Submitted by Sarah Brubaker
Check out these highlights from some of the unique offerings patrons enjoyed systemwide July 10–16, 2025.
Lights, Camera, Action: Exploring Movie Magic at Sharon Forks Library (7/15)
68 children, 40 adults
“Our elementary patrons experienced movie magic today! We started with a discussion about the different behind-the-scenes aspects of filmmaking, like screenwriting, directing, special effects, and editing. Then we played a round of movie trivia, and one young girl knew when the first ever movie theater opened up in 1905! They did a variety of film-related activities, from costume design to color theory with lights. The activities included a DIY animation reel, claymation figure making, 3D art with movie glasses, costume design, sound effects, and technicolor shadows and puppets. The kids really loved the green screen and film set. They kept using the clapperboard and yelling ‘action!’ Some of them even said they want to be filmmakers one day!” - hosted by Britt Poteet
68 children, 40 adults
“Our elementary patrons experienced movie magic today! We started with a discussion about the different behind-the-scenes aspects of filmmaking, like screenwriting, directing, special effects, and editing. Then we played a round of movie trivia, and one young girl knew when the first ever movie theater opened up in 1905! They did a variety of film-related activities, from costume design to color theory with lights. The activities included a DIY animation reel, claymation figure making, 3D art with movie glasses, costume design, sound effects, and technicolor shadows and puppets. The kids really loved the green screen and film set. They kept using the clapperboard and yelling ‘action!’ Some of them even said they want to be filmmakers one day!” - hosted by Britt Poteet
Stories of a Colorful World at Hampton Park Library (7/11)
20 children, 12 adults
“Mama Koku presented three colorful stories today with full audience participation that included the grownups and the children. The stories were ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar,’ a Chinese fairytale, and the African fable ‘Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears.’ Her storytelling is always a big hit. She incorporates music and call and response, as well as story props, and our audience today really enjoyed the three stories she presented.” - hosted by LeAnne Craig
20 children, 12 adults
“Mama Koku presented three colorful stories today with full audience participation that included the grownups and the children. The stories were ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar,’ a Chinese fairytale, and the African fable ‘Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears.’ Her storytelling is always a big hit. She incorporates music and call and response, as well as story props, and our audience today really enjoyed the three stories she presented.” - hosted by LeAnne Craig
Monochrome Florals Acrylic Painting at Denmark Library (7/13)
16 adults
“Mary gave an introductory speech, recommending everyone relax, take a deep breath, and let go of the desire for perfection and be open to creating a unique piece, not an exact copy. She brought black construction paper and had the patrons practice making test flower petals for a few minutes. When ready, the patrons moved to the prepared canvases to begin painting with white paint on the black background. She played soothing background orchestral music and talked about how it can help with creativity. Mary went over each step, illustrating with her sample piece as well as referring to her very detailed step-by-step slideshow. Mary walked around constantly, helping and encouraging everyone. Patrons were excited to take group photos at the end, and then gathered around Mary to thank her and show off their masterpieces. Seven patrons asked her to do another art program soon!” - hosted by Shannon Nguyen
16 adults
“Mary gave an introductory speech, recommending everyone relax, take a deep breath, and let go of the desire for perfection and be open to creating a unique piece, not an exact copy. She brought black construction paper and had the patrons practice making test flower petals for a few minutes. When ready, the patrons moved to the prepared canvases to begin painting with white paint on the black background. She played soothing background orchestral music and talked about how it can help with creativity. Mary went over each step, illustrating with her sample piece as well as referring to her very detailed step-by-step slideshow. Mary walked around constantly, helping and encouraging everyone. Patrons were excited to take group photos at the end, and then gathered around Mary to thank her and show off their masterpieces. Seven patrons asked her to do another art program soon!” - hosted by Shannon Nguyen
Australian Outback at Post Road Library (7/14)
113 children, 64 adults
“North Georgia Wildlife and Safari Park put on a spectacular program filled with furry, spiny, and scaly creatures native to the Australian Outback! We had a full house and gave out all of our event passes for the first show. The zookeeper gave us some fun facts about each animal and gave patrons opportunities to get great pictures, and he even let patrons pet the hedgehog and snake at the end of the program! Everyone's favorite was the baby wallaby, a smaller cousin to the kangaroo. We also got to meet an Australian possum and a blue tongued skink. The program was not only fun but super educational, and the presenter emphasized that if kids wanted to learn more about the animals we met today, the library is the place to help with that!” - hosted by Kara Nitschke
113 children, 64 adults
“North Georgia Wildlife and Safari Park put on a spectacular program filled with furry, spiny, and scaly creatures native to the Australian Outback! We had a full house and gave out all of our event passes for the first show. The zookeeper gave us some fun facts about each animal and gave patrons opportunities to get great pictures, and he even let patrons pet the hedgehog and snake at the end of the program! Everyone's favorite was the baby wallaby, a smaller cousin to the kangaroo. We also got to meet an Australian possum and a blue tongued skink. The program was not only fun but super educational, and the presenter emphasized that if kids wanted to learn more about the animals we met today, the library is the place to help with that!” - hosted by Kara Nitschke
The Art of Archery at Cumming Library (7/12)
20 children, 27 adults
“Today, we were joined by a diverse range of archers ready to learn from Coach Yale Noggin from the Atlanta Archery Club. Yale started the presentation out by talking about the history of archery as a martial art and the ways it has been used throughout time. He also made sure to point out that the skills we use in archery, like focus and mindfulness, can be used in all aspects of our lives. He then had everyone go through a stretching flow so we could be grounded and ready to shoot. Then he began the demonstration about how to shoot an arrow. He walked everyone through every step and would explain the reasoning behind the technique. He also would say motivational phrases like, ‘Not every shot is a bullseye, and that OK,’ and ‘Our words, actions, and thoughts are our arrows in our daily lives.’ While he was explaining the technique, many patrons mimed the movements so they would be ready to shoot. For the shooting portion, Yale and his assistant were very good about assisting patrons, so they would be successful and feeling accomplished. There was one young man in a wheel chair who was unsure if he would able to shoot the bow and arrow. Yale looked at him and said, ‘Of course you can!’ and helped him through the process without batting an eye. The young boy and his family were all super happy and excited about this. Almost everyone who attended the program took a turn to shoot the bow and arrows and were super excited about archery when they left the program. A few patrons even stuck around so they could take a second (or third) turn shooting. One patron had a long bow from home she was hoping to learn how to use. Yale ended up walking her though the process, and she left being able to use it. Overall, this was such a fun and affirming program.” - hosted by Arlene Melton and Signe Madson
20 children, 27 adults
“Today, we were joined by a diverse range of archers ready to learn from Coach Yale Noggin from the Atlanta Archery Club. Yale started the presentation out by talking about the history of archery as a martial art and the ways it has been used throughout time. He also made sure to point out that the skills we use in archery, like focus and mindfulness, can be used in all aspects of our lives. He then had everyone go through a stretching flow so we could be grounded and ready to shoot. Then he began the demonstration about how to shoot an arrow. He walked everyone through every step and would explain the reasoning behind the technique. He also would say motivational phrases like, ‘Not every shot is a bullseye, and that OK,’ and ‘Our words, actions, and thoughts are our arrows in our daily lives.’ While he was explaining the technique, many patrons mimed the movements so they would be ready to shoot. For the shooting portion, Yale and his assistant were very good about assisting patrons, so they would be successful and feeling accomplished. There was one young man in a wheel chair who was unsure if he would able to shoot the bow and arrow. Yale looked at him and said, ‘Of course you can!’ and helped him through the process without batting an eye. The young boy and his family were all super happy and excited about this. Almost everyone who attended the program took a turn to shoot the bow and arrows and were super excited about archery when they left the program. A few patrons even stuck around so they could take a second (or third) turn shooting. One patron had a long bow from home she was hoping to learn how to use. Yale ended up walking her though the process, and she left being able to use it. Overall, this was such a fun and affirming program.” - hosted by Arlene Melton and Signe Madson
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