The Library List: Atlanta Public Library has many upcoming events

Atlanta Public Library will have a Mosaic Stepping Stone art class Saturday, May 20th from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., according to Librarian Kendra Harrell.

“Join us for a mosaic stepping stone workshop,” Harrell said in an online flier. “Finish with your own custom stepping stone for your garden.”

Harrell said the workshop is for adults and teens 16 and older because they will be working with glass and hot glue guns. Since seats are limited, the library asks that you register ahead of time by contacting the library at 903-796-2112.

Harrell said she used to work at a stained-glass studio and will be teaching the class–which is free through city programming funding.

“I try my best to make sure all our programs are free,” Harrell said. “I’m donating the glass I acquired from all the inventory at the old store.

Programs like the summer reading program, which are also free, are covered in cost by Friends of The Atlanta Public Library, who just held a book sale to help fund the summer reading program, as well as recruiting members.

“Friends of the Library has sponsored all of our summer reading programs for more than 20 years,” Harrell said.

One of Friends of the Library’s largest fundraisers–The Chocolate Party, is slated for June 15 from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

The fundraiser needs chocolate donations for the party and will accept any kind of chocolate–be it candy bars, baked goods or anything else chocolate you can think of. Chocolate donations are being accepted either the day before or the same day of the party.

“To attend the chocolate party is completely free, donations are accepted but it is completely free,” Harrell said. “It is mainly an attempt to get people to just come into the library and see what all we have to offer.”

Eating chocolate is a great excuse to come to the library and get together, she said.

“Also, the schedule for our summer reading program will come out sometime this week,” Harrell said. The program is aimed mostly at ages 4-10 and sometimes brings readers and authors out with lively characters, such as one who brought out a real spider monkey.

“Last year when we had Miss Maria come out, she got the kids involved in songs and the kids got to put on a little show with Maria,” Harrell said. “She’s a schoolteacher and is just a lot of fun.”

You can show your support for Atlanta Public Library by joining Friends of the library. The cost to join is $5 for individuals, $10 for family membership and $25 dollars for business membership. There are forms at the library that you can fill out and checks are accepted made payable to Friends of the Atlanta Public Library.

As a member, you can show your support by joining and contributing—even if you can’t attend meetings or volunteer.

The group helps the library pay for special equipment, building updates (such as flooring), staff professional development, in addition to funding the summer reading program.

Some members choose to volunteer in activities such as sorting donations, cleaning, assisting with programs, help patrons with genealogical research, and shelving books.

Friends of the Library routinely fundraises for the library through book sales, the upcoming chocolate party, bake sales, soup sales, and membership fees/donations to help their local library succeed.