The Bookmark: November Literary Happenings in Coweta
By Nancy Carol Sanker, Special to the Paper
It’s plugged in! Our traditional “Autumn” tree decorated with acorn ornaments now shines. We are rejoicing in its light in a year when I seriously questioned its worth, but finally relented. This Coronavirus Fall we are desperate to be reminded of the hope tucked inside every real acorn.
What does our tree have to do with future literary events? It’s all about being plugged in – if we don’t take the time to participate, potential joys slip right past us. There are many options. We can easily meet new authors, learn a craft like making flowers out of book pages or participate in book club discussions – jammies optional! Or we can venture out and visit our wide variety of libraries including four Coweta County branches, the Carnegie and Little Free Libraries. They all offer us escapism, education and the enticement to read or listen more. The increasingly popular category of audiobooks provides yet another way to plug in and do some walking, driving or yes… cleaning at the same time.
Take a minute now to consider plugging into the following events.
Coweta Public Library System (CPLS)
Using any one of the four Coweta County Libraries listed below has never been easier. Your ecard provides access to all digital resources including GALILEO, eRead Kids, Mango Languages, Testing Prep Courses and more. The best news? You can now receive reserve notifications for your favorite books via text. Please check the CPLS website and Facebook page for new virtual programming (cowetapubliclibrary.org). Temporary hours vary – call before you visit.
Library branch phone numbers:
Central Branch … 770-683-2052
Grantville Branch … 770-683-0535
Powell Branch … 770-253-6235
Senoia Branch … 770-599-3537
Curbside Pick-up: Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Central and Powell locations only
Free Wi-Fi is available from all four library parking lots, seven days a week from 7a.m. – 11 p.m. The network name for all four branches is “BOOKWORM.” No password needed.
Please note that donations are not being accepted at this time.
The Newnan Carnegie Library
1 Lagrange Street, Newnan (www.newnancarnegie.com). 770-683-1347. The Carnegie is an honor system library for adult/children’s books.
Current Hours:
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. … Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. … Wednesday
9 a.m.- to noon … Saturday
Throughout the entire month of November, the Newnan Carnegie Library will participate in the National Novel Writing Month challenge, and they are encouraging you to participate. Follow Anthony Urda, Sr. Carnegie Assistant – Adult Programming, as he posts his weekly video “progress reports.” The challenge was kicked off in an interview with Chilling Effect and Primal Deceptions author and NaNoWriMo municipal liaison for the greater Atlanta area, Valerie Valdes. Watch the interview here: https://youtu.be/DBhJjy5V8-E
• Tuesday, November 10 – Laptime Storytime with Ms. Terri via Zoom every Tuesday at 10 a.m. for children ages 6 – 18-months. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/126878028599. Contact Teri Anderson with your questions [email protected].
• Wednesday, November 11 – 3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.- Book Club with Lola, the trained therapy dog. Parents of young elementary school age children can sign up for 15-minute intervals of reading to a very attentive four-legged audience at https://www.eventbrite/e/127229277193.
• Thursday, November 19 – Hometown Novel Nights at the Carnegie – 6:30 p.m. via ZOOM. Join Ane Mulligan, author of In High Cotton, Holly Moulder, author of Crystal City Lights and Martha B. Boone, author of The Big Free as they share the stories behind their stories. Registration is required, so please visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/126467568903.
• Saturday, November 21, 10:30 a.m. – This special Children’s Author Program will feature Menlia Moss Trammell, author of Misty Monarch, Jacqueline Leigh, author of the newly released Skedaddle and Rosalind Bund with her daughter, Maggie, authors of Beau’s Bayou Treasure. More details to follow on the Carnegie website.
• A virtual “Grown-Up Storytime” series will take place on three dates. Join the Carnegie as they look at Creek Nation authors whose work is in the public domain. They will discuss the works of Alexander Lawrence Posey on November 11, James Roane Gregory on November 18, and S. Alice Callahan, November 25 at 3 p.m.
Other News
• Christmas is in the Air, a new book in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series includes an essay, “A Priceless Nativity” by our very own Angela McRae. Are you looking for a holiday gift that connects straight to the heart? This book is perfect! Angela joins at least three other local authors who have had their essays published in the Chicken Soup family including Lee St. John, Amy Dees and Kathy Bohannon. We are fortunate to live in an area with talented and compassionate authors.
The Cottages Book Club, aka as Wine and Words enjoyed a raucous meeting at the home of hostess Kathy Ferguson. We all know book clubs are about more than books, right? We’re looking forward to the Tom Hanks Christmas Day movie based on News of the World by Paulette Jiles.
Our November selection, Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes details the lives of the dedicated individuals who organized and delivered books on horseback to families in Kentucky in the early 30s. Wine & Words may stretch a little in an effort to be authentic and serve cider moonshine at our November meeting. Stay tuned …
Getting connected isn’t always easy. Sometimes we fumble because we’re trying to fit the wide prong in the narrow side of the outlet. Or our extension cords are just a tad too short. Take a deep breath and don’t give up. Perseverance is always richly rewarded.
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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 Bookmark to success! To reach Nancy, email: [email protected].
