Recap of Recaps: October 24–30

Submitted by Sarah Brubaker

Check out these highlights from some of the unique offerings that patrons enjoyed systemwide between October 24–30. 

Diwali Celebration at Sharon Forks Library

“We had a great Diwali celebration at Sharon Forks this weekend! The Atlanta Nritya Academy performed classical Bharatanatyam dances, and for the first time, we featured Odissi style classical dances by the Abhinaya Dance Academy. Our last performer was a Diya dance demonstration, and after the performance, participants walked through each of the steps until they were all able to perform it together. There were stations throughout the rest of the library. The youth craft this year was a paper firework, and the adult/family craft was painting a clay diya. There was a mehndi station where people could get henna painted on their hands or arms, and this year we added a clothing/textile station. Attendees had the option of being wrapped in a saree, which is quite the endeavor! And of course, no Diwali celebration would be complete with the gift of sweets. Families were sent home with ladoos and kaju katlis. This annual celebration would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors, the FCPL Friends & Advocates and OneForsyth. A huge THANK YOU for their continued support!” - submitted by Brooke Rose

Writers’ Night of Fright at Cumming Library

“We had a record-number of submissions for our fourth annual Writers' Night of Fright, and what a blast it was! We had fourteen writers submit and read stories, including a choose-your-own-fright tale in which the audience was able to participate. Patrons dressed up in their best gothic attire. Patrons really enjoyed the program and thanked me for having it again.” - hosted by Brianna Schantz

Ghostly Germbusters at Cumming Library

This program was conceptualized and executed from two VolunTEENs. They had an activity sprinkling glitter all over the children's hands to demonstrate how difficult it is to remove germs. Next, they used large cotton balls to demonstrate how quickly germs spread. Then they passed around a bath puff covered in glitter and flour, and when the music stopped, everyone discussed how the trail of flour and glitter around the circle grew as the giant ‘germ’ was passed among the children. The program also included dancing and a story, which all the kids enjoyed. The teens did a great job of planning this program.” - hosted by Julie Boyd

Diwali at the Post Road Library

“Post Road held its first Diwali program this year. There were three stations: Rangoli designing, Paper Plate Diyas, and a paper lantern decoration. These lanterns turned out so beautiful, and many patrons made more than one. Many people stayed for over an hour working on their crafts, with some patrons staying for nearly the full two hours. Patrons also were excited to pose in front of our Diwali backdrop, and some even commented that they wanted to come back another day with other family members to take more pictures. Patrons were very appreciative and commented repeatedly about how much they enjoyed the event and how thankful they were that we held it.” - submitted by Melissa Reed

Bookmobile Visit to ACE Academy

“FCPL was invited to join the Fall Festival at ACE Academy and Forsyth Virtual Academy this week to visit K–8 students with the bookmobile! Forty-six students, parents, grandparents and teachers adorned in their Halloween finest came aboard, and many of the kids checked out books. Some of them were already familiar with the library and a few were avid readers. We also offered them a free book to take home since we had quite a few left over from the Trunk or Treat events, which put a smile on some faces!”- submitted by Joanie Goforth