Renew Issue #10, Spring 2023

Messagefrom theDirector

Celebrating20Years:FLPL'sHistory

Mes mthe LibraryBoardChair

LibraryEvents &Programming

FriendsoftheLibraryBookstore

Staff&Volunte

M e &Honorariums

Say Cheese!

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.

UpcomingLibrary Events&Programs

Library Board of Directors

Ann Taylor Wilson, Chair

Evan Thornton, Vice Chair

Dion Johnson

Vince Brewton

Caroline Jones

On the Cover: 218 North Wood Avenue painting by Howard A. Griffith Jr.

Library Hours

Mon-Thurs: 10am - 7pm

Fri-Sat: 10am - 5pm

Sun: 1pm - 5pm

350 N Wood Ave

Florence, AL 35630 (256) 764-6564

www.FLPL.org

“Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving our quality of life.”

Sidney Sheldon

20Years! Wow. Do you remember where you were on December 2, 2002 when the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library opened at its current location? In 2002, smartphones did not exist nor did social media, streaming, podcasts, or eBooks. We discovered information through traditional print resources or by sitting down at a desktop computer. Libraries have evolved more over the past 20 years than ever before, accommodating changes in format, information access, and the ways in which our facility is used. We hope you will enjoy remembering the past with us as we celebrate how we started and how far we’ve come. Regardless of what the next 20 years may bring, we know that our constant will always be the same: and that is you, our community. You are the reason why we evolve and why we serve. Sidney Sheldon once said, “Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving our quality of life.” Thank you to our wonderful community for improving our quality of life by supporting and valuing our Library. Wecan’twaittoseewhat thenext20yearshold!

Sincerely,

Abby Carpenter

Executive Director, Florence-Lauderdale Public Library

I feel so fortunate to be involved with the FlorenceLauderdale Public Library. Our community is lucky t abundance of resources provided in part by the sup generous friends & patrons, and our partners at The Florence and Lauderdale County. This organization extremely talented and energetic staff, exciting prog all ages, and a first-class facility to foster education creativity. I know I speak for my fellow board memb I express my gratitude to each of you. As a lifelong r the area, I can still remember the thrill of going to th as a young child, and it warmed my heart to see the excitement on my children’s faces when they got their own library card! During the last 20 years in the current facility, this library has been carefully guided by wonderful leadership, staff, and volunteers. It is quite remarkable to consider all of the lives that have been impacted by this organization and its efforts. As we reflect on how far we have come, I cannot help but be excited about the future. Some of the plans and activities that I feel will benefit our community and organization for the years to come include:

Recent initiatives to improve the energy efficiency of the building have resulted in savings we have reinvested into the FLPL operations.

Plans are in the works to increase our footprint with outdoor classrooms to encourage learning in unique and inspiring settings.

Observations and reflections post-pandemic have helped us realize our community’s need for more internet access. We are working to extend our WIFI signal to the parking lot and surrounding areas so library patrons can access this resource even beyond our normal operating hours.

As you can see, we all have a lot to be proud of and the FLPL continues to serve as a pillar of our community. Thank you for all your continued support and please come see the wonderful programs happening at your library!

Sincerely,

Ann Taylor Wilson

Board Chair, Florence-Lauderdale Public Library

Local History Local History Local History Snapshot Snapshot Snapshot

Lee Freeman, who is our historian extraordinaire and Local History and Genealogy Department associate, made the move from the former library building to the present one. We asked him how the new space compares with the old.

“No comparison,” he said “The old building was great for 1949 but we had long outgrown it by the time plans were being made for a new library. With its flat, leaky roof, hvac system that fritzed out every few weeks in the summer, and limited space, especially in the basement, it was time to upgrade. The conference room wasn't big enough, and we only had limited space for computers.”

Lee started working at the library in April 1997. He had applied for a position at circulation, but the day he went for his interview, then-assistant director, Rick Freemon, told Lee there was a position as local history-genealogy librarian that was available. He knew Lee was a history geek!

“I worked part-time for a couple of years until (then-director) Elisabeth South offered to make me full-time. I've worked under five different directors in my tenure here,” Lee said. He said he loves history in general and researching topics that haven’t been researched much, or at all. He said he also loves the “excitement and romance” of studying another culture from another time

“On a practical level, I really believe that if a community doesn't know where it's been, it won't have any idea where it's going. Who we are is, to a great extent, who our ancestors were – for good or ill – and we need to be conscious of the fact that they weren't perfect and to try to celebrate their positive achievements while also trying to learn from their mistakes so that we don't repeat them.”

Lee said he has learned that history is “incredibly rich and varied, not a one size fits all situation at all. I'm always learning something new that I didn't know before. What I've learned in 25 years is a drop in the proverbial bucket. But it's great to work with the other area historians and help to tell our very unique collective story and individual stories. It's definitely never dull! And it's a great thing that our community takes its history as seriously as it does, because not every community can say that.”

ting Years

Florence-La Public Library

years is a good age to reflect and refocus.

It’s been 20 years since commercial movers and the staff at Florence-Lauderdale Public Library unpacked boxes of books and the supplies needed to effectively manage this facility. After 50 years at 218 N. Wood Ave., everything and everyone made the trek next door!

City Council President Dick Jordan, who was instrumental in leading the community to build the facility at its present location at 350 North Wood Ave , said the library “is one of the most important institutions in our society”.

“The old library was . . . a wonderful library and served the public well,” Jordan said “But we hadn’t kept up with the times, the world was moving into the computer age - and our library had none. We purchased computers and wired them (no Wi-Fi yet) into the newly found space in the basement with the encyclopedias that were themselves soon to be obsolete. The 50year-old building was full of maintenance challenges and it wasn’t long before water leaks developed, requiring us to cover the new computers when it rained. It was extremely frustrating, and the library patrons began to talk of the need for a new building.”

The library has an interesting past, beginning with a group of women in 1885 who formed the Ladies Library Association. The Ladies Library, as it was known, was funded through an annual $1 subscription fee, and found temporary housing at various sites in town. More than 63 years would pass before the growing collection of books would find a permanent home.

A page from the ledger, started in 1949 when 218 N Wood Avenue opened its doors This page recognizes attendees of the Donor Party held in December 2002 for the new library location

November 4, 2002: Library staff pack up all of the materials in boxes for the big move to the new location next door!

In 1945, efforts to build a permanent library were kick-started through a generous donation from the Rosenbaum family. Interest grew even more after the American Legion post in Florence donated funds toward purchasing a bookmobile. The library’s collection of books was in a temporary home at the former Hotel Reeder on East Tennessee Street. This enabled the library to have steady, full-time hours with the support of the city and the county. The steady hours pushed momentum in building a free-standing facility, and by 1948 the cornerstone was laid at 218 North Wood Avenue. One year later, more than 1,700 people attended the library’s open house.

In the autumn of 1998, an evaluation of the old library building found it inadequate for remodeling. Jordan had raised the need for a new library building two years earlier, saying he believed it was the city’s responsibility to finance the venture.

“Ashort time later, the decisionwas made tobuilda newgolf course that wouldbecome BlackberryTrails,” Jordan said “(The late) Mayor (Eddie) Frost and I knew that we shouldn’t build a golf course without also looking at a new library. The very next council meeting the decision was confirmed and the plans began for the amazing library we have today."

The library’s programming, services and collections continue to grow. Through the generous support of the city, county and community, library staff members were able to pivot and continue offering services online, virtually and curbside during the pandemic. And in 2021, we returned to a successful in-person Summer Reading Program, which was a wonderful celebration with our patrons.

“Of all the decisions that I’ve beena part of overthe past 40years - it is the librarythat brings me the most pride andsense of accomplishment,” Jordan said. “It is free, available toeveryone youngandold, andis one of the most important institutions inoursociety- frombooks toprograms, support forliteracy, andthe preservationof ourhistory. Ourlibraryis a gatheringplace, a place of learningandeducation, a place toconnect . . . I still believe it isthe cornerstone of our downtown.”

Dick Jordan + Library Board, circa 2001

Construction on new location at 350 N Wood Avenue, 2001-2002

218 N Wood Avenue, circa 1949

Hotel Reeder, 216 E Tennessee St

Oakville Indian Mounds & Museum field trip

Teen Halloween Spooktacular

Adult Murder Mystery parties

Purple Pride Day

If you want to know what it’s like to be a library volunteer, then actually work on the library’s staff, just ask Aamayli Curtis! Ms. Aamayli started volunteering the summer of her fifth grade year after learning about the opportunity from a friend at school, who would “go on and on about how fun it was,” she said, “and I decided to give it a try.”

“I absolutely loved it!” she said. “I’ll never forget when (Youth Services Librarian) Mrs. Jessica told me to come and get an application as soon as I turned 16. I started working here officially in April of 2019 and can not think of a better job to have!”

Ms Aamayli leads and assists with programming in Youth Services, shelves books and helps patrons find the materials they need.

“My favorite thing about working at the library is definitely our Summer Reading Program! Last year, Mrs. Jessica asked me to be in charge of the Junior Volunteers. I enjoyed interacting and meeting all of them!”

Ms. Aamayli is 19 and attends the University of North Alabama with a goal to become an elementary teacher. Fun fact about Ms. Aamayli: “I really enjoy jokes, magic, and Spider-Man. Ask anyone!” She said she would recommend volunteering and working at the library to anyone. “I would tell others to work at the library because it's such a wonderful place to be. Not only are you surrounded by thousands of books but also by such amazing people!”

Pawloween

Lyla, who is 13, has volunteered f Both she and Atlas were homesch Shoals Christian School for the fir Both said they have been coming

“It’s pretty fun,” Lyla said. “You ge kids and also with people more your own age. Helping with the various programs and activities offered in Youth Services is not the only thing she does. “I get to shelve books,” she said “I like shelving. I like organizing. It’s fun.” Her favorite time is when she works during the library’s Summer Reading Program and assists with crafts “I like art,” she said “I do art. Painting.” She said she would like to be an art teacher as an adult

Her brother said the walls in Lyla’s bedroom are filled with her original artistic creations “She’s pretty much, like, painting every day,” he said Lyla is not the only artistic sibling, however. Atlas, too, is artistic. His genre is music, and Lyla said he “plays really good songs on the piano.” At 11 years old, he has already taken piano lessons for two years and sees his future as a composer. “I’ve sorta started already,” he said. “I play classical piano.” Like his sister, Atlas said he loves his volunteer work at the library. His favorite is helping with crafting, especially “something to do with paint. I just think it’s fun.” Atlas has also learned that he’s great with younger children. “I’ve pretty much always known that,” he said.

Lyla and Atlas volunteer a couple of days a week during the library’s Summer Reading Program. Atlas said volunteering has helped him meet new people and that he would recommend it to anyone.

"It’s really fun and you pretty much never get bored,” he said.

Becoming a Youth Services volunteer is a great way to meet new people and make a difference in the community, and can help young people develop social skills as they work with not just library personnel, but with patrons.

Sixteen-year-old Piper Moore, who is homeschooled, has volunteered in Youth Services since 2019. She said her mom found out about the volunteer opportunity online. Piper’s first volunteer experience was with the library’s Summer Reading Program.

“I like volunteering because I like coming here to the library,” Piper said. “I just get to learn so much. And I get to interact with people and create relationships, which will benefit me in the future.”

Part of her duties include shelving books and making sure those that are already on the shelves are in the proper order Her other duties include helping library staff with kids’ programs One of her favorite programs to help with is “Yummy Stories,” where kids have a short story read to them before they participate in an edible craft based on a character from that story

Piper said volunteering in Youth Services brings back memories of when she was a young child. “I have memories about table setup over there,” she said, gesturing to the area beyond the iconic trees in Youth Services, “and playing with Legos, or just walking around looking for books. I’ve always been a big reader.” Piper is still debating the direction of her future after she graduates, but said she will volunteer for as long as she can, and could even work at the library, should the opportunity arise. “If I wanted to come and work here, I would feel more comfortable because I know Ms. Jessica (who is the Youth Services librarian), and I know a lot of other people here.”

The library has been part of Piper’s life for a long time, and has helped with her homeschooling “The library helps with homeschooling... with something as simple as the books... I need to read for school,” she said, adding she has also participated in teen programs like writing “I really love writing, so it gets me out there and I get to interact with people. As a homeschooler, I don’t get much interaction with very many people, so it’s nice.”

If you would like to join Piper and others who volunteer at the library, fill out the form online at www.FLPL.org/How-Do-I/

h a best as Atlas and Lyla Wells have learned

Sponsored

When Young Adult Librarian Kristen Briggs publishes socialmedia posts about the teen's Take and Make kits, there are immediate requests to reserve one. And when the large plastic bin full of Take and Make kits are set out in the teen area of the library, they disappear fast!

The library began offering Take and Make kits to children and teens in 2020 when it had to pivot to curbside service because of the pandemic. Take and Make kits contain all the items needed to create a small craft – and sometimes the craft is edible! They were offered as a way to stay connected with our community when person-to-person services were suspended “We just kind of kept it going from there,” she said “We didn’t have our doors open during Summer Reading in 2020. Everything was virtual that year.”

Mrs Kristen said she kept offering the kits to teens when the library returned to in-person services She offers a different kit at the beginning of each month in the teen section of the library.

The kits are so popular, the library applied for and received a Dollar General Literacy Foundation Summer Reading Grant of $1,000 for Mrs. Kristen to once again provide the Take and Make kits to some communities in Lauderdale County.

Patty Majors, who helps run the Waterloo Free Library, said her community was excited about the outreach. “The kits went the very first day,” she said. “Main Street in Waterloo looked like Cox Creek Parkway! I’ve already had calls asking when we can have more. Thank you. Just THANK you!” The grant helped pay for a limited number of kits for July and August

“We are so grateful for these craft kits for our teens here in Waterloo,” said Lainey Simpson “My friends and I have truly enjoyed them. Thank you Florence-Lauderdale Public Library, Waterloo Free Library, and the Dollar General Literacy Foundation for sharing these with us!”

What Can You Do in What Can You Do in What Can You Do in Local History & Genealogy? Local History & Genealogy? Local History & Genealogy?

Local records on microfilm

Local newspapers on microfilm (1823-2018)

Newsbank database for Times Daily Newspapers.com database

Ancestry.com, HeritageQuest, and Fold3 databases

Local yearbooks (Appleby, Bradshaw, Coffee, UNA, etc )

A collection of genealogical-historical books from places our early settlers came from/migrated to: New England, Virginia, Kentucky, the Carolinas, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, etc.

Two collections of Florence-Lauderdale

African-American funeral programs

A collection of photos of local historical people and buildings

A collection of local cemetery inventories in Colbert, Franklin, and Lauderdale counties

A vertical historical file collection on local historical topics

Local newspapers on microfilm (1824-2018)

Family files on hundreds of local families

Access to records from the LDS Family History Library

Map collection of local historical maps

Shoals Area City directories (1914-2023)

A collection of published family histories

Circuit Court record ledgers (1837-1949)

Want to learn more?

“How many a man has dated a new era in his life from the reading of a book! The book exists for us, perchance, which will explain our miracles and reveal new ones. ”

Henry David Thoreau

Thomas Jefferson said, “I cannot live without books.” Members of the Friends of the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library (FLPL) agree and as such support the purpose of this group: to assist, support and promote the FLPL, to promote knowledge of, interest in and use of the Library, to assist in efforts to establish and maintain the highest quality of library services possible, and to give encouragement and support to the Library. You are invited to join our efforts by becoming a member of Friends of the Library. You may do so by visiting flplfriends.square.site. Get plugged in by signing up for notifications of events and opportunities to learn, serve and enjoy! Subscribe by going online to flpl.org/subscribe. A BIG THANK YOU is extended to outgoing President Debra Dombrowski for her leadership and service, and to all of the volunteers who tirelessly serve on the Friends Board of Directors for the benefit of the community. I look forward to serving along with the outstanding group of servant leaders. Abraham Lincoln was known to walk miles to get a book. 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 during 2023!

Jan Irons Harris

Henry David Thoreau said, “How many a man has dated a new era in his life from the reading of a book! The book exists for us, perchance, which will explain our miracles and reveal new ones. ” What did you read last night and what will you read tomorrow? 39activevolunteersduringtheyear

President,FriendsoftheLibrary

Read, Learn, and Turn Off the Television, 2022Wrapped

You’ve seen her on a regular basis in the bookstore over the years, but Gloria Brown retired after decades of volunteer work for the Friends of the FlorenceLauderdale Public Library.

Like bookstore manager Anne Smith said, Ms. Gloria is still represented in the Friends bookstore by her handmade bookmarks, which are well known and lovedespecially by children.

“Gloria has been one of our most dedicated volunteers serving several terms on the Friends Board and as treasurer for the Friends and the bookstore,” Smith said.

“She could also be seen in the bookstore not only working at the desk, but training other workers. She worked diligently as our desk worker cocoordinator, often filling in herself for someone who could not be there. Gloria is much appreciated and will be greatly missed!”

Get your running shoes ready! The Friends of the FlorenceLauderdale Public Library will once again sponsor its Bookin’ It 5k Fundraiser. Last year’s inaugural run was so successful it is returning this year, scheduled for Saturday, June 17. Proceeds benefit the library’s Summer Reading Program. All the details about the 2023 Bookin’ It event will be released soon.

wonderful crowd of runners who represented all annah Johnson, of Florence, it was her first local a year and half ago, but has been a runner for e middle school, and got started to stay in shape for er and lacrosse,” she said. “After college, running pe the daily grind and to stay healthy, both mentally n about four times a week.”

en a runner “ . . . off and on for years and I’ve always nse of peace and restores me both mentally and and I have a 4-year-old, and I started getting back ot just for myself but for my family, too. I try to very day, mostly during the lunch hour or evenings at the gym. Pattison placed second in the 5k male 40-49 age group, and Johnson placed first in the female 30-39 age group.

“The event was very well organized, and it was clear that participants enjoyed it,” Johnson said. “The highlight for me was discovering that Florence has both a vibrant running community and strong support for its public library.”

“Public libraries play a crucial role in providing access to a broad range of information and ideas, safe spaces for learning and creativity, and opportunities to connect people with each other,” she continued. “I am so happy to see that the library in Florence is thriving especially when many libraries and librarians are facing increasing pressure to ban certain books and censor content and that I can help support it.”

Pattison said he and his family “ . . . love all the programs and events that the library produces for the community and we visit the library practically every weekend. Participating in the Florence Lauderdale’s library 5K was a fantastic experience for me and provided a real sense of both the library and local communities. The support from the staff and other services was incredible and I felt encouraged running through Florence and being cheered on by the community.”

They both said they would recommend participating in the Bookin’ It event, “ . . . even those who don’t consider themselves runners,” Johnson said. “Supporting our public library is essential, and it's an added bonus that we can do this while also taking care of our physical health.” Pattison said, “For anyone who loves to run and likes supporting the library and other local events, I’d recommend participating in the next Bookin' It 5k Fundraiser!”

MEMORIALS

Henrik Aune by Abby Carpenter

Sandra Calvert Terry by Joyce Crowden

Edna Carroll

by Florence Study Club

Shayn Cooley by Shoals Writers’ Guild

R.G. & Debbie Darby by Mike & Cindy Tanner

Nancy Flores by Roundtable of the Alabama Renaissance Faire

Thomas Franks by Roundtable of the Alabama Renaissance Faire

William E. Fulmer, PhD. by Joseph Fulmer

Edward Getson, Jr.

by James & Wanda Grimes

Chris Haeger by Jessica and Tommy Hill

Fred Holt

by Mary “Faye” Vines

by Mayor Andrew Betterton & City Council Members, and Melinda, Martha, and Elizabeth

Jean Jenkins

by Neighbors in the Walnut Street Historic District

William (Bill) Kennedy by Billy & Wanda Isom

Dr. Jim Link by Second Sunday Book Club

Jack Don Lokey, Jr. by Suzanne, Emma, and Braden Mauldin

Grace Long by Pearl McFall

Estle Lovell

by Neighbors in Walnut Street Historic District

Johnny McClanahan by Nancy McClanahan

Anne Nelson Underwood by James & Anne Tease

HONORARIUMS

"Mr. Chris" Ferguson by Jessica Hill

For the children by John R. Marticius

Jeff & Sonja Fulmer

Major J.D. Manders by Shoals Writers’ Guild

Dr. & Mrs. M Moeller by Mary O. Fountain

David Phillips by Marissa K. Thompson Locker Farms

by Dixie Carter

Dr. J Harold Parker by Carol Ann Moore, Mr. & Mrs. William Moore, and Mr. & Mrs. David Moore by Cindy Childs by Jimmy & Laurie Parker

George Petty by Anita Cobb

Robert Potts by James & Anne Tease

NeVille Stewart by Abby Carpenter by Thomas & Sandra Murray

Dolores Wagnon Wood by Heritage Preservation Inc. by Robert Bartlett by Jefferey L. Voyles

Ralph Watkins by Neighbors in Walnut Street Historic District

Sarah Watts (Warren) by Neighbors in Walnut Street Historic District

Lois Virginia Willis by Dot Brewer

DONATIONS

Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation

Elisabeth Beyer

Roberta Dort

Barbara Morgan

Bryan Summerhill

Verna White

Thank you to all of the individuals who have contributed monetary donations to FLPL and the Friends in 2022 and 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 July 2022, through the year so far in 2023.

Innovation and Creativity for Health and Wellness: Poets and Innovation Across Alabama with Salaam Green

Thursday, April 13th at 5:30pm in the Library Colonnade

Salaam Green, a certified listener poet, uses her poems to help people, especially healthcare workers, reduce burnout and enhance their self-healing. Her work demonstrates the many ways poetry is being used to improve the health of all Alabamians.

Karen White

Tuesday,May23at11:30am

Karen White is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 34 books including the popular Charleston-set Tradd Street mystery series, The Last Night in London, Dreams of Falling, The Night the Lights Went Out, along with others, with almost two million books in print in 15 languages. She grew up in London, but now lives with her husband near Atlanta, Georgia.

Raised in a house of brothers, Karen’s love of books and strong female characters began in the third grade when the local librarian issued her a library card and placed a Nancy Drew mystery in her hands Her latest book, The House on Prytania, is the second novel in the Royal Street mystery series. It will be released May 9, just in time for her May 23 appearance at the library!

$45 general ticket $40 Friends members

Ticket sales start April 10! Tickets will be available online & at the Circulation Desk.

Summer Reading Program 2023

Monday,June5-Monday,July31

Summer Reading is one of our favorite times of the year! Registration for our Summer Reading Program will open Monday, May 22 at 10am. Be sure to register and join us for Youth, Teen, and Adult programming all summer long! To celebrate 20 years in this building, our Summer Reading theme will be Once Upon a Library- come discover the magic of reading at SRP '23!