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.