The Bookmark: Public Library Events, Southern Fried Books, Ferst Foundation

By Nancy Sanker, The Bookmark

July is the s’more month. We like those almost-burnt marshmallow, chocolate and graham cracker confections, but we’d like “some more.”

More time to create family memories, more juicy fresh peaches and if you’re like the dog I just saw on a video, more time to romp through the public pop-up sprinklers! Here are some literary events to add extra fun to your month.

The Coweta County Libraries – There are four bountiful branches which offer children and adults good times and education. The theme this summer is A Universe of Stories.

• Central Branch – 85 Literary Lane, Newnan

• Grantville Branch – 100 Park Dr., Grantville
July 11 – 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Doc Atoms – Mad Scientist at the Library
July 16 – 3 to 4 p.m.– Interstellar Baking

• Powell Branch – 25 Hospital Road, Newnan
July 10 and 17 – 3-4 p.m. – Teen Skills – Ages 11-18– Learn important keys to becoming a successful adult, including how to budget $$, have great interviews, check the oil (maybe I should attend!) and make goodies things to eat!
July 16 -11 a.m. to noon – Zoo Atlanta’s Zoomobile & Free Ice Cream!

• Senoia Branch – 148 Pylant Street, Senoia
July 17 -10 to 11:30 a.m. – Performing Pony Painting Party
July 18 – 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.– Busy Hands Space Explorers

• The Carnegie Library, 1 LaGrange St., Newnan  – More summer fun for adults and children. Call 770-683-1347 to see if reservations are necessary.
July 11 at 10 a.m. – Science Tellers – All Ages
July 16 at 10 a.m. – Cosmic Percussion– All Ages
July 18 at 10 a.m. – Lego “Robotics” – Ages 7-12
July 26 – 2:30 – 4 p.m. – Christmas in July – Anyone who knows me is chuckling – Christmas is just SO my jam! Make two origami ornaments – one for the Carnegie tree and one to take home. Materials are provided. Call to register or sign up online at Eventbrite.
July 30 at 10 a.m. – End of the Summer Party!

• Monarch House, 299 Bullsboro Drive – 678-552-9867 – monarchhouse.net
What happens when lucky Preschoolers, Seniors and good books collide? Magic! Coweta County is fortunate to have the first Senior Intergenerational program in Georgia. The idea for this program originated with Victor Young who owns the building. He knew from personal experience that members of assisted living communities are thrilled to interact with youngsters like the “Caterpillars” who enjoy being read to by resident ambassador/fireball “Toots” Petrey. I’m looking forward to learning more about the adventures of Toots and her avid listeners.

• Southern Fried Books, 29 Jackson St. (Next to Christy’s)
Hometown Novel Nights – July 18, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Steve McCondichie, owner of Southern Fried Books will be the featured speaker, along with a couple surprise guests who will provide an informative and entertaining evening for authors and book-lovers alike. Wine and chocolate will be served!

This evening will be a double-header! You will also hear an update about Story Con, to be hosted by the Moreland Cultural Arts Alliance at the Moreland Hometown Heritage Museum, October 26th. Southern Fried Books is a sponsor and partner for this Southern Story Con event.

Fasten your literary-seatbelts… Hometown Novel Nights has partnered with Southern Fried Books, Newnan and Newnan Carnegie Library for future book events in Newnan.

• Ferst Foundation
Your child will be more successful in the classroom if her classmates are ready to learn. The FERST Foundation is helping by providing age-appropriate books for 3,000 children in Coweta County under the age of five.

Did You Know?
• Sixty-one percent of low-income families do not have a single piece of age-appropriate reading material in their home?

• One-third of Georgia’s children start school unprepared to learn?

Give your child and others toward a great school year by donating to the FERST Foundation, a 501(c) (3) corporation, PO Box 336, Newnan, GA 30264.

• Cottages Book Club aka Wine & Words Update – In July we are discussing Educated by Tara Westover. It’s a far cry from a “beach read”, but this book encouraged me to be extra thankful for simple basics and most of all, for a supportive family. Multiple pitchers of sangria will be needed and served. What’s your book club reading? And serving?

• Little Free Library update – Did you know that over 11,210 people started Little Free Libraries last year? Visit LittleFreeLibrary.org/start to learn how to introduce readers (and baby listeners) to new books, authors and even new neighbors! Open a novel (get it?) chapter in your life by joining the world’s largest book-sharing movement.

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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].