Staff Picks: The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware (Adult Fiction)

The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware

A down-on-her-luck British fortuneteller feels her prospects changing when she’s mistakenly named a beneficiary to a large estate. Fans of Gothic suspense will enjoy the classic elements of this creepy story: moral dilemmas, a rundown mansion with barred windows, and an openly hostile housekeeper who seems to know everyone’s secrets.

Alicia Cavitt
Information Specialist

Local Families Commit to Six-Week Literacy Program

Forsyth County Public Library received a grant from Georgia Public Library Service, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the Sandra Dunagan Deal Center for Early Language and Literacy at Georgia College to host the first PRIME TIME FAMILY READING TIME family literacy program in Cumming.

PRIME TIME uses a methodology that encourages a love of reading and lifelong learning in children and families by hosting a special series of focused literacy programs for children age six to ten and their parents.

Children age six to ten, and their parents, join the first Prime Time program in a six-week series at the Cumming Library.

About 15 families will meet at the Cumming Library for six weeks of bilingual reading and discussion programs that include stories about topics such as determination, courage, and fairness. The use of children’s literature with these particular themes and content allows for expanding the teaching of literature, history, and cultural values.

Led by representatives from the library, Forsyth County Schools, and Mentor Me, parents are introduced to the benefits and pleasures of reading and discussing stories with their children.

“The elements of storytelling coupled with the written word provide the foundation for PRIME TIME,” says Tracy Walker, programming manager for Forsyth County Public Library.

“As human beings, speech and storytelling are our oldest forms of communication and they form the basis of the written word. Bringing these elements together enriches the lives of parents and children, and we’re excited to bring this program to our community.”

Through their participation in the PRIME TIME program, families will learn and practice good read-aloud and storytelling techniques and engage in meaningful discussion. Families also learn about the many educational and pleasure reading resources available for free at all branches of the Forsyth County Public Library.

Even younger siblings ages three to five who aren’t yet ready for the PRIME TIME program can get in on the fun as pre-reading activities are available for them while parents and older siblings are participating in PRIME TIME.

For information on this and other reading initiatives for families, including next week’s Leap into Literacy with Peter Rabbit program at Cumming Elementary School, visit www.forsythpl.org.

Library Limelight: Shane Currie, Cataloging Specialist, 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!

Shane Currie
Cataloging Specialist
Library Headquarters

Where is your hometown?

I was born in Des Moines, Iowa. I’ve been living in Georgia since I was 2, and in the southern part of Forsyth County since I was 10. 

How long have you been at FCPL?

I starting volunteering at FCPL in 2011 and then joined the staff in 2012 

What other jobs have you had at FCPL?

After volunteering at Sharon Forks, I worked as a CSA there. After that, I was a materials processor at headquarters, and finally I went into cataloging. 

Why did you choose to work in a library?

I worked a bit for the library at my college; so, I was familiar with how things are organized and decided to continue working in a library.  

Describe your job in five words or less.

Creating bib and item records.

What is unique about your job?

I get to see all of the details about the books that we receive. 

What is your favorite part of your job?

I enjoy working in front of a computer and seeing all the new books as they arrive.

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

I went to Japan back in 2008 for a college trip touring various shrines and temples there for about a week. We stopped in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Nara, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka.

What are your hobbies?

Playing board and computer games, watching anime, and going to conventions.

What are you reading right now?

I’m listening to the audiobooks of The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. I’m currently on book 12, The Gathering Storm, of 14 in the series.

Paper books, eBooks, or audiobooks?

Right now I’m mainly listening to audiobooks, though I'm still fond of paper books. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I’m also a big fan of graphic novels, both Western comics and Japanese manga. I mainly prefer fantasy settings, but I’ll read anything that seems interesting.