Missy Flapjack & the Butterworth Blues Band

Ocee ROCKS: Missy Flapjack & the Butterworth Blues Band 

LIVE in Concert at Ocee Library

Friday: October 5. 7:00 pm 9:30 pm

Join us for a special after-hours concert featuring Missy Flapjack & 

the Butterworth Blues Band. 

Limited supply of adult refreshments courtesy of PBR | first come, first served

Missy Flapjack and The Butterworth Blues Band have been serving up delicious blues and rock for nearly a decade in Atlanta and across the Southeast. Featuring Brian Rosen on guitar, David Knaub on drums, Jon Roberts on bass, and Alexis M. LaSalle as Missy “Mississippi” Flapjack on lead vocals and keys.

This band writes and performs a variety of rock and traditional blues-style songs and are currently producing and arranging several new songs for their upcoming 2017-18 record release. Look for their upcoming debut album, Sunny Side Up, featuring “When You Least Expect It”, “Dirt.”, “Miles of Craggy Road”, and “Sing Tonight”.

Heal the Cracks

...Now the bells chime like the muscle beating in every chest, 

heal the cracks in the bell of every face listening to the bells. 

The chimes heal the cracks in the bell of the moon. 

The chimes heal the cracks in the bell of the world.  -Martin Espada

Visit poets.org for more poetry celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

15 September -15 October

Book Art Winners

On your next trip to Ocee library take a look at the Book Art winners! You'll find them in the display case in the lobby. The finalists each took home a 'swag bag' donated by Barnes and Noble! Congratulations, all- Keep looking for ways to be inspired by books!

Crafting

A ‘Yarn’ Good Time: Crochet Craft WorkshopThursdays: September 6, 13, 20, 27. 6:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
Join us for a free, weekly, community-taught crochet craft workshop at Ocee Library! All skill levels welcome! Work on your own crochet projects and help others learn a fun, relaxing craft!

Young ArtistsSeptember 8, 22. October 13, 27, November 3, December 1.
4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Basic techniques of drawing, painting, elements of art, principles of design, and cartoon/anime’ drawing.

ESL and Math Tutoring

English as a Second Language (ESL) Group Classes

Thursdays: September 6, 13, 20, 27.   2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Group classes in conversational English as a Second Languages 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.

CAST – Math Tutoring                             

Sundays: September 9, 16, and 23.

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 pm

Tutors will provide math instruction. Bring an assignment or a math topic that you are struggling with. First come first served basis. No registration required. Ages 8 and above. 

College Prep Events at Ocee

SAT College Prep Mock Test  

Saturday, September 8 and November 10.   10:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Take a practice SAT test! Registration required. Register at https://www.applerouth.com/schools.php/128876.

Ages 14-18.

ACT College Prep Mock Test                                 

Saturday, October 13 and December 8.10:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Take a practice ACT test! Registration required. Register at https://www.applerouth.com/schools.php/128876.

Ages 14-18.

Teens Find Your Future Life Faster – What Do You Want To Be

Saturday, September 8.  3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Calling all teens ages 13 and above. You will go through a series of online exercises, based on the most advanced career science. You will receive 14 natural aptitudes most important to your career choice based on your interests and future job market needs. Receive a detailed profile that connects you with a personalized fit to specific careers from a database of over 500 careers. Bring your Fulton County School ID for participation in this assessment.

Career and College Planning Fair

Saturday, September 15. 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Calling all teens and adults. Join us for your opportunity to connect with members of metro-Atlanta community for internship, volunteer and career opportunities. College, medical, government, retail and business organizations will be onsite and ready to speak with you. Learn about your career and educational options. Bring your resume and positive attitude. Resume and cover letter review will be available. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to plan your future career path.

eCampus for College Success: Research and Databases

Thursday, September 27. 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

An instructional program on using databases to conduct college-level research. Will introduce basic searching strategies and research methods. All ages welcome. Laptop users welcome.

Kids Chess Club

Kids Chess Club           

Wednesdays: September 5, October 3, November 7, December 5.

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Club members will learn strategies, game variations and perhaps have the opportunity to participate in a tournament. No registration required. Ages 5 and above. Sponsored by Kid Chess.

Get Fit at Ocee

Zumba

Saturdays: September 1, 8, 15, 22. 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Fitness inspired by various styles of Latin-American music and dance. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Open to adult patrons only.

Energy Yoga

Sundays: September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Wednesdays:September 5, 12, 19, 26. 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Physical exercises to open and clear energy. Utilizes Qi Gong and meditation techniques. Bring a yoga mat or towel and wear loose comfortable clothes. Open to adult patrons only.

Mommy and Me Family Yoga

Wednesdays: September 5, 12, 19, and 26. 11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Physical exercises to open and clear energy. Bring a yoga mat or towel and wear loose comfortable clothes. Open to mothers and preschool patrons.

Well Done, Summer Readers!

Friends of Ocee Library congratulates all Ocee's 
Summer Challenge Readers! 

We're pleased to award prizes to-

Anya, 4 - $25 Disney gift card (early reader) 

Mehul, 5 - $25 Lego gift card (kid) 

Amelia, 12 - $25 Barnes and Noble gift card (tween) 

Anirudh, 13 - $30 Regal Cinemas gift card (teen)

Friends and Staff hope you'll keep reading all through the school year!

Happy Labor Day!

Branches of the AFPLS will be closed for Labor Day 

Monday 3 September. 

Also of note, several branches are closed for renovations. 

150 Years Ago

the more they stay the same. Thanks to Friend of East Atlanta Henry Bryant for sharing this information!

“150 yrs. ago today, August 30, 1868: In Atlanta, GA, the “Constitution”, this week, has this about an emerging city treasure: “ Y.M.L.A.—The Young Men’s Library Association is now one of the established institutions of our city, and it behooves the citizens to sustain it as an organization of usefulness. It is one of the many evidences of enterprise which distinguish Atlanta as a wide awake, growing city. Though already in possession of a select library, yet the number of books is not sufficient to meet the demand of readers. The YMLA proposes to give an exhibition of Tableaux very soon, and a Concert about the middle of September.”

Books Young Georgians Should Read

2018 Books All Young Georgians Should Read 

Irene Latham—Can I Touch Your Hair?

Laura Freeman--The Hidden Figures 

Surishtha & Kabir Sehgal—Festival of Color 

Jackson Pearce—Ellie, Engineer

Roshani Choksi—Aru Sha and the End of Time 

Matt Laney—Pride Wars: The Spinner Prince

Brian Stelfreeze, illustrator—Black Panther 

Nic Stone—Dear Martin

Rachel Allen—The Taxonomy of Love

Becky Albertalli—Leah on the Offbeat

Books Georgians Should Read

2018 Books Georgians Should Read 

Anthony Grooms—The Vain Conversation: A Novel 

Tayari Jones—An American Marriage: A Novel 

Joshilyn Jackson—The Almost Sisters: A Novel 

Tayari Jones, editor—Atlanta Noir 

David Peisner—Homey Don’t Play That: 

The Story of In Living Color and the Black Comedy Revolution 

Maryn McKenna—Big Chicken: The Incredible Story of How Antibiotics 

Created  Modern Agriculture & Changed the Way the World Eats 

Jimmy Carter—Faith: A Journey for All 

Virginia Willis and Angie Mosier, photographer—Secrets of the Southern Table: 

A Food Lover’s Tour of the Global South 

Eddie Hernandez, Susan Puckett, and Angie Mosier, photographer--

Turnip Greens & Tortillas: A Mexican Chef Spices Up the Southern Kitchen 

Rupert Fike–Hello the House: Poems

Scientific Benefits of Reading Printed Books

Mental Floss reports there are many reason why reading on paper is more beneficial that  e-books. 

1. YOU ABSORB MORE INFORMATION.

3. THEY’RE EASIER ON THE EYES.

7. THEY AMPLIFY THE JOY OF READING.

Visit Mental Floss for more benefits and the science behind it.

Shakespeare Midsummer Magic!

ACT1 Theater and the City of Alpharetta have formed a new Shakespeare Troupe that will perform for FREE in Wills Park. Offerings include Scenes, Sonnets, and Soliloquies themes Midsummer Magic in August and Family Feud: Daddy Issues in September. The Troupe will host auditions in January for Summer 2019 performances.

Midsummer Magic – August 24 at Wills Park Lions Pavilion at 7:30 pm and August 25 at ACT1 Theater at 7:30 pm

Family Feud: Daddy Issues – September 21, 22, 28, 29 at Wills Park Lions Pavilion at 7:30 pm

Financial Planning

Lunch & Learn: Estate Planning

Friday, August 31. 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Join us for a comfortable, afternoon information session on estate planning and other financial topics. Part of the Ocee Library Financial Literacy Series. Ages 18 and up.

Medicare Information Workshop

Thursday, September 13. 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

A free, informative workshop featuring helpful information on Medicare.

Ocee Keeps Rocking - Take the Bait

Live concert at Ocee library

Friday 17 August at 7pm

The Ocee Library Performances is a concert series featuring exciting local musicians. This month we welcome Sad Fish and Sara Rachelle to Ocee Library. Sad Fish blends Brazilian tropicalia with psychadelic pop. Sara Rachele is a talented singer-songwriter. It's a great way to kick off the weekend! Come out and support local music and your local public library. 

  

Limited supply of free beverages courtesy of PBR with library card and valid ID | First come, first served.

Peace Corps - Make the Most of Your World

Peace Corps Info. SessionSaturday, August 18, 2018
11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Whether you're fresh out of college, mid-career, or ready to retire, Peace Corps service is the opportunity of a lifetime. Join us at this information session to learn about Volunteer experiences, ask questions about service, and gain tips to guide you through the application process.
E-mail:aaron.brown@fultoncountyga.gov   Phone: 770-360-8897x245

Chinese for Kids

Chinese for KidsSaturdays, August 11, 2018 - September 1, 2018
10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Kids learn to read Mandarin Chinese. For kids ages 5 to 10. Limited to six students. Register at 770-360-8897.
E-mail:aaron.brown@fultoncountyga.gov Phone: 770-360-8897x245

Bookspotting on 'Orange is the New Black'

Bookspotter Kate Scott has combined a list of 22 books the ladies of Litchfield are reading on season 6 of "Orange is the New Black". There's also an even bigger list for season 5.
     

Mister Rogers & Hope

“The world needs a sense of worth, and it will achieve it only by its people feeling that they are worthwhile.”

Book Riot contributor, Sonja Palmer, has compiled a list of ten Mister Rogers quotes from You Are Special: Neighborly Wit And Wisdom From Mister Rogers and The World According to Mr. Rogers to remind us all that good people do exist and that kindness matters. Look for Mister Rogers at a theater near you and at the library.

4 More Weeks To See Pooh

Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic is at the High Museum through 2 September. This exhibition, organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, explores the history and legacy of Pooh through original sketches, photographs, memorabilia, and letters. The exhibition includes interactive elements that bring Shepard’s illustrations to life.

You can visit Pooh and the Hundred Acre Wood anytime - at the library!

"Christopher Robin"

"So they went off together. But wherever they go, and whatever happens to them on the way, in that enchanted place on the top of the forest, a little boy and his bear will always be playing." A.A. Milne 

   

In the heartwarming live action adventure "Disney's Christopher Robin," the young boy who loved embarking on adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood with a band of spirited and lovable stuffed animals, has grown up and lost his way. Now it is up to his childhood friends to venture into our world and help Christopher Robin remember the loving and playful boy who is still inside. At a theater near you.

Unfinished Books

We've all left a book unfinished. Slogging through a novel you don't enjoy is pointless (unless it's an assignment, of course). Reading is meant to be fun! These Goodreads 15 most frequently unfinished books might be deserving of another try.
         

Animal Farm

"All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others"

George Orwell's dystopian novella, Animal Farm, is coming to Netflix.

Keep It Clean

 According to the Library Journal, dust “absorbs moisture, increases acid hydrolysis, and causes a quicker breakdown of valuable resources” and attracts insects! Moisture will also cause mold and mildew - all of which can trigger allergies!

Lire à la Plage

Lire à la Plage have set up library beach-huts with orange slanted roof and red beach chairs at twelve French resorts.  Open every afternoon from July 7 to Aug 26, each of the huts has been equipped with 1,000 books, novels, poetry, and manga for all ages. The only rule is that books must be enjoyed on the premise, but the librarian will hold your book for the next day's reading.

Image via Seine-Maritime

Flash Ficton Submissions Open

FLASH FICTION SUBMISSIONS OPEN TODAY From August 1 to 8, the Recommended Reading Commuter is open for flash fiction prose submissions. For this submissions period, submit up to 3 pieces, either standalone or connected. Full guidelines here.

A Day in the Library

A recent Forbes article, since removed, suggested that libraries could be replaced by Amazon stores. A you can imagine library patrons worldwide were not having it! The Irish Times has a wonderful article and photos detailing a day at the Central Dublin library in Ireland. It could just as well be about Dublin, Ohio or Georgia.

Logic?

Contrariwise,’ continued Tweedledee, ‘if it was so, it might be; and if it were so, it would be; but as it isn’t, it ain’t. That’s logic.’        Lewis Carroll, ‘Through the Looking Glass’

Germany's Oldest Public Library

"The remains of the oldest public library in Germany have been discovered in the middle of Cologne."

"The walls were first uncovered in 2017, during an excavation on the grounds of a Protestant church in the centre of the city. Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest cities, founded by the Romans in 50 AD under the name Colonia. But the discovery of niches in the walls, measuring approximately 80cm by 50cm, was, initially, mystifying."

Find out what the niches held here.

Out of a Magician's Hat?

Friends hope everyone had a great time at Summer Reading events!

Unlike magician Ken Scott, we can't pull funding out of a hat. While all AFPLS programs are FREE OF CHARGE to patrons, some of the bigger shows do charge a fee. Friends of Ocee Library raise money to help pay for these programs (as well as supplies, books...).

You can help Friends by becoming a member, shopping at our Book Nook, or by simply making a financial donation. Visit the pages above for more information!

The Shannon Reader

Here are her timetable vows: one hour
at the river, then two in the library,

and then back down to the river again.
This rhythm bore no automatic fruit.

But a day came when suddenly the whole
thing sweetened and deepened. She found herself

on first name terms with concentration’s ghost,
while currents kissed the root of every book.

She’s upstairs now, the Shannon’s own reader,
within whose work the otters see themselves,

the one whose silence manifests a line
heard on the bridge, a line the sun makes true

by changing these black words into a shoal:
I read, I write, therefore all life is near.
                                                               -Martin Dyar

Summers Off?

It’s commonly believed that school kids started taking summers off in the 19th century so they’d have time to work on the farm. Summer vacation has little to do with tilling fields and more to do with city kids playing hooky.

Farm kids never had summers off. They stayed home during the spring and fall, when crops needed to be planted and harvested. City kids hit the books all year long.

But as cities got denser, they got hotter. That’s when America’s swelling middle and upper class families started hightailing it to the cooler countryside. School attendance wasn’t mandatory then, and classrooms were half-empty each summer.

Working adults were getting more time to themselves than ever before. Advocates for vacation time also argued (incorrectly) that the brain was a muscle, and like any muscle, it could suffer injuries if overused. They argued that students shouldn’t go to school year-round because it could strain their brains. Air conditioning was decades away...

By the turn of the 20th century, urban districts had cut about 60 schooldays from the most sweltering part of the year. Rural schools soon adopted the same pattern. Business folks obviously saw an opportunity here. The summer vacation biz soon ballooned into what is now one of the country’s largest billion-dollar industries.

Blood Drive!

Red Cross Blood Drive

Thursday August 16. 10am–3pm

Summer is an especially critical time. In fact, the nation is experiencing a blood shortage. Help support our community by giving back to those in need. Giving blood saves lives! 

For donor sign up, click here and search for the blood drive by Ocee's zip code: 30005.

Finding a Scholarship

Finding a Scholarship
Thursday, August 9. 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Learn how to use AFPLS databases to get information on colleges and scholarships. All ages.

Keep Fit at Ocee

Zumba
Saturdays: August 4, 11, 18, 25...
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Fitness inspired by various styles of Latin-American music and dance. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Open to adult patrons only.

Energy Yoga
Sundays: August 12, 19, 26... 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Wednesdays: August 15, 22, 29. ..4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Physical exercises to open and clear energy. Utilizes Qi Gong and meditation techniques. Bring a yoga mat or towel and wear loose comfortable clothes. Open to adult patrons only.

Mommy and Me Family Yoga
Wednesdays: August 15, 22, 29...
11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Physical exercises to open and clear energy. Bring a yoga mat or towel and wear loose comfortable clothes. Open to mothers and preschool patrons.

CAST – Math Tutoring

CAST – Math Tutoring                             

Sundays: August 12, 19, 26...

 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Don't wait til late in the semester to get help! Bring an assignment or a math topic that you are struggling with. First come first served basis. No registration required. Ages 8 and above. 

English as a Second Language Classes

English as a Second Language Group Classes
Thursdays: August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30.
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Group classes in conversational English as a Second Languages 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.

August Story Time

Story time for Babies
Fridays: August 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31.

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Join us for a special themed story time for babies. Ages 0 to 2 with caregiver.

Story time for Preschool 

Tuesdays: August 7, 14, 21, 28.
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Come along for stories, songs, fun for toddlers, preschoolers, and their parents. Ages 2 and above with caregiver.

Secure Document Shredding at Ocee Library

Secure Document Shredding at Ocee Library
Saturday, August 4.  10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Secure document shredding will be available at the Ocee Library for proper on-site disposal of personal and confidential documents. Sponsored by the Fulton County Department of Real Estate and Asset Management.

It's All a Game

Game Night
Friday, August 3.  7:00 p.m.-9:00p.m.
Come enjoy variety of games before school starts.  Games from multiple eras will be available for a fun evening.  Snacks and drinks provided.

Kids Chess Club  

Wednesdays: August 1, September 5, October 3, November 7, December 5. 

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 

Club members will learn strategies, game variations and perhaps have the opportunity to participate in a tournament. Ages 5 and above. Sponsored by Kid Chess.

Book Art Challenge

Book Art Challenge
Beginning August 1
Teens, come in and take books from the “Book Art Cart”, use your imagination (or a little help from Pinterest) to create one-of-a-kind book art. Return your creations to Ocee by Monday, September 10, 2018 to be displayed in the Young Adult area!

Crafty Creations at Ocee

A ‘Yarn’ Good Time: Crochet Craft Workshop
Thursdays: August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
6:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
Join us for a free, weekly, community-taught crochet craft workshop at Ocee Library! All skill levels welcome! Work on your own crochet projects and help others learn a fun, relaxing craft!

Young Artists
Saturdays: August 18, 25. 4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. 
Basic techniques of drawing, painting, elements of art, principles of design, and cartoon/anime’ drawing.

Safe and Happy 4th!

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System will be closed 

Wednesday, July 4 for Independence Day.

Books, music, movies, account info are available on-line 24/7.

Library Reno Updates

East Point Library closed June 5, 2018.

Fairburn Library closed June 13, 2018.
Central Library will close Sunday, July 1, 2-6 pm.
August 8 closing: Sandy Springs, 

Kirkwood, Southwest and Washington Park.
August 21 closings: Roswell

Dogwood and West End Libraries.

Ways of Seeing

"As Atticus Finch said in To Kill a Mockingbird, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view – until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” Reading encourages us not to reduce others to caricatures. “Unconsciously we begin to accept that the other is always a mystery and that easy characterisations lead nowhere,” says the Greek writer Amanda Michalopoulou. “Literature transforms amorphous fear and pity into individualities. It tells us: the other is not what it seems.”...Perhaps most importantly, reading can reaffirm a feeling we all have – that who we are as humans varies from moment to moment. In response to the question posed by the Caterpillar – “Who are you?” – Alice says: “I-I hardly know, Sir, just at present. At least I know who I was when I got up this morning, but I think I must have changed several times since then.” "

Read the full article on how literature helps us better understand ourselves and others here.

Early Voting at Ocee

Three weeks of early voting begins Monday, but the equipment has all ready been set-up in the Meeting/Community Room. Please check with the library to make sure programs you plan to attend are still scheduled.

Empathy Day

'In reading, you get to feel things, visit places and worlds you would never otherwise know. You learn that everyone else out there is a me, as well. Empathy is a tool for building people into groups, for allowing us to function as more than self-obsessed individuals' Neil Gaiman

Libraries, school, and bookshops in Britain are observing Empathy Day 12 June! Because scientific research shows the power of books to build real-life empathy, the focus is on using books as a tool to challenge prejudice and build connections between us all.

READ - because reading in itself can make us more empathetic

SHARE - because sharing books can connect us in new ways

DO - put empathy into action and make a difference in your community

RFK - 50 Years On