Recap of Recaps: January 30–February 5, 2025

Submitted by Joanne Garrett

Check out these highlights from some of the unique offerings patrons enjoyed systemwide January 30–February 5, 2025.

The Secret Work of Intelligence Agencies:

An International Perspective at Cumming Library (2/1)

2 children, 62 adults

"Dozens of people were waiting in the lobby when I opened the meeting room doors to begin the program, and everyone seemed very excited and interested to learn about cooperative intelligence and the CIA. Dr. Oosthuizen is an engaging speaker who packed a lot of information into one hour. Everyone listened intently throughout the presentation and asked a number of questions afterward. Quite a few patrons thanked me for having the program, and two in particular asked how the library finds presenters and asked for more of the same type of programs. Dr. Oosthuizen himself expressed an interest in presenting here again." - hosted by Melissa Gunter

According to Dr. Oosthuizen, intelligence work in the US began with George

Washington who gathered intelligence to track loyal British soldiers in the country

after the Revolutionary War. 

Teen Yoga Retreat at Hampton Park Library (2/2)

14 teens

"Today’s teen yoga program, led by former VolunTEEN, Sunny, was a success! There was a great turnout, with teens of varying experience levels showing up to participate. Calming music and dimmed lights created a relaxed atmosphere at the start of the session as teens filed in and arranged their yoga mats around the room. As the program progressed, Sunny did a wonderful job guiding everyone through poses, breathing exercises, and stretches while making the practice feel welcoming and accessible. Sunny’s message about using yoga as a tool for stress management and emotional regulation resonated with participants, making the session both engaging and meaningful." - hosted by Chase Truran

Race and American Culture at Sharon Forks Library (2/2)

11 adults

"Happy 6th Birthday to the Race and American Culture series! This time we covered Edna Lewis's 1976 cookbook, The Taste of Country Cooking. Edna Lewis is hailed as ‘The Grand Dame of Southern Cooking,’ and her classic cookbook is a quintessential example of how cookbooks can be considered creative writing. She includes stories of raising the animals for the meat and harvesting the vegetables from the garden, and the creation of the dishes is literally inspired ‘from the ground up.’ While much of Black creative writing is focused on a culture of trauma, these narratives are centered in happy family memories and the author's love of food and cooking. We don't usually sit down to read cookbooks for the pleasure of reading, but they are a great way to get a glimpse into other cultures and other times." - hosted by Brooke Rose

Forsyth Creates: Origami Wall Hanging at Post Road Library (2/2)
18 adults
"For February's adult craft, we made origami wall hangings. I taught patrons how to fold a traditional crane and stars. Once attendees completed their origami, we strung them on thread and tied them to a dowel rod and used some butcher's twine to create a string for hanging. Patrons seemed very interested in origami and had a fun time learning with friends." - hosted by Sarah Sander

Ridgeview Bookmobile Stop (2/4)

10 children, 2 teens, 2 adults

“We had a great time in Ridgeview Manor with regulars and a few new faces! We did a cute clothespin butterfly craft, had a President's Day scavenger hunt with the presidents who had mutton chops, and happened to be there at the same time as the popsicle cart. We talked with one teen about Holly Jackson's books, advised on juvenile graphic novels and Minecraft books, made one child very happy with Spanish books about puppies, and talked with the kiddos about their day while they played with our Slinkies, Jenga, and LEGOs.” - hosted by Brooke West and Sariah Homan

Visitors to the Bookmobile included regulars as well as new faces.