Recap of Recaps: July 9–July 15

Submitted by Joanie Goforth

Here are a few recaps from some engaging programs that took place systemwide between July 9–July 15. The pictures this week are phenomenal!

Wildlife Wonders at Post Road Library

“Mr. Tom from the North Georgia Wildlife and Safari Park brought his ‘Wildlife Wonders’ to a full audience of eager children with their grownups! Everyone was attentive and followed his direction, keeping quiet during the show and lining up to touch Aquilla the hedgehog and Fluffy the ball python afterwards. The 30-minute show featured Wooliam the wooly opossum, Jabba the cane toad, Bob the blue-tongued skink, and Priscilla the capuchin monkey. After presenting some facts about each animal, Mr. Tom walked around the crowd showing them one by one. He also allowed for questions and more up-close views at the end.” –hosted by Sara Baggett Preston

Aquilla the hedgehog is feeling the love at Wildlife Wonders

Fluffy the ball python makes friends with a gutsy Post Road VolunTEEN

Library Mini Golf Adventure at Sharon Forks Library

"The Sharon Forks VolunTEENs created and managed this program, crafting three mini golf holes inspired by the Magic Tree House series, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, and Minecraft. They proved to be fun and challenging for the patrons who came to play! Claire and I rounded out the nine hole course using past display pieces, puppets and the giant Legos. Patrons had a blast playing the course, with several families willing to add their names to the waiting list to play again! We were all surprised by the number of patrons who had never played mini golf, so we provided a little instruction at the practice holes while they waited to begin the course. I was so happy to see how respectful our young patrons were of the course and their fellow golfers! After managing the course for three hours, our VolunTeens really wanted to play a round themselves! How could we say no? It was the perfect way to end a fun day – and we still managed to get the room cleaned up and all the props put away!” –hosted by Stephanie Gardner

Vision Resource Fair at Cumming Library

“Eleven different organizations came to share the various resources that are available for patrons with low or no vision. Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (GLS) signed up a few new members. The Lions Club offered a machine for eye testing and a lot of people took advantage and got tested. Other organizations shared the assistive devices that are available, and Georgia Blind Sports had various balls and other sports equipment that have been modified to be easier to use for those with low or no vision. Later, they showed another presenter who has low vision how to modify a kayak paddle to help with his kayaking. The two puppies being raised to become guide dogs were definitely the most popular! All of the organizations thanked the library for hosting and they were very happy with the turnout of sixty total attendees. A couple mentioned that they would like to see this become an annual event.” –hosted by Jennifer Bell

Assistive technology and devices were on display at the Vision Resource Fair

Art Workshop for Teens at Hampton Park Library

"The room was packed, and the teens were buzzing with excitement as Lara introduced the pebble art project and explained its steps. I noticed the group seemed a bit shy, so I brought in a Bluetooth speaker to play some calming instrumental music in an effort to break up the silence. When the music started, the teens seemed more comfortable and began introducing themselves and chatting away. Lara was fantastic, offering kind words and encouragement to each teen as they discussed their ideas and worked on their projects. Her support and positive energy helped create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Afterwards, each teen was excited to show off their finished piece on their way out the door. It was a fun, relaxing evening of art and creativity!” –hosted by Chase Truran

Lara MacLean guided teens in a creative pebble art project during Art Workshop for Teens

Bookmobile Visit to Boys & Girls Club of Lanier

“On Thursday, Lorraine and I went to the new Boys and Girls club facility where we spent the morning with 68 children and teens. We had all kinds of fun requests for books about Pokemon, sharks, Minecraft and even the Titanic! The kids were really excited to explore the Bookmobile collection; they struggled to choose just one book. They also had plenty of questions, as kids do, about the Bookmobile itself and the other events that Loanie attends. Lorraine and I had so much fun answering their questions and learning about their awesome summer plans. Right before we left, I took some photos of all our little patrons enjoying their new books!” –contributed by Katie LeDuc

Spending quality time with Pete the Cat after a bookmobile visit

Kids at the Boys and Girls Club enjoyed checking out books from the bookmobile