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issue 1 • november 2013
florence-lauderdale public library magazine
TEEN READING Plus: 24/7 digital library services • a christmas carol • holiday book & ebook recommendations
contents
issue 1 • november 2013
a christmas carol 3
Terry Pace on the immortality of Dickens’ tale of spirits and spiritual redemption
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Any Time, Day or Night
Digital services are available to use even when the library isn’t
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Holiday Book Recs
A selection of books and ebooks to get you through the winter months
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Spotlights
Meet a teen who loves to read and an FLPL staffer with some offbeat book recs
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Local History Snapshot
Florence firefighters make the most of a 1926 snowstorm
renew is a publication of the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library and is made possible by the Friends of the Library 350 North Wood Avenue, Florence, AL 35630 • 256-764-6564 • flpl.org Editor: Jennifer Butler Keeton • Designer: Falon Yates Cover photo by: Christi Britten Library Board of Directors: Peter Paine (chairperson), Dihanne Westfield, Simpson Russell, Beverly Cheney, Andy Frith Executive Director: Nancy Sanford
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Friends of the Library
A year in review and a look ahead with the Friends
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The Wishing Tree
How you can help the library bring good cheer all year ’round
calendar November Marvel Phase 2 Discussion
Wednesday, November 20, 5:30 pm Join us to talk about Thor: The Dark World, Iron Man 3, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and the future of Marvel on film. 256-764-6564, ext. 28.
Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, November 23, all day (“The Day of the Doctor” at 1:50 pm & 6 pm) Celebrate 50 years of Doctor Who at the library! 256-764-6564, ext. 28. Doctor Who premiere
December A Christmas Carol
Friday, December 6, 7 pm A concert reading of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic. See the feature article on page 3
Simply Healthy with Qatsina
Monday, December 16, 11:30 am Join yoga instructor Qatsina for a 20-minute gentle yoga session focused on circulation, relaxation, and tension reduction. 256-764-6564, ext. 28
A Christmas Carol
January Get Out of Town Series
Sundays in January, 2 pm Local travelers give presentations on their trips to countries outside of the usual vacation spots. 256-764-6564, ext. 28.
Downton Abbey Premiere Party
Sunday, January 5, time TBA Watch the season four premiere of Downton Abbey at the library with other fans. 256764-6564, ext. 28.
Beginner Self-Defense Class
Monday, January 27, 5:30–8:30 pm Officers from the Florence Police Department will teach basic self-defense methods. Registration is required. 256-764-6564, ext. 28. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. premiere
February Intermediate Self-Defense Class
Monday, February 3, 5:30–8:30 pm Officers from the Florence Police Department will teach a more in-depth class on self-defense. Beginner class is recommended first. Registration is required. 256-7646564, ext. 28.
A Book Lovers’ Evening
Thursday, February 13, time TBA Dinner with Don Noble, host of APR’s book review series and of Bookmark on Alabama Public Television. Tickets available in January.
Beginner Self-Defense
The library will be closed November 28 & 29, December 24–26, January 1, and January 20
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calendar (continued)
Kids Monthly Programs
(Dates subject to change—call Youth Services at 256-764-6564 ext. 14 to confirm program dates)
Mother/Daughter Book Club
Book Bunch 2nd–4th grade book discussion 1st Thursday, 5:30 pm Family Movie Night 1st Friday, 5:30 pm Major League Reading Sports book club 2nd Thursday, 5:30 pm Lego Club 2nd Saturday, 2:00–3:30 pm Pre-Sci Preschool science program (registration required) 3rd Monday, 1:30 pm Family Night 3rd Thursday, 5:30 pm Mother/Daughter Book Club 4th Thursday, 5:30 pm
Weekly Programs ABCs Under the Trees Terrific 2s Babies Love the Library Saturday Story Time
3 and 4-year-olds 2-year-olds birth–24 months all ages
Tuesday/Wednesday, 10:30 am Thursday, 10:30 am Friday, 10:30 am Saturday, 10:30 am
Winter Reading Program
Jan 6–Feb 28
Build a reading chain around the library! Earn chain links for every five books your family reads.
We’ll be taking breaks from our regular programming the following dates: November 25–30 and December 16–January 6 Youth Services
For more information on Kids’ Programs, contact Youth Services at 256-764-6564, ext. 14
Teens Featured Programs
Mockingjays Caffeine Cinema
The Hunger Games Viewing Party The Nightmare Before Christmas (PG)
Nov. 19, 3:30–6:30 pm Dec. 3, 5:30–7:30 pm
January Programs (Dates subject to change—call the Teen Program at 256-764-6564 ext. 24 to confirm program dates) Pinspiration
Caffeine Cinema Pinspiration Dumbledore’s Army Teen Advisory Group Mockingjays Camp Half-Blood Board Game Club Minecraft Video Game Club Teen Page Turners
Movie screenings Crafts program Harry Potter interest group Teen Program planning group Hunger Games interest group new! Percy Jackson interest group new! new! Bring your own device Gaming group Book club
1st Tuesday, 5:30–7:30 pm 1st Thursday, 5:30–6:30 pm 2nd Tuesday, 5:30–6:30 pm 2nd Thursday, 5:30–6:30 pm 3rd Tuesday, 5:30–6:30 pm 3rd Thursday, 5:30–6:30 pm 3rd Saturday, 1–3 pm 3rd Saturday, 3–5 pm 3rd Saturday, 5–8 pm 4th Tuesday, 5:30–6:30 pm
For more information on Teen Programs, call 256-764-6564 ext. 24
Video Game Club
Keep up-to-date on library events via our Facebook Pages: facebook.com/flplibrary facebook.com/flplyouthservices facebook.com/flplteens
a ChRistmAS CarOL Why has Dickens’ ghost story endured for generations? by Terry Pace
C
harles Dickens’ immortal tale of A Christmas Carol celebrates its 170th anniversary this holiday season.
In many ways, this enduring yuletide yarn—the ghostly account of Ebenezer Scrooge’s spiritual redemption—remains as synonymous with the season as family feasts, fireside stockings, angel-topped trees, and Jolly Saint Nick. Countless editions of A Christmas Carol have been published since Scrooge bellowed his first “Bah, humbug!” During that time, this uplifting testament to love, charity, and human reclamation has been adapted into hundreds of heart-stirring performances for the stage, screen, radio, and television. Pillar of Fire once again joins forces with the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library to celebrate the 2013 holiday season with a radio-style concert reading of A Christmas Carol at 7 p.m. Friday, December 6, in the library’s colonnade. A multigenerational ensemble—made up of many of the area’s most seasoned and versatile theatre talents—will bring to life colorful characters like Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, Jacob Marley, and the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Yet to Come. This hour-long adaptation of A Christmas Carol began as a seasonal offering at the Ritz Theatre in 1997 and 1998. Nine years later, the performance was revived as an
annual tradition at the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library, where Dickens and his unforgettable characters have found a warm and welcome home.
“I have always thought of Christmas time … as a good time, a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on our journeys.” scrooge’s nephew, fred, in dickens’ A Christmas Carol
In his original preface to A Christmas Carol, Dickens expressed hope that his “ghostly little book” would find favor with readers and “haunt their houses pleasantly.” He later wrote that his purpose “was to awak-
en some loving and forbearing thoughts, never out of season.” In that same spirit, every generation seeks reaffirmation of the true meaning of Christmas by reading, hearing or watching Dickens’ time- honored tale. Author, dramatist, and Pillar of Fire co-founder Ray Bradbury always insisted that the story retains such emotional resonance because it deals with the two central mysteries of our existence—life and death—as well as our heartfelt need for sympathetic communion with our fellow human beings. “It’s a book about triumph in the morning, when Scrooge wakes up and discovers it’s not too late,” Bradbury explained. “He can do his life over—he has another chance. He can fully come alive for the first time in fifty years. He didn’t die like Marley. He’s not dead forever. Scrooge discovers life— and as a result, he’s going to live forever.” We all reach a similar spiritual crossroads at crucial turns in our own lives. When these crises arise, do we embrace life and face our futures in a positive and affirmative way, or do we surrender to darkness, despair, and spiritual death? Each time we revisit Scrooge’s struggle and conversion in A Christmas Carol, we welcome an annual opportunity to transform our own lives—to confront our fears, doubts, and anxieties and leave the experience with a renewed sense of clarity and hope.
To see photos from past performances of A Christmas Carol, visit the library’s Facebook Page at facebook.com/flplibrary.
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ANY TIME, DAY OR NIGHT Digital services mean you can take advantage of all the library has to offer even long past closing time
AS LIBRARY PROFESSIONALS, we love seeing people and families reading, checking out books, and learning. We’re thrilled to see that sight every day here at FLPL, but we also know that many of our patrons now prefer to do their reading and learning digitally, and from their own homes. This shift in learning habits has given us the opportunity to serve the community in a new way: by offering digital services our patrons can access anywhere, anytime. Tamara Eaton’s family is one of many in the area who love books and libraries and who now love checking out ebooks from FLPL. She and her husband William both grew up in the Shoals, and they returned to the area after having children. Tamara, William, and their seven children would check out so many books that they had to use a baby stroller to carry them all. “We would have surely qualified as a branch library thanks to the many library books in our home,” Tamara joked. Now, she says that her favorite library service is OverDrive, which allows her to check out ebooks directly to her own ereader. Abby Carpenter, Adult Services Librarian at FLPL, believes that convenience is a major reason for offering ebooks and other digital services. “Even though our physical doors aren’t always open, we have services that are available 24/7,” Abby said. “Plus, people who don’t necessarily have time to come to the library building can still access some of our resources from their own devices.” Tamara’s family enjoys this added convenience.
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“We are able to borrow library ebooks and audiobooks at any time of the day
or night! While we still enjoy visits to the library, we mostly check out ebooks these days. We save time and gas driving in, plus the ebooks automatically expire, so they are never overdue or lost.” OverDrive is just one of the digital services that allow patrons to use the library from their own devices, such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, ereaders, and MP3 players. FLPL also offers access to databases and services for research, homework help, practice tests, and more. One of our newest digital services is Freegal, a music service which allows anyone with a library card to download three free songs each week. These songs never expire and are yours to keep. “Freegal is easy to use and has lots of different songs to choose from,” said Bradley Painter, a 16-year-old library patron and volunteer. He has used the service to download music by a wide variety of artists, such as The Piano Guys, the Foo Fighters, Jake Owen, and Imagine Dragons. “I use Freegal all the time and would recommend it to anyone.” Although most of our digital services can be accessed anywhere, the staff at FLPL is also working to make the physical library building more friendly for people who prefer to learn digitally. The biggest change is a continuing project to create more seating areas on the second floor of the library. “These work stations will give patrons the space to connect to our free Wi-Fi and work on their own devices,” Abby said. “Patrons may be using our digital services specifically, or they may just need a space to get online or work on a project. Either way, we want to provide a calm, quiet space for people to learn and work in their own way.”
24-h ou r
MENU
WHAT’S AVAILABLE EVEN WHEN THE LIBRARY ISN’T
OverDrive Check out ebooks and audiobooks to use on your own ereaders, smartphones, tablets, or computers. Download the OverDrive app to your device, or click on the OverDrive link from the library’s website at flpl.org.
Freegal Download three free songs each week. Songs are yours to keep. Download the Freegal app to your device, or click the Freegal link on the library’s website.
Learning Express Library Take practice tests for school or for professional certifications. Click the Learning Express Library link on the library’s website, and log in with your library card information.
Heritage Quest Research your family history using federal census records, selected Revolutionary War records, Freedman’s Bank records, and other resources Click the Heritage Quest link on the library’s website, and log in with your library card information.
Alabama Virtual Library Access a number of resources and databases for research. Accessible anywhere in Alabama. Click the Alabama Virtual Library link on the library’s website, or visit avl.lib.al.us.
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spotlight flpl staff spotlig ht:
Nathan Nunnelly F r om:
“I was born in Florence, but I’ve lived in Houston, Baton Rouge, Montgomery, Birmingham, and Tuscaloosa.”
Time wor king at the libr ar y: 4 years
Depar tments:
Circulation and Reference
Educational backg r ound:
Degree in History/Political Science, and most of the coursework toward a degree in Geography
Favor ite comment fr om a patr on:
A patron once wrote a comment complimenting the friendliness of the Circulation staff. She described Nathan as “the bearded fellow with the wonderful chuckle.”
Per sonal inter ests:
“I like playing and listening to music, reading, and traveling. I will go to extreme measures to see new places. I spent years hitch-hiking, riding hippy school buses, and generally bumming around. I also eat way too much Mexican food. It’s practically a hobby.”
How can Nathan help you?
Nathan is best at suggesting books off the beaten path. “I’m not very good at recommending mysteries or romances,” he says. “If you want to read something weird, though, come talk to me.”
THANK YOU The library, in partnership with the Alabama Humanties Foundation, is proud to bring the PRIME TIME Family Reading Time program to students of Weeden Elementary School and their parents. We would like to thank the following people and organizations for their help:
Christ Chapel Greater St. Paul AME Church Subway (Mall Road) Edgemont Church Chick-fil-A Lee Heights Baptist Betty Davis Weeden Elementary, Principal Joey Dawson, and teacher Laurie Fowler Valerie Swinea Alabama Humanities Foundation SunTrust Bank Benita Logsdon
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spotlight
LEVEL UP How
the
library’s
Teen
ZACHARY PUTMAN DIDN’T ALWAYS LIKE TO READ.
“I used to think it was boring,” the twelveyear-old said. “But when I started coming to the clubs at the library during the summer, it encouraged me to read.” Zachary was one of the first participants in the library’s inaugural Teen Summer Reading Program, and he quickly became a fixture at the different activities. “We could always count on Zachary to come to the events with a positive attitude and ready to have fun,” said Chris Ferguson, Young Adult Specialist. “We could tell that his interest in books was growing, and it encouraged us that we were doing the right thing with the Teen Program.” Zachary picked up a book one June afternoon and started reading. And then he read another book, and another one after that. By the end of July, Zachary had read over 50 books—an impressive number for even the most avid reader.
Program helped a student BY JAIMEE HANNAH
“I like learning about animals,” Zachary said, “so I found a lot of books about them and just kept reading.” In addition to finishing such a large number of books, Zachary finished the Summer Reading Program with one of the highest program attendance rates.
“BEFORE, HE WOULD NEVER HAVE PICKED A BOOK TO READ.
UP
NOW HE DOESN’T WANT TO STOP.”
learn
to
love
books.
Zachary’s mother Naomi is proud as well. “I’m so glad that the library has gotten him to read,” she said. “Before he started going to the Teen Program, he would never have picked up a book to read, but now he doesn’t want to stop.”
Zachary said he feels more confident since he’s been involved in library activities, and he has enjoyed making friends with other kids his age. “I work hard to get my homework done on Tuesdays and Thursdays because I have to finish it before I can go to the library, and I don’t want to miss anything.” The library staff feels the same way.
—ZACHARY’S
MOM
Since returning to school in August, Zachary has taken Accelerated Reader tests on most of those books and has been very proud of the results. Not only has Zachary made A’s on many of the tests, but his reading level has also dramatically improved since the last school year. This is no small feat for a boy who hated to read until only a few months ago.
“It’s been a wonderful experience to see how much a person can grow just by using the library,” Chris said. “We love seeing Zachary at our programs each week. Meeting teens like Zachary makes all of the work that has gone into the Teen Program worth it.”
Jaimee Hannah is the Teen Program Coordinator.
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2013 FRIENDS OF Another Delightful Gala
The 2013 Friends Gala was held on October 17 as a thank-you for all the Friends do for the library. Bookmarks Coffee Shop provided delicious goodies, Larry Gautney and Tom White tended bar, and cellist Lilli Redding provided musical selections throughout the evening. Several shelves of free books were available for guests to choose from. President Bryan Miller greeted guests and library staff, introduced outgoing and incoming board members, and called for a report from Nancy Sanford, Executive Director of the library. If you missed this one, keep your membership current and plan for next year’s Gala—and enlist your friends to become members! Many thanks to the hosts and attendees for a wonderful evening! —Anne McGregor
Treasurer’s report Fourth quarter book sales: $16,714.45 Dues and other income: $5,096.47 Expenses (postage, newsletter, and operation): $1,873.55 Donations to the library: $21,507.17 —David Curott, Treasurer
What’s new at the bookstore? Come see our Christmas display! Books of all kinds: children’s, classics, novels, crafts, cookbooks, and more. Plus CDs and DVDs—everything to whet your appetite for the holidays! Browse to your heart’s content. We also have many other pristine books that would make great gifts. Stock up now!
Welcome to our new Friends officers! President: Bryan Miller Vice President: Mary White Secretary: Sandy Murray Treasurer: David Curott 8 • renew
THE LIBRARY GALA The Difference a Friend Can Make Funds provided by the Friends to the library in 2013: $86,345
The Friends’ support helped the library add or expand these collections and services: • • • • • • • •
OverDrive and Freegal Teen Program Guitar Checkouts Magazines and Newspapers Large Print Books Nonfiction Books Young Adult Books Audiovisual Equipment
Want to help the Friends make a difference? Join the Friends of the Library via the membership form on page 13.
Dear Friends, We appreciate thos e of you who have su pported our efforts to enha nce the library ’s co llections, services, equipmen t, and programs through your membership and donations of money, books, magazines, music, etc. Withou t your support, our annu al 5200 hours of vo lunteer effort would not ha ve had such a signific ant impact on the Librar y. As we enter anothe r fiscal year, we look forward to serving our libra ry and community. We appreciate the service of our ou tgoing Friends Board Mem bers: Beverly Chen ey, Jim Nash, Michael Pret es, and Carolyn Eck. We also look forward to wo rking with our new, talented, eager, and hard working members: Nancy Gautney, Jane Will iams, Pat Butler, an d Beth Roth. Please visit the Frien ds Bookstore. We have a wide selection of us ed books in excelle nt condition year-round. We select and rota te books and keep up with local reading intere sts. All proceeds from the bookstore are used by the Friends for the bene fit of the library. At Your Service, Br yan Miller
Catering at the Gala provided by Bookmarks Coffee Shop and Friends volunteers
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memorials and honorariums (february-september 2013) Donations to the Library
Louise Thompson Neighbors in Walnut St Historic District
In memory of…
Edsel Rickard Neighbors in Walnut St Historic District
John Alonzo AL Renaissance Faire Roundtable Mary D. Nicely AL Renaissance Faire Roundtable Larry Hayward Givens AL Renaissance Faire Roundtable Randal Holland AL Renaissance Faire Roundtable Geraldine Plough AL Renaissance Faire Roundtable Gertie Bevis AL Renaissance Faire Roundtable Thomas Farrell AL Renaissance Faire Roundtable Alice Turberville Locker Larry and Nancy Belue Grady Liles Knights of Pythias, Monte Bello Lodge #10 Donald Murks
Hadley Norwood Neighbors in Walnut St Historic District Leonard Wigon Kathleen Pocrnich Ralph Ely Virginia, Elaine, Myra & George Perkins Mildred Mardis Louise Putteet Leon Graham Anne and Ed Tease Lou Batson Anne and Ed Tease Debra Lou Watkins Logan Trousdale Dennis Ed Austin Logan Trousdale Dorothy McHugh Logan Trousdale
Leroy Johnson Joanna Wallace
Dan Harris Greg and Beverly Watson
K.C. Ptomey Book Club of the Shoals
Abraham Helton W. Carroll White
Martha Ann Stults Don and Harriet Bratcher
Robert H. Jordan W. Carroll White
Julian T. Jackson Mr. and Mrs. Joe Brewer
Sally C. Paine Borland Benefield, CPA Robert Griffin Vanessa Morse
Hunter Graham Katrina Day Reba Fulmer Sonja Fulmer Thomas Denton Paula Hobbs Troy Braiden May Infants’ and Children’s Clinic Charlie W. Sims Steve Jarrell, Roger Jarrell, Beth Peterson, & Families
Dr. Shaler S. Roberts, Jr. Louise Putteet Anne and Ed Tease Mr. and Mrs. Billy Ray Warren Jean Paxton Rogers Florence Discussion Club Mims and Jeannie Rogers Anne and Ed Tease Edith C. Thompson Carolyn Eck
Alma Danley Stephen B. Jarrell
Sandra Young Fidelis Zeta Chapter of ADK
Amelia Busby Marilyn Johnson
Sandra Young Carolyn McCollum
Etha Truitt King Judith Matthews
Peggy Holt Bo and Janet Haddock
Jim Ringnell John and Mary McGee
Ruby V. Scott Mary Lou Lovelace April Lovelace Simmons
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In honor of… Margaret P. Heath Carolyn McCollum Beverly Cheney Carolyn Eck Jane and Larry Gullett Carolyn Eck Pat Butler Carolyn Eck Dr. Martha Aldridge Fidelis Zeta Chapter of ADK Evelyn Roberson Fidelis Zeta Chapter of ADK Dave & Sylvia Smith’s 50th Anniversary Ernie and Carol Fite Sherra Bowling Cornelia McIntosh
Donations John Bevis Florence Optimist Club Alex Godwin Libby Jordan Barbara Silverstein Robert Tanner Mr. Jim Warren W. Carroll White Dalen Keys Dick Stearns Charles Rowell Ann C. Holloman Paul K. Graham Donald A. Snider
Donations to the Friends In memory of… Lewis Bartmess William Batson Leon (Bud) Smith Mrs. L. C. Morgan H. H. Prater Edward Mullen Mary D. Nicely Faye Vines
In honor of… Ruth McCallum (84th Birthday) Mr. and Mrs. Fred McCallum
Memorials or honorariums may be made by sending a check to Friends of the Library, P.O. Box 1178, Florence, AL 35631 or to Florence-Lauderdale Public Library, 350 N Wood Ave, Florence, AL 35630 Please include the name of the person(s) being remembered or honored, the name and address of the person you would like to be notified of the donation, and the name and address of the contributor.
Books
There are almost 600 titles in the FLPL catalog related to the holiday season—and many more available as ebooks through OverDrive. We hope you find a moment to curl up with a good book during the holidays!
An Alabama Christmas: 20 Heart Warming Tales ALA 976.1 ANA
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss E SEU
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens F DIC
The Gift of the Magi by O’ Henry E HEN
The Christmas Train by David Baldacci F BAL
The Littlest Angel by Charles Tazewell E TAZ
A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote F CAP
A Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles Schultz E SCH
To check out these ebooks on OverDrive, visit the library’s website at flpl.org and click on OverDrive. Need help with ebooks? Call us at 256-764-6564. Hometown Christmas Cookbook by Gooseberry Patch
Kevin’s Kwanzaa by Lisa Bullard and Constanza Basaluzzo
On This Holy Night: The Heart of Christmas by various authors
Starry Night by Debbie Macomber
Christmas Carol Murder: A Lucy Stone Mystery by Leslie Meier
A Seaside Christmas: A Chesapeake Shores Novel by Sherryl Woods
Caleb’s Hanukkah by Lisa Bullard and Constanza Basaluzzo
A Simple Christmas by Melody Carlson
eBooks
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Local History Snapshot
On January 8, 1926,
a snowstorm buffeted Florence and left the region
blanketed in white. Some industrious firemen of the Florence Fire Department took advantage of the cold New Year’s weather and built a large snow man near their station. The firemen in this picture are identified, from left-to-right, as Al Stanford,
Chief Donald White, Bill Snyder, W.C. Taylor, M.H. Guerro, and Fred Fago.
Interested in local history?
Find images, documents, and more in the FLPL Digital Archive at archive.flpl.org
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the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library
WISHING TREE
You’ve seen in the pages of this publication just a few of the ways the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library makes a difference in the community. You can join us in our mission to encourage literacy and learning by contributing to our annual Wishing Tree. Your donation helps purchase books and materials to enhance the library collection.
mail to: Florence-Lauderdale Public Library, 350 N Wood Ave, Florence, AL 35630
Florence-Lauderdale Public Library 350 N Wood Ave Florence, AL 35630