Friends of Ocee Library

This & That

2012-02-20T21:04:00.002-05:00

via tanaudel

From the Atlanta Journal - Constitution: Reading... for life without 'Downton'

J.K. Rowling’s plot chart for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

From Flavorwire: Charts and Diagrams Drawn by Famous Artists

Illustration by Jessica Fortner

From the New York Times: Learning to Love Airport Lit

From the News-Gazette: High Schools Add to Reading Lists

Social Security Seminar at Ocee

2012-01-26T15:42:00.001-05:00

You are Cordially Invited to Attend a Complimentary Educational Workshop

"Savvy Social Security Planning:

What Baby Boomers Need to Know to

Maximize Retirement Income"

Learn the answers to your questions:
·      Will Social Security be there for me?
·      How much can I expect to receive?
·      When should I apply for Social Security?
·      How can I maximize my benefits?
·      Will Social Security be enough to live on in retirement?

After being told for years that Social Security is "going broke," baby boomers are realizing that it will soon be their turn to collect. But the decisions you make now can have a tremendous impact on the total amount of benefits you stand to receive over your lifetime.

This informative seminar covers the basics of Social Security and reveals strategies for maximizing your benefits.

At this workshop you will learn:

5 factors to consider when deciding when to apply for benefits
When it makes sense to delay benefits -- and when it does not
Why you should always check your earnings record for accuracy
How to estimate your benefits
How to coordinate benefits with your spouse
How to minimize taxes on Social Security benefits
How to coordinate Social Security with your other sources of retirement income

Seating is limited. Please call to reserve your space.

Date: Thursday, February 16^th, 2012

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Ocee Library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road,

Johns Creek, GA 30005

RSVP: Clare Stefan, 770-799-7016 or clare.stefan@lfg.com

2012-01-24T18:50:00.005-05:00

“What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet or excite you. Books help us understand who we are and how we are to behave. They show us what community and friendship mean; they show us how to live and die.”

Anne Lamott

Books to Look Forward To

2012-01-19T21:39:00.002-05:00

Book Pages' 30 Most-Anticipated Books of 2012

Flavorwire's 10 New Must-Reads for January

Indiebound's Next List for January

Amazon's Best Books of the Month

And in case you made a certain New Year's Resolutions, Daily Beast's 12 Best Diet Books of 2012

"The Library Phantom Returns!"

2011-12-10T15:07:00.001-05:00

A follow-up to my November 8th post about the mystery book art objects left in Scottish libraries is here on the NPR website.

Close-up of "Feathers" on a cap (photo by Chris Scott on Flickr)

2011-12-08T22:06:00.004-05:00

“What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of  paper unfolds world after world after world, worlds that sing to you,  comfort and quiet or excite you. Books help us understand who we are and  how we are to behave. They show us what community and friendship mean;  they show us how to live and die.”

      Anne Lamott 

And some bonus funny, for those of you who've ever shelved books in a library:

From here

Open Air Library

2011-12-02T15:06:00.001-05:00

This open air library in Germany is a cool idea - it is built on a reclaimed industrial site and serves as park, library, concert hall, etc. for the neighborhood. It operates on the honor system, using donated books. You can read more and see more photos here.

2011-11-18T16:36:00.000-05:00

Breathe it in

2011-11-14T14:31:00.000-05:00

Two things to make you smile

2011-11-10T19:46:00.000-05:00


From cheezburger.com

From Pamela Fugate's Etsy shop

How come nobody leaves us a tree?!

2011-11-08T20:47:00.002-05:00

A "poetree" that popped up at the Scottish Poetry Library

This is a really cool story, from NPR, about a series of mysterious gifts (including a coffin!) left in libraries, and other book related venues in Scotland. The objects were all paper sculptures crafted from books and the suspected "donors" included novelist Ian Rankin.

And who did it finally turn out to be? Well, you'll have to read the story to find out, but let's just say it probably isn't the ending you're expecting!

Left at the Edinburgh International Book Festival

Library Design

2011-11-03T11:20:00.001-04:00

I love a well-designed building, and if it's a library, even better! These photos are of the new Stuttgart, Germany public library, and even though I know I wouldn't be able to read any of the books, I still wish I could be there.

It's probably going to be a total bear to keep all that white clean, and to heat and cool all that space in the middle, but boy, is it gorgeous...

You can see more pictures here.

Supporting Libraries in Tough Times

2011-10-29T10:26:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, the Atlanta Journal Constition's Op-Ed Page focused on the changing roles of libraries as the economy falters and e-books and other electronic media gather steam. One of the articles was on Gwinnett County Public Library's challenges as they find their budget cut 15% by their county commissioners. The Gwinnett County Library is one of the best I have ever used, and it is very frustrating that its commissioners have failed to recognize the value of its services. (The GC library system has taken it all in stride, however, and is busy looking for new ways to raise money and stretch its existing budget to cover as much as possible - showing a flexibility that demonstrates why it is such a good library system.)

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library system has been very lucky thus far - Fulton County commissioners have done the right thing and recognized that libraries become even more important to patrons in times of need. The library provides so many services free of charge: internet access, programs on health, job searching, resume writing, etc., not to mention access to all the knowledge and entertainment contained in the hundreds of thousands of books on its shelves (and in its ebook catalog).

Kudos to our commissioners for standing behind Fulton libraries - your support is definitely appreciated!

Oh, and the value of those 47 million book checkouts, plus the 13.5 billion computer sessions, and the programs attended by 1.4 million children?
$1,300,000,000
Best of all, Georgia libraries only had to spend $188 million to get those $1.3 billion in benefits to their patrons - nice return on the investment!

Bookfessions

2011-10-28T09:59:00.000-04:00

Bookfessions is a website chock full of great quotes inspired by reading. Check it out frequently: it's constantly updated. And hey, if you've got something pithy to say about your reading life - contribute!

A Fulton Family Loss

2011-10-17T10:46:00.002-04:00

David and Rob Fulton, with a portrait of their father, Dr. Robert E. Fulton, at the opening ceremonies for the Ocee Library in October 2004

As many of you know, the Ocee Library's official name is the Dr. Robert E. Fulton/Ocee Library. Dr. Fulton was a County Commissioner and Library Board Trustee who fought long and hard for the creation of the Ocee Library. We literally would not exist if it were not for his passion. Unfortunately, Dr. Fulton died suddenly just before the library opened, and the name of the library now reminds us of his dedication to our cause. (You can read more about the history of the Ocee Library by scrolling down at this post.)

After Dr. Fulton's death, his family has continued to stand by the library and they have donated funds for a variety of library needs through the years. Sadly on Friday, Dr. Fulton's eldest son, David Fulton, also passed away suddenly. David's brother Rob describes his brother as being "being most like my father, especially in terms of his unrelenting ability to get things done" (a trait of his father's that we most definitely benefited from!). His death is devasting not only to the Fulton family, but also to our library - we have always appreciated the Fultons' continuing support of their father's namesake library.

David Fulton, visiting the library named after his father

David lived in Massachusetts, and is survived by his mother Autumn Ireland, wife Sherry, and children Kathryn and Jaclyn. He also leaves siblings Rob Fulton and Lori Cutillo. (David Fulton's complete obituary can be viewed here, or here.)

Paul Auster on reading

2011-10-09T20:27:00.000-04:00

“Reading was my escape and my comfort, my consolation, my stimulant of choice: reading for the pure pleasure of it, for the beautiful stillness that surrounds you when you hear an author's words reverberating in your head.”
― Paul Auster, The Brooklyn Follies

A guy that reads

2011-10-01T10:51:00.001-04:00

Robby's blog

I love this guy! He's a 16-year old book blogger who just loves to read, plain and simple - you can (and should!) read a Publisher's Weekly interview with him here. The interview is awesome - it's great to see such enthusiasm for books in a teenage boy.

Bonus link: Here's Library Journal's list of books to look out for this fall: they lose points for only listing books by author & title - no synopsis or link - but it's a great resource for those that love to read beyond the bestseller list.

New website

2011-09-26T18:35:00.001-04:00

Byliner is still in beta, but looks interesting...

I'll let them describe themselves:

Byliner is a publishing company and social network built around great stories.

Byliner publishes original narratives by some of the most accomplished writers working today, at lengths that allow them to be read in a single sitting. CalledByliner Originals,these stories typically range between 10,000 and 35,000 words and are available in digital form, with select titles also available as audio or print-on-demand books. They tackle compelling stories from the worlds of culture, technology, politics, business, sports, science, crime, adventure, and more.

On Byliner.com,readers can discover, share, and discuss stories with a community of fellow readers, receive personalized recommendations, and follow their favorite writers — ensuring that they never miss a great read.Byliner.com also acts as a platform for writers, enabling them to connect directly with their audience.
Byliner.

We’ll find you something good to read.

2011-09-23T22:35:00.003-04:00

The quote is from the play/movie The History Boys, and the design above is from Design Crush.

Louisa at the Library

2011-09-22T13:44:00.001-04:00

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library is presenting a series of events this fall centered around Louisa May Alcott. These events take place mainly at the Central Library downtown, but a couple of them are a little closer to home at the Roswell branch: a Civil War lecture October 1st, and a Noonday Nosh Reading Group discussion of her biography, Louisa May Alcott: The Woman behind Little Women, on October 18th.

Here is the info Margaret Roach sent around to all the Friends:

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System is pleased to announce a series of reading, viewing, and discussion programs focused on Louisa May Alcott’s life and the historical and cultural context that inspired her remarkable body of work.

Louisa May Alcott: The Woman Behind Little Women is a documentary film co-produced by Nancy Porter Productions, Inc. and Thirteen/WNET New York’s American Masters, and a biography of the same name written by Harriet Reisen. Louisa May Alcott programs in libraries are sponsored by the American Library Association Public Programs Office with the support of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). The library received an NEH grant of $2,500 for the program series.

The Library System is presenting a number of programs during September, October and November which will re-introduce audiences to Louisa May Alcott’s story. Programs include a community-wide library event focused on Louisa May Alcott’s life, work, and times; a reading and scholar-led discussion of Alcott’s lesser-known works; a discussion of Alcott as a literary phenomenon and social reformer; and a film screening and discussion of the documentary and biography.

Louisa May Alcott is recognized around the world for her novel Little Women, but few know Alcott as the bold, compelling woman who secretly wrote sensational thrillers, lived at the center of the Transcendentalist and Abolitionist movements, and served as a Civil War army nurse. The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System’s public programs present a story full of fresh insights about Alcott and a new understanding of American culture during her lifetime.

We would like to invite you to attend these exciting programs focused on Louisa May Alcott. The first program, “Transcendental Wild Oats”: Louisa May Alcott and Reform, will be held at the Central Library Wednesday Sept. 28 at 1:30 p.m. Dr. Robert Sattelmeyer will be the guest speaker.

To see descriptions of all the programs in the Louisa May Alcott series, please visit the webpage here or contact program contact John Wright at 404-730-1745 or john.wright@fultoncountyga.gov. We hope you can join us as we explore Louisa May Alcott at our libraries.

Two-link Tuesday

2011-09-13T11:18:00.000-04:00

Here a couple of interesting reads for the day:

From Salon: Writers Who Don't Read (an idea that probably doesn't even make much sense to the traditionalists amongst us)

From The Millions: Making Room for Readers (thanks to the above article for taking me to this one - the story about the author's daughter's quest for a library card shouldn't be missed)

The end of summer...

2011-09-05T19:51:00.004-04:00

...means the beginning of fall, and looking forward to all the new fall books on the way. Here are some links to what you have to look forward to:

Must-Read Books of the Fall from the Daily Beast

24 New Releases from The Atlantic

New Books We're Anticipating from New York Magazine

O Magazine's Fall Reading List

Gawker's Guide

If you love food and cooking, Huffington Post has a list just for you here

And one link to look back with: What did you really read this summer? from Salon.

BookLamp

2011-08-24T14:44:00.001-04:00

BookLamp is a just launched book recommendation website with a unique twist - a computer does all the recommending.

Researchers from several universities scanned in thousands of books and then broke them down into their thematic elements (for example, 'travel' or 'pregnancy' or even 'rocky terrain'), so computers can analyze what elements are present in the books you like, and then match those same elements with books to be recommended.

It can be a bit hit-or-miss as far as its recommendations go, but there's no denying it's an interesting approach. You can read more about it here in an interesting article by Laura Miller on Salon.com.

Walk for Literacy

2011-08-06T17:02:00.000-04:00

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System invites you to the first Walk for Literacy on Saturday, September 24. It is sponsored by the Literacy Alliance of Metro Atlanta (LAMA), a newly formed alliance of advocates for adult literacy. AFPLS has assisted in the formation of this group and is an active member.

Did you know that nearly 900,000 people in metro Atlanta are functionally illiterate? That is 28% of the population! It impacts our community in significant ways from employment to crime statistics. It contributes to homelessness, negative health outcomes and poor economic development.

Please help us support adult literacy in our community by registering for the Literacy Walk. Go to www.literacyallianceatlanta.org. The cost is $20 (plus $3.75 administration fee) for a 5K walk/run. When you register, please choose Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System as your choice for support. Don't want to walk or run? You can still make a gift that counts! Simply go to the web site and choose "phantom walker."

Our GED and adult education services will benefit from your choice--70% of all proceeds from those who register to support AFPLS go directly to our GED and related services. Now is the time to get on this bandwagon.

Talk to your neighbors, friends, relatives, and everyone you know to encourage them to sign up for this inaugural event. Thanks for your support of the Library System. See you on September 24!

A Message from Margaret Roach

2011-07-20T22:06:00.002-04:00

Below is a letter from Margaret Roach, Volunteer Services Manager for the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System:

Dear Friends,

Fulton County is taking a different approach to getting citizen feedback on the 2012 budget. This approach offers many ways for Fulton County officials to hear about your views on adequate funding for the Library System—either at a one of the meetings listed below, through an online survey or via email. Below are excerpts from an article on www.fultoncountyga.gov.

“¢itizen $ense” Project: Join the Conversation

Fulton County is asking residents to share their “two cents” about the 2012 budget during a series of “¢itizen $ense” sessions. All residents are invited to be part of the conversation.

For those residents who stifle a yawn at the thought of government finance, the sessions will include a brief video presentation about the County budget and programs. After the video, participants divide into groups and allocate their “County cash” to the programs that matter most to them.

All feedback from the sessions will be documented and provided to the Board of Commissioners.

Any Fulton County resident is welcome to attend the ¢itizen $ense sessions. Light refreshments will be served. To RSVP to any session, residents may email citizensense@fultoncountyga.gov. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 404-612-8300.

¢itizen $ense Meeting Schedule:

· Thursday, July 21, 2011, 6:30 p.m.

North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, 11605 Haynes Bridge Road, Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30009

· Tuesday, July 26, 2011, 6:30 p.m.

South Fulton Chamber, Diamond Hall

5495 Old National Hwy # C9, Atlanta, GA 30349-3257

· Thursday, July 28, 2011, 6:30 p.m.

Location TBD

· Saturday, August 6, 2011, 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Georgia Public Broadcasting, 260 14th Street, NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

Residents who cannot attend in person will have later opportunities to give their feedback as part of a ¢itizen $ense online survey, a Facebook survey, and Tweet casts. For updates, go to www.fultoncountyga.gov/citizensense or follow on Twitter @FultonInfo.

Take the online survey now! Budget Reference Information. Residents planning to attend the sessions may wish to review some of the following background documents in preparation for the session: 2011 Budget-in-Brief and 2012-2014 Proposed Strategic Plan found at www.fultoncountyga.gov.