old ang sign?

New Year’s Eve celebrations just wouldn’t be complete without a verse or 2 of Auld Lang Syne. It was written in 1788 by Scottish poet Robert Burns and set to traditional folk tunes (the original tune sung below). It became custom to sing it at Scotland’s Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) festivities and quickly spread round the world. Canadian Guy Lombardo popularised the song in North America through his annual broadcasts beginning in 1929.

 

 

But what, you ask, does it mean!? Auld lang syne literally translates to ‘old long since’. Today’s equivalent would be ‘for old time’s sake’. For a modern version presented along side Burns’, click here.

Free Math Tutoring

Sundays at 2:00 pm. Tutors will provide math instruction for kids in grades K-12th. Please bring an assignment/topic you need help with. First come first served basis.

Poetry Slam

"I say, 'I am fat.' He says, 'no, you're beautiful.' I wonder why I cannot be both."

Rachel Wiley performing at NPS 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts

Computer classes

Introduction to MS Word 2010

Tuesdays: January 7. February 4. March 11. 1:00p.m.

An introductory class to familiarize users with Microsoft Word.

Adults, reservation required 

Introduction to Database Research

Saturdays: January 18. February 15. March 15. April 19. 1:00 pm.

A hands-on computer workshop to learn about databases the library has to offer and how to use them!

Adults and Young Adults welcome. First come, first seated in Adult Reference Computers Area 

Introduction to MS Excel 2010

Tuesday: January 21. February 18. March 25. 1:00p.m

An introductory class to familiarize users with Microsoft Excel.

Adults, reservation required 

For information phone 770.360.8897

All is calm

Stay calm and relaxed with yoga classes offered at Ocee library. Please bring a yoga mat or towel and wear comfortable clothing.

 

Dahn Yoga is a combination of stretching, breathing, and meditation.

Sundays: 5, 19 January and 9, 23 February at 3 pm.

Thursdays: 16, 23, 30 January and 20, 27 February at  6:30 pm. 

Yoga & Meditation

Mondays: 6, 13, 27 January and 3, 10, 17, 24 February at 11:00 am.

Beginning yoga and meditation techniques for adult beginners.

100 ways...

to say thank you for kindnesses at the holidays and throughout the year.

"In a world of abrupt, hastily typed e-mails and instant messages, the art of pen-and-paper note writing may seem lost, yet nothing else says “thank you” with quite the same elegance or sincerity. Now you will never again struggle to find the right words for that beautifully penned message." - Syndetics

AFPL also has several manners books for kids including: The thank you book for kids : hundreds of creative, cool, and clever ways to say thank you! , Teen manners : from malls to meals to messaging and beyond, and Moxy Maxwell does not love writing thank-you notes.           

Speak out for your library!

Kelly Robinson Vann (Public Relations and Marketing Director of Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System to) asks everyone "please mark your calendars now for the last chance to make your voices heard on Fulton County’s 2014 budget: Wednesday, January 8 at 10:00 a.m. at the Fulton County Government Center.

 

This is your final chance to speak about the importance of your Library System in front of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. It is important that they know why you love your libraries! Speak from the heart."

Holiday schedule

AFPL will be closed Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 December for the holiday. Libraries will reopen Thursday the 26th.

Wishing everyone  a Merry Christmas!

Last minute crunch!?

Need a last minute gift? Want something to take on your travels (and not feel guilty about leaving it behind)? Grandparents, are you looking for a quiet way to entertain kids who are visiting for the holidays? Come browse the selection of new & gently used books at the Friends' Book Nook. The kids' shelves are chock-full at the moment. 

Your gift gives twice. Proceeds help fund programs and materials at Ocee library.

Forget something?

Bill wants to tell you...

"I wanted to tell you that I am at our local library for the first time because I received a book. I read sometimes, but not a lot. After I received and read the book I thought I could start going to our library and checking out books. I now have my first library card ever and I am 78 years old. Thank you for having this great promotion.

P.S. The library helped me do this letter on the computer because I don't have one and I didn't think you would be able to read my writing. I didn't realize that there were even computers at the library. I've learned a lot by coming to our library and seeing what is available. I would never have done this without your World Book Night."

 

Join Friends and Ocee staff in becoming a "book giver". Learn more. It's free and easy to apply.

No shushing

 

...when members of the recently formed Alpharetta Community Chorus performed international carols at the library this past Saturday. It was fun to see patrons slowly emerging from the stacks at the unexpected sounds of singing – and drums! Little ones bobbed to the beat. The audience joined the chorus in a sing-along. All enjoyed punch and nibbling on holiday cookies after the concert.

If you missed the performance or would like an encore with the full compliment of singers, ACC’s Christmas concert is 7:00 Sunday 15 December at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church.

Teens celebrate end of semester

Teens 12-18, come to Ocee library Thursday 12 December at 6 pm for sandwiches, cookies, drinks, and classic games like Charades, Twister, Mad Libs, and more to celebrate the end of semester/holiday break.

Crafting @ Ocee

Terrific Tuesday Crafts

10 December at 4pm.

Parent or caregiver must be present for ages 7 and under. Ages 5 to 12. Limit of 30.

 

Beaded Wire Snowflakes

Wednesday 11 December at 5:30

Ages 5 and up

Read, Dream, Grow

 

Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day event founder Jenny Milchman points out, “We must expose future generations to the unique pleasures they offer” or there will be no way for the bookstore to survive. It is up to us to get the little ones involved and interested in the book as we know it and, along with your public library, there is no better place for this to happen then the bookstore.

1918-2013

"Education is the most powerful weapon

which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela

 

 

Give books away!

World Book Night US is a celebration of books and reading held on April 23, when 25,000 passionate volunteers across America give a total of half a million books within their communities to those who don’t regularly read.

Reading for pleasure improves literacy, improves employability, social interaction, and can have a positive effect on mental health. Book readers are more likely to participate in positive activities such as volunteering, attending cultural events, and even physical exercise.

Please consider being a Book Giver. It's easy! It's free!

 

Have your tickets ready!

 

Here are a few books about trains for the holiday travel season:

Trains and Lovers - Alexander McCall Smith

Orphan Train - Christina Baker Kline

Mrs. Queen Takes the Train - William Kuhn

The Train of Small Mercies - David Rowell

The Polar Express – Chris Van Allsburg 

Visit AFPL online catalogue to see which novel you'd like to book.

Dear Santa

Required Reading for Fashionistas

Kate Spade New York Fall 2013 accessories

3 December

#GivingTuesday™ is a campaign to create a day of giving at the start of the holiday season. It celebrates and encourages charitable activities that support non-profit organizations across the United States and around the world.

Friends of the Ocee Library is a 501(c)3 charitable group that supports the library. Through fundraising and memberships, Friends sponsors programming and purchases books/materials. Please consider becoming a Friends member, volunteering your time, or simply shopping at the FoOL Book Nook.

Koekjes!

           
Cookies came to America in the 17th century, although the name "koekje" ("little cake") arrived later with the Dutch. Popular early American cookies were macaroons, gingerbread cookies, and jumbles.

18 December is "Bake Cookies Day" but you'll probably want to start baking before then for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, and gifts. Ocee Branch has a nice selection of cookie recipe books in both the adult and kids' sections. Begin a holiday baking tradition or discover a new favorite cookie!

Every Voice International Holiday Concert

http://alphachorus.wordpress.com/

Friends of Ocee Library invite you for punch and holiday cookies after the concert!

Young Artists class @ Ocee

Saturday 7 December from 1:30-3:00 pm students (7 years old and up) will learn the basic techniques of drawing and painting, as well as the elements of art, the principles of design, and cartoon/anime drawing. There will be creative projects as well. Please email Northview.Guide.Club@gmail.com with questions or comments and to reserve a spot.

Classes continue 21 December, 4 & 18 January, 1 & 15 February.

 

Hello, book nerds

"Cheryl Strayed, Wally Lamb, Dave Berry, Sherman Alexie, James Patterson and hundreds of other authors will volunteer as booksellers this Saturday, known as "Small Business Saturday." In an open letter, Alexie asked "book nerds" to volunteer, writing that "now is the time to be a superhero for independent bookstores.

 

Obama & daughters dropped to Washington's Politics and Prose bookstore Saturday to buy books that included "The Kite Runner", "Harold and the Purple Crayon", and "The Sports Gene".

 

 

$14.2 million book

A copy of the Bay Psalm Book, which was printed in 1640 in Massachusetts. It was sold Tuesday at Sotheby's in New York.

Better than the book?

Movie versions of Great Expectations, The Book Thief, The Christmas Candle, and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire are now at theaters.

Ocee library will close at 6 pm Wednesday 27 November and will be closed the 28th an 29th for the holiday.

Singing in the Stacks - holiday concert

The newly formed Alpharetta Community Chorus, directed by Thomas & Robin Yackley, will be performing a selection of holiday carols from around the world at Ocee library Saturday 7 December at 4 pm.


Join Friends of Ocee Library for refreshments after the concert.

"An Idea Lives On"

 The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library "An Idea Lives On" project invites the public to participate in the creation of an interactive documentary. Website visitors may view video recollections and submit their own video, text, audio, or photos that answer the question, "How do the ideals of John F. Kennedy live on in your life today?"

Give Peas A Chance & B Healthy

Kaiser Permanente presents a puppet show to teach K-3 graders the importance of being physically active and eating healthy Monday 25 November at 2 pm.

 
A game show format, "The B Healthy Show!", is scheduled for 4-6 graders Tuesday 26 November at 2 pm.

Both events are limited to 75 attendees. Tickets will be given out at 1pm. Phone the library at 770.360.8897 for information.

Author appearances

Best-selling author, Amy Tan reads from her latest novel 

The Valley Of Amazement 

Tuesday 19 November at 7:00 pm

Presser Hall-Agnes Scott College

 

Two time Georgia Author of the Year, Joshilyn Jackson launches

Someone Else's Love Story 

Thursday 21 November at 7:00 p.m. 

First Baptist Church Decatur

 

Phone Georgia Center for the Book (404) 370-8450 x 2285 for further details.

Dallas 1963 @ the Carter Center

Dallas: 1963 author Bill Minutaglio with Richard Marcus
Monday 18 November at Cecil B. Day Chapel-Carter Center at 7 pm. For additional information phone Georgia Center for the Book at (404) 370-8450 x 2285.

 

AFPL holds several copies of Dallas 1963 as well as others about the tragic event 50 years ago (22 November). The AFPL collection also includes materials about the lives, times, and legacies of the Kennedy family.

 

Anne Lamont in Decatur

Georgia Center for the Book welcomes Ms Lamont for another lecture hosted at First Baptist Church Decatur - Monday 11 November at7 pm. 1st come, 1st seated. 404.370.8450 x 2285 for more info.

Lamott explores how we find meaning and peace in these frantic times; where we start again; how we become whole after loss; and how we find our true identities in this frazzled age. We begin, she says, by collecting the ripped shreds of our emotional and spiritual fabric and sewing them back together, one stitch at a time.

AFPL also holds several copies of "Stitches".



 

Library closed Monday

Honoring those who served on Veterans' Day 11 November

In memory of  HD Arant -1924-2013
WWII & Korean War

Stargaze

Ocee Astronomy Club members will participate in activities, experiments, and interactive games Thursdays - 21 November, 5 & 19 December at 4:30.  Save  your space by sending an email with your name & age to: Ms. Divack. Ages 7 to 13 only.

 

Math Tutoring @ Ocee

Math tutoring for grades K-8 continues at Ocee on Sundays (through 22 December) at 2 pm. Free. First come, first served. Don't forget to bring examples of the topic that's giving you trouble. Phone 770.360.8897 for information.

Rubber Ducky, you're the one!

The rubber duck was inducted this morning into the Toy Hall of Fame. 2013's other winner is chess. Chess is one of the world's oldest games and has been traced back to an Indian war game. The version we play today is very similar to the one played in Renaissance England.

Ocee Chess Club (ages 5-13) meets Wednesdays 20 November, 4 and 18 December at 6 pm. Members learn strategies, game variations and compete in tournaments.

Neil Gaiman on libraries

"We have an obligation to support libraries. To use libraries, to encourage others to use libraries, to protest the closure of libraries. If you do not value libraries then you do not value information or culture or wisdom. You are silencing the voices of the past and you are damaging the future" Neil Gaiman

Teen Thursdays @ Ocee

Join the young adult librarian Thursday 7 November at 5 pm to talk about programs and ideas you (ages 12-18) have for the library. Pizza and snacks will be provided. 

Go old school Thursday 14 November at 6 pm. Learn how to turn everyday items (like a cereal box) into a clock. They'd make fun Christmas gifts! Supplies are limited. Please send an email with your name/age to Ms. Divack to register for "Crazy Clocks".

Come to the library Thursdays 21 November & 19 December at 6 pm for book discussions & snacks. The Teens Read Book Club is limited to 15 so, you'll need to email your name & age to Ms. Divack to reserve a copy of the month's book.

Library Ghost

The Victorian Gothic style Willard Library in Evansville, Indiana was founded nearly 130 years ago. Reports of the ghostly "Grey Lady" date back to the 1930s. She has appeared on TV as the subject of several paranormal investigations.

Learn more about the Grey Lady and who she may have been in life. Maybe she'll make an appearance on ghostcam!

All Hallows Read

Haunted house suggestions from book blogger J Buntin-
"The Haunting of Hill House"
"Rustication"
"The Shining"
"The Little Stranger"
"We Have Always Lived in the Castle"
"O My Darling"
"The Shining Girls"
"Great Expectations"
"The House of Leaves"

Garrison Keillor @ Agnes Scott

Garrison Keillor, host of "A Prarie Home Companion", visits Agnes Scott College to read from his first book of poetry, O What a Luxury: Verses Lyrical, Vulgar, Pathetic & Profound.

No reservations required. Doors at Presser Hall will open at 6 pm. For more information phone Georgia Center for the Book at (404) 370-8450 x 2285.

Going Batty

Did you know that bats are the only mammals that fly, hang upside down, and can eat up to 1000 mosquitoes in an hour? Did you know Ocee  has 'bats' in the J 599.4 section?  Check one out and read all about these cool but misunderstood animals. Take the online quizzes at Animal Planet to see how much you’ve learned.  

Ask a librarian to show you where Stellaluna and other picture/story books about bats ‘hang’ out.

Test your knowledge of Stephen King movies at The Guardian UK. Cram for the quiz with DVDs from AFPL collection. Don't forget to check under the bed and to lock your doors before you push 'play'!

Read and Make

No Time for Flash Cards has lots of  "read and make" Halloween book and craft ideas for the young ones. Visit their website, click on the craft and you'll get full instructions! The crafts could be used with other Halloween books you'll find in the AFPLS. Remember, you may only check out 2 holiday books at a time.

Every day -

 One ought, every day, to hear a song, read a fine poem, and, if possible, to speak a few reasonable words. - Goethe

Join the Alpharetta Community Chorus for their Inaugural Concert Sunday 3 November at 3:00 pm - Alpharetta Presbyterian Church.

15 minutes

http://www2.readaloud.org/importance

Author Jennifer Liu Bryan says, "reading aloud to your child requires only a book - free, with a library card - and your willingness to spend a little quality time with your child. And while the sacrifices to read aloud are few, the benefits are many: Your child may learn to read better, think better, imagine more richly, and become a passionate and lifelong reader. More than these long-term benefits, however, are some more immediate: The pleasures of spending time with your child and sharing the enjoyment of a good book."

Visit Read Aloud for more information, resources, or to sign up for their newsletter.

From the mountains to the praries...

Business Insider has compiled a list of the most famous book set in each of the 50 states. Click here for the list along with summaries. How many states have you "visited"?

John Grisham Broadway Debut

Grisham says his 1st book was "DOA" and he travelled to libraries hoping to sell the novel. Now it's "pretty cool to be on Broadway" as an

adaptation of his courtroom thriller, A Time to Kill, opens on Broadway 20 October for a limited run. The play features an all-star cast with Sebastian Arcelus, Fred Dalton Thompson and Tom Skerritt.  

AFPL has several formats of A Time to Kill, including the 1996 film starring Sandra Bullock, Samuel L. Jackson, Matthew McConaughey. Watch the catalogue as  Grisham revisits the character of Jack Brigance three years later in Sycamore Row out 22 October.

Booksellers cancel orders

The decree appeared in the local newspapers... “The Taliban will not lose an opportunity to kill Malala Yousufzai and those who were found selling her book will be targeted.”

AFPL has several copies of I Am Malala in their collection.

Puppy Love

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Looking to adopt a pet? It’s important to do your research first. AFPL has helpful materials on breeds, care, and training.

 

If you’d like to support local area animal shelters and rescue groups, join our neighbors at Jones Bridge Animal Hospital for their 3rd annual Stray Dog Strut 5K race Saturday 25 October, 8:00 am at Newtown Park. There’ll be a canine Halloween costume contest, raffle, and kids’ activities, too! Proceeds from the event help provide medical care and shelter to area rescue animals while they wait for forever homes.

Alpharetta recycles

The  City of Alpharetta is hosting a Sensitive Document Shredding event this Saturday 19 October from 9:00am to noon at the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety parking lot 2565 Old Milton Pkwy, Alpharetta. 5 box limit. The event is free but you are asked to bring a canned food item for Ocee Library's Community Outreach partner, North Fulton Community Charities Food Pantry.

Additionally, there is computer & electronics recycling. Click for a list of acceptable items.

Operation Safe Kids

Operation Safe Kids from US Secret Service Homeland Security

Wednesday 30 October 30 - 5:00 pm.

Tickets will be given out 1 hour prior to the start of the program.
Limited to 75 children
Ages Pre-K through 5th grade

Operation Safe Kids uses leading technology to produce a biographical document containing a child's photo along with digitized fingerprints and other vital identification information. Parents receive a document that can be reproduced immediately for mass distribution to officials should their child become missing. For information phone 770.360.8897.

Halloween Decorations @ Ocee

Spiders, pumpkins, and ghosts, oh my! 

 

Halloween Pipe Cleaner Decorations

Wednesday 30 October at 5:30 pm. 

Come join the pipe cleaner fun!

Ages 5 and to adult.

For information phone 770.360.8897

 

 

"Veg Out"

7.3 million Americans are vegetarians and an additional 22.8 million follow a vegetarian-inclined diet. Vegetarian/vegan is the largest growing food category in publishing. Yes, there’s much so more to eat than salad and tofu.  

Whether you’re looking to trim your waistline (or grocery bill), adopt a more compassionate lifestyle, or just try some new recipes, AFPL has a large selection of materials to get you on your way – and celebrate 

National Vegetarian Month

.

 

Did you know that the largest age group of vegetarians is 16-24? AFPL has College Vegetarian Cooking, Help! My child stopped eating meat! : an A-Z guide to surviving a conflict in diets, and The Starving Students’ Vegetarian Cookbook, as well as several books for J and YA readers. Eat well and be well!

Library Closed for Staff Development

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System will be closed Monday 14 October for Staff Development Day. Patrons will not be charged an overdue fine for books that day.

Teach Me to Read class

A report claims that as little as ten minutes a day of reading to/with your child can make a significant difference in academic achievement. Kids read to outside of class are 13 times more likely to read above their age level.

1. Choose different types of books
2. Take turns reading with your child
3. Talk about the book – ask your child questions
4. Make reading fun

Teach Me to Read - Phonics Tutoring for Kids & Parents - Come to the library Wednesday 23 October 3:30 pm to learn a systematic phonics approach. Ages 5 to 7 with parents. Phone 770.360.8897 for info.

 

 

Mental Health Week

National Mental Health Week is 6 -12 October and 10 October is World Mental Health Day. These events serve to raise awareness about mental health issues. Approximately 1 in 4 adults in America are coping with a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. Some 450 million people are living with mental illness worldwide. Stigma, superstition, and discrimination continues to exist. Educate yourself about mental health through the AFPL catalogue.  Here are some reading lists for adults and teens. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, please seek professional help.