Tuesday, August 30, 2011

5K Run/Walk For Literacy!

The Literacy Alliance of Metro Atlanta (LAMA) will be hosting a 5K Run/Walk for Literacy on Saturday, September 24, 2011, at 8 a.m. Register today to help support the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System's literacy initiatives by selecting AFPLS to benefit from your registration fees! Be sure to indicate that you want your support to go to the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System. Your donation will go to help with our many literacy programs, including GED preparation and testing, and adult tutoring.

Not able to actually attend the 5K that Saturday? No problem! You can register as a Phantom Walker and still support literacy in our communities. The registration deadline is Thursday, September 22nd, so there is still plenty of time to sign up your family and friends. We look forward to walking with you, so come join the fun, rain or shine!

5K Run/Walk for Literacy:

Date
Start: Saturday, September 24, 2011 @ 8:00 AM

Address
Decatur Library
215 Sycamore Street Decatur, GA

Fees
Online Registration: Individual - $20, Family - $50
Day of Registration: Individual - $25, Family - $55

Registration Closing Date
Thursday, September 22, 2011 PST

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

6th Annual AJC Decatur Book Festival!

Yes, it's that time of year again. Time to celebrate this Labor Day at the 6th Annual AJC Decatur Book Festival, the largest independent book festival in the nation! The fun kicks off on Saturday, September 3rd, continuing throughout the holiday weekend, and all parts of the festival are free and open to the public. Visit the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System at booth 127 on Saturday and Sunday for crafts and storytelling for children, library card sign-up, and to learn about all the great things we have going on at our 34 branches. Many of our talented librarians will be on hand to represent our library system and to answer any questions you might have.

The list of visiting authors that will descend on the downtown Decatur square is quite impressive, so you truly don't want to miss out on seeing any of them! According to the DBF website, this year's keynote speakers are Colin Meloy (of The Decemberists) and acclaimed illustrator Carson Ellis, the nationally renowned pair behind a new book of bravery and adventure for families, kids, and adults alike: Wildwood.

Authors will give readings, panel discussions, book talks and signings. You can see the full list , or browse them by genre. Check the schedule ahead of time to plan out your weekend, and for all the latest updates and newsworthy tidbits, you can follow the festival on Twitter and Facebook!

An array of activities for children, teens and adults should keep the whole family entertained. From live music, cooking demos, poetry slams, children's parades and performances, and of course all the yummy food and drink vendors on hand, you really can't go wrong with this weekend celebration of books, reading and literacy. You can even bring in your own books for appraisal by the Georgia Antiquarian Booksellers Association.

We look forward to seeing you at Booth 127, so come on out and join us!

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Beat The Heat @ Your Library!

The school year may be fast approaching, but the dog days of summer are just now settling in, and your local library is here to help you survive them in all kinds of ways! Check our events calendar for our wide variety of free programming for all ages and visit your local (air conditioned!) branch to participate.

While you're there you can browse for books about summer cooking, travel, or gardening. Or maybe you'll find inspiration in some craft books to keep your family entertained indoors until things cool off a bit. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Vegetable Gardening : From Planting to Picking : the Complete Guide to Creating a Bountiful Garden by Jane Courtier

Fresh in Summer : Cooking with Alastair Hendy by Alistair Hendy

Around Atlanta with Kids by Mary Jo Dilonardo

A Backyard Vegetable Garden for Kids by Amie Jane Leavitt

Best Beach Vacations in the Carolinas & Georgia by Lan Sluder

Grillin' with Gas : 150 Mouthwatering Recipes for Great Grilled Food by Fred Thompson

Fast, Fresh & Freen : More than 90 Delicious Recipes for Veggie Lovers by Susie Middleton

Boredom Blasters : Brain Bogglers, Awesome Activities, Cool Comics, Tasty Treats, and More by Helaine Becker

As always, you can check the catalog for these and other titles available from the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and stay cool!