By Nancy Sanker, The Bookmark

Summer is made for kids! The days are longer, schedules are less demanding and new options abound. And just when you thought old-fashioned activities like hula-hooping were gone – they’re back again! The programs mentioned here in The Bookmark are fresh and fun for the younger set, but don’t miss the new offerings for adults too.

The Newnan Carnegie Library, 1 LaGrange St., has an outstanding selection of programs – literary and otherwise. As always, it’s best to call ahead and check to see if reservations are necessary (770-683-1347).
June 11 @ 10 a.m. … Mr. Damon Puppet Show – All Ages
noon … Young Adult (YA) Puppet Workshop

June 12 & June 26 @ 3:30 p.m. … Book Club with Lola. Register to read to a dog-listener for 15 minutes. Woof-Woof! That’s a double win!
June 13 @ 11 a.m. … YA Juggling Workshop
June 18 @ 10 a.m. … Robbie Lewis -Hula-Hoop for all Ages
1 p.m. … Hula hoop Dance YA
June 25 @ 10 a.m. … Craft Day for ages 5+
June 27 @ 10 a.m. … Chef Carlin for ages 7+

Adults at the Carnegie
Thursday, June 13 -6:30-8:30 -p.m. Hometown Novel Night comes to Newnan!
Book enthusiasts, aspiring authors and the curious of all ages are invited to this interactive panel presentation. Refreshments will be available courtesy of Corner Arts and Gallery. Books will be offered for purchase through the ever-intriguing indie bookstore, Southern Fried Books, also known as Newnan’s Front Porch Bookstore. RSVP to the Carnegie to reserve your spot.

Thursday, June 20 – 2:30-4:00 – Goodreads 101
Book Lovers, you NEED to learn how to use this valuable site! Organize what you have read, what you’re yearning to read and connect with other readers. Reservations are required for this “must attend event” of your reading summer.

Coweta Library System … Remember to join the Summer Reading Challenge, open to all ages! All participants will be invited to the celebration at the Central Library on Saturday, July 20.

Here is just a sampling of the activities offered …

Central Library, 85 Literary Lane
June 10 @ 11 a.m. to noon … Arthur Atsma Magic – (I’ve heard he is truly magical!)
June 15 @ 2-3 p.m. … Out of this World Crafting

Powell Branch, 25 Hospital Road
June 11 @ 10 a.m. … Escape Room at the Library
June 11 @ 11 a.m. to noon … Reptile Wrangler(!!)

Grantville Branch, 100 Park Dr.
June 17 @ 11 a.m. to noon … ATL Children’s Museum “Heads in the Clouds Workshop”
June 19 @ 4-5 p.m. … “Fancy Nancy Girls Club- Stella Stargazer”

Senoia Branch, 148 Pylant Street
June 17 @ 3-4 p.m. … Robotics and Coding with Coweta STEM Institute
June 20 @ 1-2 pm. …  ATL Children’s Museum – Building Challenge

Book Clubs

Barnes & Noble  … Tuesday, June 11 @ 7 p.m. … The Guest Book by Sarah Blake will spark animated discussion about this unforgettable and totally relatable story of the ties that bind us to family and home. RSVP -770-304-2114.

Our neighborhood book club, aka Wine & Words or The Cottages Book Club (depending on the audience!) will be discussing Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. What is your book club talking about this month? If you haven’t started a club, summer is the perfect time to start a casual group. Begin by discussing Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, a proven hit. Go to https://bookriot.com, www.bookclubz.com or www.penguinrandomhouse.com for more book club start-up details.

Angela McRae, local author, featured at the Senoia Area Historical Society Tea
Sunday, June 23 @ 2:30-4:30 p.m. The Veranda Historic Bed & Breakfast, 252 Seavy St.
Hats encouraged! Reservations: Shauna Mooney 818-390-3214 or [email protected]  $35 SAHS members/$40 for non-members

Summer may be mostly about children, but in the South a woman going to a tea party decked out in a spectacular hat is tough to eclipse! Angela will be reading excerpts from her new murder mystery, Emeralds and Envy, signing copies of this popular book,  first in a series of Junkin’ Jewelry Mysteries and serving as a judge for the hat contest. Shwew! It’s a trifecta of fun for everyone lucky enough to attend.

Please share your reading highlights of June, the kick-off to summer, including pictures of indie bookstores you visit!

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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! [email protected]