September - Friends of Smyrna Library

Se p t em be r 2 00 7
SU DAITCH AND MAGN OLIA PORCE LAIN
ART ON DISPLAY THROUGH OCTOBER
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Linda’s Lines,
Notorious Lives
2
Michael’s Message
3
Third Thursday
Highlights
4
Children’s Summer
Reading Club
5
Denard Stalling,
6
Best Friend Spotlight
Georgia Tech Partner
7
The Friends of Smyrna Library
announced that the Smyrna Library Display
Galleries will feature the artwork of Su
Daitch in the art gallery and porcelain
artwork from the Magnolia Porcelain Art
Guild of Cobb County in the display cases.
The exhibits are appearing in September
and October and will be on display daily
during regular library operating hours.
“Su Daitch is a self taught artist
and her techniques and styles incorporate
vivid colors and unique
patterns into paintings
that add life to the
surroundings where
they are displayed,”
stated Dorothy Sibert,
coordinator of the
Smyrna Library
Galleries. “Su does a
number of things to
bring the world of art to
others including
offering classes for people with no art
experience who are looking to give it a try.
She will also paint abstracts on site at
dinner and office parties.”
The Magnolia Porcelain Art Guild
is part of the World Organization of China
Painters, an organization that focuses on
educating and encouraging artists,
connoisseurs and patrons of the fine art of
porcelain painting and decoration. The
organization also promotes the art through
the teaching and exhibiting of hand
painted porcelain. The Magnolia Porcelain
Art Guild is located in
Cobb County and
meets monthly at the
West Cobb Senior
Center at Lost
Mountain Park in
Powder Springs.
Pag e 2
Fri en d s o f Smy r n a Li b r ary T HE L I NK
Se p t em be r 2 00 7
LINES FROM LINDA
“The Friends work very closely
with the librarian to ensure the
residents of Smyrna have
available the latest tools to
nurture the mind.”
I hope everyone has had a great summer. It’s winding down and hopefully the cooler
weather will be here soon. Maybe some rain! I look at my garden and see flowers drying up, dogwoods dying and poplar trees dropping their leaves. They remind me
that plants must be fed, watered, taken care of and encouraged to
grow.
People are very similar to the plant world. They need
encouraging, watering and feeding, or they wither. The library can play
a very important part in the nourishing of an individual or a community.
The citizens of Smyrna are very fortunate to have the Smyrna
Library as a source of nourishment - with great books for leisure reading, a reference department that has most of the answers to those
questions that need an answer and music, books and movies that are
available for entertainment and as learning tools. There is also the
children’s department where the love of reading and libraries can begin. If you need to grow by understanding where you and your family
have come from there is the genealogy room. Going to the library is
better than going to the local superstore.
The Friends work very closely with the librarian to ensure the
residents of Smyrna have available the latest tools to nurture the mind.
Did you know there are two wireless computers in the library? All you need is your library
card and another piece of identification and you may check one out for use in the library,
compliments of the Friends. Your board of directors is constantly looking for ways to enhance the
library.
I hope you have noticed the blue books bags the summer reading children are carrying
their books in, compliments of the Friends. Our children are the future of our community.
How do you like the new look of the Link? Once again the board of directors is open to
new and creative ideas.
I’ll close with a note about my summer reading and a quick quote. I’ve been enjoying
these great books such as Night by Elie Wiesel, “Don’t Ask What I Shot” How Eisenhower’s Love of
Golf Helped Shape 1950s America by Catherine M. Lewis, and Owl Island by Randy Sue Coburn.
And remember: “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” - Joseph Addison
Linda Evans is the president of the Friends of Smyrna Library
REFERENCE SECTION HAS MULTIPLE VOLUME
REGISTER ON NOTORIOUS LIVES
Our world is full of people from different walks of life who don't always follow an honorable
way of life. The library has an interesting register in the reference section that highlights the lives of
people throughout history that have not followed an honorable path of life in society.
Notorious Lives is a three volume reference set that contains essays on what the publisher
has identified as the most notorious people throughout history. These are cases that have had some
significant impact on society and the criminal justice
system. Essays range from 700 to 1,200 words per
person.
As the publisher states, "The focus of Notorious
Lives is not to glorify the individuals covered or their
deeds, but rather to document their vital data, offenses
and sociohistorical impact for students of history, politics,
criminal law, sociology, psychology and related disciplines."
Some highlights about this reference manual
include key facts are provided about lives that have had
historical impact, celebrities whose historical impact is
questionable are not covered in the series, and a broad
range of people including dictators, con artists, politicians and cult leaders, among others.
www.friendsofsmyrnalibrary.org
Fr i e nd s o f Smy r n a L ib r ary T HE L I NK
DID YOU KNOW… ?
…
THERE ARE CLOSE TO
AVAILABLE AT THE
7,370 A-V
LIBRARY.
Pag e 3
MATERIALS
MICHAEL’S MESSAGE
By the time you read this the Library will be offering remote access to four new online
databases that can help you with your career, your family's education and your home. "Remote
access" means that you will be able to use these programs 24 hours a day anywhere in the world
with internet access and a password from the library.
The first database is ReferenceUSA. This database contains detailed information on more
than 14 million U.S. businesses and 210 million U.S. residents. A quick search will let you search by
company name, city, state or phone number. You will then be able to view a full profile of that company including the headquarters address, corporate officers, estimated revenues, number of employees, product lines, and a list of any existing liens. ReferenceUSA can help businesses find new customers anywhere in the country.
The second database is MyLibraryDV (called MLDV for short). MLDV is the world's first
broadband television network aimed at public library users. The programming includes over 90
cooking programs like Julia Child's Kitchen Wisdom; over 100 travel programs; 50 medicine and
health programs, literature discussion programs; and hundreds of how-to programs. You can learn
everything from quilting to auto repairs online.
Ever wanted to learn a foreign language? Developed in 1991, RosettaStone combines two
basic beliefs. The natural way we learn native languages as a child
remains, for everyone, the most successful method for learning new
languages. And interactive, digital technology can replicate and activate
that method powerfully for learners of any age. Drawing upon their experience and research, the founders developed the world's only comprehensive language-learning software based exclusively on immersion
instruction in the target language. Online courses are available for English, French, German, Italian, Russian and two types of Spanish.
The last of the new programs is LibraryLearningExpress. This
is a comprehensive online learning platform of practice tests and
tutorial course series designed to help students and adult learners
succeed on academic or licensing tests they must pass. They get
immediate scoring, complete answer explanations and individualized
analysis of the results. There are over 70 test preparation programs
including the ACT; the SAT; PRAXIS; the Civil Service Exam; Real Estate;
Elementary, Middle and High School skills improvement courses, and
dozens of others. LibraryLearningExpress has taken test preparation
into the 21st Century.
Access is free to Smyrna Public Library cardholders, but you
will need to get passwords and instructions at the library. Check us out regularly! There are always
exciting things happening at the Smyrna Library.
“Access is free to Smyrna
Public Library cardholders…
Check us out regularly! There
are always exciting things
happening at the Smyrna
Library.”
Michael Seigler is the director of the Smyrna Library.
THIS IS WHO WE ARE
The Friends of Smyrna Library is a non-profit organization
that has served the Smyrna Library since 1991. The organization
develops and executes various adult programs and helps fund children’s programs to promote appreciation for the library and to grow
its membership.
To learn more about the Friends of Smyrna Library, visit
www.friendsofsmyrnalibrary.org.
DID YOU KNOW… ?
…
THE INTERNET WAS ACCESSED
THOUGH
www.friendsofsmyrnalibrary.org
3,000
TIMES
THE LIBRARY SYSTEM IN
JULY.
Pag e 4
Se p t em be r 2 00 7
THE DIXIE DIVAS ARE COMI NG TO THE
FRIENDS THIRD THURSDAY IN OCTO BER
The Dixie Divas are Southern book writing belles serving up
helpings of down home humor and warmth. When the Dixie Divas
come to town they do more than sign books. They give a lively
presentation, peppered with advice, animation and lots of
anecdotes.
Take a look at each Diva and their book. This promises to be one
of the best Third Thursday programs. Mark your calendar for
Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 7:00pm in the downstairs meeting
of the Smyrna Public Library and see for yourself.




Julie Cannon (Homegrown Diva) - Truelove & Homegrown
Tomatoes, ‘Mater Biscuit and Pearly Gates
Karin Gillespie (Dollar Store Diva) - Bet Your Bottom Dollar, A
Dollar Short: Bottom Dollar Goes Hollywood
Jackie Miles (Rose Flower Diva) - Roseflower Creek
Patricia Sprinkle (Sleuthing Diva) author of the Thoroughly
Southern Mysteries
DR. KITCHENS WILL BE THE GUEST SPEAKER
FOR THIRD THURSDAY IN N OVEMBER
The Friends of Smyrna Library has
announced that Dr. Joseph Kitchens, Executive
Director of the Funk Heritage Center, Reinhardt
College will be the guest speaker for the Third
Thursday Program for November 15, 2007. Dr.
Kitchens will offer an introduction to the Native
American tribes of Georgia, explaining cultural
issues, the frontier economy and the dispersion
of the tribes after the formation of the Colony of
Georgia.
Prior to entering the field of museum
administration, Joe Kitchens earned a Ph.D.
degree in American History from the University
of Georgia and was Professor of History at
Georgia Southwestern State University. He has
published two books on Georgia history: Quail
Plantations of South Georgia and North Florida.
and Generations: The Story of Albany. He is
also the author of more than sixty magazine
and newspaper articles on Georgia history and
life.
HARRIS GREEN DISCUSSED HIS BOOK SET IN
ALABAMA IN 1 947
“Harris Green is an
accomplished writer and his
book captures a number of
issues of the times in its
storyline.” - Linda Evans
Thursday, August 15 the Friends of Smyrna Library
welcomed its featured guest for its August Third Thursday
program. Harris Green, a North Georgia resident, discussed his
book, “Chinaberry Summer: Riverton, Alabama 1947.”
“Chinaberry Summer” is about the residents of
Riverton, Alabama as they deal with the effects of the Great
Depression and World War II and the advent of the Civil Rights
Movement and the Cold War.
Harris Green was raised in south Alabama and later
joined the Navy. Following military service, he went to
college, became a teacher and retired as Professor of English.
After retiring, he co-wrote “Our Finest Hour,” a musical /
theatrical tribute to the World War Two generation.
“Harris Green is an accomplished writer and his book
captures a number of issues of the times in its storyline which
should help to generate a thoughtful discussion,” stated Linda
Evans, president of the Friends of Smyrna Library. “Mr. Green
also [had] copies of his book with him for signing.”
www.friendsofsmyrnalibrary.org
Pag e 5
FRIENDS PROVIDE S SUPP ORT FOR
CHILDREN'S SUMMER READING CLUB
The Friends of Smyrna Library helped support the library's Children's
Summer Reading Club through the donation of backpacks that were awarded to
children that completed the required reading established by the program
coordinators. The reading program was attended by over 470 children and nearly
375 children earned the backpack by reading daily for three consecutive weeks
according to Lisa Tarr, youth services librarian for the Smyrna Library.
The Friends also supported the summer reading program in a few other
ways. Summer Reading Club calendars were kept current on the Friends web
page, allowing participating families to plan accordingly.
The Friends funded storyteller, Joanna Maddox, in her portrayal of
astronaut Mae Jemison and the organization provided additional financial support
to purchase smaller reading incentives as well.
The full calendar of children's reading programs resumes after the Labor
Day holiday. Please check the Friends web site for the dates and times of the events.
L I B R A RY RE A D I N G GRO U P H I G H L I G H T S
COOKING
The Friends of Smyrna Library
Reading Club had a special event for its
September 4, 2007 meeting. The book for the
month was titled "Thou Shall Not Grill," a
Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery by Tamar Myers.
In her book, Ms. Myers has included tasty
grilled recipes which the group prepared and
shared as the book was discussed. All
attendees were encouraged to prepare one of
the books recipes or bring their own favorite
summer / grilled food.
The Reading Group meets each first
Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the
DID YOU KNOW… ?
…
upstairs meeting room (unless otherwise noted)
at the Smyrna Public Library. The group was
formed in 1993 primarily to give readers a
chance to share ideas and thoughts on literary
works of the present and past, fiction and
non-fiction. The informal atmosphere of the
Reading Group gives readers the opportunity to
voice their own opinion of the book. Book
selections are made through recommendations
from the group members. These selections are
posted both on the Friends website and inside
the Smyrna Library. Everyone is welcome to
attend.
OVER 870 PEOPLE VISIT THE SMYRNA LIBRARY
EVERY DAY
.
JOIN

Individual: $5
Return this with your check, payable to:

Family: $10
Friends of Smyrna Library

Sponsor: $25-$99
100 Village Green Circle

Patron: $100-$249
Smyrna, GA 30080

Best Friend: $250+
Name___________________________________________________________________________
SUGGESTED READING
GROUP SELECTIONS
ALL AUNT HAGAR’S CHILDREN by Edward P. Jones
BODY SURFING by Anita Shreve
CROSS by James Patterson
DANSE MACABRE by Laurell K. Hamilton
FINDING NOEL by Richard Paul Evans
HEY DAY by Kurt Anderson
Address_________________________________________________________________________
JOSHUA’S FAMILY by Joseph F. Girzone
LEAN MEAN THIRTEEN by Janet Evanovich
Phone___________________________________________________________________________
NATURAL BORN CHARMER by Susan Elizabeth
Phillips
Email address____________________________________________________________________
SLEEPING WITH FEAR by Kay Hooper
I want to volunteer_________________________________________________________________
I want to receive the Link as a PDF ___________________________________________________
www.friendsofsmyrnalibrary.org
SOLDIER: The Life of Colin Powell by Karen DeYoung
THEN WE CAME TO THE END by Joshua Ferris
WOMAN IN RED by Eileen Goudge
Pag e 6
Se p t em be r 2 00 7
MAKING MUSIC THROUGH FINE ART
During the months of July and August,
the Smyrna Library Display Galleries featured
the artwork of Denard Stalling in the art gallery
as well as the arts and crafts of the Indian Hills
Art Guild in the display cases.
“Denard Stalling is a gifted artist who
has a passion for music and combines the two
to create realistic renderings of musical
instruments,” stated Dorothy Sibert, coordinator
of the Smyrna Library Galleries. “His work
includes paintings of violins, pianos and
saxophones to name a few and if you did not
know it, you would think the images are just
large photos of images taken by a
photographer. They are something to see in
person.”
Each piece is a masterful production
that combines technique, diffused, warm
lighting patterns and strong composition.
Every finished painting is then
complemented by one of Stalling's
handmade abstract frames, each of which
has been created from parts salvaged from
old instruments. The resulting pieces are an
eloquent statement.
The Indian Hills Art Guild is a nonprofit organization celebrating the talents of
the artists that live in the Indian Hills
subdivision in East Cobb. The group has
been together since 2004 and over 30
artists make up the group.
“The Indian Hills Art Guild is a diverse
group of artists that share their talents and
creativity through a number of art forms
including paintings and drawings, jewelry,
stained and fused glass, as well as pottery
and tableware to name a few,” commented
Sibert. “I am sure that an exhibit like this
could inspire others with similar passions to
consider starting their own organization.
We’re pleased to feature them.”
BEST FRIEND SPOTLIGHT
BA K E RY
“McEntyre’s Bakery in
Smyrna is a great supporter
of the Friends organization
and we would like to
acknowledge and thank
them for their commitment to
our library.”
IS
MCENTYRE’S
McEntyre's Bakery in Smyrna is great supporter of the Friends organization and we would
like to acknowledge and thank them for their commitment to our library.
Originally known as the "Smyrna Bakery," McEntyre's was opened in the late 1940s by
Howard McEntyre Sr. in downtown Smyrna on Atlanta
Road. After "Smyrna Bakery" closed in early 1954,
Howard McEntyre Jr. opened the curent "McEntyre's
Bakery" in late 1959 and it remained on Atlanta
Road in Smyrna. "McEntyre's Bakery" then moved to
the Jonquil Plaza Shopping Center in 1961 and
continued to do business there until this year. The
bakery is now located in a plaza on Concord Road in
Smyrna just a mile or so from the Jonquil Plaza,
which is being redeveloped.
The bakery is well known for its fine
pastries and cakes as well as its breads and pies.
You can find McEntyre's at 1184 Concord Road,
Smyrna, 30080; 770-434-3115;
[email protected].
DID YOU KNOW… ?
… THERE
ARE OVER
29,600
LIBRARY CARD HOLDERS
.
www.friendsofsmyrnalibrary.org
Pag e 7
C A L E N DA R F O R F R I E N D S
Program
Date
Time
Featured Guest or Activity
Board Meeting
September 20
6:30 p.m.
Friends Board
Reading Group
October 2
Third Thursday
October 18
Reading Group
October 2
Third Thursday
October 18
Library Week
October 21-27
Various Activities
Social Event
Book Sale
October 27-28
Friends Board
Jonquil Festival
Reading Group
November 6
Two Little Girls in Blue
Board Meeting
November 15
6:30 p.m.
Friends Board
Third Thursday
November 15
7:30 p.m.
Evening With Friends
December 1
7:00 p.m.
Dr. Joseph Kitchens Funk Heritage Center
Friends Board
Reading Group
December 4
DID YOU KNOW… ?
…
The Alchemist
7:00 p.m.
Dixie Divas
The Alchemist
7:00 p.m.
Dixie Divas
www.friendsofsmyrnalibrary.org
Native American
Tribes of Georgia
Social Event
Inkheart
AVERAGE DAILY CIRCULATION IN
JULY
FRIENDS PARTNERS WITH GEORGIA TECH
TO PRODUCE LINK NE WSLE TTE R
The Friends of
Smyrna Library organization
recently reached out to Georgia
Tech in an effort to help the
group produce its quarterly
Link newsletter. Betsy Gooch, a
rising senior in the School of
Literature, Communication,
and Culture, has taken responsibility for the
layout and design of the publication. Ms. Gooch
also contributes to the Link content in a number
of ways.
"The Friends organization did not have
anyone on the board with the experience
needed to produce a publication like The Link,"
stated Don Kintner, public relations and
marketing board member for the Friends. "We
decided to reach out to Georgia Tech and Jay
Telotte, the undergraduate director for the
School of Literature, Communication, and
Culture responded with the recommendation of
Betsy. We've had a great start with Betsy and
we are hoping this will help us establish a
relationship with Georgia Tech and give other
Comments
students in the future the opportunity to get
some hands on experience that they can grow
from as they pursue a career after graduation."
Ms. Gooch has accomplished a
number of things at Georgia Tech including
being a student employee and research
assistant, participating in the Undergraduate
Research Option and being a member of the
Science Fiction Fellows. Ms.
Gooch is originally from
Cartersville, Georgia and has
been at Georgia Tech since
graduating high school. She
is majoring in Science,
Technology, and Culture in
the school of Literature,
Communication, and Culture
and is scheduled to graduate
in May, 2008. She plans to
attend graduate school
before starting her career in
the field of marketing
communications and / or
digital media.
WAS
664.
Se p t em be r 2 00 7
EDITORIAL
S TA T E M E N T
The Link is a quarterly publication
from the Friends of Smyrna Library.
The newsletter highlights activities
and news about the Smyrna Library
and support from the Friends to promote appreciation of the library
within the community. Feedback is
welcome.
FRIENDS TO SPONSOR SILENT AUCTION
The Friends of Smyrna Library will sponsor a
silent auction of Christmas wreaths to be held from
November 18 through December 1, 2007. The proceeds
from this event will benefit the Smyrna Library.
Local businesses, civic groups and individuals
will donate an assortment of wreaths for the auction and
each will be valued at a minimum of $50.00.
For more details about this event, please visit
the Friends web site at friendsofsmyrnalibrary.org or stop
by the Friends bulletin board in the library for more
details. Information will be posted in October.
Publisher
Don Kintner
Editorial & Layout
FRIENDS
Betsy Gooch
SMYRNA LIBRARY
O
[email protected]
President
Parliamentarian
Art Gallery / Display Cases
Linda Evans
Harold Smith
Jane Lamkin
Vice President
Membership
Dorothy Sibert
Jim Wooten
Jo Perkinson
Web Site
Treasurer
Book Discussion
Jeff Jones
Shyamalie Wijeratne
Debbie Battiste
Member at Large
Secretary
PR & Marketing
Eleanor Champey
Joan Stuart
Don Kintner
The Link
Friends of Smyrna Library
100 Village Green Circle
Smyrna, GA 30080
F FI C ER S
B
OF
Contact:
O AR D
O F
D
IR EC TO RS