Recap of Recaps: February 20–26, 2025

Submitted by Joanne Garrett

Check out these highlights from some of the unique offerings patrons enjoyed systemwide February 20–26, 2025.

An Afternoon of Jazz with Dwan Bosman at Sharon Forks Library (2/23)
7 children, 40 adults
"Saxophonist Dwan Bosman performed for an appreciative audience that included patrons of all ages. This was a great program that illustrated that music is universal because the crowd included so many people from diverse backgrounds. Mr. Bosman performed a wide variety of music, including smooth jazz, modern jazz, hip hop, popular music, and classics. There was a lot of applause and appreciation for the performance. After the program, patrons thanked Mr. Bosman and FCPL for having him come, and he took photos with fans. Patrons who have attended this program in the past said they look forward to it every year. Patrons who discovered it this year said they were very happy they learned about it." - hosted by Alicia Cavitt

Mr. Bosman performed smooth jazz, modern jazz, hip hop, popular music, and classics.

Classroom Under the Sea at Hampton Park Library (2/23)

2 children, 6 adults

"The audience was able to learn about diverse aquatic ecosystems, marine biology, conservation challenges, and the importance of ocean preservation. The Georgia Aquarium presenters had interesting power point slides, turtle skulls, and other marine life objects to share. Those attending seemed engaged and appreciative." - hosted by Cynthia Julian-Simmons

Forsyth 1912: The Forsyth County Expulsion and Its Aftermath at Cumming Library (2/22)

56 adults

"We had a great turnout for the Forsyth 1912 program hosted by Sophia Dodd, Digital Storytelling Production Research Manager at the Atlanta History Center. Sophia was part of the panel for last year’s Forsyth 1912 program at PR but since the Atlanta History Center has been working on descendants’ interviews, a podcast with WABE, and digital exhibitions, we invited her back for an update. Ms. Dodd stayed after for another 30 minutes so attendees could speak to her one-on-one." - hosted by Jennifer Bell

Hands-On History: Mark Twain at Cumming Library (2/23)

35 children, 13 adults

"We opened with a biography presentation where I went over a timeline of his life. I made sure to include lots of fun facts to keep it engaging. I also included extra bonus material like a video demo of typesetting (one of Mark Twain's first jobs) and a video of the author from 1909, taken by his friend Thomas Edison. One of our activities today was Paddle Boat Engineering and Racing. This station was WILDLY popular! I gave kids materials to make a paddleboat out of popsicle sticks, recycled bottles, etc, or a raft like Huck Finn, but everyone quickly became entranced with creating the working paddleboats. It was a wonderful opportunity for boat science and experimenting. They kept taking their boat to the water, testing it, then running back to figure out what to fix to get it working! They played with designs, adding ballast, stabilization, and other creative features like a double paddle. The creativity and engineering skills were off the charts! - hosted by Kaitlyn Bowers

Bringing creative energy to paddleboat construction

Program: Carrington Academy Storytime (Outreach) (2/26)

50 children

“We visited Carrington Academy for their unit on Community Helpers to teach them what being a librarian is like! We went over what visiting the library is like and how to treat library books. We did the Milkshake song, the Shaky Egg song, and did a puppet theater for "Cows Go Boo!" and "The Underpants." We also had the kids repeat the scatting for "Fish Jam." Each kid got a leftover Winter Reading trading card to remind their grown-ups that SRF is coming. All the kids said they're excited to visit the library!” - hosted by Brooke West and Sariah Homan