Roswell Reads in the Roswell Neighbor

Woo-hoo!  A tip 'o the hat to Friends' President Janice Tedford!  She's on the front page of this week's Roswell Neighbor, holding a copy of the Roswell Reads selection My Name Is Mary Sutter.  Visit the Neighbor's website to take a look at the photo and read the accompanying article.

Weatherizing Your Home

Is energy (and money) leaking through cracks in your house?  Learn how to weatherize your home and find out if you qualify for free services.  Join us at the Roswell Library on Wednesday, January 5 @ 1:00 p.m.   This program is sponsored by the Fulton County Cooperative Extension Service.  Registration is requested and may be made in person or over the phone by calling the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075.

Upcoming Teen Programs

Mark your calendars!   The Roswell Library will offer a couple of exciting teen programs in January. 

TeenBoss Workshop
Monday, January 10.  4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Get a jump start on your spring break and summer jobs by creating your OWN job!  Way more than advice on grass cutting and babysitting, this workshop encourages creativity, and gives good solid business information from pricing and profits to customer service and marketing to licenses and taxes.

Safe and Smart on the Social Web
Monday, January 24.  6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
A fast-paced talk for parents and teens on the ins and outs of social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.  Learn the tools and tricks you need to enjoy being social online without risking your privacy or safety.  Reservations required.

For more information or to make reservations, please call the library at 770-640-3075.

December 2010 Newsletter is now online

The Friends' latest newsletter is now available online.  Click here to visit the Newsletters page on our website.  You'll find some great background info on the Roswell Reads selection, an essay about books and photos from some recent activities.  Thanks to Mary Ellen Kubis for another top-notch newsletter.

Author Steve Berry Visits Norcross

Popular author Steve Berry will be in metro Atlanta on Saturday, January 15th at the Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center in beautiful historic Norcross (10 College Street, Norcross, GA, 30071).  The program begins at 7:00 p.m.  For more information, visit the Gwinnett County Public Library System's calendar of events.

Book Club Selections for 2011

The wonderful folks in charge of our books clubs have announced the selections for the first half of 2011!   These selections were discussed and voted on by attendees at the book clubs earlier this month.  Click the links below to learn the upcoming titles.  Happy reading.

Noonday Nosh Book Club

Mystery Readers' Book Club

This Week @ the Roswell Library

Wondering what to do this week?  For the week of December 20 - December 25, you'll find a quiet week at the library.   The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System will be closed Thursday, December 23 - Saturday, December 25.   A new schedule of winter programs will be available soon.   There will not be any ESL classes until the first week of January.

Season's readings from the staff and Friends of the Roswell Library.  We hope the new year brings laughter, good health and lots of wonderful books to you.

Roswell Reads 2011 Selection

The Roswell Reads Committee has announced the book selection for 2011:   My Name Is Mary Sutter by Robin Oliveira.   To learn more about this historical novel, visit the author's website at www.robinoliveira.com.   Stay tuned for more details regarding some exciting programs planned around the book, including a final event with the author!

This Week @ the Roswell Library

Wondering what to do this week? For the week of December 13 - December 18, you'll find the last week of our story time programs for children.   A new schedule of children's programs will be available soon.   There will be a special Happenin' Holidays program Wednesday evening for children featuring acclaimed storyteller Sherry Norfolk.   Noonday Nosh and the Mystery Readers' Book Clubs will meet on Tuesday.   And if that's not wonderful enough, there will be a special Swing and Rumba Bootcamp program on the 18th.   There will also be ESL classes and books for sale in the lobby and in the Friends' bookstore.

To learn more about any of our programs, visit the Friends of the Roswell Library's website for a complete list.

One Week Until the Noonday Nosh and Mystery Readers' Book Clubs

This month's book clubs for adults are meeting one and two weeks earlier to accomodate busy holiday schedules.  Both Noonday Nosh and Mystery Readers' Book Club will meet next Tuesday, December 14.   Nosh meets @ 12 noon and MRBC meets @ 6:30 p.m.

The selections this month are The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows for Nosh and Death in Bloodhound Red by Virginia Lanier for MRBC.   If you need a copy to read or reread before next week, please call the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075 and ask for the Reference Desk.   The staff there will be happy to set aside a copy for you.

This Week @ the Roswell Library

Wondering what to do this week? For the week of December 6 - December 11, you'll find our regular story time programs for children, as well as a special program for teens hosted by a Roswell police officer.  There will also be ESL classes and books for sale in the lobby and in the Friends' bookstore.

To learn more about any of our programs, visit the Friends of the Roswell Library's website for a complete list.  Or, just scroll through our blog and you'll find lots of info.

Friends' Holiday Book Sale is December 3 and 4!

Did you know the Friends are having a book sale this weekend?!  The Preview Party for members (new members are welcome to join at the door) will be Friday, December 3 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.  Regular book sale hours will be Saturday, December 4 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Don't forget to bring your old books for a free appraisal on Saturday morning.  Rare books dealer, Giles Hollingsworth, will be at the sale from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. to let you know if you've got a rare and valuable tome, or just another old book.  And he's doing this for free.  Sweet!

Coming Soon: Roswell Reads 2011

The 2011 Roswell Reads selection will be announced December 13 at the Roswell City Council meeting.  To be one of the first to hear about the selection, sign up for our newsletter.   It will be e-mailed to subscribers just after the Council meeting ends.  Send an e-mail to the Friends of the Roswell Library/Roswell Reads at roswellreads@forl.net and we will add you to our mailing list.

Roswell Library's GED Schedule for 2011

The 2011 GED registration and testing schedule is now available - online and in person.  Click here to see the brochure.  Copies of the brochure are also available at the Roswell Library.   Registration must be made in person and the fees paid in advance with a money order.   Everything you need to know is listed in the brochure.  If you have any questions, please call the GED Information Line at the Central Library (in downtown Atlanta) at 404-730-1837.   If you need directions to the Roswell Library, just call the branch at 770-640-3075 and staff will be glad to help.

Holiday Book Sale!

Get ready for our holiday book sale!    The next book sale will be December 3 and 4, 2010.    The Preview Party for members (new members are welcome to join at the door) will be Friday, December 3 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.   Regular book sale hours will be Saturday, December 4 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Don't forget to bring your old books for a free appraisal on Saturday morning.  Rare books dealer, Giles Hollingsworth, will be at the sale from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. to let you know if you've got a rare and valuable tome, or just another old book.  And he's doing this for free!  

This Week @ the Roswell Library

Wondering what to do this week?    For the week of November 29 - December 4, you'll find the return of our wonderful story time programs for children.  On Friday, December 3, there's a Preview Party for our Holiday Book Sale from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.  The Preview Party is for members and new members are welcome to join at the door.  The regular book sale will be Saturday, December 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Come early and be prepared to shop 'til you drop! 

To learn more about any of our programs, visit the Friends of the Roswell Library's website for a complete list.  Or, just scroll through our blog and you'll find lots of info.

Happenin' Holidays with Sherry Norfolk

Celebrate the season with popular storyteller Sherry Norfolk!   She’ll share interactive tales about Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.   Wednesday, December 15 @ 6:45 p.m.   This program is for ages 3 - 8.   Reservations begin November 24 and may be made in person or over the phone by calling the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075.

This Week @ the Roswell Library

Wondering what to do this week?    The week of November 22 - 28 will be very quiet at the library.  There won't be any story times this week or ESL classes, but there will be a fun dance class on East Coast Swing November 22.  There will be books for sale in the lobby and in the Friends' Bookstore.

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System will close all branches at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 24.  All libraries will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, as well as November 26.   The Roswell Library will reopen at at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 27.

Don't forget to save some of your shopping money for the Friends' Holiday Book Sale on December 3 and 4.

To learn more about any of our programs, visit the Friends of the Roswell Library's website for a complete list.  Or, just scroll through our blog and you'll find lots of info.

National Book Award Winners

The 2010 National Book Awards have been announced!  Check out the winners and the honorees:  NationalBook.org.

Teens Investigate the Crime Beat

Meet a Roswell a police detective and learn about crime scene investigations and what it takes to be a police officer.   Join us on Monday, December 6 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. as one of Roswell's finest explains the ins and outs of CSI.   For more information, please call the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075. 

Swinging the East Coast Swing

Learn how to jitterbug or practice your favorite swingin' style - all levels are welcome.    Monday, November 22 @ 6:00 p.m.   Registration is required and may be made over the phone by calling the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075.   This class is sponsored by Dancing4Fun.

Holiday Book Sale!

Mark your calendars!    The next book sale will be December 3 and 4, 2010.    The Preview Party for members (new members are welcome to join at the door) will be Friday, December 3 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.   Regular book sale hours will be Saturday, December 4 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

There will be a very special guest at the book sale Saturday morning.   Rare book dealer, Giles Hollingsworth, will be there from 10:00 a.m. until noon to appraise your books.  For free!   Sweet.   Just consider it the Friends' version of the Antiques Roadshow.

This Week @ the Roswell Library

Wondering what to do this week?    For the week of November 15 - 20,  you'll find the ever-popular story times for children;   four (yes, four!) book clubs - two for children and two for adults;   two computer classes for adults;  a Thanksgiving Crafts program for kids;   free ESL classes;  and books for sale in the lobby and in the Friends' Bookstore.  

To learn more about any of our programs, visit the Friends of the Roswell Library's website for a complete list.  Or, just scroll through our blog and you'll find lots of info.

Roswell Fine Arts Alliance Exhibit @ the Library

The talented folks at the Roswell Fine Arts Alliance have graciously lent some of their paintings for an exhibit near the front of the library.  The exhibit features paintings of historic Roswell.  Stop by and take a look!  To learn more about the RFAA, visit their website by clicking here.

Veteran's Day

In observance of Veteran's Day, the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System will be closed.  To honor this day, here's a poem from World War I written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian doctor.  Many thanks to the men and women across time who have bravely fought in battle, to those who have lovingly tended the wounded, as well as to those who have kept the home-fires burning.

In Flanders Fields 

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
      Between the crosses, row on row,
   That mark our place; and in the sky
   The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
   Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
         In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
   The torch; be yours to hold it high.
   If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
         In Flanders fields.

Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Flanders_Fields

Holiday Book Sale!

Get ready for our holiday book sale!    The next book sale will be December 3 and 4, 2010.    The Preview Party for members (new members are welcome to join at the door) will be Friday, December 3 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.   Regular book sale hours will be Saturday, December 4 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Going On Now ... The Fabulous MJCCA Book Festival

Atlanta is a book-loving town and we are fortunate to have one of the country's premier book festivals in our own backyard.   The MJCCA Book Festival, known locally as the Jewish Book Festival, is always a treat.  Held annually in November, the folks at the MJCCA know how to put on a great festival, handle details like parking, and welcome one and all to their campus on Tilly Milly Road in Dunwoody.

This year's fest started on the 6th and continues until November 21st.   As usual, they've got a great line-up of authors that appeal to all ages and all tastes:   Pat Conroy, Gene Wilder, Naomi Ragen, Nicole Krauss, Yann Martel, Jeffrey Stepakoff,  Martin Fletcher, Sara Gruen, Joseph Skibell, Cathleen Schine, Rita Cosby, and plenty more. 

Visit their website to learn more details.   You'll be glad you did!

Children's Book Clubs Meet Next Week

Next week is a banner week for book clubs at the Roswell Library.   In addition to Noonday Nosh and the Mystery Readers' Book Club, the Talk It Up and Reading Pals Book Clubs will also meet.   Check out the information listed below and call the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075 to reserve a spot for your young reader.

Talk It Up
Monday, November 15. 6:30 p.m.
Selection:  The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander.  Snacks will be provided.  Ages 9-11.

Reading Pals Book Club
Tuesday, November 16. 4:00 p.m.
Reading Pals is a book discussion group for children in 2nd and 3rd grade. For November, read any My Weird School book.  We'll discuss them and do an activity related to the books.  Grades 2 and 3.

One Week Until the Noonday Nosh Book Club AND the Mystery Readers' Book Club

You have one week left to read the Nosh and MRBC titles for November.   Because of the Thanksgiving holidays, both discussions will be held Tuesday, November 16th.   If you need a copy to read before next Tuesday, just call the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075.   The staff will be glad to find a copy for you.

Noonday Nosh Book Club
Tuesday, November 16 @ 12:00 p.m.
Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez

Mystery Reader's Book Club
Tuesday, November 16 @ 6:30 p.m.
Cimarron Rose by James Lee Burke

Special Events @ FoxTale Book Shoppe

FoxTale Book Shoppe up in Woodstock is hosting some of our favorite authors this month:  Patricia Sprinkle, Patti Callahan Henry, Mary Kay Andrews and more!  Click this link to visit their website for more details.

This Week @ the Roswell Library

Wondering what to do this week?    For the week of November 8 - 13,  you'll find the ever-popular story times for children;  a Spanish instruction class for children ages 2 - 5;  a special seminar on Roswell's history and how to conduct genealogical research at the Roswell Historical Society;  two computer classes for adults;  a visit from Amanda Gable, author of  The Confederate General Rides North;  a beginner's dance class featuring the East Coast Swing style;  free ESL classes;  and books for sale in the lobby and in the Friends' Bookstore.  

Please note that the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System will be closed Thursday, November 11th in observance of Veteran's Day.

To learn more about any of our programs, visit the Friends of the Roswell Library's website for a complete list.  Or, just scroll through our blog and you'll find lots of info.

Atlanta Author Series Presents Amanda Gable

Join us at the Roswell Library on Saturday, November 13th @ 2:00 p.m. for an afternoon with Amanda Gable.   Ms. Gable is the author of The Confederate General Rides North, recently named one of the 25 Books Every Georgian Should Read by the Georgia Center for the Book.

Here's a little information about this talented author from the publisher's website:
"Amanda C. Gable's short stories have appeared in The North American Review, The Crescent Review, North Dakota Quarterly, Kalliope, Sinister Wisdom, Other Voices, and other publications.    She has been awarded residency fellowships by Yaddo, the Hambidge Center, and the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts.    A native of Marietta, she currently lives in Decatur, Georgia."

Visit her website at http://www.amandagable.com/.

Free Computer Classes at the Roswell Library

The Roswell Library is offering free computer classes this month.  All classes are free and open to the public, but reservations are required.  You can make a reservation by calling the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075.

Introduction to Computers
Tuesday, November 9 @ 6:00 p.m.
Learn the basics of using a computer.

Introduction to Word 2003
Wednesday, November 10 @ 6:00 p.m.
Learn the basics of creating a document using Microsoft Word 2003. 

Introduction to the Internet
Tuesday, November 16 @ 6:00 p.m.
Learn the basics of navigating the web.

Advanced Internet Skills
Wednesday, November 17 @ 6:00 p.m.
Learn tricks to better navigate the web, as well as some interesting websites to make your time on the internet more productive and fun.

Roswell History and Genealogy

Be sure to join us Monday, November 8 @ 6:00 p.m. for an informative seminar about researching Roswell history and genealogy, as well as how to use the Roswell Historical Society and its many valuable resources.    Registration is required and may be made in person or over the phone by calling the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075.   This program is sponsored by the Roswell Historical Society.

This Week @ the Roswell Library

Wondering what to do this week?    For the week of November 1 - 6,  you'll find the return of our wonderful story time programs.   Woo-hoo!  There will also be a book club for kids - the K1 Book Club for children in kindergarten and first-grade;  free ESL classes;  and books for sale in the lobby and in the Friends' Bookstore.  

To learn more about any of our programs, visit the Friends of the Roswell Library's website for a complete list.  Or, just scroll through our blog and you'll find lots of info.

East Coast Swing: All Levels

Learn how to jitterbug or practice your favorite swingin' style - all levels are welcome!    Monday, November 22 @ 6:00 p.m.   Registration is required and may be made over the phone by calling the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075.   This class is sponsored by Dancing4Fun.

K1 Book Club for Kids Meets Tuesday, Nov. 2

What's better than voting on November 2?  Well, take your child to the K1 Book Club on the 2nd and your day will be complete.  The program starts at 4:00 p.m.  There is no advance preparation required, but you will need to make a reservation.  Children will read a book with Miss Angie and do some fun activities related to the book.  This is a great way to introduce your child to reading with a group and talking about books.  Please call the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075 to sign up your young reader.   See you there!

Lango Spanish Class for Kids

Hola!  Join us for a special language class for children.   On Tuesday, November 9 @ 10:30 a.m., Lango will present a 45 minute introductory Spanish class using music, art, games and stories for ages 2 - 5.   Reservations may be made in person or over the phone by calling the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075.

Thanksgiving Crafts

Celebrate Thanksgiving at the Roswell Library!   Join us for a fun Thanksgiving craft on Wednesday, November 17 @  4:30 p.m.   This program is for ages 6-10.   Reservations begin October 27 and may be made in person or over the phone by calling the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075.

Roswell History and Genealogy

Genealogy is a popular hobby, but it's also a lot of work.   The Roswell Historical Society can help!   Learn the ins and outs of researching Roswell history and genealogy, as well as how to use the Roswell Historical Society.   Monday, November 8 @ 6:00 p.m.   Registration is required and may be made in person or over the phone by calling the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075.   This program is sponsored by the Roswell Historical Society.

Introduction to East Coast Swing Dancing

Get your dancing shoes on!   Get into the "swing" of things with the staff from Dancing4Fun.   Join us for two dance sessions in November:

Wednesday, November 10 @ 6:00 p.m. - Beginners
Monday, November 22 @ 6:00 p.m. - All Levels

Classes will last approximately 90 minutes.   Registration is required and may be made in person or over the phone by calling the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075.

This Week @ the Roswell Library

Wondering what to do this week?      For the week of October 25 - October 30,  early voting continues at the  Roswell Library,  Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (until October 29).   Also, you'll find the Mystery Readers' Book Club discussing Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley;   a free computer class on e-mail;  a drop-in Halloween craft program for kids;   free ESL classes;   and books for sale in the lobby and in the Friends' Bookstore.  

Please note that there will not be any story time programs during this week and they have been suspended until the first week of November (which is next week!).   This is because the meeting room is being used for early voting.

To learn more about any of our programs, visit the Friends of the Roswell Library's website for a complete list.  Or, just scroll through our blog and you'll find lots of info.

Upcoming Author Visits at the Carter Library

The Carter Center Library has a great fall lineup of book events.    Andrew Young & Kabir Sehgal,  C. J. Chivers,  Curtis Wilkie,  Jim Zogby,  Salman Rushdie,  Michele Norris,  and Rosalynn Carter will all speak about their books.   Visit the Carter Center's website to learn more.

Urgent - Volunteers Needed!

The Roswell Library needs volunteers to help with library surveys during the week of November 1 - 7.  This is the time of year when staff and volunteers collect statistics tracking how busy the library is, how many questions patrons ask and so forth.   Help us show the county how busy we are!

If you have a couple of hours to spare during the first week of November, please contact Sara Miller at the Roswell Library:  sara.miller@fultoncountyga.gov.   She can give you more details and let you know which times (2 hour blocks) are available.  It's simple, fun and a tremendous help to the community.

Mary Kay Andrews Is On The Move!

One of our favorite authors, Mary Kay Andrews, has been touring with the paperback release of The Fixer Upper.   Her fall newsletter is out and she has announced the date and title of her new book!  It's called Summer Rental and will be available June 2011.   Read her entertaining newsletter by clicking here.

Halloween Crafts for Kids

Don't forget!  Stop by the Roswell Library with your children on Tuesday, October 26th between 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. for a spooktacular craft.    This is a make-and-take craft program - just drop in, create something delightfully (or frightfully) fun and take it home!

Reminder: Scary Cupcake Decorating

Don't forget to join us this Friday, October 22 @ 4:00 p.m. for a creepy, cool cupcake class.    Get ready for Halloween by learning how to decorate scary cupcakes and take home your tasty work.    This program is for ages 11 - 18.    Registration is required and may be made in person or over the phone by calling the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075.   Class size is limited to 12.    This program is presented by Sari's Flair.

One Week Until the Mystery Readers' Book Club

You have one week left to finish up this month's Mystery Readers' Book Club selection:   Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley.   If you need a copy to read before the 26th, just call the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075.   Be sure to let them know you'll be attending the book discussion!    We will see you on the 26th @ 6:30 p.m.

This Week @ the Roswell Library

Wondering what to do this week?   Get your calendars ready - there's a busy week ahead!    For the week of October 17 - October 23,  early voting takes place at the Roswell Library,  Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (until October 29).   There will also be three book clubs:    two for kids (Talk It Up and Reading Pals) and one for adults (Noonday Nosh);   a free watercolor art class for kids;   a free computer class on how to use the internet;   a scary cupcake decorating class for teens;   free ESL classes;   and books for sale in the lobby and in the Friends' Bookstore.   Also, the Friends are recognizing Friends of Libraries Week 2010 with a display in the lobby and a membership drive.  

Please note that there will not be any story time programs during this week and they have been suspended until the first week of November.   This is because the meeting room is being used for early voting.

To learn more about any of our programs, visit the Friends of the Roswell Library's website for a complete list.  Or, just scroll through our blog and you'll find lots of info.

Friends of Libraries Week, 2010

Public libraries all across the land depend on their Friends groups now more than ever before.   Did you know that the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System has 23 Friends groups?  Fantastic!

The Roswell Library depends on its Friends group to provide necessities of all kinds:   books for the adult, teen and children's departments, including paperbacks to give away as prizes to every child who completes the summer reading program;  DVD's;   bookmarks at the Check-Out Desk;   snacks and supplies for children's and teen programs;   support for Roswell Reads (the community-wide reading program);   the Atlanta Author Series that has featured exciting visits by Joshilyn Jackson, Phillip DePoy, Mary Kay Andrews, and others;  computer items like new keyboards, mice and flash drives for staff;   volunteer hours to help with shelving, as well as keeping the bookstore and book sales well-stocked and staffed.

During the week of October 17 - 23, we hope you'll help spread the word and ask your friends to join us by becoming a member of the Friends of the Roswell Library.  It's not expensive and it's worth its weight in gold! 

Click here to visit the membership page on our website.   Better yet, download a membership brochure right now, fill it out and take it to the library.  You can deliver your membership form and payment directly to library staff, who will be delighted to put it in the Friends' mailbox in the staff workroom.   Thank you!

Teen Read Week is October 17 - 23

Celebrate the wide-ranging and dynamic literature (from classics to graphic novels) available to teens at your local library.  Teen Read Week this year is October 17 - 23 and the theme is Books With Beat @ Your Library!  Teens are encouraged to read poetry, listen to audiobooks about music and more. 

Stop by the Roswell Library and check out the fabulous Young Adult/Teen section.  You'll find books for every taste imaginable!

October Book Club Selections

October is an exciting month for book clubs at the Roswell Library.  We have programs for all ages.  Check out the listing below to see if there's one for you and/or your kids!   

Talk It Up Book Club
Monday, October 18 @ 6:30 p.m.  
Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix.   Snacks will be provided. Ages 9-11.  Reservations are required.

Noonday Nosh Book Club
October 19 @ 12:00 p.m.
The Confederate General Rides North by Amanda Gable
Amanda Gable will visit the Roswell Library on Saturday, November 13 @ 2:00 p.m.

Reading Pals Book Club
Tuesday, October 19 @ 4:00 p.m.
Reading Pals is a book discussion group for children in 2nd and 3rd grade. For October, read any Secrets of Droon book.  We'll discuss them and do an activity related to the books.  Grades 2 and 3.  Reservations are required.

Mystery Readers' Book Club
October 26 @ 6:30 p.m.
Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley

For more information about these and other exciting programs at the Roswell Library, visit the Library Programs page.

Roswell Reads Newsletter, Fall 2010

It's almost Roswell Reads season!   The 2011 selection will be announced in early December and the Fall 2010 newsletter has just been released.   Download a copy by visiting the Friends' website.     

You can subscribe to our e-mail list for Roswell Reads information.   We send out bi-monthly newsletters between October and March.   Just send an e-mail to the Friends of the Roswell Library/Roswell Reads at roswellreads@forl.net.   We will add you to future mailings for Roswell Reads information.

Atlanta Author Series Presents Amanda Gable

Join us at the Roswell Library on Saturday, November 13th @ 2:00 p.m. for an afternoon with Amanda Gable.   Ms. Gable is the author of The Confederate General Rides North, recently named one of the 25 Books Every Georgian Should Read by the Georgia Center for the Book.

Here's a little information about this talented author from the publisher's website:
"Amanda C. Gable's short stories have appeared in The North American Review, The Crescent Review, North Dakota Quarterly, Kalliope, Sinister Wisdom, Other Voices, and other publications.    She has been awarded residency fellowships by Yaddo, the Hambidge Center, and the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts.    A native of Marietta, she currently lives in Decatur, Georgia."

Visit her website at http://www.amandagable.com/.

This Week @ the Roswell Library

Wondering what to do this week?   For the week of October 11 - October 16, you'll find a light week at the Roswell Library.   The library will be closed on Monday, October 11 for Staff Development Day (staff will attend classes all day at the Central Library in downtown Atlanta);   a special screening of the short-animated film Martha Speaks;   a free computer class on Microsoft Word;   free ESL classes;   and books for sale in the lobby and in the Friends' Bookstore.  

Please note that there will not be any story time programs during this week and they have been suspended until the first week of November.  Early voting will take place in the library's meeting room from October 18 - 29. 

To learn more about any of our programs, visit the Friends of the Roswell Library's website for a complete list. Or, just scroll through our blog and you'll find lots of info.

Friends of Libraries Week, 2010

Public libraries all across the land depend on their Friends groups now more than ever before.   The Roswell Library depends on its Friends group to provide necessities of all kinds:   books for the adult, teen and children's departments, including paperbacks to give away as prizes to every child who completes the summer reading program;   DVD's;   bookmarks at the Check-Out Desk;   snacks and supplies for children's and teen programs;   support for Roswell Reads (the community-wide reading program);   the Atlanta Author Series that has featured exciting visits by Joshilyn Jackson, Phillip DePoy, Mary Kay Andrews, and others;  computer items like new keyboards, mice and flash drives for staff;   volunteer hours to help with shelving, as well as keeping the bookstore and book sales well-stocked and staffed.

During the week of October 17 - 23, we hope you'll help spread the word and ask your friends to join us by becoming a member of the Friends of the Roswell Library.  It's not expensive and it's worth its weight in gold!   Click here to visit the membership page on our website.   Better yet, download a membership brochure right now, fill it out and take it to the library.  You can deliver your membership form and payment directly to library staff, who will be delighted to put it in the Friends' mailbox in the staff workroom.   Thank you!

Early Voting at the Roswell Library Starts Monday, October 18th!

The Roswell Library will serve as a polling location for early voting in Fulton County between October 18 - October 29, 2010 - Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.  There is no Saturday voting except on Family Voting Day, October 23.

Any registered Fulton County voter may vote early - it doesn't matter where in the county you live.  Thanks to computers, once you are logged in, the ballot will include local elections that pertain only to your area or neighborhood.

If you need to vote before October 18, you can vote early at other locations in the county.  Click the following link to view all of the early voting locations, including dates and times: Vote Early!  For general voting information, please visit the county's Registration and Elections website: www.fultoncountyga.gov/registration-elections.

Martha Speaks: Screening and Family Event

Join us for a special family program on Tuesday, October 12 @ 6:30 p.m. at the Roswell Library.   This event will enable children and families to develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of the many positive roles dogs play in our lives.    The session will feature a screening of a Martha Speaks animated short, a visit from a veterinarian from Banfield the Pet Hospital, a visit from an Intermountain Therapy animal team!   Recommended for children ages 4 - 7.

"The Big Read" Reads Edgar Allan Poe

Atlanta will celebrate the National Endowment for the Arts' BIG READ program this fall by reading The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe.  What better time of the year than autumn to read the chilling and thrilling tales of Poe?  For more information, visit the following links:

National Endowment for the Arts - The Big Read
Atlanta History Center's Literary Center
Margaret Mitchell House

Book Events @ the Carter Library

The Jimmy Carter Library is offering up another great season of author visits, including the former President himself.  Click here to take a look at upcoming events.

October is National Reading Group Month

Who knew???  Check out a really cool website:  http://www.nationalreadinggroupmonth.org/index.html.  It's a fun site to explore and it offers all kinds of recommendations.  There's nothing like sharing your thoughts and ideas about books with others who love books, too.  And remember, the Friends sponsor book clubs for all ages at the Roswell Library.  To learn more, visit our website:  www.forl.net/.

This Week @ the Roswell Library

Wondering what to do this week?   For the week of October 4 - October 10, you'll find regular story time programs;   the K1 Book Club for children in kindergarten or 1st grade;  free blood pressure testing in the lobby on October 5th from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.;   a special workshop on infant massage for moms, dads or caregivers;   free ESL classes;   and books for sale in the lobby and in the Friends' Bookstore.

To learn more about any of our programs, visit the Friends of the Roswell Library's website for a complete list.  Or, just scroll through our blog and you'll find lots of info.

Scary Cupcake Decorating

Join us on Friday, October 22 @ 4:00 pm. for a creepy, cool cupcake class.    Get ready for Halloween by learning how to decorate scary cupcakes and take home your tasty work!    This program is for ages 11 - 18.    Registration is required and may be made in person or over the phone by calling the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075.   Class size is limited to 12.    This program is presented by Sari's Flair.

If you'd like to check out some cool baking websites, check out the links below.

BettyCrocker.com
BetterHomesandGardens.com
Pillsbury.com
MarthaWhite.com
KingArthurFlour.com

Happy baking!

Halloween Crafts for Kids

Stop by the Roswell Library with your children on Tuesday, October 26 between 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. for a spooktacular craft.    This is a make-and-take craft program - just drop in, create something delightfully (or frightfully) fun and take it home!

Infant Massage

Infant massage helps with healthy development and growth.   Natasha C. Reaver, DC, CACCP, CNMT will lead this 90 minute introductory class for mothers or fathers and their infants.   Friday, October 8 @ 10:30 a.m.

Please bring 2 baby blankets, or a mat, and 1 towel with you.   This class is limited to 12 mothers or fathers and their infants that are not yet walking.   Due to the nature of the program, please do not bring older children.   Reservations begin October 1 and may be made in person or over the phone by calling the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075.

Out of the Box Art Studio

Calling all artists!   Join us on Wednesday, October 20 @ 4:00 p.m. for a fun art class for ages 6 - 10.   Out of the Box Art Studio will lead a class doing a watercolor leaf collage with diffusing.    Limit: 15 participants.    Reservations begin September 29 and may be made in person or over the phone by calling the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075.

This Week @ the Roswell Library

Wondering what to do this week?   For the week of September 27 - October 2, you'll find the Mystery Readers' Book Club reading The Watchman by Robert Crais;   regular story time programs;   a Clean Green! environmental workshop sponsored by the City of Roswell;   a special program for teens on dating and creating healthy relationships;   free ESL classes;   and books for sale in the lobby and in the Friends' Bookstore.

To learn more about any of our programs, visit the Friends of the Roswell Library's website for a complete list.  Or, just scroll through our blog and you'll find lots of info.

Banned Books Week 2010 - Celebrate the Freedom to Read

Where would we be without books like To Kill a Mockingbird, Beloved or The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn?  We would be a much poorer nation.  Classic works and contemporary novels are challenged all the time.  Banned Books Week starts today and continues through October 2nd.  To learn more, here are a couple of websites you might want to visit:  bannedbooksweek.org and the American Library Association's page on Banned Books Week.

Free Blood Pressure Testing

Help celebrate Family Health Month and have your blood pressure checked for free by staff from North Fulton Hospital.   Wednesday, October 5 @ 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.   This screening will be done in the library's lobby and is sponsored by North Fulton Hospital.

Go Green and Clean Green!

Join us at the Roswell Library on Wednesday, September 29 @ 6:00 p.m. for a special workshop taught by City of Roswell Environment Education Specialist Laura Aikens.   Learn how to make environmentally safe cleaning products, often with ingredients from your own home.   Reservations are required and may be made in person or over the phone by calling the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075.

Early Voting in Fulton County



The Roswell Library will serve as a polling location for early voting in Fulton County between October 18 - October 29, 2010 - Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.  There is no Saturday voting except on Family Voting Day, October 23.

Any registered Fulton County voter may vote early - it doesn't matter where in the county you live.  Thanks to computers, once you are logged in, the ballot will include local elections that pertain only to your area or neighborhood.

If you need to vote before October 18, you can vote early at other locations in the county.   Click the following link to view all of the early voting locations, including dates and times:  Vote Early!   For general voting information, please visit the county's Registration and Elections website:  www.fultoncountyga.gov/registration-elections.

One Week Until the Mystery Readers' Book Club

You have one week left to finish up this month's selection:  The Watchman by Robert Crais.  Bring your thoughts and opinions to the sure-to-be-lively discussion next Tuesday, September 28th @ 6:30 p.m.

Oy vey!

There are simply no excuses for sloppy proofreading.   My apologies.

This Week @ the Roswell Library

Well, this coming week will be an exciting and busy one at the Roswell Library!   The week of September 20th brings the return of our popular story time programs for children;   the Noonday Nosh Book Club reading and discussing To Kill a Mockingbird;   the Talk It Up Book Club for ages 9 - 11 reading and discussing The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan;   the Reading Pals Book Club for 2nd and 3rd graders reading and talking about books from the popular Geronimo Stilton series;   a special class for elementary school-age students on using library databases to help with homework projects;   a Won Yoga class;   free ESL classes;   and books for sale in the lobby and the Friends' Bookstore!  

For more information about these and many other exciting programs at the busy Roswell Library, please visit our website at www.forl.net.

Introduction to Databases for Ages 7 - 12

Does your student have a paper or research project due?   The library system's databases can help!   There is a huge wealth of information available for free - just at your fingertips.   This informative class will help your kids learn which databases are the most useful and how to use them.  Join us on Thursday, September 23 @ 4:30 p.m.   Ages 7 - 12. 

Reservations began September 2 and there are still a few spots open.    Please call the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075 to make a reservation.

Story Time Schedule for this Fall

Mark your calendars! Story Times at the Roswell Library will return next week! Here's a list of programs and times. Please remember that the programs at Roswell are very popular and attendance is on a first come, first served basis.


Bouncing Babies Story Time
Mondays, September 20 – December 13. 10:30 a.m.
Bouncing Babies is a program for infants from birth to age one and their caregiver. No reservations are required. There will not be programs on October 11, October 18, October 25 or November 22.

Story Time for 4’s and 5’s
Mondays, September 20 – December 13. 4:00 p.m.
Story time for 4’s and 5’s is an independent story time experience that children attend without a caregiver. Day care providers are asked to remain with their group. No reservations are required. There will not be programs on October 11, October 18, October 25 or November 22.

Walking One-ders Story Time
Wednesdays, September 22 – December 15. 10:30 a.m.
Walking One-ders is a program for one year olds who are walking and their caregiver. No reservations are required. There will not be programs on October 13, October 20, October 27 or November 24.

Terrific Twos and Threes Story Time
Wednesdays, September 22 – December 15. 11:30 a.m.
Terrific Twos is a program for two and three-year-olds and a caregiver. No reservations are required. There will not be programs on October 13, October 20, October 27 or November 24.

AAUW Book Fair is Coming Up!

We think our very own book sales are the best deals in town, but we are delighted to pass along information about other great sales.   AAUW (American Association of University Women) will have its 51st Book Fair September 28 - October 3 at Perimeter Mall.   Highlights include a special Preview Night for $10.00 per person September 28th from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.   

Regular Book Fair Hours:

Wednesday, September 29 - Saturday, October 2
10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 3
12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (all books half price)

After you've shopped the AAUW sale and ordered new bookcases for your home, stop by the Friends' bookstore to finish filling up those shelves!

Ken Follett @ the Carter Center

Attention Ken Follett fans!  The author will be at the Jimmy Carter Library in two weeks.  Click here to visit the Carter Center online to learn more.

Seniors Enriched Living Classes

The Friends and the Roswell Library are holding some "Lunch 'n Learn" classes featuring local books and authors at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Alpharetta.  Click the link to see a list of programs, times, and events:  SEL Lunch 'n Learn.  Or just read about it below!

Local Authors Course/Seniors Enriched Living
September - November, 2010
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church
535 Rucker Road, Alpharetta, GA  30009

September 16 @ 1:15 p.m.
James Taylor,  host of FGTV’s Writers-in-Focus program and a librarian at the Central Library, will talk about the 25 Books All Georgians Should Read. 

September 23 @ 1:15 p.m.
Book discussion of Katherine Stockett’s best-selling novel The Help, led by Jane Swift and Janice Tedford.

September 30 @ 1:15 p.m.
Local author Karen White will discuss On Folly Beach and her other novels.

October 7 @ 1:15 p.m.
Morgan Rodgers, Assistant Director of Recreation and Parks with the City of Roswell, will discuss his new book One Line Management.

October 14 @ 1:15 p.m.
Sara Miller, a librarian at the Roswell Branch, will discuss Civil War books.

October 21 @ 1:15 p.m.
Joseph Gatins will discuss his book We Were Dancing on a Volcano: Bloodlines and Fault Lines of a Star-Crossed Atlanta Family, 1849-1989.

November 4 @ 1:15 p.m.
Local author Renea Winchester will discuss her new book In the Garden With Billy:  Lessons About Life, Love, and Tomatoes.

These programs are sponsored by the Roswell Library, a branch of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System and the Friends of the Roswell Library.   Programs will be led by Lu Conti, Manager of the Roswell Library, and Janice Tedford, President of the Friends of the Roswell Library.

Reminder: Atlanta Author Series Presents Phillip DePoy

Don't forget to join us at the Roswell Library this Saturday, September 18th @ 2:00 p.m. for a visit by noted southern author Phillip DePoy.    In case you're wondering, here's a little background info.   He was born in 1950 in Illinois (a very good state, indeed).   When he was 6 years old, his family moved to Atlanta.   His brother, Scott, is an Atlanta actor and his wife, Lee Nowell, is an actress and a playwright.

Which brings us to the next bit of info we're going to share with you.   Mr. DePoy is the former Artistic Director of Theatrical Outlet.   His plays include Stealing Dixie (recently performed in Marietta), Appalachian Christmas Homecoming, and more.   His novels include a series about Flap Tucker, another one about Fever Devilin, and a host of others.  His newest book is The King James Conspiracy. 

If you want to know more, you'll just have to ask him yourself.  We hope to see you there!

One Week Until Noonday Nosh

You have just one week left to finish the wonderful, fabulous selection for September:  To Kill a Mockingbird  by Harper Lee.   If you need a copy to read before next Tuesday, just call the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075 and they'll be glad to find a copy for you (and maybe even the Gregory Peck movie, too).   In the meantime, think about this novel, how powerful it was when first published and how that power resonates today.   Bring your thoughts - and your Harper Lee stories! - to the meeting September 21st @ 12 noon.

Karin Slaughter Loves Libraries

Hats off to mystery author Karin Slaughter for the moving essay she wrote for the AJC.  Sunday's Op-Ed section featured her essay about libraries - how important they are to her and how important they are to everyone else.  Click here to read Fight For Libraries As You Do Freedom and give some thought to her words.  Thank you, Karin Slaughter!!

This Week @ the Roswell Library

Wondering what to do this week?   For the week of September 13 - September 19, you'll find a special program for kids called "Family Pop Art Day" featuring artist Michael Albert; an exciting author program featuring the ever-popular Phillip DePoy;  a Won Yoga class;   free ESL classes;   books for sale in the lobby and in the Friends' Bookstore.

For information about these programs and other exciting activities, please visit the Friends' website at www.forl.net.

How Not to Date a Jerk or Jerkette

Isn't that an intriguing program title???   Let's explain:   this is a five hour workshop for teens that will teach them (boys and girls/young men and women ages 13 - 21) how to find and maintain healthy relationships.   Lunch is provided.   Saturday, October 2 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.    Reservations are required and may be made in person or over the phone by calling the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075.

Book Clubs for Children @ the Roswell Library

Are you looking for a book club for your child?   Look no further - the Roswell Library has you covered!  The Children's Department will offer its popular book clubs again this fall.   A list of clubs, ages and reading requirements is below.   Reservations are required and are accepted according to the registration dates listed.  Please call the library at 770-640-3075 if you have any questions.

K1 Book Club

Tuesdays, October 5, November 2, and December 7.   4:00 p.m.
K1 Book Club is a book discussion group for children in kindergarten and 1st grade.   At the meeting, we will read a book together and do activities related to the book.   No advance preparation is needed.   Grades K and 1.   Reservations begin September 14, October 12, and November 16.  

Reading Pals Book Club (for children in 2nd and 3rd grade)

• Tuesday, September 21.  4:00 p.m.  Read any Geronimo Stilton book.  We'll discuss them and do an activity related to the books.  Reservations begin August 31.
• Tuesday, October 19.  4:00 p.m.  Read any Secrets of Droon book.  We'll discuss them and do an activity related to the books.  Reservations begin September 28.
• Tuesday, November 16.  4:00 p.m.  Read any My Weird School book.  We'll discuss them and do an activity related to the books.  Reservations begin October 26.

Talk It Up Book Club (for Ages 9-11)

• Monday, September 20.  6:30 p.m.  We’ll discuss The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan.   Snacks will be provided.   Reservations begin August 30.
• Monday, October 18.  6:30 p.m.  We’ll discuss Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix.    Snacks will be provided.   Reservations begin September 27.
• Monday, November 15.  6:30 p.m.  We’ll discuss The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander.   Snacks will be provided.   Reservations begin October 25.

Family Pop Art Day at the Roswell Library

Artist Michael Albert will join us to talk about pop art and his book An Artist's America.   Each child will get the chance to make their own art project at the end of the presentation!  

Some of Mr. Albert's artwork is already on display in the Children's Department.  Stop by and take a look and be sure to join us next Monday, September 13 @ 4:30 p.m.   Ages 6-10.   Reservations began August 25 and are still available!  Just call the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075 to reserve a spot for your budding artist.

Outcasts United ... in the news ... again!

Today's AJC features a great article on how colleges are adopting the "Freshman Reads" programs by requiring all incoming freshman to read and discuss the same book.  Just so happens that GA State, Kennesaw State, and Agnes Scott are all reading the 2010 Roswell Reads selection Outcasts United by Warren St. John!  Click here to read the article.  And remember, if you were a Roswell Reads fan, you could say "been there, done that."

The Friends' September Newsletter is Online

The September issue of our newsletter is now online!  Click here to visit the Newsletters page on the Friends' website.  You'll see links to current and past issues - explore them all.  In the current issue, you'll learn about the fantastic summer at the Roswell Library, the successful August book sale, and more!

This Week @ the Roswell Library

Wondering what to do this week?  For the week of September 6 - September 12, you'll find the library closed on Monday, September 6th for the Labor Day holiday;  a special program for teens on how to use the library's databases for homework and research projects;  a Won Yoga class;  free ESL classes;  books for sale in the lobby and in the Friends' Bookstore.

Don't forget to join us on Saturday, September 18th @ 2:00 p.m. for a special visit by noted local author Phillip DePoy!   For information about the Friends, library programs and other tidbits of useful information, visit the Friends' website at www.forl.net.   Click here to learn more!

Reminder: Atlanta Author Series Presents Phillip DePoy

Be sure to join us at the Roswell Library on Saturday, September 18th @ 2:00 p.m. for a visit by noted southern author Phillip DePoy.   Mr. DePoy is the author of The King James Conspiracy and more.   Visit his website at http://www.phillipdepoy.com/.

Introduction to Databases for Kids

Do you have a paper or research project due?   The library system's databases can help!  This informative class will help you learn which databases are the most useful and how to use them.  Join us on Thursday, September 23 @ 4:30 p.m.   Ages 7 - 12.   Reservations begin September 2 and may be made in person or over the phone by calling the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075.

Go Green and Clean Green!

Join us at the Roswell Library on Wednesday, September 29 @ 6:00 p.m. for a special workshop taught by City of Roswell Environment Education Specialist Laura Aikens.   Learn how to make environmentally safe cleaning products, often with ingredients from your own home.   Reservations are required and may be made in person or over the phone by calling the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075.

Research Recall for Teens

Attention teens and tweens!  Start using your brain cells again and take this crash course on using a wide range of library resources for school projects.  Tuesday, September 7 @ 4:00 pm.   Ages 12-18.   Reservations are required and may be made in person or over the phone by calling the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075.

Author Liz Kessler Visits the Roswell Library This Saturday!

Don't forget to join us this Saturday, September 4th @ 1:00 p.m. for a visit by Liz Kessler, author of Philippa Fisher's Fairy Godsister and the popular Emily Windsnap series.   This program is for ages 7-12.  Reservations began August 14th, but there is still room available.   Reservations may be made in person or over the phone by calling the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075.   Check out the author's cool website at www.lizkessler.co.uk.

September Highlights

The Roswell Library will be offering some fun programs this September.   In addition to the ever-popular story time programs, there will be a couple of author visits, book clubs for adults and children, a clean green workshop, a couple of classes on using library databases to help with homework and research papers, and .... Pop Art Day!   Click here to visit the Library Programs page on the Friends' website to learn more.  

Typos ... oh, my!

Apologies for typos mailed out overnight in the most recent blog post about 25 Books Every Georgian Should Read.  Mea culpa.   This blogger is going to remember to put on the ol' reading glasses before clicking "publish post."  In light of this, click the following link to visit a website devoted to funny typos:  http://www.funnytypos.com/.  Hee, hee ....

25 Books All Young Georgians Should Read

Last week, the GA Center for the Book released its list of 25 Books Every Young Georgian Should Read.  We're happy to see such a comprehensive list and thrilled to note that 5 of the authors have appeared at the Roswell Library in the last few years!  Are we spot on or what?  (Pardon our pat on our back.)  Shelia Moses, Evelyn Coleman, Carmen Deedy, and Ted Dunagan have hosted author readings at the library and Eric Litwin performed a music program.   If this isn't a good enough reason to become a member of the Friends of the Roswell Library, then we don't know what is.  Click the link above to take a look at the list!  And click here to learn more about joining the Friends of the Roswell Library - it's the best deal in town.

What Roswell's Book Clubs are Reading in September

Get your pencils ready!   Here's a list of books up for discussion in September at the Roswell Library.    Reservations are only required for the children's book clubs.   If you need a copy to read, just call the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075 and the book club-loving staff will be happy to help you.

Talk It Up Book Club for Ages 9-11
Monday, September 20 @ 6:30 p.m.  We’ll discuss The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan.  Snacks will be provided.  Reservations begin August 30.

Noonday Nosh Book Club
Tuesday, September 21@ 12 noon
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee.  We're celebrating the book's 50th anniversary!

Reading Pals Book Club for children in 2nd and 3rd grade
Tuesday, September 21 @ 4:00 p.m.  Read any Geronimo Stilton book.  We'll discuss them and do an activity related to the books.  Reservations begin August 31.

Mystery Readers' Book Club
Tuesday, September 28 @ 6:30 p.m.
The Watchman by Robert Crais

K1 Book Club doesn't meet in September, but reservations will begin September 14 for the Tuesday, October 5 discussion @ 4:00 p.m.   K1 Book Club is a book discussion group for children in kindergarten and 1st grade.  At the meeting, everyone will read a book together and do activities related to the book.  No advance preparation is needed.

This Week @ the Roswell Library

Wondering what to do this week? For the week of August 30 - September 4, you'll find a special visit by popular children's author Liz Kessler; a Won Yoga class; free ESL classes; books for sale in the lobby and in the Friends' Bookstore.

Don't forget that the library will be closed on Monday, September 6th for the Labor Day holiday.  A complete listing of fall programs for adults, teens and children is available on the Friends' website.  Click here to learn more!

E-Books and Audio Books from the Library

Did you know the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System now offers a new way to download e-books and audio books?  A valid library card will gain you access into a world of wonderful goodies via Overdrive.  Click here to visit A-FPL's information page and get your iPod or mp3 player ready!

Family Pop Art Day at the Roswell Library

Artist Michael Albert will join us to talk about pop art and his book An Artist's America.  Each child will get the chance to make their own art project at the end of the presentation! Monday, September 13 @ 4:30 p.m. Ages 6-10. Reservations begin August 25 and may be made in person or over the phone by calling the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075.

Meet Carlen Heyward

Carlen Heyward, cousin of author Du Bose Heyward, will present a reading and book-signing of the children's book The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes.  Saturday, August 28 @ 11:00 a.m.  This program is for ages 5 and up.

What's Happening at Fox Tales Book Shoppe?

Well, not to be outdone and always anxious to blow our own horn, the Friends are tickled to notice some interesting comparisons between us and the folks up in Woodstock.  Just so happens that Ted Dunagan, author of the popular teen novel Watermelon Man, will be at Fox Tales in September.  Been there, done that. Mr. Dunagan visited Roswell in 2009!  And, this September, author Liz Kessler will visit the Roswell Library and Fox Tales.  Hmmmmm.....  Great minds think alike.  Click here to visit Fox Tales' website to learn more.

Upcoming Book Festivals

Mark your calendars!  The AJC Decatur Book Festival is just around the corner, September 3rd - 5th.  As always, they have a great line-up of authors and entertainment.  Click here to learn more.

And if that's not enough to whet your appetite, the MJCCA Book Festival will be held in November.  This will be their 19th year of providing great authors and great discussions in the metro Atlanta area.  Festival dates are November  6th - 20th, 2010.  The MJCCA folks are top-drawer, as we say here in the South.   Wondering what MJCCA stands for?  It's the ever-fabulous Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta.  Click this link for an inside peek. 

Thank You, Book Sale Volunteers!

A thousand and one THANKS to the volunteers who helped set up, staff and clean up during our End of Summer Book Sale! Your time and hard work is much appreciated by your fellow-Friends' members, the library staff, and the community!

This Week @ the Roswell Library

Wondering what to do this week? For the week of August 23 - August 28, you'll find free computer classes; the Mystery Readers' Book Club reading The Professional by the late, great Robert B. Parker;  a Won Yoga class; free ESL classes; books for sale in the lobby and in the Friends' Book Corner.

To learn more about these great programs (and many more), visit the Friends of the Roswell Library's website for a complete list.  Or, just scroll through our blog and you'll find lots of info.

Book Sale Photos

Check out some photos recently posted on our Facebook page showing what goes on behind the scenes as we get ready for the book sale. At first, the meeting room is empty, then volunteers bring in tons of books and the hard work of setting up begins. MANY THANKS to the folks who worked tirelessly all day long (in a hot meeting room) on Thursday to sort, price, organize, reorganize, shift, move, stack, shelve and arrange thousands of books!

Friends' End of Summer Book Sale!

It's here!  After your Saturday morning coffee, head over to the Roswell Library for the Friends of the Roswell Library's End of the Summer Book Sale on Saturday, August 21st from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The sale will feature a collection of history books, cookbooks and gardening books as well as current hardback novels priced at $1.00 and $2.00 each.   As always, the paperbacks and children’s books will be big sellers!

During the year, the Friends collect many books through the donations of our generous citizens. These books are sold on a regular basis at our bookstore off the Roswell Library lobby and at our scheduled book sales throughout the year.  All donations are tax deductible.

The Roswell Library is located at 115 Norcross Street in the heart of beautiful Roswell. For more information visit our website at http://www.forl.net/.  If you need directions, please call the library at 770-640-3075.

Author Joseph Gatins' Book Now Available as an E-Book

Local author Joseph Gatins' book We Were Dancing on a Volcano:  Bloodlines and Fault Lines of a Star-Crossed Atlanta Family: 1849 - 1989 is now available as an e-book!  Mr. Gatins visited the Roswell Library this past July as part of our Atlanta Authors Series.  He charmed the audience with tales of his family and some choice tidbits of Atlanta history.  To learn more, visit his blog at http://josephgatins.blogspot.com/

Free Computer Classes at the Roswell Library

Don't forget!!  The Roswell Library is offering free computer classes next week. All classes are free and open to the public, but reservations are required. You can make a reservation by calling the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075.

Laptop Lessons: eBooks/Audiobooks with Overdrive
Monday, August 23 @ 6:00 p.m.
Learn all about the new process for downloading eBooks and eAudiobooks, as well as downloading the required software and getting your account set up. You must bring your own wireless-compatible laptop AND your library card.

Introduction to Computers
Tuesday, August 24th @ 10:00 a.m.
Learn how to get around on the Internet.

Laptop Lesson: Word 2007 Basics
Wednesday, August 25th @ 6:00 p.m.
Please bring your personal laptop from home and learn the basics to using Word 2007.  You must already have Word 2007 installed on your laptop.

Introduction to the Internet
Thursday, August 26th @ 10:00 a.m.
Learn the basics of using Internet-based e-mail and create your own Yahoo account.

Research Recall - Library Resources You Can Use!

Start using your brain cells again and take this crash course on using library resources for school projects!  Tuesday, September 7th @ 4:00 pm. This program is for ages 12-18. Reservations are required and may be made in person or over the phone by calling the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075.

Atlanta Author Series Presents Phillip DePoy

Join us at the Roswell Library on Saturday, September 18th @ 2:00 p.m. for a visit by noted southern author Phillip DePoy.  Mr. DePoy is the author of The King James Conspiracy and more.  Visit his website at http://www.phillipdepoy.com/.

Early Voting at the Roswell Library in Late October

The Roswell Library will once again serve as an early voting location for Fulton County in late October.  Details are still being finalized, but the library is currently rescheduling regularly scheduled programs normally held during the last two weeks of October.  This will include our popular story times.

Keep an eye on our Blog and Facebook pages.  We will announce the exact dates as soon as we know them.  In the meantime, if you've already picked up the fall flyer for children's programs, please stop by and pick up a revised one!  Several dates have been changed.  As always, if you have any questions, please call the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075.  Thank you!

Author Liz Kessler Visits the Roswell Library

Join us on Saturday, September 4th @ 1:00 p.m. for a visit by Liz Kessler, author of Philippa Fisher's Fairy Godsister and the popular Emily Windsnap series.  This program is for ages 7-12. Reservations begin August 14th and may be made in person or over the phone by calling the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075.

Check out the author's cool website at www.lizkessler.co.uk.

Upcoming Events at the Carter Center Library

Check out the upcoming events and activities at the Carter Center.  You'll find lots of exciting programs, including an exhibit about young, brave women who changed the course of history titled Freedom's Sisters.  Click here to learn more.

One Week Until the Mystery Readers' Book Club

You have just one week to finish up the August selection:  The Professional by Robert B. Parker.   If you need a copy to read before next Tuesday evening, just call the Roswell Library at 770-640-3075.  We look forward to seeing you on August 24th @ 6:30 p.m.