Art and Author Events at Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System is starting the new year off with a bang! With so many interesting programs in all of our library branches it is hard to decide which ones to attend. Check out the list below and you are sure to find something for everyone in a branch near you. Book signings, author discussions, film screenings, concerts and plenty of children's activities abound! Happy New Year!

Meet Author Sister Souljah: Book Discussion and Book Signing

Saturday, January 30.  2:00 –5:00 p.m.

Join us for the discussion of A Moment of Silence (Book #3 of the Midnight Series) with the author. Sister Souljah is best known for her work as a writer, political activist and educator of underclass urban youth. Medu Bookstore will be onsite selling books. Reservations required. Adults.

Central Library, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System

One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta 30303
For information call 404.730.1908

The Colors of My Mind: African-Americans for the Arts Exhibition

Now Through February 26. Library hours.

First Thursday Art Walk Opening Reception, February 4, 5:00-7:00 p.m.

In Celebration of Black History Month, a multi-media group art exhibition will be presented by members of the African-Americans for the Arts.

Central Library, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System

One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta 30303

For information call 404.730.1745

Artist Exhibit: "Voodoo Fetish Dolls" by Keith Frutiger

Now Through March 12. Library hours.

Artist Keith Frutiger has shown throughout Atlanta and across the country. He inhabits a unique fantasy world for his paintings and has ventured into a different world for this three dimensional wall art. Sponsored by the Friends of the East Atlanta Library.

East Atlanta Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
400 Flat Shoals Avenue, Atlanta 30316
For information call 404.730.5438

Annual Ida Williams Memorial Poetry Contest

Now Through April 16. Library hours.

Children and teens enter Ida Williams Memorial poetry contest and win Barnes & Noble’s gift cards. Poetry can be free-verse or rhyming. Entries can be hand-written, typed or computer printed. Three grade categories (grades K-2, grades 3-5, and grades 6-8) with many chances to win first and second prizes in each grade category. Sponsored by the North Side Library Association. Become one of Buckhead’s famous young poets and win a prize! Several entries per person allowed. Entries must be submitted by April 16. Grades K-8.  Winners will be announced in May 2016.

Buckhead Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System

269 Buckhead Avenue NE, Atlanta 30305

For information call 404.814.3500

Family Movies and Special Guest Discussions: Dr. King, Civil Rights and Other History

Monday, February 1. 6:30 p.m.

Visits from authors Jaqueline James, author of Friends of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Series, and Velma Thomas 

Fann, author of Lest We Forget.

Cleveland Avenue Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
47 Cleveland Avenue, Atlanta 30315
For information call 404.762.4116

Roswell Roots: Family Storytime With Josie Bailey

Monday, February 1.  6:30 p.m.

Josie Bailey’s original tales about real historic figures and slave times and her unique retelling of Uncle Remus favorites bring to life the experiences of our ancestors.

Roswell Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System

115 Norcross Street, Roswell 30075

For information call 770.640.3075

Travel the Path of Freedom Through Film

Tuesdays, February 2, 9, 16, 23. 3:30 p.m.

Each week will be a different Black History Month Movie. TBA. All ages.

Washington Park Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System

1116 M. L. King Jr. Drive, SW, Atlanta 30314

For information call 404.752.8760

Children’s Author and Educator: Nikki Porter

Wednesday, February 3. 10:30 a.m.

Children’s author Nikki Porter will read her new book, Grandpa Visits London, in recognition of Children’s Authors and Illustrators Week. 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

The Truth About Parenting: a Panel Discussion With Author H. Jean Gray

Wednesday, February 3. 10:30 a.m.

Author H. Jean Gray and other panelists discuss best practices for parenting and share tips on how to deal with difficult behavior in children. Parents and children.

Central Library, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System

One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta 30303

For information call 404.730.1700

Book Widow’s Couples Who Read Together Discussion

Wednesday, February 3. 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Four local authors discuss how to get both parties in a relationship reading. They also provide gift ideas for your favorite reader’s Valentine’s Day gift.

Milton Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System

855 Mayfield Road, Milton 30009
For information call 404.613.4402

Black History Films at Your Library

Fridays, February 5, 12, 19, 26. 1:00 p.m.

In celebration of Black History Month, join us for this cinematic celebration of the past and how it affects our present. 

Central Library, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System

One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta 30303

For information call 404.730.1700

Kirkwood by the Book: Author Talk

Saturdays, February 6, 20; April 2. 2:00 p.m.

Feb. 6: author Sonya Jenkins discusses her first novel, Shayla’s Catch. Adults.

Feb. 20: author, musician and Chatt Hills Municipal Court Judge Jim Barfield discusses his young adult novel, Box Cars. Ages 13 and up.

Apr. 2: author Sonya Jenkins discusses her first novel, Shayla’s Catch. Adults.

Kirkwood Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System

11 Kirkwood Road, Atlanta 30317

For information call 404.377.6471

Rockin’ Your Character: A Cyberbullying Program with Author Robin Washington Banks

Saturday, February 6. 2:00 p.m.

Robin Washington Banks, great granddaughter of Booker T. Washington, presents songs and poetry that will increase your ability to deal with bullying, strengthen your character and be a master of yourself. Includes an author reading and book signing of Li’l Jasmine’s Sticks & Stones a Story about character building. Ages 12 and up.

East Atlanta Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
400 Flat Shoals Avenue, Atlanta 30316
For information call 404.730.5438

How to Self-Publish

Thursday, February 11. 6:00 p.m.

Introduction to self-publishing for the new author. With ebooks, self-publishing has become more popular and more feasible than ever. Topics include: the importance of editing and rewriting; building your writer’s platform; E-book vs print; marketing and when to approach a publisher or agent. Facilitated by Simone Adams.  Adults.

Buckhead Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System

269 Buckhead Avenue NE, Atlanta 30305

For Information call 404.814.3500

The Loving Story Film Screening

Sunday, February 14. 3:00 p.m.

This film explores the dramatic love story of Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple living in Virginia in the 1950s, and their landmark Supreme Court Case, Loving v. Virginia that changed history.

AARL Satellite Gallery

Hammonds House Museum

503 Peeples Street, Atlanta 30310

For information call 404.730.2130

Children’s Author and Educator: Morris Mapp

Wednesday, February 17. 10:30 a.m.

Morris Mapp read his book about the Herndon family, an African-American family from Atlanta. Ages 4-6.

College Park Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
3647 Main Street, College Park 30337
For information call 404.762.4060

What is a Writer’s Platform?

Thursday, February 18. 6:00 p.m.

A successful writer’s platform can help sell your book, build your fan base and make you credible to publishers. Topics include: what is a writer’s platform; author’s website; social media; networking; keeping statistics and how to use your data to sell your book. Facilitated by Simone Adams. Adults.

Buckhead Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System

269 Buckhead Avenue NE, Atlanta 30305

For Information call 404.814.3500

Harp Concert

Thursday, February 18. 6:30 p.m.

Nationally renowned harpist, Lisa Handman, will perform classical favorites. Ages 8 and up.

Alpharetta Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta 30009
For information call 404.613.6735

Johns Creek Poetry Group   

Saturdays, February 20, March 19, May 21. 10:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Learn to express yourself through poetry, improve your writing skills or just appreciate the craft. Bring 7 copies of your work to share. Ages 8-adults. Sponsored by The Friends of the Northeast/Spruill Oaks Library.

Northeast/Spruill Oaks Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System

9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek 30022

For information call 770.360.8820

Film Screening: Something to Cheer About: Celebration of the 1957 Crispus Attucks Tigers

Sunday, February 21. 2:00 p.m.

The inspirational documentary is a cinematic celebration of the Crispus Attucks Tigers, an Indianapolis high school basketball team that overcame racial segregation in the 1950s to become the first all-black team to win a state basketball championship.

AARL Satellite Gallery

Hammonds House Museum

503 Peeples Street, Atlanta 30310

For information call 404.730.2130

Author’s Discussion and Book Signing: Marvin Williams, Athletic Racism and Brown vs. Board of Education

Sunday, February 21. 3:00 p.m.

Author Marvin Williams will discuss his latest publication which explores the complex historical relationship between racism, education and athletics in the United States.

AARL Satellite Gallery

Hammonds House Museum

503 Peeples Street, Atlanta 30310

For information call 404.730.2130

Black History Month Dramatic Monologues

Tuesday, February 23. 4:00 p.m.

McClarin HS Drama students will present monologues about African-American Heroes who impacted our society.

College Park Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
3647 Main Street, College Park 30337
For information call 404.762.4060

Children’s Author and Educator: Toni Hill

Wednesday, February 24. 10:30 a.m.

Toni Hill read his book, What if There Were No Black Folks? A Story about African-American Inventors and Pioneers in celebration of African American History Month. Ages 4-7.

College Park Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
3647 Main Street, College Park 30337
For information call 404.762.4060

Author Deborah Wiles Writing Workshop: Exploring the Hero's Journey -- A Plot Workshop

Saturday, February 27. 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Award-winning author presents a workshop for writers ages 12-adults. Sponsored by Friends of the Northeast/Spruill Oaks Library and the Southern Breeze Chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

Northeast/Spruill Oaks Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System

9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek 30022

For information call 770.360.8820

Women in Focus Photography Exhibition

February 28 – April 1. Library hours.

First Thursday Art Walk Opening Reception, March 3. 5:00-7:00 p.m.

In celebration of International Women’s Month, March 2016, a photograph exhibition will be presented by Women in Focus, a non-profit artist-initiated organization of women photographers who have joined together to support and promote the photographic arts.

Central Library, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System

One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta 30303

For information call 404.730.1700

Community Discussion: The Past, Present and Future of Legacy African American Communities

Sunday, February 28. 3:00 p.m.

The Metropolitan Library, in collaboration with the Auburn Avenue Research Library, will host this community discussion, facilitated by Dr. (Richard) Moriba Kelsey, highlighting the collaborative work of scholars, educators and community residents in preserving the collective memory and communal history of black communities and neighborhoods in Atlanta.

Metropolitan Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
1332 Metropolitan Parkway, Atlanta 30327
For information call 404.613.5722