Recap of Recaps: January 4–January 10

Submitted by Joanie Goforth

Take a look at these recaps from system-wide programming that took place between January 4–January 10:

Puppy Tales storytime patrons meet Moose the therapy dog and learn from his owner.

Residents at the Oaks at Gracemont enjoy discussing Everyday Heroes: Angels Among Us

Great Decisions 2024 - Mideast Realignment at Cumming Library
49 adults
"We had great attendance for our first Great Decisions of 2024 with many returning patrons and a number of new faces, too. Our presenter, Dr. Victoria Hightower, is a Professor of History at the University of North Georgia who presents each year for Great Decisions and is an audience favorite. Our first topic was Mideast Realignment. Dr. Hightower began her presentation by pointing out that the article in the Great Decisions briefing book was written a few months prior to the Israel-Hamas War that began on October 7, 2023. After a presentation of the recent geopolitical history of the Middle East, Dr. Hightower opened the floor for questions, which focused largely on the Israel-Hamas War. Dr. Hightower addressed all these questions with historical data and her own insights, reminding them that this problem is not unique to the Middle East - similar conflicts are happening and have happened all over the world. Afterwards, many patrons came by to thank the library for hosting Great Decisions once again and that they look forward to it every year. New attendees raved about Dr. Hightower’s presentation and how she made it so interesting and understandable." –hosted by Jennifer Bell

Radon Home Testing by the University of Georgia Radon Program at Hampton Park Library

8 adults

"Everyone was very appreciative of this program and Derek was a knowledgeable and patient speaker. Heather from the UGA Extension office in Forsyth County was here also and was engaging with the crowd. The presentation started with a brief description about what Radon is, where it comes from and how it was discovered in our homes. Derek gave some statistics such as the average ratio of homes tested in the state of Georgia with a high level of Radon is about 1:15. He also taught us that Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and the first leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. We can be exposed to Radon in our homes, not only through the air itself but also through our water systems, specifically if we have a private well. One reason why we are more at risk now as opposed to centuries ago is because even though Radon has a short half-life, our homes are insulated so well that we're more likely to be exposed to it for longer periods of time. Everyone was happy to receive a free Radon testing kit, and even more excited that they do not have to pay anything to get their results back. This was a wonderful, free, educational program for the community during National Radon Awareness Month! One attendee mentioned that she found out about the program from the Dawson County Newspaper and another mentioned that she saw it advertised in FCPL's Newsletter.” –hosted by Diana Wolski

Novel Diversions at Post Road Library

5 adults

”We had five patrons physically in attendance and one who could not be here but emailed her thoughts for the group. This month we read The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams. The opinions were split in half with those who really liked it and those who really did not like it. Those who liked it found that they could relate to the characters and situations, and those who didn't like it felt that it didn't go deep enough for them and was too sweet. One of them said that she doesn't really like any books by younger authors. Although there were differing opinions on the book, it led us to discuss books that have really stuck with us that we either liked or would not pick up again. I do have to agree that the book was very light, but it did reintroduce some classics to the group (some that they have never read) and opened everyone up to share some of their favorite books.” –hosted by Alison Carling

Puppy Tales Storytimes (1000 Books Before Kindergarten Celebration) at Sharon Forks Library

51 children, 45 adults

"We welcomed everyone today with a new hello song, then we did a fingerplay about dogs called “Ten Little Doggies Went Out One Day,” followed by the ABCs of Storytime. I showed some photos from our Paws to Read program and we talked about dogs in the library. Then I talked about the purpose of the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program and we acknowledged all our participants with a round of applause and a sticker. We encouraged anyone not yet participating to sign up. For a get-up-and-move activity we wagged our tails to "If You're a Dog and You Know It" and the kiddos gave me several other options including barking, panting, and playing ball. After that fun time we were ready to settle down for our story, Dog's Colorful Day by Emma Dodd, followed by singing “BINGO”. I introduced our special canine guests, Annie, Teddy, and Moose, and we learned more about what a therapy dog is and some of the places they work. We offered the kids an art activity to go along with our story on one side of the room, and on the other side, they could visit with the dogs and take photos at the photo booth. Both were very much enjoyed and a good time was had by all participants.” –hosted by Amy Billings

Outreach Golden Hour Visit to the Oaks at Gracemont and the Oaks at Shiloh

16 adults

“For part of the “Everyday Heroes: Angels Among Us” presentation, we discussed everyday people who go out of their way, even risking their lives, to help people. We looked at videos of citizens who jumped into water to pull a person out of a sinking car and another video of a bystander who pulled a woman out of a raging river. Then we discussed how our heroes can have flaws, because we, as humans, are all flawed! We looked at slides of young people helping older citizens across the street in a hailstorm, talked about dogs who have saved their owners’ lives, and we talked about our families and personal heroes. I told stories about my dad and all of the lessons he taught me, and passed around a teddy bear made from one of his work shirts, complete with the stains from his hard labor. We ended with a discussion of miraculous events where people barely escaped, and we had a discussion about angels. I read about real events where people had gone above and beyond and a story about "mysterious visitors"! At the Oaks at Shiloh, Ms. Peg and Ms. Dianne, both had tears in their eyes and kept thanking me over and over for coming. Ms. Dianne said that she was one of ten children, and that her mother was her hero and always will be. We also had a retired fireman who told a story about saving his wife, and that he was able to because of the training he had received. Apparently she has now passed away, so he was emotional and called her "sweetheart" when he told us his story. We all clapped for him and called him a hero.” –contributed by Jeanine Thompson