Yoga Classes and Early Voting

Here's an update from Patricia about her classes. "During election times our class will be held in the main section of the library. They are putting up privacy screens for us. The library staff is really going all out to maintain consistency in our yoga training in spite of the many challenges created by early voting at Ocee. Thank you, Ryland, Karen, and Carla!"

Sundays at 4:30 and Wednesdays at 10:15. Mommy and Me Yoga class from 11:30 - noon Wednesdays is open to parents with pre-schoolers. Bring yoga mats and wear comfortable clothes.

Book-a-Librarian for Kids and Teens

Wednesdays, April 11, 2018 - May 9, 2018
4:30 PM-5:30 PM

Customized help with library resources for research projects, book selection using the catalog, or other library questions. Meet Mr. Brown, the Youth Librarian, at the Children's desk with your questions. First come, first served. Ages 5 to 18.

That's My Philosophy Reading Group

A monthly reading group engaging short philosophical texts. Beginners welcome! For a copy of the next reading, ask a librarian! Adults & students of all experience levels are welcome. Laptop users welcome. Adults only ages 17 and up. Saturday, May 12, 2018 from 4PM-5PM.

Hospitality Industry Job Fair

Top Job Hospitality will host a job fair at the Ocee Library on Thursday 26 April 2018 from 3PM-5PM. Hiring for part-time and full-time positions in the hospitality industry, including banquet servers and stewards. Adults only. For more information call 770-360-8897.

Free Concert

Our friends at the Alpharetta Community Chorus invite you to a free concert celebrating their 5th anniversary! The event features Schubert's "Mass in G" with soloists and chamber orchestra. Additional selections include lyrics by Nathaniel Hawthorne and WB Yeats. The concert is Sunday 6 May at 3pm at the Alpharetta Presbyterian Church (near the Alpharetta Branch library).

Secure Document Shredding / Recycling

Secure document shredding will be available at the Ocee Library for proper on-site disposal of personal and confidential documents Saturday 28 April from 10AM-2PM. Sponsored by the Fulton County Department of Real Estate and Asset Management.

The Roswell Recycling Center - 11570 Maxwell Rd, Alpharetta 30009 - has been at the heart of the city's recycling efforts for the past three decades. What started as a grassroots initiative organized by a group of citizens has grown into an environmental force in the community, offering recycling services to both residents and non-residents.

Keep Johns Creek Beautiful has a number of programs ongoing and throughout the year.

Friends of Ocee Library accepts donations of newer books in good condition to re-sale in the Book Nook as our fundraiser for the library. 

If your books have seen better days, please drop them at Webb Bridge Middle School for recycling - magazines, too.

Earth Day

On this 48th Earth Day, the focus is on plastic pollution. Plastic is threatening our planet's survival, from poisoning and injuring marine life to disrupting human hormones, from littering our beaches and landscapes to clogging our streams and landfills. Together, we can make a difference. Refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle!

Barbara Bush 1925-3018

Adorning a bench in 'Ganny's Garden' is Barbara Bush's iconic floppy hat, her favorite book 'Pride and Prejudice' and a mismatched pair of Keds shoes.

”The American Dream is about equal opportunity for everyone who works hard. If we don't give everyone the ability to simply read and write, then we aren't giving everyone an equal chance to succeed.“ —Barbara Bush 

Reading Without Walls

During April, author Gene Luen Yang challenges readers, educators, librarians and booksellers to read outside of their walls by doing one (or all) of the following:

• Read a book about a character who doesn't look or live like you.
• Read a book about a topic you don't know much about.
• Read a book in a format that you don't normally read for fun.

Crochet Workshop

Thursdays, April 12 - June 21, 2018
6:30 pm-7:45 pm / Resource Room

All skill levels are welcome! Work on your own crochet projects (check the library catalogue!) or join us in making this adorable crochet pony! Please bring your own yarn and hooks. You'll can purchase the pony pattern at ETSY for $7.

Furkids at Ocee!

Furkids Animal Rescue and Shelters will be at Ocee library Sunday 22 April from 10:30 am til 2 pm with some of their cutest pups for an educational adoption event. Come along to learn about the importance of adoption, pet ownership tips, and maybe even take home a Furkid of your own (or find out how to foster,  volunteer, or donate)! 

Furkids, headquartered in Atlanta, GA, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization that operates the largest cage-free, no-kill shelter in the Southeast for rescued cats and Sadie's Place, a no-kill shelter for dogs. For more information phone 770-360-8897. 

Fur, Feathers...

fins or scales, “National Pet Day (11 April) was founded in 2006 by Animal Welfare Advocate Colleen Paige, to celebrate the joy pets bring to our lives and to create public awareness about the plight of many different kinds of animals awaiting a forever home in shelters and rescues all around the globe.” Thinking about adopting? Learn more at the library!

National Library Week

Since 2003, National Library Worker’s Day has been a day for library staff, users, administrators and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers. Nominate your library staff here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SubmitAStarforNLWD

Library Survey - Have Your Say!

We need your input to strengthen our services, so be sure to tell us what is working well and what is needed. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to take the annual Library Survey at: https://fultoncountyga.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_czHwNuu0u9iGIrX.

Art at Ocee!

Young Artists
Saturday, 4/14/2018 4:00 PM-5:30 PM
Learn the basic techniques of drawing, painting, elements of art, principles of design, and cartoon/animé drawing. 

small, Small World Preschool Art
Tuesday, 4/17/2018 10:30 AM-11:15 AM
Travel the globe as part of the John Creek Art Centers learning adventure. small, Small World is a multi-sensory learning experience for children ages 2 to 4 and their caregivers. Each session participants will embark on a 40-minute journey to far-off locales where they learn about children around the world through music, movement, art, and literature. This is a free program funded by the City of Johns Creek. Class size is limited to 12 children. REGISTER at 770-360-8897 or with Karen.kennedy@fultoncountyga.gov.

Tax Help

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
Saturdays, February 10- April 14
10:00 AM-4:00 PM
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides free, in-person tax assistance. For more info, please visit www.aarp.org/taxaide. REGISTRATION REQUIRED, call 770-360-8897.

Isha Yoga

Isha Yoga
Fridays, April 6, 2018 - May 25, 2018
12:00 PM-1:00 PM
Simple yet powerful practices derived from the yogic sciences that activate joints and muscles, release tension and inertia, and bring ease, alertness, and liveliness to the whole system. Followed by a deep and relaxing meditation. Bring a yoga mat or towel and wear loose comfortable clothes. Open to adult patrons only.

Georgia Writers, Southern Voices

The finalists for the 2018 Townsend Prize represent the very best achievements in letters by Georgia writers over the course of the preceding two years, reflecting the prize’s celebration of the Southern voice in all its intricacies and incarnations. The finalists for the 2018 Townsend Prize for Fiction are:

The Guineveres by Sarah Domet

Over the Plain Houses by Julia Franks

The Opposite of Everyone by Joshilyn Jackson

Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly

The Lemon Jell-O Syndrome by Man Martin

Lightning Men by Thomas Mullen

The Half Wives by Stacia Pelletier

Among the Living by Jonathan Rabb

Shadow of the Lions by Christoper Swann

The Hidden Light of Northern Fires by Daren Wang

The awards ceremony will be held 19 April!

"Love, Simon" Author Book Signing in Roswell

Becky Albertalli, author of "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" - American Library Association's William C. Morris Award for 2015's best debut novel written for teens - will be in Roswell for a book signing.

Albertalli will be at Aurora Cineplex in Roswell on March 31 for a special book signing and screening of “Love, Simon”. George Weinstein of the Atlanta Writers Club, “put this event together with the help of Aurora Cineplex and Bookmiser to celebrate AWC member Becky Albertalli's dream come true.”

Albertalli will sign books before and after the 7:05pm screening. She'll hold a short Q&A session prior to the second signing session.

Library Closed

The Atlanta Fulton Public Library System will be closed this Sunday in observance of Easter. (Sunday is also April Fools Day so be careful when you crack open your Easter eggs!)

Changes in Library Spending

American Library Association (ALA) President Jim Neal released the following statement on March 23 in response to President Trump signing the FY2018 omnibus spending bill:

“One year ago, the White House proposed eliminating the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and slashed millions of dollars in federal funding for libraries. Twelve months and tireless advocacy efforts later, ALA advocates have helped libraries:
win $9 million more for IMLS than it had in FY2017, including $5.7 million for the Library Services and Technology Act.
restore $27 million for the Innovative Approaches to Literacy program.
provide $350 million for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

“Congress also appropriated an unexpected $700 million for Title IV education programs, which opens doors to new funding for school libraries.

“Congress added a policy provision that has been on our advocacy agenda for years: Congressional Research Service reports will now be published online by the Library of Congress, ensuring for the first time permanent public access to valuable government information.

“To protect federal library funding, we need to keep reminding Congress that libraries bring leaders and experts together to solve difficult problems, that we deliver opportunities, from academic success to work readiness. We need to invite elected leaders into our libraries to see what we do for their constituents with a small investment of federal dollars. And we need to engage our library users and other community leaders in this important work.

“ALA’s Washington Office will continue to provide the expertise, strategy and resources that have helped make our advocacy so effective. To get involved, visit ala.org/fundlibraries.”

Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 31, 2018
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Join us for an egg-cellent Easter Egg Hunt!

Suggested Audiences:Elementary, Preschool
E-mail:karen.kennedy@fultoncountyga.gov
Phone: 770-360-8897

More Than a Story

Story-time is often at the core of library programming. Here's a few reasons why:

• Your child(ren) get experience in listening to another adult
• They learn to pay attention to someone who's not their parent
•  How to sit quietly while they are speaking
• Experiencing the public performance of literature
• Kids are potentially exposed to a diverse selection of authors, cultural backgrounds and narrative styles
• Library storytime fosters a lifelong love for the library

Learn more about the benefits - for parents, too - at Medium.

Big Blue Library

Freshta Karim wanted to give Kabul’s children the opportunity to widen their horizons. She hosted children's reading groups at her home, but was looking for a way to expand. 

“I don’t know how many of us can really forget the pain that the war has given us. Maybe children are too young to think about it, but I still feel that they realize it,” she said. “I hope a program like this can give them an opportunity to forget those things.”

Karim, 25 year old with a Master's in public policy, explained that people her age don't remember libraries.  Save the Children reports that, a third of Afghan children are unable to attend school.

The transportation ministry provided the bus, books were donated and other donations help with gasoline.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas

1890-1998

"Speak up. Learn to talk clearly and forcefully in public. Speak simply and not too long at a time, without over-emotion, always from sound preparation and knowledge. Be a nuisance where it counts, but don’t be a bore at any time… Do your part to inform and stimulate the public to join your action… Be depressed, discouraged and disappointed at failure and the disheartening effects of ignorance, greed, corruption and bad politics — but never give up." 

She was a journalist, author, women's suffrage & civil rights advocate, and conservationist.  AFPLS has several of her books.

Runway Mommies

Crave the thrill of reading about something we know we’ll never do? The Guardian has 10 books about runaway mommies. Here's a few-
Ladder of Years-Anne Tyler
The Women’s Room-Marilyn French
Kramer vs Kramer-Avery Corman
Where’d You Go, Bernadette-M Semple

the Patronus

"Dragging myself through another bout of severe depression and re-reading the 'Harry Potter' series to strengthen my Patronus. A million thanks to J.K. Rowling for the magical escape that's always there when it's needed",  a fan wrote on twitter. 

"Those stories saved their author, too. Nothing makes me happier than to think that they went out into the world to do the same for other people. Keep that Patronus powerful" replied Rowling.

Rowling said her experiences with depression inspired the idea of Dementors — dark, soul-sucking beings that drain their victims of all hope. "I have never been remotely ashamed of having been depressed — never. What’s there to be ashamed of?"

If you need help, don't suffer in silence. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 or visit their website for more information.

Anne, Charlotte, Emily

“If she were more perfect, she would be less interesting.” —Anne Brontë, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

“It is foolish to wish for beauty. Sensible people never either desire it for themselves or care about it in others. If the mind be but well cultivated, and the heart well disposed, no one ever cares for the exterior.” —Anne Brontë, Agnes Grey

“I am not an angel, and I will not be one till I die: I will be myself.” —Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre

“I wish I were a girl again, half savage and hardy, and free…Why am I so changed?” —Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights

“I remembered that the real world was wide, and that a varied field of hopes and fears, of sensations and excitements, awaited those who had the courage to go forth into its expanse, to seek real knowledge of life amidst its perils.” —Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre

Peace Corps

Peace Corps Information Session

Saturday: March 31. 11 am – noon

Serving in the Peace Corps is a great way to immerse yourself in a new culture, learn a new language, and have the experience of a lifetime.  A former volunteer will be at this information session to share hands-on volunteer experiences. You will be able to ask questions about service this service and gain tips to guide you through the application process. No registration required. Teens and Adults.

Stephen Hawking 1942-2018

❝One, remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Two, never give up work. Work gives you meaning and purpose and life is empty without it. Three, if you are lucky enough to find love, remember it is there and don't throw it away❞ - Interview with ABC's Diane Sawyer, June 2010

❝My expectations were reduced to zero when I was 21. Everything since then has been a bonus❞ - Interview. New York Times, December 2004

❝We are just an advanced breed of monkeys on a minor planet of a very average star. But we can understand the Universe. That makes us something very special❞ - Interview, Der Spiegel, October 1988

         

Search the AFPLS catalogue for more by & about Professor Hawking

Kids Vote for Your Favorite Author!

The Milner Award encourages children to read by empowering them to select their favorite authors and then bring them to Atlanta for the Milner Award Program each year. School children and their teachers and media specialists have the opportunity to come to the free program to meet the author in person and hear them speak. The winning author is chosen by votes gathered both in the elementary schools and in the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System branches. Kids can vote here!

Be the Change

Mommy and Me Yoga class

Mommy and Me Yoga class 

Begins March 7. Wednesdays 11:30 am- noon 

The class is open to parents with pre-schoolers. 

Bring yoga mats and wear comfortable clothes. 

small, Small World Preschool Art

small, Small World Preschool Art
Tuesdays: March 20, April 17, May 15. 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Grab your passports and join us as we travel the globe as part of the John Creek Art Centers learning adventure. small, Small World is a multi-sensory learning experience for children. Each session participants will embark on a 40-minute journey to far-off locales where they learn about children around the world through music, movement, art, and literature. This is a free program funded by the City of Johns Creek. Class size is limited to 12 participants. Advance registration is required. Register by calling 770.360.8897 or register at the Patron Services desk. Ages 2 to 4 and their caregivers.

Music for Preschoolers

Music for Preschoolers

Tuesday March 13. 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Preschoolers and their parents are invited to attend entertaining and educational programs. Learn how music teaches your child early literacy skills, improves motor function and deepens the bond between preschooler and parent. Ages 2 and above with caregiver.

Library Renovations - please attend

Public meetings will be held to gather community input and recommendations for the construction/design team. 

Libraries included in Group 2:

•  Ocee (public meeting scheduled for March 8, 2018)
• Northeast/Spruill Oaks (public meeting scheduled for March 27, 2018)
• Northside (public meeting scheduled for March 20, 2018)
• Mechanicsville (public meeting scheduled for April 2, 2018)
• Buckhead (March 14, 2018) 

That’s My Philosophy Reading Group

That’s My Philosophy Reading Group

Saturday, March 17. 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

A monthly reading group engaging short philosophical texts. Beginners welcome! For a copy of the next reading, see Mr. Johnson. Adults & students of all experience levels are welcome. Laptop users welcome. Adults only ages 17 and up.

Smart Drivers Program

AARP SMART Drivers Safety Program

Wednesday, March 14. 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

AARP SMART Drivers Safety Program is intended to provide all drivers, especially those age 50 and above, with a classroom course that helps them assess, enhance, and improve their driving skills. 

FEE: $15 for AARP members, $20 for non-members. Attendees are encouraged to bring a snack for a 30 minute lunch break. Register by calling 770.360.8897 or register at the Patron Services desk. 

Coding for Kids

Kids Next Code

Friday: March 9. 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Kids Next Code has extensive experience with over 200 students in the state of Georgia on how to build websites. Kids Next Code specializes in website design, game design, robotics, and Microsoft Office. Laptop or tablet with keyboard preferred. Please bring AFPLS library card number. Ages 5-18. Registration required. Register by calling 770.360.8897 or register at the Patron Services desk.

Teen Advisory Board

Teen Advisory Board (T.A.B.)

Saturday March 3.   3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Teens, help to us manage the young adult (YA) collection of the Ocee Library. Bring us your ideas for creating events for kids and teens, choosing materials for the library's collection and other projects. Leadership opportunity perfect for future college applications. Please join us to make an impact at the Ocee Library.

Reading with Dr Seuss!

Reading Across America

Friday: March 2. 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Join us as we celebrate our annual Reading Across America day at the Ocee Library. We will celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday by reading one of his books and having fun. Ages 2 and above with caregiver.

Weekly Offerings at Ocee

English as a Second Language (ESL) Group Classes

Thursdays: March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. 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.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

Saturdays: March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides free, in-person tax assistance on Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., February 3 to April 14, 2018. For more info, please visit www.aarp.org/taxaide. Register by calling 770.360.8897 or register at the Patron Services desk.

Young Artists

Saturdays: March 3, 17, 31. May 5.  4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Learn the basic techniques of drawing, painting, elements of art, principles of design, and cartoon/anime’ drawing.

Energy Yoga

Sundays: March 4, 11, 18, 25. 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Wednesdays: February 7, 14, 21, 28, March 7, 14, 21, 28. 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

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

CAST Free Math Tutoring        

Sundays: March 4, 11, 25. 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

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.

Yoga & Meditation

Mondays: March 5, 12, 19, 26. 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Introduces basic yoga and meditation techniques for beginners. Bring a yoga mat or towel and wear loose comfortable clothes.Open to adult patrons only.

Story time for Preschool                                                                                                         

Tuesdays: March  6, 13, 27. 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Join us for a special themed story time. Stories, songs, fun for toddlers, preschoolers, and their parents. Ages 2 and above with caregiver.

Story time for Babies

Fridays: March  9, 16, 23. 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Join us for a special themed story time for babies. Ages 0 to 2 with caregiver.