By Nancy Sanker, Special to The Paper

“Bin-ock-aknocks” and “knock-a-niles.” My “grands” have called the binoculars perched near my bird window wildly inventive names. No matter the word used, the children want to bring what is far away closer to them. That’s just what adults are trying to do at this time of the year – we are trying to bring the season and its true meaning into focus.

Focusing is tough – distractions abound. There are no sugar plums in the brains of adults. Instead there’s a happy traffic jam of church plays, parties, cookies, and presents to buy. In fact, three items by local authors, Emeralds and Envy: Junkin’ Jewelry Mystery Book I by Angela McRae and the audio version of She’s A Keeper – Cockamamie Memoirs from a Hot Southern Mess by Lee St. John could be at the top of your list. For pet-lovers, Lee has a brand-new offering, Finally Home, eight Christmas stories about our four-legged friends and the special people who rescue them.

Another gift you can give is your time. Focus on the following events as potential outings with friends. The joy you see in your companions will be clear – no “knock- a- niles” needed!

Newnan Carnegie Library – 1 Lagrange Street – please register at Eventbrite.com

• December 12 – 6:30 – 8 p.m. – Hometown Novel Nights – The panel moderated by Steve McCondichie will include Jedwin Smith, Larissa Reinhart and T.M. Brown. Join the fun as these authors discuss themselves, their books and their writing journeys. Southern Fried Books will be available to handle book sales. Christmas treats will be provided at this free event.

Get those binoculars ready – this event is far off in the future, but it’s worth talking about now!
• June 5 – 7 – Southern Lit Fest
You’ll need that book bag you received as a holiday gift! All roads lead to Georgia’s literary trailhead aka Newnan, home of writers, poets and songsters, including Erskine Caldwell, Lewis Grizzard and Alan Jackson. Consider this your “save the date” notice to “Git Lit” in our hometown. Magnolias. Bourbon. Moonpies. Witty banter. Banana pudding and Coca-Cola-laced hospitality. Aren’t we lucky to have this event in our own backyard?

Friday, June 5
• Children’s event
• Hometown authors at the Carnegie
• BBQ Dinner & Litbit Southern Culture Stroll (Ticketed) – Downtown Newnan

Saturday, June 6
• Author and book sessions around the Square
• Bourbon on the Porch – Bourbon tasting on the porches of historic homes with music, Southern refreshments & more

Sunday, June 7
• Special guest

Tickets available by March 20 through eventbrite.com. Mark these dates on your calendars and get your tickets early – there’s only so much room on our Southern porches!

Coweta County Libraries – Call to reserve your spot at any of the four branches.
*Please note: the Coat Drive at the Powell Branch, 25 Hospital Road, continues through December 16.

• Central Library – 85 Literary Lane – 770-683-2052
December 10 – 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Inspiring Reads Book Club – Educated by Tara Westover
December 12 – 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Christmas Angel Wings – Home Decor
December 19 – 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Page Turners – Bigfoot CSI: A Flashfire Novel by K. Osborn Sullivan AND … if you want to get a head-start, the January selection is Sunburn by Laura Lippman.

• Grantville Branch – 100 Park Drive –770- 683-0535
December 10 – 10:30 a.m. – Noon – Senior Prom
December 16 – 4-5 p.m. – Full STEAM Ahead

• Powell Branch – 25 Hospital Road – 770-253-6235
December 9 – 10-11 a.m. – Lap Time (each Monday & Wednesday, same time)
December 19 – 4- 6 p.m. – Polar Express Movie

• Senoia Branch – 148 Pylant Street – 770-599-3537
December 10 – 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Christmas Ornament Day!
December 14 – 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Cook the Book

Southern Crescent Literature and Libations update – Congratulations! The event on November 14 at Southern Fried Books was standing room only!

Now it’s time to take a field trip…
• December 7 – 7-9 p.m. – Warm Springs Cellars, 11 Roosevelt Walk, Shop #1. Meet and greet authors Janet Hogan Chapman, Sharon Marchisello, and Lee St. John. Free, except for food and drinks. Reserve your spot at eventful.com.

Wine & Words – Book club update – The last book selection, What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon exemplified the magic of book clubs. Do I like books about time travel? No. Did I love this time travel book, set in Scotland? YES! Time and time again we agree that we’ve read books that would have been overlooked if not selected by the hostess. The January choice, Pieces of Happiness by Anne Ostby promises to be a “book about friendship, hope and chocolate.” Sounds like a great way to start 2020!

Best wishes for a season of focused joy, blessings and giving.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Nancy Carol Sanker landed in Newnan via Ohio, Colorado and California. The constants in her life are her love of family, friends, fundraising and books. Nine years ago, she created Lights for Linda to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in memory of her sister. Now she looks forward to illuminating the literary opportunities and fundraisers our community offers readers of all ages. Nancy’s 11-year-old book club provides fresh, new titles while her two and eight-year-old grandchildren keep her aware of books for “littles.” Who knew a cow could type? Your contributions about book clubs, Little Free Libraries, events and fundraisers will lead the The Bookmark to success! To email Nancy: [email protected].