Monday, February 20, 2012

Read Across America 2012!


Every year the National Education Association (NEA) celebrates the birthday of Dr. Seuss on March 2nd with the Read Across America event. This year we have a very special 2012 Read Across America celebration with a green theme. The campaign will showcase The Lorax book as well as NBC/Universal's The Lorax, which opens nationwide on March 2, 2012. This year the event is getting the star treatment with the cast of the film, Taylor Swift, Zac Effron, Betty White, Danny DeVito, Ed Helms and Rob Riggle acting as honorary Co-chairs and taking time from their busy schedules to record two promotional videos for NEA.

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System will be participating in this day of reading for the whole family, so check our events calendar to see what may be taking place in a branch near you. And don't forget you can always make your own family fun at home by checking out materials from your local library. Check the catalog for books, videos and audiobooks featuring all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters. Or check out this "family literacy bag" of activities for The Lorax, brought to you by the organization, Reading Rockets.

Parents and children can visit the Read Across America pledge site and make their promise to get reading!

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Celebrate Black History Month At Your Library!

February is Black History Month and the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System is continuing to celebrate with programs, events and author visits all month long. You can also check out a wide variety of materials highlighting African-American history and achievements. Check the catalog for some of these interesting books and films! Here's a suggested list to get you started:

The Tuskegee Airmen [DVD] by William C. Carraro

African Heritage, American Experience by Akili Amina

Lift Every Voice : Honoring the African American Musical Legacy [CD]

A Raisin in the Sun : A Drama in Three Acts by Lorraine Hansberry

You Are Not Alone : Michael, Through a Brother's Eyes by Jermaine Jackson

You are also invited to attend any of our programs this month that have an emphasis on African-American history. All programs are free and open to the public. We look forward to seeing you there!

My Family Tree (Genealogy)
Wednesday, February 15. 5:00 p.m.
In celebration of Black History month, discover who your ancestors are and how to build your family tree. All ages.
Adams Park Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
2231 Campbellton Rd, SW, Atlanta 30311
For information call 404.752.8763

The Role of the NAACP: Yesterday and Today
Thursday, February 16. 3:00 p.m.
A representative from the NAACP will do a presentation on the history of the NAACP upon inception, the focus today and why the NAACP’s existence is of vital importance today. Adults.
Martin Luther King Jr. Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Library System
409 John Wesley Dobbs Avenue, Atlanta 30312
For information call 404.730.1185

Dream Art Exhibit
Saturday, February 18-Thursday, May 31. 9:00 a.m.
A special children and teen Civil Rights exhibit of semi-finalists of the Dream Art contest.
Central Library, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta 30303
For information call 404.730.1845

Black Stars in Orbit: Celebrating the Contributions of African Americans to Space Exploration
Saturday, February 18. 3:00 p.m.
Dr. Curtis M. Graves, retired Deputy Director for Civil Affairs at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), will discuss his 30-year career at NASA and the extraordinary achievements of African American astronauts and scientists to the exploration of space. This event will include a screening of the documentary produced by Dr. Graves, Black Stars in Orbit: African Americans and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Registration is required.
Roswell Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
115 Norcross Street, Roswell 30075
For information call 770.640.3075

Black Women, A Picture History
Tuesdays, February 21, 28. 10:00 a.m.
Preschool stories, rhymes and songs. Ages 3-6. Reservations required for groups.
Washington Park Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
1116 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Atlanta 30314
For information call 404.752.8760

Focus on African American History Month: Jazzy Storytime for Toddlers
Tuesday, February 21. 10:30 a.m.
Today’s Toddler Time salutes the grand achievement of African Americans in jazz culture. Jazz-themed storybooks and music will be featured and children may sing a jazzed-up version of the ABC song and some other jazzy versions of familiar songs.
Peachtree Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
1315 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta 30309
For information call 404.885.7830

African American History Month Storytime
Tuesdays, February 21, 28. 11:00 a.m.
Children will listen to stories celebrating African American History Month. Ages 3-6.
College Park Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
3647 Main Street, College Park 30337
For information call 404.762.4060

Black History Story and Craft for Preschoolers
Tuesday, February 21. 11:45 a.m.
Preschoolers will enjoy a Black History Month story, followed by an interesting craft activity. Note: this is a part of the storytimes series. Ages 3-5.
Buckhead Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
269 Buckhead Avenue NE, Atlanta 30305
For information call 404.814.3500

Black History Month Teen Trivia Challenge
Tuesday, February 21. 4:00 p.m.
Test your knowledge for a chance to win a prize. Ages 12-16. Reservations required.
Martin Luther King Jr. Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Library System
409 John Wesley Dobbs Avenue, Atlanta 30312
For information call 404.730.1185

African-American Women Stories on Film
Tuesday, February 21. 5:30 p.m. -- Dreamgirls
Join us for the film screening of For Colored Girls. The film is based on Ntozake Shange's play. Each of the poems deal with intense issues that particularly impact women in a thought-provoking commentary on what it means to be a female of color. Dreamgirls is based on the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, a trio of black female soul singers goes from just a group with talent to being a crossover hit on the pop charts of the early 1960s. Adults.
Central Library, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Library System
One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta 30303
For information call 404.730.1906

Black History Month
Wednesday, February 22. 10:30 a.m.
February is Black History Month! Come help us celebrate by listening to stories focused on the contributions of African Americans in the United States and then make a special craft to take home.
East Atlanta Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
400 Flat Shoals Ave, SE, Atlanta 30316
For information call 404.730.5438

Focus on African American History Month: Jazzy Storytime for Preschoolers
Wednesday, February 22. 10:30 a.m.
Today’s Preschool Storytime is all about jazz. In conjunction with African American History Month, we will salute African Americans’ singular contribution to this worldwide cultural phenomenon. We will share jazz-themed picture books and plenty of music, including our much anticipated annual Cab Calloway hi-de-ho sing-along.
Peachtree Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
1315 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta 30309
For information call 404.885.7830

Afro Tales Then and Now
Wednesday, February 22. 10:30 a.m.
Celebrate Black History Month with fun tales about people of African descent. Ages 3-5. Reservations required.
East Point Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
2757 Main Street, East Point 30344
For information call 404.762.4842

Heritage Tales
Wednesday, February 22. 11:00 a.m.
Gloria Elder, Kuumba Storyteller. Ages 3-5.
Bowen/Bankhead Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Library System
2685 Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway, Atlanta 30318
For information call 404.792.2646

African American History Craft
Wednesday, February 22. 4:00 p.m.
Children will make a craft celebrating African American History Month. Ages 3-8.
College Park Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
3647 Main Street, College Park 30337
For information call 404.762.4060

Introduction to African-American Genealogy
Wednesday, February 22. 6:00 p.m.
Presented by Thelma Khatib of the Central Library’s Special Collections Department.
Southwest Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
3665 Cascade Road, Atlanta 30331
For information call 404.699.6363

Annual Day in the Life Celebration of Black History
Wednesday, February 22. 6:00 p.m.
All ages.
Cleveland Avenue Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Library System
47 Cleveland Avenue, Atlanta 30315
For information call 404.762.4116

Civil Rights Movement Documentary
Thursday, February 23. 12:00 p.m.
View a DVD titled “Ain’t Scared of Your Jails,” a part of the Eyes on the Prize series.
Central Library, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Library System
One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta 30303
For information call 404.730.1906

Black History – Essay Contest
Thursday, February 23. 4:00 p.m.
This essay contest is in two categories -- middle and high schools. Prizes will be awarded for the best essays.
Registration required.
Dogwood Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
1838 Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway, Atlanta 30318
For information call 404.792.4961

Black History Month Drop-In Craft
Saturday, February 25. 12:00 p.m.
Children can drop in any time between 12:00 and 3:00 p.m. to make a unique Black History Month craft as a parent and child activity. Ages 5-12.
Buckhead Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
269 Buckhead Avenue NE, Atlanta 30305
For information call 404.814.3500

Our Stories: African American History for Children -- An Afternoon with Calvin Ramsey
Saturday, February 25. 3:00 p.m.
In recognition of Black History Month the Roswell Branch will host renowned author and playwright Calvin Alexander Ramsey, who will discuss his thoughtful works of illustrated children’s literature highlighting the African American experience. This discussion will include Mr. Ramsey’s book Ruth and the Green Book, the powerful story of a young girl’s journey from Chicago through the segregated South to her Grandma’s house in Alabama; and Belle, The Last Mule at Gee's Bend: A Civil Rights Story, the moving tale of a mule that played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement – and a young boy who sees history anew. Registration is required.
Roswell Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
115 Norcross Street, Roswell 30075
For information call 770.640.3075

The "Kitchen" Doesn't Lie: Kemetic Roots and African American Hair Community Forum
Sunday, February 26. 4:00 p.m.
In collaboration with the Atlanta Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, the Auburn Avenue Research Library will host The Kitchen Doesn’t Lie: Kemetic Roots and African American Hair, a lecture facilitated by Dr. Nefertari Patricia Hilliard-Nunn of the University of Florida. This presentation will address the history of ancient Kemet / Egypt and explore African hairstyles, their meaning and relationship to the styles in the African American context.
Auburn Avenue Research Library, a Special Library of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
101 Auburn Avenue, NE, Atlanta 30303-2503
For information call 404.730.4001 x100

West End Reader Book Discussion Group
Monday, February 27. 6:30 p.m.
In celebration of African-American History Month, we will read and discuss My Song: A Memoir by Harry Belafonte.
West End Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
525 Peeples Street SW, Atlanta 30310
For information call 404.752.8740

Black History Month Teen Trivia Challenge
Tuesday, February 28. 3:00 p.m.
Age-appropriate stories, songs and games.
Martin Luther King Jr. Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Library System
409 John Wesley Dobbs Avenue, Atlanta 30312
For information call 404.730.1185

African Drum Crafts
Tuesday, February 28. 4:30 p.m.
Design an African drum out of styrofoam. Ages 7-12.
Washington Park Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
1116 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Atlanta 30314
For information call 404.752.8760

Black History Month Program: Women in American History and Culture
Wednesday, February 29. 11:00 a.m.
The Honorable Georgia State Representative Alisha Thomas Morgan will be our guest speaker. Representative will discuss her book, No Apologies: Powerful Life Lessons in Love, Life, and Politics. Teens and adults.
Georgia Hill Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
250 Georgia Avenue, Atlanta 30312
For information call 404.730.5427

Sankofa/Honoring Black History Month
Wednesday, February 29. 2:00 p.m.
Join us for an overview of the struggles, contributions and history of Blacks to America.
Central Library, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Library System
One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta 30303
For information call 404.730.1906