Recap of Recaps: June 6–June 12, 2024

Submitted by Joanie Goforth

Check out these recaps from just a few of the wonderful programs that took place systemwide between June 6–June 12. Be sure to scroll down for an amazing snake pic! 🐍

The Amazing FCPL Race at Post Road Library

“Inspired by the TV show The Amazing Race, we set up various task stations representing a country on six different continents. Teams worked together to complete these tasks. There was a mother/daughter team, mother/son team, and a team of two who had never met. Each team had a wonderful time figuring out the different stations and the mother/daughter team remarked about how much they were learning. Two teams battled it out for first place when they got to the final task. What none of the teams had realized was

that each station was not only the task they had to perform, but also information about the country they were visiting. Their final task was to match the correct information to the correct country with a two minute penalty (customs delay) for each country they had to revisit. They all received The Amazing FCPL Race buttons as a prize for being such good sports. Participants were very complimentary of the program and how there were both simple and more complex activities.” –hosted by Alison Carling

Percy Jackson & the Olympians at Sharon Forks Library

"Enthusiastic Percy Jackson fans showed up for demigod training, many of them in Camp Half-Blood t-shirts. Teens had a choice of cabins to visit which featured series-themed activities ranging from trivia, to puzzles, to necklace beading, to feats of athleticism like throwing a trident to see whose goes farthest. Two teens with differing abilities and their caregivers participated in most of the activities. TAB teens had worked on three of the activities and those that attended the program were excited to see their plans being used. The VounTEENS did a great job of engaging with & encouraging younger teens to participate. Britt was a great addition to the program, setting up and working well with the teens, as well as creating  an awesome photo booth for the program.” –hosted by Page James

Beading necklaces at Percy Jackson & the Olympians Teen Thursday

Tending the Wild at Cumming Library

“Caleb Arnold of Ever Wilder Farm in Ellijay, GA gave an informative and inspiring presentation all about tending the wild. He advised patrons to know their plants, because something that works for one will probably not work for another. For instance, it's good to pick chamomile flowers because for each flower taken, the plant produces even more. Digging roots is damaging for ginseng but wonderful for artichoke plants. Sometimes cutting down trees can be helpful; a rotting tree log can host many bugs, edible mushrooms, and chicken of the woods. Caleb offered plant fibers for children (and a couple of adults) to fidget with, then showed them how to twist it to make a rope at the end of the program. Caleb ended with this wisdom: ‘If someone nourishes or helps us, we will want to protect it. Get involved in your local ecosystem. It needs your help!’” –hosted by Brianna Schantz

Outreach Golden Hour - India

“This month the Golden Hour is taking our patrons on an adventure through India! We looked at photos of the many vibrant communities while we talked about India's languages, fashion, cuisine, and so much more! Many of the patrons shared their own amazing experiences of traveling through the country and we all agreed that Indian food is delicious. The patrons were also very excited to talk about the wedding I attended and they were awed by the length of time (4 days!). I brought some of my souvenirs to the program so that they could appreciate the beautiful, hand-stitched clothing. We all had a lovely time!” –contributed by Katie LeDuc

Outreach visited local senior living residents with a
Golden Hour about India

Snakes Alive! at Hampton Park Library

"Kathy with Smithgall Woods is a very engaging presenter. She asked lots of questions and the kids were excited to answer and learn new information about snakes. She talked about the different snakes that live in Georgia and taught us that most of them are not venomous. She talked about their scales, fangs, and other features. After the program, she let everyone pet a snake. There were many positive comments about the program and most said that it was awesome!" –hosted by Kelly Hollis

Patrons got to pet live snakes during Snakes Alive!