Recap of Recaps: May 2–May 6

Submitted by Joanie Goforth

Choosing the recaps this week was a struggle with such a variety of offerings - well done, FCPL staff! Since I could not include them all, here are just a few highlights from all kinds of programs that took place systemwide between May 2–May 6.

Patrons were transported Avonlea to experience
the environs of Anne of Green Gables

A rising Kindergartener visits the bookmobile
at Poole’s Mill Step-Up Kindergarten Night

Disillusioned: An Author Talk at Sharon Forks Library

"Fourteen people were in attendance to hear a Q and A discussion about the book Disillusioned. Benjamin Herold was interviewed by Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Alia Pharr about his motivation behind the book, the suburban families he interviewed, and the reflection he took away from his experiences. He was motivated when he noticed a shift in demographics in the suburb of his youth in Penn Hills, Pennsylvania and sought to understand the bigger picture. His discussion of five different suburban areas around the United States from the varying perspectives of the families he interviewed gives an overall picture of one main theme. One of the locations he spoke about was Gwinnett County, mentioning how the shift of the needs of the suburban dream could also affect Forsyth County. After the discussion, many patrons stayed to speak with the author and purchase a copy of the book to be signed.” –hosted by Jessica Giles

An Afternoon in Avonlea at Cumming Library

”We transformed the meeting room into Avonlea for this immersive, intergenerational program for teens and adults. A couple of families came together and dressed in period-accurate costumes for the occasion. We even had a boy come with his older sisters, all of whom could have stepped right out of the books. Attendees entered the meeting room by traversing over stepping stones across the Lake of Shining Waters. Once inside, visitors could tour our replica of Green Gables, complete with a rocking chair, quilt, and Bonnie the geranium plant. Also depicted were the school room where Anne memorably cracked her slate over Gilbert Blythe's head after he called her "Carrots;" and a poor mouse in some cream that Anne accidentally forgot to cover. Holly shared pictures and stories about her trip to Prince Edward Island, then  we discussed the characters and took a quiz to test our knowledge of the story. Attendees enjoyed painting a picture of Green Gables, making pressed flower bookmarks, and coloring paper dolls. During and after the program, patrons in the library asked about the program and the lovely outfits so many people wore.” –hosted by Melissa Gunter and Holly Raus

Free Comic Book Day at Hampton Park Library

"We had another great turnout for Free Comic Book Day! 86 kids and kids at heart joined us in the celebration. Since it fell on May the 4th, many staff wore Star Wars t-shirts to commemorate the event. Kapow Comics and Games graciously provided over one hundred free all-ages and teen comics for patrons to take home, so we set up a giant thank you card that everyone could sign to show their gratitude. We offered a special scavenger hunt and the prize for finding all of the pictures was a button that patrons could design themselves! The top comic choices this year were Encanto, Star Wars, and Pokemon. We can't wait for next year's Free Comic Book Day!” –hosted by Kayla Bolton

Bookmobile Visit to Poole’s Mill Elementary

“Last week we were invited to take ‘Loanie’ to the Poole’s Mill Kindergarten Step-Up Night. 

The school welcomed the new families into the Kindergarten adventure and handed out pirates’ maps with different activities to do, such as meeting the principals and teachers, touring a school bus, visiting the Bookmobile, and a free pizza dinner when you completed all the activities! We took this opportunity to promote Summer Reading Fun and to tell the new residents about the amazing library system in Forsyth County. Four people got library cards at the event and many others said they were going to register online.” –contributed by Jeanine Thompson

Navigating A Cancer Diagnosis at Post Road Library

”We had a mother and adult daughter come and listen to Lisa and Julie talk about navigating cancer and support services that are available for those living with and caring for those who have cancer. Although it was a small group, the attendees were fully engaged and thankful for the information. After the presentation, the daughter told her story about caring for her husband who had gone through treatment and was in remission.” –hosted by Alison Carling