Delayed

Quartz has an informative article about book delays. Basically, more people want physical books, lumber is in short supply and with COVID, there's a reduction in workers to make paper. Many books are printed in China. Port congestion, lack of shipping containers, a shortage of dockworkers and trucker are slowing the movement of books from warehouses to stores.

For the 2021 holiday season the key is to shop early. Huber said to preorder any books you’re looking forward and be flexible. Remember, independent-bookstores can help customers find a suitable replacement gift if the one they want is not in stock. Most important, they say: “Be nice to retail workers, as we cannot control the supply chain, and the shortages aren’t our fault.” The same advice applies to our library staff.

Fall Releases

Staff at LitHub has reviewed some of the new fall book releases. Of what they've read so far, here's their reviews and recommendations. Here's an additional 222 books released in July -December. Until then, here's some of their picks you can pick up right now and now.

Remember

 

True

 

Book Store Hours Update 2

 

Book Store Hours

As I mention, " hours subject to change", I received the following from Fulco Library System. This applies to Ocee, as well as Spruill Oaks, Alpharetta, Milton, etc.

"Friends groups with open book stores manned by volunteers that their hours per county guidelines would now only be allowed between 10am-2pm. The County is committed to the safety of all volunteers, staff and patrons. We know this change affects bookstore volunteers and patrons. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause."

Afghan Women

Beyond the sound bites, Book Riot has selected 9 memoirs by Afghan women.

MY FORBIDDEN FACE BY LATIFA

OPEN SKIES: MY LIFE AS AFGHANISTAN’S FIRST FEMALE PILOT BY NILOOFAR RAHMANI WITH ADAM SIKES

THE STORYTELLER’S DAUGHTER: ONE WOMAN’S RETURN TO HER LOST HOMELAND BY SAIRA SHAH

LOAD POEMS LIKE GUNS: WOMEN’S POETRY FROM HERAT, AFGHANISTAN TRANSLATED BY FARZANA MARIE

Check the library catalogue for those in the list and others.

Environmental Lit

BookLit celebrates Environmental Literature Day with books from a wide range of categories! Explore with a book - and go outside!

Hopepunk

Indigenous Authors

Mysteries with environmental themes

Middle grade fiction

Sustainability

Climate change

Queer explorations of nature and place

Women and nature

Memoirs

Ecofiction by BIPOC authors

Book Store Hours - week of 23 August

August 23  -  10am to 12n
August 24  -  12n to 2 pm
August 25  -    3 to 5 pm
August 26  -    3 to 5 pm
August 27   -  10am to 12n 3-5pm
August 28   -    2 to 4pm

The book store is staffed by volunteers. Hours are subject to change.

COVID-Free Communities Webinar

Join Fulton County and our partners with The Alive & In Color Campaign on Wednesday, 8/18 at 7:30 p.m. for “Back to Life: But First, a Reality Check: Uplifting Facts & Empowering ‘The Culture’ to Drive COVID-Free Communities.” An impressive group of community leaders will discuss vaccination, the Delta variant, and the need to address health disparities and close the vaccination gap. You will hear from Kenny Burns with V103 Atlanta; Durand Bailey with the Atlanta Music Project; Lisa Cunningham with BWHI; Dr. Jayne Morgan with Piedmont Healthcare COVID Taskforce; DJ Mars; Zachary Wallace with Local Green Atlanta; and Nancy Flake Johnson with the Urban League of Greater Atlanta. REGISTER FOR EVENT

The Spine Collector

For several years, a mysterious figure has been stealing books before their release. Is it espionage? Revenge? Or a complete waste of time? Read on here.

Book Club Picks

Publisher's Weekly brings you August book club picks from 30+ groups. Look for the next read for you or your club or just see what others are reading. Who would've guessed the Richard Branson Book Club is reading "Wind, Sand and Stars" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry!

'Sweat Thicker than Glue'

The Sierra Club has some new book recommendations for the summer. From the gifts of our earth to things unseen to the challenges we face,  have a look and learn something new!

Book Store Hours week of 9 August

The book store is run by volunteers and hours are subject to change without notice.
With the rapid rise in COVID cases, there may be changes in library services.

Book store hours for this week are as follows:
Mon 9th 10am to 12 noon

Tues 10th 11am to 1pm and 5 to 7pm

Wed 11th 12:30 to 2:30pm

Thurs 12th 11am to 1 pm

Fri 13th 10am to 12 noon

Books to Heal

The folks at Publisher's Weekly have compiled quite a list of books for healing. They range from herbs, mudras, yoga/breathing, the natural world, and worlds beyond. Take a look and maybe you'll find some new ways to keep body, mind, and spirit well during these changing and uncertain times.

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/new-titles/adult-announcements/article/87001-books-to-heal-energize-and-enchant-mind-body-spirit-books-2021.html

Fulton Co COVID Updates

Re: Fulco libraries, beginning Monday 9 August, library meeting rooms will be closed, study rooms limited to 2 people, and indoor programs will be on hold.

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners announced today that it will reinstate the indoor mask mandate. Starting Thursday, August 5, 2021, all employees and those visiting Fulton County facilities will be required to wear a mask indoors. Fulton County Chief Operating Officer Anna Roach advised the Board that Fulton County would return to requiring masks inside its facilities.

“Our goal is to ensure the safety of everyone that comes into this building and all Fulton County buildings,” said Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts. “It is vital that this mask mandate be for those who are vaccinated as well as unvaccinated individuals especially since we all are still facing the threat of a contagious pandemic now known as the Delta variant.”

Although breakthrough cases are possible but rare, the Board and Fulton County Officials are working to remain proactive when it comes to protecting workers and residents. COVID-19 cases have increased by 300% over the last three weeks. Hospitalization rates have also increased, and 99% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients are unvaccinated. More than 4.1 million vaccines have been administered throughout Georgia – 515,000 of those were issued in Fulton County. The County is implementing guidelines consistent with those currently recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Masks REQUIRED -again

With the sharp rise in COVID-19 Delta cases, masks will again be required in the Fulco libraries as well as other Fulton County offices/buildings. The mask requirement is in effect as of 5 August 2021 for all library patrons - regardless of vaccination status.

If you need information about getting vaccinated, please refer to the previous post (Ask a Librarian).

Ask a Librarian

Other than library questions, the following question has been popular-

How do I schedule a COVID-19 vaccination?

COVID-19 vaccines can protect you and your family. The vaccines are safe and offered at no charge to you. Everyone age 12 and over is eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

Within Fulton County there are two sites operated by the Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency and the Fulton County Board of Health. In addition, Fulton County is bringing COVID-19 vaccine to neighborhoods through mobile vaccination units.

Parking is free at all sites. No ID is required.

Youth age 12 – 17 do not have to have a parent present but must have a consent form signed by a parent.

For locations, times, and further information visit: 

https://www.fultoncountyga.gov/covid-19/covid-vaccine

Ocee Book Return

Ocee's book return is now automated (hooray!) and is for library materials ONLY. Please do not use it for Friends' book donations. 

The Friends' old plastic book bins have been replaced (hooray!) with beautiful custom cabinets for donations. You'll find them in the same place - between the big meeting room and the restrooms.

See the 2 August post re: info on donations.

Book Store

Store hours for the rest of this week are:

Wed. Aug 4.      4-6 pm
Thurs. Aug 5.   12-3 pm 
Fri. Aug 6.        10 am-12 noon and 1-3 pm

The book store is staffed by volunteers. Hours may be subject to change.

More News from the Book Store

Friends are now officially taking book donations (see below). 

Help us by limiting your donations to 1 box per week.  Thanks!

Friends ‘best-sellers’:

• Recent adult fiction and non-fiction
• Children’s picture and chapter books
• Young adult books, HS/college reading list faves
• Books in like new condition

We can not accept:

• Reference materials (encyclopedias, dictionaries)
• Textbooks, workbooks, technical manuals
• CDs, DVDs, VHS/cassette tapes, video games
• Magazines
• Soiled or damaged books (it's OK to trash these!)

The bookstore depends on volunteers to sort donations and open our new store. Please consider donating your time. Ask library staff for a volunteer application or email@oceefriends.org for more information.

Yoga

In person yoga classes are scheduled to resume Wednesday, August 11th
Energy Yoga (adults) - Wednesdays at 11:00 AM
Kids' Yoga - Wednesdays at 4:30 PM

ZOOM classes

https://us02web.zoom.u(s/j/9302350489

Mondays and Wednesdays - 11:00 AM 

(Wednesdays will move to the library 11 August.)
Tuesdays and Thursdays - 6:30 PM
Tuesdays at 11:00 - Meditation and Discussion

There's a wide selection of classes available on Patricia's youtube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-gCt_rBuJOPxeraCsBfcOw

Check the Fulco catalogue for other health and fitness materials to keep yourself in shape!

1-800-273-8255

If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can also text HOME to 741-741 for free, 24-hour support from the Crisis Text Line. Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention for a database of resources.

Ocee Friends Book Store

First, Friends are NOT accepting book donations yet. Please check back.

We're excited about our new book store! The store is run by volunteers. As their availability changes, so will book store hours. For the week of 26 July, hours are:

Monday: 3-5 pm

Tuesday: noon- 2pm

Wednesday - Friday: 10am - noon

Book Supply Chain

PW reports, "Truck driver shortages, widespread port congestion, and skyrocketing container costs are among the biggest challenges facing the book industry supply chain for the rest of the year and into 2022, panelists on a July 6 BISG webinar looking at freight and shipping issues agreed.

Book International’s VP of global business development David Hetherington said that, in all his time in the book business, he has never seen such pressure building in the supply chain as is happening now. He predicted that things could get worse as more buying shifts online and more packages need to go directly to consumers’ homes."

I Pledge

When beloved comedian Red Skelton was a child, his teacher noticed his students were 'mindlessly' reciting the 'Pledge of Allegiance'. This teacher stopped to explain the pledge word by word. Some 40 + years later, Skelton shared it on his TV show in 1969.

I
Me; an individual; a committee of one.

Pledge'
Dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self-pity.

Allegiance

My love and my devotion.

To the Flag

Our standard;  Old Glory; a symbol of Freedom; wherever she waves there is respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts, Freedom is everybody’s job.

of the United

That means that we have all come together.

States

Individual communities that have united into forty-eight great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose. All divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that is love for country.

And to the Republic

Republic — a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people; and it’s from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.

For which it stands

One Nation

One Nation — meaning, so blessed by God.

Indivisible

Incapable of being divided.

With Liberty

Which is Freedom; the right of power to live one’s own life, without threats, fear, or some sort of retaliation.

And Justice

The principle, or quality, of dealing fairly with others.

For All

For All — which means, boys and girls, it’s as much your country as it is mine...

Library Closed Monday

 Fulco libraries are closed today in observance of the July 4th holiday. 

Libraries will re-open Tuesday 6 July.

Ocee Yoga

Yoga has yet to resume in-person at Ocee, but you'll find a wide selection of classes available on Yoga Patricia's youtube channel!

HERE'S THE LINK :
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-gCt_rBuJOPxeraCsBfcOw

CLICK ON "MANAGE VIDEOS" TO SEE THE FULL SELECTION OF CLASSES.

Juneteenth

History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again. ~ Maya Angelou

Library Closing

Big Summer Book List

LitHub has taken all the best of summer reads lists (38 lists and 522 books!) and counted how many times books appeared on each list to compile the "Ultimate Summer Reading List". I don't want to give anything away, so you'll find links to all the lists and the book that appeared on 21 of the lists here. Check the library for availability or shop Bookshop (which supports local indie bookstores).

Tails and Tales

This year's summer reading program theme is "Tails and Tales". Visit  fulcolibrary.org  to register and to find out what events are being offered.

The Crosses

The Crosses

William H. McRaven 

This poem is dedicated to all the men and women, regardless of faith, who made the ultimate sacrifice for this nation.

I have stood before the crosses

as we laid a soldier down.

They cast a simple shadow

upon the upturned ground.

The bugler sounds taps

as each cross its witness bears

to the journey of a soldier

released from earthly cares.

I have stood before the crosses

and prayed a lonely prayer,

in hopes of some redemption

as I struggled to compare

My life of long contentment

with the soldier’s hallowed call

to warrant with his dying breath

a better world for all.

I have stood before the upturned ground

and struggled to compare

my courage and my character

with the man or woman there.

Would I have died a valiant death

in a foreign land,

upon a distant battlefield,

to save my fellow man?

I have stood before the crosses

as the sun was going down,

watching as the shadows faded

upon the upturned ground.

I have looked upon the hillside of

the crosses, row on row,

upon the young and brave of heart

never to grow old.

I have knelt before the crosses

at night, before I sleep,

and made upon my bended knee

a covenant I keep:

To live a life of service,

to honor all our losses,

for those who went before us,

those beneath the crosses.

Get Wild!

The UK's Wildlife Trusts' annual 30 Days Wild campaign starts 1 June. People are encouraged to get out and experience nature every day for a month. A survey of last year’s participants has revealed the UK's favourite 'random acts of wildness'.

• Listening to birdsong 
• Exercising outdoors
• Eating outdoors / picnic
• Identifying wildflowers
• Planting wildflower seeds
• Going on a bug hunt
• Making a wildlife home (birdbox, bee hotel)
• Sketching, drawing or painting nature

This sounds like a fantastic idea where ever you live! Visit the library for identification guides, nature craft how-to, and family passes to Georgia State Parks or the Atlanta Zoo. A new section of the Greenway is opening, too!

Reasons to Remember

"In our (Memorial Day) gatherings this year, as the wave of grief crests and rolls through, let's also celebrate the opportunity to reunite. Grief and joy can be experienced at the same time. Those who fight for our freedoms take pleasure in seeing us celebrate these freedoms, as long as we do this while also paying respect in a sincere and authentic way to those who have fallen." - Shauna Springer

US Military Casualities of War

Library Closing

Fulton County libraries, goverment offices, as well as their COVID-19 vaccination & testing sites will be closed Monday 31 May in observance of Memorial Day. All will re-open on Tuesday.

AAPI Books

For Asian American Pacific Islander Month, BookRiot features several AAPI owned bookstores and their favorite AAPI-authored book recommendations. Most are in the western US, but offer on-line ordering. 

Atlanta's Maomi Bookstore (and cafe) also made thier list! Additionally, they sell stationery/calligraphy supplies, coffee, and tea. Many of the books are written in Chinese, but if you want to learn the language, you’ll find the books and supplements.

Palaces for the People

At the US Book Show, sociologist Eric Klinenberg, author of the bestselling book Palaces for the People: How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life thanked librarians for their work and stressed that as the nation seeks to recover from a tumultuous year, we will need our public libraries now more than ever before.

“I don’t know all the ways we’re going to have to build and invest...” Klinenberg told librarians. “But I will say that, as we start to rebuild, there is probably no better place to begin, there’s no better site, there is no better public works project, there is no better social infrastructure that expresses who we are and what we want to be than the library.”

Klinenberg called libraries “the best exemplars” of our collective life, and sought to reframe the message of “social distancing” that emerged in the wake of the Covid-19.

“I knew what health officials were trying to tell us, which is to regard each other more carefully,” Klinenberg said. “But I realized the truth was, from the beginning of the pandemic, what we really needed was something more like social solidarity—some real way of thinking more considerately about each other… So what I was thinking from the beginning of the pandemic is that the real message needed to have been ‘physical distance, social solidarity,’ not social distance.”

View his closing keynote here.

Eric Carle and Shmoo

Children's author/illustrator  Eric Carle died this week at age 91. Over 55 million of his stories ("The VeryHungry Caterpillar") have been sold in 66 languages. 

On hearing of the author's passing, a former neighborhood resident of Carle shared a story of her own. She recalled the kindness he showed her during a stressful time. You'll be glad you took a few minutes to read this sweet tribute to the author. 

Reopening - Phase 2

During this second phase of the Library’s reopening plan, all 32 branch libraries, as well as the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American History and Culture will open full time for in-person services. In-person services will be available on Mondays and Tuesdays from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Wednesdays - Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Computer use will continue to be available to all patrons for one hour per day, six days a week.

During this phase of the Library’s reopening, the Library would like to remind patrons of some important changes:

· Curbside Services will no longer be available.

· Meeting, conference and study rooms will remain closed.

· Patrons are asked to wear masks (regardless of vaccination status) and maintain social distancing.

· Self-serve options will remain in place and are recommended for in-branch services like self-checkout machines for paying fines and fees.

Information: www.fulcolibrary.org/reopening

Library Hours/ In-person Services

Reminder, the library is offering In-Person Services on Tuesdays (10 AM - 7 PM) and Saturdays (10 AM - 6 PM).  Curbside Service will remain available on Mondays and Wednesdays-Fridays. Closed Sundays.

FulcoLibrary is pleased to offer in-branch browsing and use of our computer labs at all 32 library branches. Here are a few tips for patrons:

• In-branch browsing and borrowing includes browsing shelves and using self-check machines for completing as many transactions as possible, like paying fines (with a credit card, no cash accepted at this time) or checking out a book (or 20!) ** PLEASE NOTE: To use the self-checkout machines, you must know your PIN. If you do not know your PIN or never set one up, please see a member of our staff for assistance.
• Patrons will be allowed one hour per day for in-branch browsing and borrowing, so please plan accordingly. We want everyone to have the opportunity to come back inside!
• Patrons can use our self-serve copying/printing services while visiting the branch.
• Patrons will also be able to get in-person assistance at the information desk (including assistance with locating materials in the branch, assisting with new library cards, or other questions).
• Patrons will also be permitted one hour per day for computer lab use. Those using the lab will receive a disposable keyboard and mouse protector for their time at the computer.

Book Lover Quotes

“Books don’t offer real escape, but they can stop a mind scratching itself raw.”

―David Mitchell, Cloud Atlas

“If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.”

―Haruki Murakami, Norwegian Wood

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, said Jojen. The man who never reads lives only one.”

―George R.R. Martin, A Dance with Dragons

"Small Kindnesses"

y Danusha Laméris

I’ve been thinking about the way, when you walk
down a crowded aisle, people pull in their legs
to let you by. Or how strangers still say “bless you”
when someone sneezes, a leftover
from the Bubonic plague. “Don’t die,” we are saying.
And sometimes, when you spill lemons
from your grocery bag, someone else will help you
pick them up. Mostly, we don’t want to harm each other.
We want to be handed our cup of coffee hot,
and to say thank you to the person handing it. To smile
at them and for them to smile back. For the waitress
to call us honey when she sets down the bowl of clam chowder,
and for the driver in the red pick-up truck to let us pass.
We have so little of each other, now. So far
from tribe and fire. Only these brief moments of exchange.
What if they are the true dwelling of the holy, these
fleeting temples we make together when we say, “Here,
have my seat,” “Go ahead — you first,” “I like your hat.”

Seuss, Wilder, Barrie...

Dr Seuss Enterprises announced they would discontinue 6 of the author's books last week citing their derogatory stereotypes. 

Deborah Caldwell Stone, director of the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom told CNN, "We may make a reevaluation of those books and their place. It doesn't mean that people should stop reading the books or not have them in their collection, but they should be thinking critically about the books and how they are shared with young people."

The American Library Association opposes literary censorship. Rather than remove the offending books from their collections, librarians have come up with creative solutions to educate young readers, so while they may still delve into Laura Ingalls Wilder's pioneer adventures or Seuss' zany world of anthropomorphic animals, they'll come away knowing what's wrong with those stories -- and which books get diverse stories right.

Read how librarians continue to deal with books that portray racism here, here, and here.

Can You ID These Famous Passages?

LitHub invites you to test your knowledge, memory, and maybe break up the pandemic monotony with their book quiz. Here's a few to get you started - 97 more to go!

"The answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything is . . 42."

"War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength."

"A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others."

You're Not Imagining It

You're not imagining it, nobody seems to want to talk right now.

Messages are brief and replies late.

Talk of catch ups on zoom are perpetually put on hold.

Group chats are no longer pinging all night long.

It's not you.

It's everyone.

We are spent.

We have nothing left to say.

We are tired of saying 'I miss you' and 'I can't wait for this to end'.

So we mostly say nothing, put our heads down and get through each day.

You're not imagining it.

This is a state of being like no other we have ever known because we are all going through it together but so very far apart.

Hang in there my friend.

When the mood strikes, send out all those messages and don't feel you have to apologise for being quiet.

This is hard.

No one is judging.

- Donna Ashworth

Visit upworthy for the accompanying article. You're not alone.

Living in a Library

Back in the day, New York City libraries were heated with coal. There was a custodian that lived in the library to keep it warm, clean, and secure at night. Their families often lived with them as was the case for Raymond Clark. His son, Ronald, was 15 when they moved in. He admits to being ashamed at first, but discovered it had its advantages.

"I could run and scream and jump and yell. And if I had any question about anything, I would get up in the middle of the night, go down, get out a book, read until 3 o'clock in the morning," he says. "I began to realize how great I had it because the library gave me the thirst of learning — and this just never left me." 

Find out where this unusual arrangement led Ronald and view the StoryCorps animated version of the Clark's story "Temple of Knowledge" here.

Lockdown Eyestrain

Many of us are using screens now more than ever; work/school from home, zoom calls, e-books, and binge-watching. BBC has 5 ways to lessen eyestrain. 

• 20-20-20 rule
• Think blink
• Sort out your screen
• Bigger text 
• Get outdoors

Please refer to the article for more detailed information. They also have suggestions for keeping your back pain free and keeping positive.

Book Adaptations

The LA Times takes a look at the 16 (sixteen!) book adaptations up for awards this season. From 'Ratched' to 'Emma' to 'Normal People' find out what the critics have to say about these movies and TV adaptations. Here's more about Hollywood's book boom.

Check the library catalogue to read before you watch (or vice-versa)!

Bringing Happy Moments to Life

Ocee's yoga instructor Patricia G, gives steps to tap into happy moments.

"We can choose to think about and reflect upon happy moments in our lives. We have the power to fill our consciousness with sensations that give us a sense of well-being."

1) Make a clear decision to do this, believing in your own power to create the life you want.
Recall times in the past where you have taken control in an out-of-control situation. Know your own strength.

2) Choose to create some quiet time for yourself, no phones, no outer demands. Find a spot where you will not be disturbed, even for a short period of time, and where you find comfort. You deserve this.

3) Bring to mind one or more happy moments in your life, savoring the details and becoming aware of the feelings in this moment in time. Give yourself a set amount of time to fill your consciousness with this positivity.

Patricia Gagne is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9302350489
Live Energy Yoga Classes on Zoom
Mondays and Wednesdays at 11:00 AM
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 PM

Obama Presidential Center Plans

The Chicago Sun Times reports that the Obama Presidential Center 'will include a 235-foot stone-sheathed tower containing a museum; a dual-use building for events and athletic activities; a Chicago Public Library branch; a forum with offices; and outdoor space. The shade of the stone is still to be determined, Healey said.

There will also be a fruit and vegetable garden, a carryover from one of former first lady Michelle Obama’s signature projects — her White House vegetable garden, which gained notice across the globe.'

Literary Couples

For Valentine's Day, LitHub asked their staff for the best and worst couples in literature. One couple makes both lists and some that are typically thought of as romantic, well... maybe not. Find out the couples you might want to double date with and those to block on your social.

Visit the library on-line to find them in print or on film.

Literacy Hero LeVar Burton

LeVar Burton, the actor and longtime host of Reading Rainbow, has been named the inaugural PEN/Faulkner Literary Champion, a new annual commendation that will "recognize devoted literary advocacy and a commitment to inspiring new generations of readers and writers," the PEN/Faulkner Foundation said in a release. Burton will be honored in a virtual celebration on May 10, when this year’s PEN/Faulkner Award winner—its 40th—will be announced.

“I come from a family for whom service to others is the highest possible calling,” Burton said. “Whatever efforts I have made toward advancing the cause of literacy, give honor to my mother, Erma Gene Christian, my first teacher and from whom I have inherited my love for books and reading.

Read more about Mr Burton's accomplishments here.

Vinegar Valentines

 

Before poison pen letters, cyber-bullies, and twitter trolls, there was the 'vinegar valentine'. With the mass production of Valentine cards and inexpensive postage, the number of Valentines sent in the 1800s soared. About half of those sent in the US in the mid-1800s were of the sarcastic mocking kind. Some even suggested suicide to the recipient! Visit CrimeReads for more about this practice.

Library Lovers Week

Libraries and librarians have had a rough year. They've supported us - although in new and different ways. Here's a few things we can do to support them!

Donate your dollars (at this time, donate to the Foundation)

Check out books and resources

Participate in virtual events (fulcolibrary.com)

Advocate for your libraries

Support libraries on social media

Volunteer (volunteer opportunities are currently on hold)

"Gee's Bend" (free theater!)

Act 1 Theater presents

"Gee’s Bend" – Feb 19 & 20, 26 & 27 2021 – Fri/Sat at 8 pm

In celebration of Black History Month with the City of Alpharetta

Gee’s Bend is the story of the Pettway women, quilters from the isolated community of Gee’s Bend, Alabama. Beginning in 1939, the play follows Alice, her daughters Sadie and Nella, and Sadie’s husband, Macon, through segregation, family strife, and the Civil Rights movement. Throughout their lives, the women’s extraordinary quilts provide a respite from the turmoil around them. In the last act of the play, it is the year 2000; the quilts have been discovered as folk art and have become very valuable. Sadie is pleased with the recognition, but despite the lure of the big city, she returns to Gee’s Bend and continues to quilt. Wilder’s play explores the resilience of the human spirit, especially as it is expressed in art. For middle school and older.

Click this link to go to Act 1 secure ticketing site and get your free streaming ticket (compliments of the City of Alpharetta) to "Gee’s Bend". 

Visit the library (on-line) to learn more about Black history or quilting. 

Handwritten

“To me, typing is like work, Neil Gaiman explained. “Writing with a pen is like playing. And you can write on planes when they’re taking off and landing.”

An article from Fast Company examines the benefits of writing by hand.  

Merging Resources

Starting February 1, all of our magazines from RB Digital will merge into Overdrive and the Libby app! Our most popular eBook and eAudiobook platform focuses on providing access to adult fiction and non-fiction, with a special emphasis on bestsellers. Check out up to 15 titles at a time and carry an additional 15 on hold. While wait times may appear to be long, eBooks and downloadable audio circulate faster than other materials.

"The Hill We Climb"

“The Hill We Climb”
Amanda Gorman

When day comes we ask ourselves, where can we find light in this never-ending shade? The loss we carry, a sea we must wade. We’ve braved the belly of the beast, we’ve learned that quiet isn’t always peace and the norms and notions of what just is, isn’t always justice. And yet the dawn is ours before we knew it, somehow we do it, somehow we’ve weathered and witnessed a nation that isn’t broken but simply unfinished...

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