Renew Issue #6, Winter 2020

Renew How You Can Give Back Through the Library

ISSUE 6/WINTER 2020

CONTENTS Pg. 1 Pg. 2 Pg. 3 Pg. 4 P. 5-7 P. 8-9 Pg. 10 Pg. 11 P. 12-13 P. 14-15 Pg. 16 Pg. 17

Back

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www.flpl.org

Mon-Thurs 10am-7pm Fri-Sat 10am-5pm Sun 1pm-5pm

Renew is a publication of the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library Edited by Jennifer Butler Keeton Photography and design by Lizzy Reburn Library Board of Directors: Andy Frith (Chairperson), Dion Johnson, Vince Brewton, Julie Trapp, Evan Thornton

Message from

the Director A library update from our Director, Derek Wilson Greetings, Derek Wilson Executive Director

Thank you for picking up the latest issue of Renew magazine.

In this issue, we are celebrating those library heroes who give to their community through FLPL. We’re telling their stories and thanking them for their support as we carry out our mission to transform our patrons’ lives through learning and opportunity. These various patrons, sponsors, and volunteers support us not just with their talk, but their actions. This giving spirit allows the library to touch many lives in a very meaningful way, and it enriches the hearts of those who give of their time and energy or who provide support financially.

These library heroes include our Friends of the Library, who manage and staff the Friends Bookstore—completely as volunteers—which provides financial support to the library. It also includes local businesses that support our projects like Summer Reading. Last but not least, this issue highlights some of the many volunteers who help with vital tasks that allow the library to run smoothly. Thank You. Also, we want to encourage all our patrons to reach out to us on how they can support the library. One easy way is to donate using the form on the back of this magazine or by visiting www.flpl.org/donate. Giving takes many forms, so we look forward to working with you to make FLPL, and the Shoals, better and better each year.

Anne Smith Bookstore Manager

Betty Achorn President of Friends

Sincerely,

Derek Wilson

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Upcoming Events Get Out of Town, Sundays in January, 2:00 pm

Our annual travel series returns! Each week, a different speaker will share photos and stories about a recent trip to a fascinating destination.

LUNAFEST®, Thursday, January 30, 6:00 pm

FLPL and the UNA Center for Women's Studies present a free screening of short films by, for, and about women.

Author Lunch w/ Marie Benedict, Wed, February 5, 11:30 am Tickets: $35 (includes lunch and a copy of Lady Clementine) Tickets available at www.flpl.org/mb (Public signing to follow from 1-2 pm)

Voting Rights Series, Black History & Women's History Months "'We Are All Bound Up Together': Frances Ellen Watkins Harper’s Art and the Politics of Voting" with Dr. Karla Zelaya, Dr. Julia Bernier, and Jason McCall - Thurs, Feb 13, 6 pm "Shoals Black History Presents: A History of Voting from Reconstruction to the Present" - Tues, Feb 18, 6 pm Buried Truths Live Podcast Recording with Hank Klibanoff, Thurs, Feb 27, 6 pm "The Voices of Women’s Suffrage” with Stephanie Vickers - Sat, March 7, 1 pm ”The Final Push for the 19th Amendment” with Dr. Lynne Reiff - Thurs, March 12, 6 pm Exhibits throughout both months and more special events. Learn more at www.flpl.org/votingrights

Get Dirty at the Library, Thursdays at 11:30 am, February 13 - March 5

Learn about different gardening topics in our spring gardening series, led by Taylor Reeder of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

University of North Alabama's Annual Larry Nelson Lecture: Nikita Khrushchev’s Journey into America, Thursday, April 2, 5:30 pm Dr. Matthew Schoenbachler will discuss Dr. Larry Nelson's final book, Nikita Khrushchev’s Journey into America, which Dr. Schoenbachler completed after Dr. Nelson's passing.

For more FLPL events, visit www.flpl.org or www.facebook.com/FLPLibrary/events

Children's Programs -ABCs Under the Trees (Ages 3 & 4) - Wednesdays at 10:30 am -Terrific 2s (Age 2 and caregiver) - Thursdays at 10:30 am -Babies Love the Library (Up to 24 months and caregiver) - Fridays at 10:30 -STEAM Squad (Elementary grades) - Tuesdays at 4 pm -Story Time (All Ages) - Sundays at 2 pm -Lego Build (All Ages) - Second Saturday at 2 pm -Where in the World Is Mr. Tucker? (Elementary grades) - Fourth Monday at 4 pm

For more information about these events, or to see each month’s special events, visit www.flpl.org/kids, or call 256-764-6564, ext. 114

Teen programs will relaunch after MLK Day!

Watch www.flpl.org/teens and www.facebook.com/FLPLteens 2

Top Circulating Books of 2019 NONFICTION

YOUNG ADULT

PICTURE BOOK

FICTION JUVENILE

The Very Busy Spider The Hate U Give

by Eric Carle

Becoming

by Angie Thomas

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series

The Reckoning

by Michelle Obama

by John Grisham

by Jeff Kinney

!

0 2 0 2 n i g n i m Co The Friends Bookstore is expanding!

Through the last 15 years, the Friends of the Library have given the library over one million dollars, largely coming from sales in the volunteer-run Friends Bookstore. We're excited to see what we can accomplish together when the new and improved Bookstore launches!

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ONE DAY AT YOUR LIBRARY Based on our 2019 statistics, this is what happens at FLPL every single day

people using the library

physical books and DVDs checked out

digital books & audiobooks checked out

people using our public computers

people using our public wifi

people attending events and meetings 4

Each library visitor comes to FLPL for a different reason. The library offers countless services—access to the latest bestsellers, research resources for school, an educational play area for children, a safe and peaceful space to relax . . . the list goes on and on.

465 physical books and DVDs each day means that at least one item is checked out for every minute that the library is open.

Ebooks and digital audiobooks allow people who are homebound, sick or injured, traveling, or without transportation to still be able to read the books they love. These 87 items each day represent free and easy access to learning for everyone.

Library staff provides one-on-one assistance to many of those 77 computer users, helping them fill out job applications, print school assignments, and navigate an increasingly digital world.

People use the library wifi to work on projects, check email, or do any number of tasks. Folks who work remotely for their jobs set up their laptops and use the library as a makeshift office. Those without internet access at home rely on the library’s wifi to complete tasks and to save on cell phone data.

The library hosts educational and cultural programs every day. 51 people each day attend programs like reading classes for kids, craft programs for teens, and discussion events for adults. Plus, 45 people each day attend a public meeting in one of our meeting rooms. Dozens of local organizations use the library's meeting spaces for support groups, board meetings, etc.

Giving Spotlight:

“...When I got an opportunity to take advantage of Florence-Lauderdale Public Library, I was like, this is heaven!”

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Giving back

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"The library is part of the community, and we always want to give back!”

Library Appreciation Runs in the Family

Join Quynh and her family in supporting the library’s mission to improve the lives of children and families!

Sponsor a children’s book collection by filling out the form on the back of this magazine.

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GIVING SPOTLIGHT: Kevin Johnson

and Top End Gaming Top End Gaming, owned by Kevin Johnson, has been a long-time sponsor of the library’s Teen Program. Kevin has donated board games, video games, and comic books/graphic novels, and he has made multiple teen events possible through donations. We talked to Kevin about why supporting the library is important to him, and about the life-changing benefits of the Teen Program.

I have always been into comics and gaming since as far back as I can remember! I am 33 years old and have been married to my wife Jamie for 13 years. Top End Gaming is going into its 8th year of business with the last 4 being in Muscle Shoals, AL. It is a comic, hobby, and gaming store. We specialize in almost anything gaming or collectible-related and love to share our hobbies with our community. We were offered the opportunity to sponsor the Teen Program and have loved being able to help put a positive influence in the lives of our youths within our community!

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Help us provide more books and resources for the teens in our community!

Sponsor our Young Adult collection by filling out the form on the back of this magazine.

We feel like people are quick to misplace blame on our youths, when in reality it is our job to make sure there are programs in place to help them succeed and be upstanding and contributing members to society. We strongly believe that you don't have the right to complain about issues if you are quick to turn a blind eye to those who need our help.

I have seen the great and wonderful things that come from helping those in need. Positivity goes a lot further than most people think, and it’s easier to make a change when dwelling on those things than the negative ones.

I feel like the Teen Program meets multiple needs, but I would say that the most important would be that it is a positive resource to help young teenagers find themselves and assert themselves among positive role models who want to see them succeed. Having people who care to help those who need positive guidance opens up endless possibilities for not just the lives of those in the current teen program, but for any lives they will touch in the future. It makes me feel great to see this available to our area!

I have seen the teen program help shy, reserved youth become open and lively and begin to push their own limits and find themselves. (It also helps them discover) what they want to do in life and how to obtain those goals.

If I were to ask anyone else to help, I would say this: It’s not what we can do individually but what we can do by working together. We need positive programs to help have a positive force in today’s world. Nothing is as wonderful as watching these teens grow into people who will then help and change the world for the better. By helping the teen program, you really have no idea how many lives you are touching, and that’s something you can’t put a price on.

Teen Program events will continue in 2020, led by our new Teen Program Coordinator, Kristen Tippett Briggs. Visit www.flpl.org/teens for updates.

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Creating Family Keepsakes at the Library Sherry Peters had never taken one of FLPL’s computer classes, but when a friend shared our “Shutterfly Make & Take” class series on Facebook, she decided to go outside her comfort zone and give it a tryy. Shutterfly is a photo website that allows people to create photo scrapbooks on theiir computer and order physical copies.

Sherry had never done this type of project, but learning about the library’s class gave her an idea for a very special photobook.

Sherry decided to make a photobook for her 1-year-old granddaughter, Isla, so she could learn about her grandfather she never got to meet.

“My husband Gary died in 2017, and two weeks after he died, our daughter found out that she was pregnant.

(Gary) was very upset that his (eventual) grandchildren would never get to know him, so I decided to make this book for my grandbaby.”

The photobook that Sherry made has photos of her husband throughout his life, documenting the people, things, and events that were most important to him.

For more information about upcoming classes, visit our calendar at www.flpl.org or call (256)-764-6564 ext. 127 10

Gary loved ice cream, so she knew the cover of the book needed to feature him enjoying his favorite food. Sherry doesn’t love ice cream as much as he did, but she still visits Trowbridge's now and then to have a cone in his honor.

Baby Isla will soon receive the photo book as a gift she can cherish forever, annd Sherry said she couldn’t have donee it without the library’s help. The class taaught her how to maneuver Shutterfly’’s software, and library staff provided onee-on-one assistance throughout thee process.

“There’s a lot invo olved like cutting and pasting, and using all the embellishments avaiilable. There’s no way I could have donee it on my own.”

One of the embellishmeents she was sure to include was blueebirds. Before Gary passed away, he tolld her that anytime she saw a bluebiird, that would be him communicaating with her. On the final pages off the book is a photo of Gary, with an im mportant message for Isla: “Always remember that I love you very much. Whenever a bluebird you see, always think of mee”

The right to vote is precious, almost sacred. It is the most powerful nonviolent tool or instrument in a democratic society. We must use it.

- JOHN LEWIS

UNITED STATES CONGRESSMAN, CIVIL RIGHTS PIONEER

Sojourner Truth

Of course, the fight for equal voting rights has extended far beyond these landmarks, but these concurrent anniversaries provide the perfect opportunity to explore the history and future of voting in America.

During February and March, which are Black History Month and Women’s History Month, FLPL will host exhibits, speakers, and discussions all focused on voting rights. The library is working with a variety of local organizations to create a meaningful and engaging series aimed at encouraging community dialogue. The events will not only celebrate achievements in the fights for equality, but also honestly explore past and current struggles.

Harper's Weekly

See Page 2 for a preview of events www.flpl.org/votingrights

Alice Paul, suffrage pioneer

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Library Kids Give Katherine Schaum STEAM Class Instructor Katherine was the ideal candidate for the STEAM Class Instructor position, as she had already taught 3D-modeling at the library as a volunteer. She was a regular participant in the Teen Program, which had helped her develop confidence and her sense of self.

“The library was always a place where I could be myself and didn't have to be afraid of showing I was a nerd,” says Katherine. “I thought this would be a good way to further my involvement and to learn in a safe workplace environment where I already knew many people.”

During her internship, she taught the weekly Art Through the Ages class, which focused on various historic art styles in a hands-on workshop. “I learned how to better lead a group and give presentations in front of a group,” says Katherine.

Katherine is now a college freshman working toward her degree in Digital Media with a Concentration in Visual Effects, a degree that combines the 3D modeling and art skills she developed at the library.

Anne Senecal

Marketing Assistant

Anne, who is now a senior at Florence High School, is an artist and photographer. Her talent in visual media, her experience promoting student organizations, and her love for the library made her the perfect fit for the Marketing Assistant position.

She says the library “has always been a place of imagination and wonder to me,” and she remembers walking up to the Circulation Desk as a child “with 15 books in my tiny arms.” The internship gave her the opportunity to help promote the library she loves to her peers.

“I had never worked a real ‘job’ before,” Anne says about how the internship benefited her. “I learned how to collaborate with others in a real workspace while serving the community I care deeply about.

Because of the internship, I am more confident about entering the workforce and doing what is important for both myself and the community.”

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Back!

Volunteer Spotlight

These teens grew up in the library.

Now they're helping make sure other kids get to learn and have fun like they did.

Youth Services Volunteers Madison and Macy Goss are two of our young volunteers in the library’s Youth Services Department. They shelve books, assist with summer programs like Yummy Stories, and volunteer each year at our Fall Family Night.

Their parents, Jamie and Jeremy Goss, have been bringing the girls (and their two younger children, Bailey and Ella), to FLPL’s children’s programs for basically their entire lives. Jamie says, “Even though I stayed at home with the girls and spent time working with them (on reading and writing), I truly believe their ability to read and eventual love for it blossomed during ABCs Under the Trees.” (ABCs is the library’s weekly program for 3 and 4-year-olds).

For Madison and Macy, volunteering is a way to give back to the library that has given so much to them.

Here’s what they have to say about it!

Meet Macy

Meet Madison

-13 years old, homeschooled - A competitive dancer who hopes to own her own studio one day

-15 years old, freshman at Muscle Shoals High School -Favorite book is The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.

-Loves music and playing guitar.

Why she volunteers: “I started volunteering because I’ve always loved the library and the environment, but most of all, the people. Every volunteer, employee, or anyone is just so nice and fun to be around, and I want other kids to experience that, too. It’s not only an amazing thing to do, but it’s also extremely fun!

And I’ve made so many friends volunteering!”

Why she volunteers: “I started volunteering because Mrs. Jessica (Youth Services Librarian) asked me to, and she had done so much for me, so I wanted to help out for her. I’m happy so many children will be able to have some of the same experiences as I did. I had so much fun going to the library when I was young, so it’s really great for other kids to enjoy the library as well.

(Volunteering at the library is also) a great opportunity to get some experience and knowledge. “

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Friends of the Message from the President

Betty Achorn President of the Friends

Friends of the Library Officers:

Meet Miles Thompson Miles Thompson isn’t sure of exactly how old he was when he got his first library card, but he knows it was an important moment in his childhood. “I’ve been coming here (FLPL) since I was very, very young. I remember getting my library card—that’s probably one of the earliest memories I have. And I remember coming to Yummy Stories and Lego Club—those were my favorite programs.”

Miles is now 17 and is a junior at Florence High School. He has been a fixture at the library since he started visiting as a baby, regularly participating in children’s events and then being a core member of the library’s Teen Program.

Miles Thompson

Miles is also a dedicated volunteer for the Friends of the Library. After a lifetime in the library, it was a no-brainer for Miles to devote some of his volunteer time to the Friends.

“The library is a second home to Miles,” says his mom, Amy. “It has been a place where he feels loved and encouraged in his interests, whether it be Legos or the history of the First National Bank of Florence. It has been a place that teaches young adults technology as well as how to get along with people that might have a different life than you do—a true melting pot. The impact on Miles has been immeasurable.”

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Miles measures the impact in the people he’s met and the friends he’s made. He met many of his closest friends through the Teen Program. One example is his friend Siras Keyse.

When Miles started attending teen events, he had just become very interested in Sonic the Hedgehog video games, but he didn’t know anyone else who loved them like he did. Then he met Siras, who attended a different school, at a teen event. “Finding someone else who was as into (Sonic) as I was was really neat,” says Miles. They are still good friends, and several of Miles’ other closest friends are kids he met in the Teen Program who either attended different schools or were homeschooled.

Library Volunteering at the Bookstore has continued that benefit of meeting interesting people. One of Miles’ early tasks was to help the Bookstore start accepting credit/debit cards using the Square app. “I spent a week training the Friends Bookstore volunteers on it,” says Miles.

“It was really nice to just talk to the volunteers, because they generally picked it up very quickly. I got to spend a week chatting with some nice people.” Anne Smith, manager of the Bookstore, says that Miles’ help was pivotal to the transition to the new system.

Miles has also gotten to know the library staff well over the years, and they have helped to encourage and nurture his intense curiosity. Miles has varied interests, ranging from science and technology to local history. Last year, he began researching the history of First National Bank of Florence.

“The library was very much a springboard for starting this project,” says Miles. “I couldn’t have done it without knowing people at the library that I could come to to ask for help. Library staff helped set it up for me to interview former bank employees like Simpson Russell.” The staff also booked library meeting rooms for him to conduct the interviews, and he’s worked with Lee Freeman extensively in the Local History Room. Miles is planning to eventually present his research publicly at a library program.

In the meantime, Miles continues visiting the library and volunteering for the Friends. Miles never met longtime Friends volunteer Dr. Mitch Burford, but during his summer break, he picked up Mitch’s former duties of managing the Bookstore’s recycling. He came by the Bookstore every week to do the physical work of going through damaged and unsellable books to put in recycling, as well as breaking down boxes and other clutter.

“I’m just happy to do it,” says Miles. “I’m happy to be put to work.”

Thank you to the Friends Bookstore Volunteers!

Join the Friends!

Phone:

Name: Mailing address:

Annual Membership Fees (circle one) Individual - $15

Business/Organization - $50

Family - $25

Patron - $100

Total Amount Enclosed:

(We will happily accept any donation above membership fee)

Checks payable to: Friends of the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library/Address: PO Box 1178, Florence, AL 35631

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Stock A Shelf

In these pages, you’ve read about the many ways your neighbors have helped the library in our mission to transform lives. You can join them by donating to our Stock a Shelf campaign! Your family, organization, or business can choose a collection, genre, or topic of books to sponsor, giving a lasting gift to your community.

Possibilities include: A family sponsoring mystery books to memorialize a loved one who enjoyed whodunnits A craft store sponsoring sewing or knitting books A pediatrician’s office sponsoring children’s or young adult books A plant nursery sponsoring gardening and landscaping books

All sponsored books will include a book plate recognizing the donor, the person being honored or memorialized, or the business/organization. Businesses can choose to include their address or website.

$1000

$500

$250 $25 1 book with book plate

$100

4 books with book plates

25 books with book plates

12 books with book plates

A month-long special display of the purchased books, with donor recognition

50 books with book plates

A month-long display with donor recognition

A permanent placard of donor recognition placed near the sponsored collection 17

Friends of the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library 350 N Wood Ave. Florence, AL 35630 www.flpl.org

Stock A Shelf Donation Form Name:

1 book with book plate

Email:

Phone:

Address: :

Donor level $25

4 books with book plates

$100

$250

$500

$1000

Other:

Collection, topic, or genre to be sponsored (optional):

This gift is made: Anonymously

In my name

In memory of:

In business/organization's name:

12 books with book plates

In honor of:

Send acknowledgement to:

:

Payment information: Check to Florence-Lauderdale Public Library

25 books with book plates

Credit card

Card #:

Exp. Date:

Name on Card:

Security Code:

Billing Address: : Total Donation Amount:

50 books with book plates

Mail or deliver to: Florence-Lauderdale Public Library 350 N Wood Ave. Florence, AL 35630 www.flpl.org/donate

paypal@flpl.org