Renew Issue #11, Fall 2023

ISSUE 11

In this issue...

Library Outreach... pg 3

FALL 2023

Cover Story... pg 4

Volunteer Spotlight... pg 12

table of

CONTENTS page 7 Staff Spotlight!

page 8 Summer Reading 2023

Bethany is able to read anything on the go- even during a visit to Red Cow Coffee- simply by using her library card and the Libby app!

Story on p. 4

page 11 Bookin' It 2023

Message from the Director 1 Message from the Board Chair 2 Library Outreach Efforts 3 Using the Library Wherever You Are 4 Library E-Resources 6 Staff Spotlight 7 SRP ‘23 Recap & SRP Sponsors 8 Friends of the Library 10 2023 Bookin' It 5k & Fun Run 11 Volunteer Spotlight 12 Memorials, Honorariums & Donations 13 Upcoming Library Events BACK

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

Stay Connected with Us!

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Be on the lookout for Samantha and Sherhonda!

Our free, public library programs may be photographed by staff members for library promotional use in print, on our website, and on social media. Please let library staff know if you want/need to opt out of photo opportunities.

www.FLPL.org Facebook.com/FLPLibrary Instagram: @FLPLibrary Youtube.com/FLPLibrary Renew is a publication of the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library.

Written and edited by Sherhonda Allen.

Designed by Samantha Mitchem.

Photography by Sherhonda Allen and Samantha Mitchem.

In today’s modern, innovative world, members of our society are becoming more reliant on accessing instantaneous services, when and where they want them. Just in the past few years, we have become acquainted with grocery and store pick-up, apps to make purchases easier (even among friends), online restaurant reservations, home delivery, and more. Library services are no different and continue to evolve to meet the needs of the community. In this issue of Renew, we want to increase your awareness of the many digital and outreach services we have to offer.

No matter where you are and what device you have, we want you to have access to library resources. If you cannot leave your home to travel to the library, we can have books delivered to you through our Books by Mail program. And if you would like a librarian to visit your school, civic organization, or place of employment in order to learn more about our services, we can provide that too, through our outreach programming.

If you need to access the internet outside of our facility’s hours of operation, our Wi-Fi has been extended into the parking lot to accommodate you any time of the day.

It’s fascinating to think about how public libraries have changed over the past few decades. The most prominent change, of course, is how we access information and what formats are used. When eBooks came about, many people were concerned that print books would go away. Now, over a decade later, we experience the benefits of how these formats coexist, providing access when, where, and how our patrons need them. Just as podcasts have gotten popular, the concept of listening to a book through a variety of devices have increased in demand as well.

The most important thing to us is not how, when, and where you read or learn, but that reading and learning are occurring and that we are able to cultivate these skills through the resources we provide. Please let us know what you need; we are always happy to help!

Sincerely,

Abby Carpenter

Executive Director

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As you’re reading this, we are just completing a very busy and successful year at the FlorenceLauderdale Public Library. Our staff, patrons, volunteers, and community members continue to invest countless amounts of time and energy into our success, and we are so excited about the health and growth of our organization as we begin a new year. Part of what we strive to accomplish is continued relevance in the lives of the many people we serve. As technology continues to improve and change our lives, we want to ensure that your library incorporates technological advances that weren’t previously available in order to better your experience in learning and growth for the betterment of our community.

Library Board of Directors Ann Taylor Wilson, Chair Evan Thornton, Vice Chair Dion Johnson Vince Brewton

Investment has been made and will continue to grow in our offerings to all people that utilize our facilities and services. We are so excited about the extension of our Wi-Fi coverage to serve our community outside of our building. Wireless internet can now be accessed on our campus in the surrounding parking lot and grounds, even beyond our normal hours of business; all you need is your library card!

Resources and programs will continue to be introduced for our patrons to take advantage of through online channels and platforms so that the amazing wealth of knowledge we so meticulously maintain can be accessed wherever you may be, even if you’re unavailable to be in our building. Our talented staff continues to develop new initiatives to deliver their expertise to you in ways previously not considered when thinking of the traditional library model of coming in, checking out a book, and going home to read and learn.

I continue to be amazed at the amount of technology we are fortunate to access in our daily lives.

It has truly changed the way we live, learn, and grow. We are so fortunate to be a part of a community where these changes are embraced by an organization funded by public and private partnerships, allowing our library to utilize these new channels to serve our patrons. We will continue to focus on implementing resources to keep the library as accessible as possible to the needs of our community and encourage you to enjoy the services we continue to improve. Thank you for the support and please come visit your FlorenceLauderdale Public Library!

Caroline Jones

Sincerely,

Ann Taylor Wilson Library Board Chair

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Library Outreach Ways That We Can Bring the Library to YOU Helping community residents through outreach has been part of the library’s services for years. Those outreach services include helping older residents better understand devices like cellphones, tablets and laptops.

Library Executive Director Abby Carpenter said she remembers outreach services that go as far back as 2009 when she would visit places like Montreat Apartments in Florence to tell residents about the library in general and services like Books by Mail. Montreat Apartments is a senior living community.

Historical Presentations at Assisted Living

High School Library Tours

Elementary School Field Trips

Books by Mail

Hands-On Computer & Technology Help

Books by Mail is offered to patrons who are disabled or have an illness that affects their mobility, even temporarily. Just call the library at (256) 764-6564, ext. 136, to have an application mailed to you, or have a friend pick up a form for you from the library. A physician, nurse, social worker or other certifying official should sign the application to confirm you are unable to visit the library. Patrons approved for our Books by Mail service do not pay postage for having the books mailed to them.

Library staff members participate in a multitude of outreach opportunities within the community, including: setting up informational tables at First Fridays in downtown Florence and The Big Deal at UNA partnering with local organizations for seasonal story time events (including Florence Parks and Recreation and UNA) presenting library resources and services to community groups and organizations visiting assisted living facilities to present library programs and services offering tours of the library to school groups and so much more!

In these partnerships, the goal has been to provide engaging and enriching outreach services to our community.

Recently, library staff concluded technology assistance visits with Montreat residents and were called to help residents at Gresham Hills, which is also a senior living community. Gresham Hills Service Coordinator Melissa Brewer said the library’s outreach service “has been fantastic” and helps her meet the needs of residents when she’s not there. “A lot of our residents here qualify for the ACP program (Affordable Connectivity Program) where they can get a free device,” Brewer said. “So sometimes, if they’ve never had one before (they need help) with the setup.”

The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC program that provides, among other services, a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if eligible participants contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. Brewer said she is often called on to help Gresham Hills residents set up email accounts on their new devices. She said she heard through her counterpart at Montreat Apartments that the library could help. “I thought this would be a good thing to (have someone) come in and have somebody who deals with (digital) more on a daily basis that could maybe even teach (the residents), so that when somebody’s not here, they can do it on their own.” Brewer said.

Eunice Wright is a Gresham Hills resident who has a laptop and an electronic Notebook. “I like to look at YouTube,” she said.

“My brother gave me (the laptop). I’m proud of it. It stopped working, and my brother-in-law tried to fix it, but it wouldn’t work. It’s too old.” She brought her eNotebook to a recent assistance session led by library Reference Manager Caleb Billings and Local History and Genealogy Department Associate Lee Freeman. She was reconnected to YouTube in no time.

Gresham Hills resident Jan Moore attended the same session. She needed to re-establish the Google Passwords program on her laptop. “My stress level (tolerance) is like gnat size when it comes to electronics,” Moore said. “I love them, and probably can do more than most people my age, but if I run into any conflict, I’m done. I can’t handle the stress.” She described herself as a visual learner. “Once somebody shows me physically how to do something, then I’ve got it, and it’s fine,” she said. “But I have to actually see it.” She had not been able to get on her laptop for two months before Caleb and Lee arrived. She had attended a previous session where library staff were able to help her sync her cellphone contacts with her laptop. “It’s good to have someone show you how to do it,” she said.

Let us know if your organization can use the library’s help!

Computer Help and Outreach Services: 256-764-6564, ext. 127 Abby@FLPL.org Middle & High School Field Trips: 256-764-6564, ext. 124 Kristen@FLPL.org Elementary School Field Trips: 256-764-6564, ext. 114 Jessica@FLPL.org Renew Magazine 3 Books by Mail: 256-764-6564, ext. 136 Katie@FLPL.org

Using the Library...

Wherever You Are! Most of the library’s in-house technologies and latest digital resources can be accessed through a visit to our Reference Department on the second floor.

But there are many digital resources available online no matter where you are you just need a reliable internet connection, which you can access here at the library, and a current library card that is in good standing. Also offered for the first time this year is FLPL Outdoor Wireless.

This free Wi-Fi extends from either side of the library to the parking lot. The project was made possible in part through a grant by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Bethany Howard

Having this access is vital as Bethany Howard works toward completing her master’s degree in British Literature at the University of North Alabama. She often does her work at the library because it is difficult for her to concentrate at home, she said.

“It’s so great to have somewhere to go that is inviting and set up for doing the kind of work I am always doing mostly schoolwork,” she said. “I can come in, open my laptop, get my music going in my ear buds, and get to work like I can’t do at home.”

She said she uses the library’s Wi-Fi for her online classes. “With two out of three classes being online every semester, I have to work independently a lot, and I have to have reliable internet access,” she said, “so being able to come to FLPL is crucial for me. . . .

When I graduate, I will owe FLPL a huge thank-you! I should take some graduation pictures there since that’s where so much of the magic is happening!”

Vince Brewton, who serves on the Library Board of Directors, said education, ecommerce, and community involvement flow through the internet in ways that they did not even 20 years ago. “Not every resident of our community has access to reliable internet, and that includes citizens within the city limits and residents in the county.

Libraries are no longer places to store books but hubs for the flow of information. It’s tremendously important that the FLPL provide this service.”

Vince Brewton

Library Executive Director Abby Carpenter said the library provides so much more than just what is inside the facility itself. “We really want our community to know about and understand how to utilize our digital resources that are accessible from anywhere at any time and with any device,” she said. “The extended Wi-Fi access is a part of this endeavor as we aim to bridge the digital divide that exists in our community.

Abby Carpenter 4 Renew Magazine

Using the Library...

Wherever You Are! Bethany said she doesn’t just use library services for her classes, but accesses Libby - the digital library - wherever she is, including when she’s having a quiet time at one of the many local coffee shops in town. “I participate in the book club at the library and an online book club based in Birmingham (Literarily Wasted) and I always check Libby first to see if book club picks are available there,” she said. “I use Libby a lot for my own reading, too. It’s a great resource! Even when a book is not available at the moment, I like having the option to place a hold and get an alert when it’s available."

Bethany said it’s important to have access to Libby because it saves money on buying books and it’s convenient to get access to eBooks. “You can browse through what’s available, or you can search for specific authors or titles. And when you’re ready to read, just click ‘borrow’ and there it is, ready for you! I find a lot of great books just by browsing, so it’s a great way to find things you might not have even thought of before and broaden your horizons.”

She said she feels “like I hit the jackpot” when she finds an eBook and eAudiobook for the same title, because “I love to listen as I read along. It’s a more immersive experience, and I can usually finish a book faster that way,” she said. “I also really like the ability to change the speed on an eAudiobook. . . . That’s really helpful for when I’m on a deadline, like for class or for book club meetings. Most of all, I just like the convenience and ease. I can just download eBooks and eAudiobooks to my phone or iPad, and just take it with me instead of having to take a huge stack of books or CDs.” Brewton said Covid highlighted the reality that many members of our community had no access to the internet at home and needed access after-hours so that children could do basic class work when the schools were closed, as well as homework in normal times. “Extending our signal outside the building provides a service to these folks,” he said. “The need has not gone away.”

He said the library should be an “information provider, and extending our signal outside the building allows information access even if a patron does not wish to enter the building for whatever reason. On a nice day in our beautiful community, a strong signal outdoors is a great amenity.” He also noted that the high cost of internet access is beyond the reach of many residents. “Quality internet is expensive. School age children and college students need as many different access points as our community can provide,” Brewton said. “Even if there is reliable internet at home, we’re not always at home. The more places young people can connect, the more likely they can have their information needs met."

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“UNA serves working class and international students who sometimes live in the downtown and another place to access the internet helps them move more quickly toward degree completion. If we were talking about textbooks, we wouldn’t say that textbooks can only be accessed in a single building,” he continued. “We carry books around with us, and it’s important that the internet be available wherever we go, if possible.”

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Need to charge up while at the Florence City Hall customer service area, Florence Coliseum, or the NAMC Emergency Room?

We’ve got standing charging stations there for our community to use!

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This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Project Number LS-252411-OLS-22 The views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

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24/7 WI-FI ACCESS 24/7 access to our high-speed internet is just one perk of having a library card! FLPL Wireless and FLPL Outdoor Wireless are here for easy and fast access to the internet.

Just log in with your Patron ID and password, and you're connected! If you do not have one, you can visit the Circulation Desk on the first floor to register for a card (they're FREE)!

WONDER BOOKS Each Wonder Book is a read-along with an audiobook player inside the cover. These read-along book-players can help improve literacy skills that will continue to be an advantage while growing and maintaining reading abilities, especially among people with intellectual disabilities.

Available for check out in our Youth collection!

BOOKS ON CD

Check out these free resources at the library!

eBOOKS & eAUDIO with LIBBY Check out e-Materials on the Libby App with your FLPL card!

Just download the Libby App in your device's Appstore, log in with your library card information, and start reading! FLPL is located within the "Valley Digital Library" system on the app.

UNIVERSAL CLASS with LIBBY

This free program is available through Libby! Create a new (free!) Universal Class account with your preferred email, and gain access to hundreds of courses, topics, and certifications through Universal Class!

Want to listen to a book on a CD player? That's what Books on CD are for! Full-length audiobooks on CD are available at the very front of our General Fiction area.

PLAYAWAYS In need of a portable book to bring on the go? Books on Playaway are perfect for just that! Simply plug in a pair of headphones and press play! Playaways are available for check out in front of our New Arrivals section.

CHARGING STATIONS

We are now offering locker charging stations and standing charging stations, bringing charging power to you in these areas of our Florence-Lauderdale community: Florence Coliseum, NAMC Emergency Room, and Florence City Hall customer service area.

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Visit FLPL.org and FLPL.org/Services to access these resources and many more!

Alabama News & Times Daily (through Newsbank) Alabama Virtual Library Capstone eBooks FLPL Digital Archives Gale LegalForms LearningExpress Library Libby eBooks & eAudiobooks at LibbyApp.com Research Links at FLPL.org/Services/ Research-Links.php Teaching Books Universal Class (through Libby) ... and many more!

Staff Spotlight

Caleb Billings Reference Manager

Meet Caleb!

Navigating the library’s services on the second floor is an easier task with Reference Manager Caleb Billings there to help guide patrons. The second floor is where adult patrons may use the library’s public computers, find nonfiction books and DVDs, and use the two study rooms, among the other services offered in the reference department. Caleb has managed the department since 2020, after joining the staff in March 2016.

“I'd worked in my high school library before and enjoyed it a lot, so during and after college I tried to keep an eye out for any library positions open in the area,” he said. “I had a friend working here at the time that knew I was interested so she texted me when they had a couple of part time positions open and told me I should apply. I was interviewed and got a call back later that day telling me I'd got the job. I started out as a part time circulation desk worker so I mainly checked out items, reshelved them, and handled payments for overdue fees,” he said.

“The front desk ends up being where most patrons come first with questions, so you learn a little bit of everything working that position. That includes what each of the different departments does, where items are, what each employee's role is, and where library events are being held.” There was a coffee shop in the library’s lobby when Caleb worked in circulation, so he would sometimes help out there, making coffee and sandwiches. He moved into a full-time position on the second floor in 2019, before becoming Reference Desk manager.

“A lot of what I do centers around helping people on the computers, which can involve anything from setting up an email account, to printing out plane tickets for a trip,” he said. “The DVD and nonfiction collections fall under the reference department so helping patrons find what they need in those sections as well as keeping them in order is a big part of the job, too.” Caleb said libraries were part of his childhood. “I had a big appetite for books and movies from a young age, so the library was a regular stop for me. I lived pretty rurally so coming into town to go to the library was a pretty big deal. The first library I remember getting a card from was the Sheffield Public Library, and then shortly after I ended up with cards to the libraries in Florence, Muscle Shoals, and Tuscumbia. My parents would rotate me around all of them so I never ran out of stuff to check out. I'd buy a lot of old withdrawn books from the basement book store in the Sheffield library as well.”

He said the diversity of the patrons that use the library is one of his favorite things about working here. “(They) always keep it interesting.

You really never know who you're going to meet and what they're going to need,” he said. “Navigating the nonfiction books to help people find items is enjoyable for me, too.” And when he’s not working, Caleb continues to nurture his love of books, among other pastimes. “I really enjoy hiking, going to concerts, and hanging out downtown with friends,” he said. “I spend a lot of time at home writing, reading, and watching movies as well.” If you feel a bit unsure about any of the services offered in our reference department, don’t hesitate to ask Caleb or his staff.

They are always glad to help.

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Summer Reading ’23 Once Upon a Library- A Record-Breaking Summer!

This summer will definitely be one to remember! Our theme was “Once Upon a Library”, to celebrate the library’s 20 years of being at 350 North Wood Ave. We kicked off our Summer Reading Program with a lunch from Odette and a visit from Karen White, where she highlighted her newest book, The House on Prytania (available for purchase at the Circulation Desk). We then got right into the swing of Summer Reading- daily programs, reading challenges, prizes, and more- and were met with outstanding attendance and participation! Thank you to everyone in our community who joined us this summer!

1,153

153

124

984

Youth Participants

Teen Participants

Adult Participants

New Library Cards

51,911

1,905

1,601

63,481

Prize Tickets Awarded Teen Grand Prize Entries Adult Prize Entries Books Checked Out!

Congrats, Summer Reading Winners!

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Thank You!

Summer Reading Sponsors These generous donations are the reason our Summer Reading program is able to exist and thrive. Thank you to everyone listed below for your sponsorship and support of your local library!

Upcoming Fall Programs YOUTH SERVICES

306 BBQ Florence

Kodee Lissa Boutique

Family Book Club 3rd Mondays at 6pm

Alabama Outdoors

Magnolia Soap

Ready Set Read! Tuesdays at 11am and 1:30pm

Aguado Family

McDonalds of Lauderdale County

Crafternoon 1st Tuesdays at 3:30pm

Bank Independent

Mega Munchies

The Carriage Florence

Midtowne Butcher

Catherine James

Mitch and Mary Lee Dobbins

The Chicago Café Chick-fil-a Florence Children's Museum of the Shoals Companion Coffee Roasters Cook Museum of Natural Science Cottonwood Grocery Customs Café Brands The Donut Shoppe Florence Flashy Cakes Friends of the Library

Mom's at Seven Points

Kahoots! 2nd Tuesdays at 3:30pm Lego Build 3rd Tuesdays at 3:30pm Color Brain 4th Tuesdays at 3:30pm ABC's Under the Trees Wednesdays at 10:30am Terrific 2s Thursdays at 10:30am

Off Campus Bookstore

Ready Set Read! Thursdays at 1:30pm

The Pie Factory Florence

8 - 9 -10 Thursdays at 3:30pm

River City Magic Camp

Babies Love the Library Fridays at 10:30am

Riverhill School Lemonade Stand

Saturday Stories Saturdays at 11am

Rivertown

Magic Club 2nd Saturdays at 11am

Rocket City Trash Pandas

TEENS

Shoals Education Enrichment Resources (SEER)

How to Deal for Teens & Tweens 1st Wednesdays at 4:15 pm Anime Club 1st Tuesdays at 4:15pm

Shoals Nail Spa

BYOB Book Club 1st Thursdays at 4:15pm

Sky Zone Florence

How to Deal for Parents 2nd Wednesdays at 4:15pm

Jack's Place Bistro

Southern Native

Dungeons & Dragons 2nd & 3rd Tuesdays at 4:15pm

Jerry and Glenda Lewis

The Spinning Spoke

Dungeons & Dragons 2nd & 3rd Thursdays at 4:15pm

Joe Wheeler State Park

Stella & Goose

The Johnson Family

Sugarbakers

ADULTS

Katie and Jeff Dow

Sweetwater Bakery

Stay Crafty 1st Tuesdays at 5:30pm

Kim's Nails

Trowbridges

Chess Knights! 1st Thursdays at 5:30pm

Greg and Martha Beadle Huntsville Botanical Garden

Want to be a sponsor next year?

General: 256-764-6564, ext. 127 Abby@FLPL.org Youth Services: 256-764-6564, ext. 114 Jessica@FLPL.org Teens: 256-764-6564, ext. 124 Kristen@FLPL.org Adults: 256-764-6564, ext. 136 Katie@FLPL.org

We hope you all enjoyed your well-earned SRP prizes! Happy reading!

Silent Book Club 4th Tuesdays at 4:15pm

D&D Dragonlance Campaign 1st & 3rd Thursdays at 4:30pm D&D Curse of Strahd Campaign 2nd & 4th Thursdays at 4:30pm Adult VR Program 2nd Tuesdays at 4:30pm This Month in the Garden 2nd Tuesdays at 10:30am Adult Art Class 2nd Thursdays at 5pm Adult Trivia 3rd Tuesdays at 6pm Adult Book Club 3rd Thursdays at 5:30pm Adult Game Night 4th Thursdays at 5pm Smartphone Basics (Android & iPhone) Thursdays in October & November at 10:30am Graphic Design Classes Tuesdays in November at 10:30am

ALL AGES: LIBRARY-WIDE All Saints Day Walking Tour Saturday, November 4 at 10am A Deibert Christmas Saturday, December 9 from 11am - 6pm

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Join the Friends!

REFERENCE $15

Early access to Half-Price Sales, Friends Logo Book Bag A beautiful reception for the Friends of the Library was held on May 6 , 2023. If you are not currently a member, I want to extend a personal invitation for you to become a Friend of the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library. The Friends group seeks to provide approximately $40,000 each year to the Library to help provide: Summer Reading materials for children and teens, Large Print Titles, eBooks, Periodicals, and Audiobooks.

Additionally, the Friends provided funds for the 2023 W.C. Handy Festival events: Jazz It Up with Your Trash and Check Out the Blues. The Friends also fundraised through the Bookin’ It 5K, held on June 17, 2023, to support the Library’s Summer Reading Program.

The purpose of the Friends is to: assist, support and promote the FLPL, promote knowledge of, interest in and use of the Library, assist in efforts to establish and maintain the highest quality of library services possible, and give encouragement and support to the Library. You may become a Friend by visiting flplfriends.square.site. Get plugged in by signing up for notifications of events and opportunities to learn, serve and enjoy! Subscribe by visiting www.flpl.org/subscribe/.

A BIG THANK YOU is extended to Anne Smith and her team of Bookstore volunteers, members of the Board of Directors, and those who are members of the Friends of the Library. Regardless of your age, there is a book for you at our library. Whether you check out a book in person or online, or purchase a used book in the newly expanded Friends bookstore, we invite you to celebrate the joy of reading. Dr. Seuss said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” It is an honor for me to serve as your president.

Sincerely,

Jan Irons Harris President, Friends of the Library

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NONFICTION $25

Early access to Half-Price Sales, Choice of Friends Logo Book Bag OR Friends Logo Baseball Cap, Discounts to Library Events

FICTION $50+

Early access to Half-Price Sales, Friends Logo Book Bag AND Friends Logo Baseball Cap, Discounts to Library Events

2023 Friends Officers Jan Irons Harris, President Debra Dombrowski, Vice President Kathryn Thigpen, Secretary Brenda Baker, Treasurer Anne Smith, Bookstore Manager

Mon-Sat: 10am - 4pm Sun: 1-4pm (256) 764-6564, ext. 119

FLPL.org/Friends

The second year of the Bookin’ It Friends of the Library 5K Fundraiser was just as fun as the first year! Proceeds benefit the library’s Summer Reading Program, which this year passed all expectations for participation! Our thanks to the many sponsors and volunteers who made this year’s run so successful!

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

The Pie Factory Florence, Children's Treehouse Dentistry, ALFA Insurance Mac Judkins, Sanders College of Business and Technology at UNA, YMCA of the Shoals, J.T. Ray Company, Listerhill Credit Union, Schneider Electric, Dick's Sporting Goods, Merry Realty, Mark HolleyFarmer's Insurance, Shoals Chamber of Commerce, P4 Physical Therapy, B Electric, City of Florence Parks & Recreation, Publix Super Market, and First Metro Bank!

Congratulations to Our Runners!

5k Male Overall 1. Carson Masterson 2. Isiaah Krieger 3. Luis Davis 5k Male Overall Master 1. Robert Hendon 5k 14 and Under Male 1. Tomas Padgett 2. Carsen Borden 3. Hudson Brown 5k 15-19 Male 1. Samuel Kilpatrick 5k 20-29 Male 1. Evan Thornton 2. Dustin Phillips 3. Caleb Woods

5k 30-39 Male 1. Mark Vanhorn 2. Will Baron 3. Craig Borden 5k 40-49 Male 1. Joseph Hennessee 2. Eli Flippen 3. Gary Padgett 5k 50-59 Male 1. Mark Willingham 2. James Cheek 5k 60-69 Male 1. James Counts 2. Jimmy Burns 5k 70+ Male 1. Woody Wright 2. Tommy Stine

5k Female Overall 5k 30-39 Female 1. Hannah Johnson 1. Ansley Quiros 2. Savanna Burns 2. Kelsey Ogletree 3. Alyssa Lunsford 3. Lindsey McCutcheon 5k Female Overall Master 5k 40-49 Female 1. Jeania Norton 1. Amanda Peters 5k 14 and Under Female 2. Leigh Harris 1. Zoe Flippen 5k 60-69 Female 2. Molly Senf 1. Sherea Burns 3. Miranda Padgett 2. Judy Grubbs

1 Mile Fun Run 1. Carsen Borden 2. Sam and Alan Compton 3. Theo Flippen

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Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Morgan!

If you were in a basic computer class during our Summer Reading Program, you’ve probably met Morgan Smalls.

Morgan began volunteering at the library just before the start of our Summer Reading Program. The library is one of her favorite volunteer outlets. “Well, I do enjoy reading. That’s one of my favorite things to do.” she said.

But the library is not the only place where she donates her time. “I’ve also volunteered in the past when I was a child,” she said. “I volunteered at the hospital (when she lived in Memphis). I also volunteered at the library there, too. I helped out with the children’s program. This year (in Florence) I’m helping out more with the adult program, helping with the teaching of computers . . . that’s so important nowadays, especially with the older people. One-on-one is very important.”

Morgan Smalls

Helping with computer classes is one of her favorite duties at the library. “It’s going well. I’m enjoying myself, teaching them new things,” she said. Morgan views her volunteer work as part of how she gives back to people. “I like to give back to the community. I just want to get out and meet new people, and just give of my time. I’m a Christian, and it’s important to me. God says to serve the community, and so (this is how) I serve the community.” Morgan attends Trinity Missionary Baptist Church in Florence and is employed at North Alabama Medical Center. She volunteers at the library once or twice a week.

“Church and library,” she said. “That’s what I do. I just moved here a couple of years ago (from Indiana), so I’m still trying to figure things out.” She takes part in helping kids at her church. “I’m part of the . . . health ministry at Trinity,” she said. “At spring break, we had a ‘kids in the kitchen’ (program) that I helped out with. We talked about the food groups . . . and we showed them different things to cook that don’t have to go in the oven (and) simple snacks that they can eat at home. We kept it child-friendly. They really enjoyed it. They even asked me . . . ‘hey, when are we doing kids in the kitchen again?’” Morgan said she has family here who she spends time with, and hopes to meet new people through her volunteer work.

Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Arlene!

Arlene Merry has been a volunteer for less than a year, and during our Summer Reading Program, brought her granddaughters Olive and Charlotte with her to help shelve books.

The trio can be seen on random mornings pushing a full cart of books to the fiction section on the first floor, pausing to sort the books in alphabetical order before placing them on the shelves. Arlene said she enjoys her work as a volunteer. “I have extra time on my hands, and it’s fun to put the books up and see what people read, and just be around people and feel like I’m doing something useful,” she said.

Arlene Merry

Her love of public libraries began when she was a child. “When I was little, we lived at the public library on weekends,” she said. “In the summer, we would go swimming, and we would spend the afternoons when it was too hot to swim at the library. So we were always reading – there was a group of us from the neighborhood - and so we spent our days at the swimming pool and at the library. I’m a slow reader, but I love to read, and so it’s always been a big part of my life.”

Her favorite books to read are mysteries and spy thrillers, as well as ‘funny books’. “And I actually read a lot of books on Libby because I can make the print large.” Libby is an online library that gives patrons the opportunity to borrow eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines and more. It is the library reading app by OverDrive. All you need is your current FlorenceLauderdale Public Library library card. Borrowing is free. Look for the ‘Overdrive’ icon on the library’s website.

Want to Volunteer with Us?

Visit FLPL.org/Volunteering/ for more information!

12 Renew Magazine

Arlene said she has lived in the Shoals for about 27 years. She was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. “I haven’t been in a lot of small town libraries, but I’ve never seen one as nice as this,” she said. “It’s friendly. There’s always something to do.” She has three children who are adults, but they came to the library when they were young enough for programs in Youth Services. “We went to the library a lot when it was down the street (at 218 N. Wood Ave.),” Arlene said. “Libraries have always been a part of my life.”

Arlene’s granddaughters both said they like helping at the library. “I don’t just sit at home doing nothing,” Olive said. Olive had accompanied her grandmother before Charlotte joined them. What does Charlotte like most about coming to the library? “Reading!” she said.

How-To Guide Memorials, Honorariums, and Donations Your donations to the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library help maintain the excellence of the library’s collections. All donations are used to purchase materials that are placed on the shelves of the library. We accept donations of any amount. Donations of $25 or more receive a personalized book plate placed in any items added to the collection with your gift. You may apply your donation to the purchase of specific collections.

To donate, you can: Visit the library, fill out a Donation form, and leave your donation at the desk (cash, check, or credit card).

Make a donation to the library's general fund online at FLPL.org/Donate (payment processed through PayPal).

You can also honor the special people in your life through a memorial or honorarium to the library. Memorials and honorariums are a wonderful way to remember and honor friends and loved ones. Cards may be sent to honorees or their families if you choose, and you may give anonymously if you prefer. All gifts are acknowledged to the honoree or appropriate family member and are listed in Renew, like the names to the right of this column.

For a memorial or honorarium, you can: Visit the library, fill out the Memorial & Honorarium form, and pay via cash, check, or credit card.

Submit an online form at FLPL.org/Donate (payment processed through PayPal).

Our Summer Intern, Emily This summer, FLPL had a wonderful opportunity to partner with Easterseals and their internship program. Emily joined us for a 3 week internship.

During these 3 weeks at FLPL, Emily accomplished many tasksalphabetizing, shelving, and cataloging library materials; shredding old documents; and putting together nearly 500 Books for Babies bags that were provided to North Alabama Medical Center!

Emily worked with us through Easterseals Rehabilitation Center Northwest Alabama. This program allows young adult individuals to gain employment experience and important life skills by working hands-on in the workplace.

Thank you, Emily!

MEMORIALS

Dean Butler

by Sherron Price

Betty Hillman Chambers

by Jane Gough

Tommy Coats

by Neighbors in Walnut Street Historic District

BJ & Mallie Daily

by Jess Daily

Deborah Douglas-Brown

by Elizabeth Burts

Jimmie Elrod

by Neighbors in Walnut Street Historical District

Chris Haeger

by Tommy & Jessica Hill

Donna Hayes

by Cynthia Griffin

Dr. Daniel "Dan" Howard

by Knights of Pythias AL Monte Bello Lodge #10

Emory Clay Jackson

Jane Miller Leavitt

by Chris Jackson

by Neighbors in Walnut Street Historic District

Edith Meeks

Nic Murphy

by Nancy Beyer Opler

by Dorinda Smith

Ramona White Moorer

Walter Murphy

by Josephine & Uhland Redd III by Betsy Burts

Dr. Canton Napier

by Emma, Ryan, and Peter

by Martha Hovater

by Benita Logsdon

by Stacy Paine

by Cathy L. Sandidge

by Jane Ann Sandidge

by Nancy Sanford

by James & Anne Tease

Jan Shields

by Andi & Murphree Flippen

Sarah N. Sandlin

by Neighbors in Walnut Street Historic District

Hank Self

by Robert Jo Redd

Shirley Self

by Jamie Lynch

by Robert Jo Redd

Dolores Wagnon Wood

by Jefferey L. Voyles

Harry Williams

by Knights of Pythias

HONORARIUMS Kathy McDonald

by Missy Black

DONATIONS Preston & Susan Price

The Books for Babies program is in partnership with North Alabama Medical Center. The Books for Babies program is made possible by The Daniel Foundation of Alabama.

Thank you to all of the individuals who have contributed monetary donations to FLPL and the Friends in 2023. Listed on this page are all of our generous donors and the people they have honored.

This list reflects the memorials, honorariums, and donations from February of this year, through the year so far in 2023.

Renew Magazine 13

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Upcoming Events

Author

Florence-Lauderdale Public Library

Month Long! DINOvember is always a fun and 11am to 1pm: 11/01- 11/30 All exciting time at FLPL! For the entire month of November, All there will be dinosaur-themed programs and activities to Month complete around the library. Keep an eye out closer to time Long! on the library’s social media for all kinds of Dino Fun!

11/04/23 Saturday, November 4, 2023

11am to 1pm: Saturday, November 4 at 10am: Join FLPL’s Local History & Genealogy Librarian Lee Freeman for The All Saints' Day Historical Walking Tour! We will visit several historic houses of worship in downtown Florence that are within walking distance of the Library, briefly discussing the rich history of each one.

JOIN US FOR

A Deibert Christmas!

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12/09/23 Saturday, December 9, 2023

11amto to1pm: 1pm: Christmas Brunch with the Children’s 11am

Museum of the Shoals. Buddy the Elf will be visiting!

to 4pm: 4pm: Photo opportunity and visit with Santa Manley 22 to

and Mrs. Claus at the Deibert Barn! Bring your own camera!

4:30 to 4:30 to6pm: 6pm: The 4th Annual FLPL Holiday Bike Parade!

Decorate your bike in the Christmas spirit and parade around Deibert Park! The Grinch will join us for the announcement of prize winners!

City of Florence Parks & Recreation

350 North Wood Ave, Florence, AL 35630 (256) 764-6564 www.FLPL.org