book Road Trip, which features two estranged sisters who take a road trip across Ireland learning about their family and themselves along the way. Mary Kay shares a little about her writing background as well as her inspiration for her new book, including some of her own family history. 

Mary Kay Andrews will be appearing at the Sharon Forks Library on June 28, 2026. Please check our events page for more information.

Mah Jongg Fever at Hampton Park Library

Our community is showing signs of a substantial case of "Mah Jongg Fever." Whenever our libraries have offered a Mah Jongg class or meetup, the community has asked for more, more, more. 

What is Mah Jongg? For those who haven't yet been initiated, Mah Jongg is a popular tile-based game that originated in China. Players work to collect sets and sequences of beautiful tiles that feature bamboo, characters, and circles to build a winning hand. It’s often compared to the card game Rummy, requiring a mix of strategy, skill, and a little bit of luck to win. Beyond the strategy, it’s a wonderful way to sharpen the mind and build lasting friendships. 

Why is everyone so eager to play? Beyond the fun of the tiles, Mah Jongg is a powerhouse for brain health. Studies suggest that the pattern recognition and strategic planning required can help improve memory, mental sharpness, and enhance cognitive flexibility. Mah Jongg also reduces stress through focused, rhythmic play.

Perhaps most importantly, it is a social catalyst. In a world that is increasingly digital, Mah Jongg brings people together around a physical table. It’s a wonderful way to combat social isolation, build lasting friendships, and engage in meaningful conversation while exercising your mind.

When Hampton Park announced our upcoming Mah Jongg classes for April, May, and June, we expected a positive response—but we didn't expect all spots to be claimed in just 48 hours!

We’ve heard your requests for more opportunities to play this captivating game, and we are thrilled to show that we’re listening. Whether you’re a seasoned "Bam" and "Dot" expert or a graduate of our recent classes, we have some exciting news for you. The Hampton Park Library hosts a weekly Mah Jongg Open Play every Thursday afternoon from 1:00–4:00 p.m.!

The open play time is a casual, drop-in environment where you can meet fellow players and enjoy a few rounds in a friendly atmosphere. Can't make it on Thursday afternoons? Our neighbors at the Sharon Forks Library also offer a Mah Jongg Meetup once a month. It’s a great way to connect with the wider Forsyth County gaming community.

If you missed out on the spring classes, don’t worry! Due to the incredible demand, Hampton Park is already working to schedule more classes starting in August 2026. But fair warning, class sign-ups open on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. and will fill quickly.

Keep an eye on our event calendar for other class and registration dates. We can’t wait to see you at the tables!

Cynthia Julian-Simmons
Information Services Supervisor
Hampton Park Library

FCPL’s Book Clubs - Find the one that’s right for you!

We’ve had some subtle additions to our choices for book clubs at FCPL in the past year. There is something for everyone and any schedule! Need help finding the one that's right for you? Read on: 

Only read fiction bestsellers? 

Check out OverBOOKed, Novel Diversions, or Hooked on Books!

Consider yourself a true crime connoisseur? 

Sharon Fork’s new book club Crime Time was made just for you!

Prefer discussions around a topic rather than one book? 

BYO Book at Denmark Library is just that! 

If you’re not already a member of one of our book clubs, check out these reasons on why it’s a good idea to join one.

• Combat Isolation: Book clubs, particularly for older adults, offer significant social benefits, reducing the risk of depression and chronic health issues.
  
  
• Expand Your Horizons: They encourage reading outside your usual comfort zone.
  
  
• Explore New Perspectives: Library book clubs, unlike algorithmic social media, expose you to opposing viewpoints in a neutral setting.
  
  
• Make New Friends: A fantastic way to meet like-minded people in your community.
  
  
• Accessible Learning: A low-cost, engaging way to "travel the world" through literature.
  
  
• Bring Joy: Regardless of whether you finished the reading, your presence alone will delight the librarian hosting the session.

The following list is in alphabetical order by the hosting library. For a more detailed description of each book club, visit the Book Clubs section of the Adults tab on ForsythPL.org. If you have any questions about joining a book club, visit your local branch or reach out to us by phone at 770-781-9840 or email at ask@ForsythPL.org.

Cumming Library

OverBOOKed – 4th Thursday of each on month | 10:00 a.m.

Over-stressed? Overworked? Over-BOOKed? Look no further! Delight in books featuring unforgettable characters.

Denmark Library

BYO Book – 3rd Sunday of each month | 2:00 p.m.

Read your own book based on the genre or topic. Warning: your TBR list may get a lot longer!

Page 2 Screen – 1st Saturday of each month | 11:00 a.m.

What was better - the book or the movie? Discuss and find out in this book club featuring book-to-screen adaptations.

Hampton Park Library

Hooked on Books – 3rd Saturday of each month | 10:30 a.m.

A fun, flexible book club focused on you and the books you’re hooked on.

Post Road Library

Book Sleuths – 4th Tuesday of each month | 2:00 p.m.

Perfect for mystery and suspense readers!

Novel Diversions – 2nd Wednesday of each month | 10:00 a.m.

Enjoy a lively discussion on interesting books as a diversion from your everyday life.

Sharon Forks Library

Crime Time – 3rd Thursday of every other month | 7:00 p.m.

Calling all armchair detectives! Discuss true crime cases by reading a book or listening to a podcast on the crime.

Novel Realities – 2nd Tuesday of each month | 7:00 p.m. **Starting in August, Novel Realities will move to 2:00 p.m.**

Take a break from reality and explore all that’s possible–and impossible–with fellow readers in this speculative fiction book club.

Jessica Dillard
Information Specialist
Denmark Library 

Bookworm Garden Level-Up at the Denmark Library

As we rounded our first year at Denmark Library, the youth team felt like we were missing an opportunity to fully utilize the outside spaces. We wanted to shift the focus back towards the educational intent behind the space’s design. In other words, it was time for a Bookworm Garden level–up! 

Our solution? Learning stations. 

Each month, we will rotate through three different types of activities:

Building Activity

This could be anything from blocks, giant magna tiles, or (my personal favorite) giant Lincoln logs. 

Magnetic Board

Our brand new magnetic board is brilliant and lets us do letter activities, magnetic ramp ball mazes, and gears. 

 

Pretend Play

We have lots of options for pretend play activities, including a fake grill and a washing machine complete with clothes to fold! 

 

These activities are meant to be fun educational opportunities first and foremost. We have designed instruction sheets for parents to learn how to use these activities as a collaborative learning experience. For example, our sandwich shop pretend play is an opportunity to learn how to sort, sequence, brainstorm, and more. This exemplifies just how important pretend play is for education!

Sarah Grace Moses
Youth Specialist
Denmark Library

Library Partners with USDA and Local Schools to Provide Free Summer Snacks for Kids and Teens

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CUMMING, Georgia (May 28, 2026) – Forsyth County Public Library (FCPL) is thrilled to announce a new partnership aimed at keeping local youth fueled, healthy, and engaged this summer. In collaboration with the Forsyth County Schools Food and Nutrition Department, the Georgia Department of Education School Nutrition, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Cumming Library will provide nutritious snacks at no cost to children and teens June 1–July 15, 2026. 

The initiative tackles a critical gap in nutrition that often occurs when schools close for the summer. According to the Georgia Department of Education, approximately 15% of the student population in Forsyth County qualifies for free and reduced lunch services. Food insecurity directly impacts childhood development and education; hungry children face immense difficulties concentrating, their physical, social, and emotional well-being suffers, and they are less able to successfully participate in enriching educational and library activities. By creating an environment that couples nutrition with literacy, FCPL and its partners aim to ensure that every child in the community has the opportunity to succeed during the summer months.

"Our mission at FCPL has always been to foster a community that reads, learns, and grows together. However, we know that hungry kids can't read or focus. By partnering with federal, state, and local nutrition leaders, we aren't just feeding bodies—we are fueling minds. This program allows us to support the whole child during a time of year when families need it most," said FCPL Director Adrianne Junius. 

Program Details and Weekly Schedule

Snacks will be available at no cost to all children and teenagers ages 18 and under. There are no registration or eligibility requirements.

The program will run weekly at the Cumming Library located at 585 Dahlonega Street on the following days and times from June 1 to July 15, 2026: 

• Mondays: 12:30–1:30 p.m.
• Tuesdays: 12:00–1:00 p.m.
• Wednesdays: 3:00–4:00 p.m.

“A healthy snack can re-energize a child for an afternoon of summer reading and discovery. We hope families will come for the food and stay for the fun activities we have planned,” said Joan Dudzinski, Cumming Library Branch Manager. 

Guidelines for Attendance

In compliance with federal regulations, snacks are served on a first-come, first-served basis and must be eaten on the premises per USDA guidelines.

Forsyth County Public Library is an equal opportunity provider. For more information about the summer snack program or other upcoming summer events at the library, please visit ForsythPL.org or call 770-781-9840.

###

ABOUT FORSYTH COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Forsyth County Public Library (FCPL) serves the residents of Forsyth County, Georgia, with five libraries, an administrative building, and a mobile library. FCPL’s mission is to connect the Forsyth County community with exceptional resources, spaces, and experiences. Known as “the busiest library in Georgia,” FCPL circulates more materials than any other public library system in the state. The Sharon Forks, Post Road, and Cumming Library branches hold the top three spots for highest physical circulations among all individual library locations in Georgia.