Trapped in a Mine?

“One reads books in order to gain the privilege of living more than one life. People who don't read are trapped in a mine shaft, even if they think the sun is shining.” 

― Garrison Keillor

It's Illegal

Justin Timberlake took a selfie in the voting booth to encourage people to get out and vote. Unfortunately for JT this is illegal in Tennessee. It's also illegal in Georgia and many other states. 

There are signs outside the library that would make a great background for selfies!

Today is...

Whether you participate with a non-profit group, church, or on your own, it makes a difference - and it will make a difference in your life, too. Remember, every day brings  opportunities to make a positive contribution in your community!

If you have time or a talent to share at Ocee library, please click on the "Volunteering" page above or talk with a library staff member.

Please note!

We appreciate your book donations, but due to heavy voter turnout and safety concerns, we've had to remove the collection bin. Please wait until after the election to bring in your book donations. Thanks!

Monday

Early voting begins Monday 17 October (see 1 October post for schedule). The library will see an increase in traffic. Some voters may not be familiar with Ocee. Others may be distracted or in a hurry. Take extra care in the parking lot and please keep both eyes on your children.

Are You Addicted?

Recent studies found that 40% of us power up within 10 minutes of waking. More than that check their devices at least 25 times a day. The folks at Mentalfloss offer 7 ways to break your technology addiction. #6 explains why technology is so addictive. Think Las Vegas! We'd like add "read a book (the paper kind)" for #1, 4, and 7.

Scare Scale

KSL has a list of Halloween books for all ages - along with a "scare scale". Bustle and The Telegraph offer an adults' list. Search the AFPLS catalogue for book availability or ask library staff for their recommendations! 

Tense?

The Yoga for Life classes resume Fridays at 10:30 in the Resource Room!

If you need to de-stress but can't attend, please check out the library catalogue for yoga and meditation DVDs.

Labor of Love

'Dreamed up by Spanx founder Sara Blakely a few days before she gave birth to her son, The Belly Art Project is a movement inspired by motherly love, a creative way to capture and share a memorable moment leading up to baby’s big day. 100% of The Belly Art Project’s author proceeds benefit Every Mother Counts, which works to make pregnancy and childbirth safe for women everywhere.'

Teen Read Week

Teen Read Week™ is a national adolescent literacy initiative created by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). Its purpose is to encourage teens to be regular readers and library users. 

The event is Oct. 9 - 15th, featuring a multi-lingual "Read for the fun of it!" theme. 22% of the nation's youth speak a language other than English at home. 

Bullying Prevention Awareness Month

October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. Stompoutbullying.org reports that:

• A high majority of teens hold a very pessimistic view of our country, with 88 percent who believe the U.S. is lacking kindness.
• Because of this current state, 96 percent believe today’s lack of kindness impacts the way teens treat other teens.   
• Further, 91 percent of teens believe we lack kindness in the way we treat one another.

It's possible that reading may be part of the solution. Empathy we feel for characters we read about wires our brains to have the same sensitivity towards real people.Here are list and list of books dealing with bullying.

Music for Little Ones

Music for Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers with Miss Gail
Tuesday October 11.  10:30 a.m.
Babies and their parents are invited to attend these entertaining and educational programs. Learn how music teaches your baby early literacy skills, improves motor function and deepens the bond between baby and parent. Dates may be subject to change or cancellation.

Miss Peregrine's Closet

If you love the wardrobe from the movie, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, quirk books has put together some Burton inspired clothes and accessories for the rest of us. The 'lead' shoes are both fascinating and frightening.

Raised from the Dead

Wednesday, Oct. 12: Repurposed Books, 6:00-7:30 pm

Transform old books into art projects. This month’s adult's project is a Halloween banner. To register, call 770-360-8897.

    

OverDrive Demo

Friday, Oct. 7: Tech Help OverDrive, 12:00-1:00 pm

Interested in using OverDrive to check out eBooks and eAudio? Join us for a demo; bring your device for one-on-one help. To register, call 770-360-8897 or send me an email.

Living on the Edge

Fore-edge, that is. These tiny treasures are in fact painted on the edges of books. Examples of this art form date to the 11th century and reached their height of popularity in the 19th and 20th century England. Visit AtlasObscura to learn more and view more examples of these mini masterpieces.

When Home is Hell

The Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence explains, "Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of ethnicity, race, age, gender, socioeconomic status, religion, education, or sexual orientation. Domestic violence includes physical violence, but it does not always leave bruises. It also includes things like name calling, put downs, extreme jealously, controlling where the partner goes and who they talk to, not allowing that partner to spend time with friends and family, and controlling the finances. It includes making threats to the partner, children, pets, family, and friends."

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Learn more at the library.

If you're in danger phone 911 or 24-Hour GCADV Hotline: 1.800.33.HAVEN (1.800.334.2836)

Library Closed

The Atlanta-Fulton Library System will be closed

Monday 1o October for staff development day.

Early Voting at Ocee

Fulton County voters are encouraged to cast their ballots early for the November 8, 2016 General Special Election. Early voting locations will be open October 17th – November 4th from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.  Sunday hours are from noon until 5:00 p.m.

Ocee library as well as other North Fulton Branches of AFPLS are early voting locations.

For more information, please log-on to www.fultonelections.com or call the Fulton County Department of Registration and Elections at 404-730-7072. Follow #FultonVotes on Twitter.

Chess, Databases, Math

Chess Club 
Wednesday October 5. 6:00-7:30p.m.
Club members will learn strategies, game variations and perhaps have the opportunity to participate in a tournament. Ages 5 -13. Registration is not required. 

Tech Help: Databases
Saturday October 8. 1:00-2:30 pm.
Need to research a stock? Want to learn about genealogy? Learn “hands-on” how to use the various business, consumer, and literature digital resources the library offers.  Adults & students of all experience levels are welcome.  First-come, first-served. Laptop users welcome. 

CAST Free Math Tutoring         
Sundays: October 2, 16, 23, 30. 2:00-4:00p.m
Tutors will provide math instruction  for children in grades K-12th
Please bring an assignment or a topic you are struggling with.  Students will be seen on a first come  first served basis.  Registration is not required.  

Dates may be subject to change or cancellation.

ESL at Ocee

ESL Group
Wednesdays; October 5, 12, 19, 26.  4:00-6:00 pm.
Join our group to enhance your conversational English as a Second Language techniques for beginner to intermediate English speakers.  First come, first served.  No advanced registration is necessary. Free and open to the public. Ages 18 and up.  No textbooks needed. Dates may be subject to change or cancellation.

Relax & Recharge

Energy Yoga
Sundays;  October 2, 9.4:30-5:30 pm.
Energy Yoga is a combination of stretching, breathing and meditation. Open to ages 10 and up. 

Yoga & Meditation
Mondays; October 3, 10. 11:00 am-12:00 pm. 
Beginning yoga and meditation techniques for beginners.  Adults only. 

Yoga for Life
Fridays; 10:30-11:30 am. October 7, 14, 21, 28. 
Lessons in using yogic techniques to deal with life issues.  Includes group discussion and incorporates relaxation exercises, reflective reading, and meditation in addressing real life issues. Adults only.

Please bring a yoga mat or towel and wear loose comfortable clothes.
Dates may be subject to change or cancellation.