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.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
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.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
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

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.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
100 ways...
"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.
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Speak out for your library!

Holiday schedule

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Last minute crunch!?

Your gift gives twice. Proceeds help fund programs and materials at Ocee library.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Bill wants to tell you...

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.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
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.
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.
Monday, December 9, 2013
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
Friday, December 6, 2013
Read, Dream, Grow

Thursday, December 5, 2013
1918-2013
"Education is the most powerful weapon
which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela

Give books away!

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.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Friday, November 29, 2013
Required Reading for Fashionistas

Kate Spade New York Fall 2013 accessories
Thursday, November 28, 2013
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

Classes continue 21 December, 4 & 18 January, 1 & 15 February.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
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. |
Saturday, November 23, 2013
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.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
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.
Monday, November 18, 2013
"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


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.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Dallas 1963 @ the Carter Center
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.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
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".
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 |
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Stargaze

Math Tutoring @ Ocee

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.
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.
Monday, November 4, 2013
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.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Library Ghost

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

"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"
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Garrison Keillor @ Agnes Scott

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

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

Read and Make

Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Every day -

Join the Alpharetta Community Chorus for their Inaugural Concert Sunday 3 November at 3:00
pm
- Alpharetta Presbyterian Church.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
15 minutes
![]() |
http://www2.readaloud.org/importance |
Visit Read Aloud for more information, resources, or to sign up for their newsletter.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
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"?

Friday, October 18, 2013
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.
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.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013
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.
Additionally, there is computer & electronics recycling. Click for a list of acceptable items.
Monday, October 14, 2013
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

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
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
Saturday, October 12, 2013
"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
.
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.
Friday, October 11, 2013
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.
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.
- Choose different types of books
- Take turns reading with your child
- Talk about the book – ask your child questions
- Make reading fun

Mental Health Week

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