Book Discussions for Roswell Reads

Have you finished this year's Roswell Reads selection My Name Is Mary Sutter by Robin Oliveira?  This intriguing glimpse into Civil War life told from a northern point of view is chock-full of discussion topics.  Here's a list of book discussions built around the book, including the Mystery Readers' Book Club which will read a mystery set during the Civil War.  No reservations are required for any of these book discussions, and everyone is welcome to attend (these book discussions will be held at the Roswell Library).  

Copies of the book have been purchased by the Friends of the Roswell Library and are available for check-out.  The Reference Department has created a great display that includes plenty of copies of My Name Is Mary Sutter, as well as lots of books about Atlanta, Roswell, and the Civil War.

Noonday Nosh Book Club 
Book discussion of My Name Is Mary Sutter 
Tuesday, February 15 @ 12:00 p.m. 

Sunday Afternoon at the Library with Mary Apps 
Book discussion of My Name Is Mary Sutter 
Sunday, February 20 @ 2:30 p.m. 

Mystery Readers' Book Club 
Call Each River Jordan by Owen Parry, a mystery set during the Civil War 
Tuesday, February 22 @ 6:30 p.m. 

Dana Barrett and Friends 
Book discussion of My Name Is Mary Sutter 
Wednesday, February 23 @ 7:00 p.m. 

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!  

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.

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.

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?   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!

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/.

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!

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.