1. Art and Diseño

Hall County Library System Newsletter
February 2015
If you would like to unsubscribe from this newsletter,
please click here or email the editor.
In This Month’s Edition
Upcoming Closings
Library Hours
Technology News
New!! Adopt-a-Book Program
Friends of the Library News
This Month in Youth Services
Blackshear Place Youth Programs
Gainesville Youth Programs
Murrayville Youth Programs
North Hall Tech Center Youth Programs
Spout Springs Youth Programs
This Month in Teen Services
This Month in Adult Services
Blackshear Place Adult Programs
Gainesville Adult Programs
Murrayville Adult Programs
North Hall Tech Center Adult Programs
Spout Springs Adult Programs
From the Director
Staff Book Picks
Accessing Your Account
Upcoming Closings
February 16 Furlough Day
Library Hours
Monday and Thursday 12pm-8pm (all branches)
Tuesday and Wednesday 9am-6pm (all branches)
Friday 9am-5pm (all branches)
Every Saturday 9am-1pm (Gainesville Branch)
Every 1st and 3rd Saturday (Spout Springs Branch)
Every 2nd and 4th Saturday (North Hall Tech Center)
Sunday Closed (all branches)
For January and February the weekend schedule will be:
Saturday, January 3rd 9am-1pm
Gainesville Branch, Spout Springs Branch
th
Saturday, January 10 9am-1pm
Gainesville Branch, North Hall Tech Center
Saturday, January 17th 9am-1pm
Gainesville Branch, Spout Springs Branch
th
Saturday, January 24 9am-1pm
Gainesville Branch, North Hall Tech Center
st
Saturday, January 31 9am-1pm
Gainesville Branch
Saturday, February 7th 9am-1pm
Gainesville Branch, Spout Springs Branch
Saturday, February 14th 9am-1pm
Gainesville Branch, North Hall Tech Center
th
Saturday, February 21 9am-1pm
Gainesville Branch, Spout Springs Branch
Saturday, February 28th 9am-1pm
Gainesville Branch, North Hall Tech Center
Technology News
Computer Classes
The library system offers free computer classes on a variety of topics. Classes will be held in the
computer training labs at the Gainesville, North Hall, Spout Springs, and Blackshear Place Branches.
For class schedules, please click here.
New!!! Adopt-a-Book
Searching for a gift for someone who has everything? This new program allows you to honor or
memorialize a loved one by placing a book in the collection of any HCLS branch. For more
information, click here, visit any library branch, or contact Lisa MacKinney at 770-532-3311 x134.
Friends of the Library News
The new year has arrived, and that means it is now time to renew your membership in Friends of
the Hall County Library. Your Friends’ membership provides support for many special programs for
the library such as the annual Summer Reading Program. In addition, Friends members receive
“perks” such as our quarterly newsletter and first crack at tickets to special events such as our
annual Princess Party and Mystery Dinner Theater. Click here to read our most recent newsletter
and download your membership application.
Mystery Dinner Theater 2015
“Murder in Movieland,” a mystery dinner theater benefiting the Friends of the Hall County Library,
will be performed the weekend of March 20-21. When the corpse of Britsy Cate Allsin, Hollywood
“bad girl,” is found during a red-carpet gala on the Sunset Strip, it is up to attendees to identify the
culprit and solve the mystery. Suspects will be played by Friends of the Library members, library
staff, and local celebrities. Two performances will be offered, one on Friday, March 20 and one on
Saturday, March 21. Each will take place from 6pm until approximately 9:30pm at the Spout
Springs Library. A Hollywood inspired dinner will be served. Attendees may BYOB.
Tickets are $40 each and must be purchased in advance. The event will also feature a silent auction
of many exciting items. Seating is very limited, so purchase your tickets as soon as possible. Tickets
go on sale to Friends members on January 30 and to the general public on February 9. To purchase
your tickets or receive more information, call 770-532-3311 x134 or email
[email protected].
Thank you to our current sponsors: Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Bread Company, Judy and Bill Chasey,
Cheddars, Diamond Auto Lube and Spa, Elizabeth’s, Gainesville Theater Alliance, Green’s Tavern,
Andy and Sandra Henderson, Hometown Spirits, Interactive Neighborhood for Kids, Joan McDonald,
The Nail Place, The New American Shakespeare Tavern, Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse, 2 Broken
Broads, 2 Dog Café, and Capt. Greg West.
This Month in Youth Services
Congratulations to our wonderful patron Katie Kersh, who read the entire “Nancy Drew” series
in one year.
Storytimes
Winter Storytime Session through February 20
Baby Steps Storytime: (Ages 0-18 months) 10:30AM
Tuesdays, Spout Springs Library
Wednesdays, Gainesville Library
Toddler Storytime: (Ages 18-36 months) 10:30AM
Tuesdays, Gainesville Library
Wednesdays, Spout Springs Library
Preschool Storytime: (Ages 3 and up)
11AM Tuesdays, Gainesville Library
10:30 AM Fridays, Spout Springs Library
Family Storytime (All Ages Welcome!) Wednesdays
10:30AM Murrayville Library
3PM Blackshear Place Library
Spring Storytime Session begins March 9
Join HCLS’s B4 Program! Parents and caregivers of children 0 months-Pre K are invited to join the
statewide B4 program and read 1,000 books to your child before Kindergarten. Sign up at any Hall
County Library to receive your child’s log.
Growing Readers Storytime: Join the new Growing Readers Storytime at the Hall County
Library! The next program will be Tuesday, March 17. There will be no Growing Readers in February
Growing Readers is an afternoon storytime with learning centers for children ages 4-7.
PJ Storytime All ages of youth and families are invited to a PJ Storytime. Enjoy stories, songs, and a
small take home activity. Children are welcome to wear their PJs and bring a bedtime friend. The
next PJ storytime will be Monday, February 9 at 6:30PM at the Gainesville Library.
For more information about storytimes, group reservations, or for special assistance please call 770532-3311 ext. 129.
Youth Events by Branch
Blackshear Place Branch
Join us Monday, February 2 at 5pm and 6pm (2 sessions, 1 hour each) for some interactive
Minecraft play in our computer lab. Registration required; call 770-532-3311 ext. 151.
Read to the Dogs
Tuesday, February 3 from 3 -5 pm. Features 15 minutes of reading with Teddy, Mr. Sheffield or
Maxwell. This program is intended for kids who are learning to read. Dogs are registered with
Therapy Dogs International. By appointment only; contact Ashley Martin at 770-532-3311 ext. 151.
Kids and Kritters
Join us Monday, February 9 at 3:00 pm for pet stories read by Kelley Uber of the Hall County
Humane Society. What type of pet will Kelley bring? All ages are welcome.
Drop in Craft
Come by on Thursday, February 12 during library hours to make a special Valentine to give out.
For more information about any Blackshear Place event please contact Ashley Martin 770-532-3311 ext. 151.
Gainesville Branch
Mommy and Me Meet Up and Storytime
Thursday, February 5 at 3:30pm Children ages 0-5 are invited to a Mommy and Me Meet Up. Enjoy
a short storytelling and then enjoy a play date and learn about family events in the Gainesville Area.
This program is brought to you by HCLS and the Gainesville MOMs club.
Edible Friendship Bracelets
Friday, February 13 from 3-4:30pm Elementary students, make a sweet treat for your best buddy!
Minecraft Play
Thursday, February 19 from 3:30-5:30PM. Break out of the winter blues with an afternoon of
Minecraft! The Gainesville Computer Lab will be set up for multiplayer gaming. For youth only.
Crafting Afternoon
Monday, February 23 drop in between 3-6PM. Unleash your creative side! Youth can drop in and
have some fun at our craft table.
Big Hall Play Date
It’s back!! Tuesday, February 24, 10:30-11:30am All toddlers and preschoolers are invited to an
hour of art themed fun. Join us for colorful centers and of course toys.
Harry Potter Book Club
Thursday, February 26 from 4:30-5pm. Join us for our next meeting of the Harry Potter Book Club.
We’ll talk about “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” and enjoy some snacks and a craft.
Board Game Saturday
Stop by on Saturday, February 28 from 11am-1pm to enjoy a family afternoon of board games,
from checkers to Candyland.
For more information about any Gainesville event call 770-532-3311 x129 or email Adrianne Junius.
Murrayville Branch
Legos at the Library
Monday, February 9 from 6-7pm. Bring your mad Lego skills to the library and let your imagination
flow. Each month you can join other fellow LEGO fans and show off your talents and imagination for
building! Bricks and supplies provided. PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE. Registration is not required.
Cupid’s Arrow Drop in Craft
Friday, February 13 Drop by the library anytime between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm to make your very
own Cupid’s Arrow for yourself or for that special friend. All supplies are furnished and registration
is not required.
Minecraft at the Library
Monday, February 23 – 6:00-7:00 p.m. Minecraft is a popular game about placing blocks to build
things and going on adventures. Come learn about this popular game to play alone or with friends.
Start building your own world!
For more information about any Murrayville event, please contact Kathy at 770-532-3311 ext. 171.
North Hall Tech Center
Writing Pals Homeschool Group
This group meets each Wednesday from 9am-12 noon.
Minecraft Freak-out Event
Thursday, February 26 from 5-7:30 pm Come dressed as your favorite Minecraft character and join
us for Minecraft play in our Minecraft cave. (All Ages)
Valentine’s Day Drop in Craft
Thursday-Friday, February 12-13. Come join us for a Valentine’s Day celebration with lots of FUN
crafts for your Sweetheart.
For more information about any North Hall program, contact the Tech Center at (770) 532-3311 ext. 181.
Spout Springs Branch
American Girl Book Club: Julie
Monday, February 2 at 4pm Discover what life was like in the 1970’s when Julie Albright was a girl. We’ll
be making tie-dye bandannas and enjoying fondue treats—Groovy!
Family Fun Night: Wild West!
Monday, February 9, 6:30pm Giddyup! Put on your spurs & ride into the sunset at Spout Springs. Join us
for stories, snacks, and western-themed games and crafts.
We Heart Art!
Thursday, February 12, 4-6pm Get ready for Valentine’s Day with heart-themed craft projects including
heart ornaments, candy rings, and more.
Kids & Kritters Storytime
Thursday, Februrary 19 at 4pm Join Ms. Kelley from the Humane Society of Northeast GA for storytime
with one of her animal friends.
Minecraft Live!
(Registration Required) Create, mine & fight with your friends. To register, call 770-532-3311 x192, email
us, or visit the youth services desk.
Thursday, February 5 at 5pm
Wednesday, February 11 at 4pm
Monday, February 23 at 5pm
Legos at the Library
Tuesday, February 24 from 4:00-5:30pm Love to build? Come and see what you can build together with
your friends (Age 4+)! Kids age 8+ have the option of working with our simple machines group or staying
with the freestyle building group.
For more information or to register for any of these programs contact Lauren at 770-532-3311 x192.
This Month in Teen Service
Teen Advisory Board Meeting
Next meeting Tuesday, February 3 at 5PM Blackshear Place Library All current, new, and
interested members of TAB (Teen Advisory Board) are invited to the next meeting to discuss
upcoming programs, ideas, and project ideas. This is a great way to build leadership skills and
volunteer in your community. All 6th-12th graders are welcome to attend. For more information
contact Adrianne Junius.
Valentine’s Day Scratch Off Card
Middle School and High School students can drop in to the Gainesville Branch on Saturday,
February 7 between 9am-1pm, and make a cool scratch off card.
Teen Genealogy
Teens Grades 6-12 are welcome to join us on Wednesday, February 18 at 4:00pm at the Blackshear
Place Library as we continue researching our family trees using Ancestry Library Edition.
Registration required.
Happy Chinese New Year!
Thursday, February 19, 6-7:30pm Stop by the Spout Springs teen room to celebrate the Year of the
Goat. Learn about your Chinese Zodiac sign, make confetti rockets and paper lanterns, and sample
some Chinese snacks.
This Month in Adult Services
Events by Branch
Blackshear Place Branch
Blackshear Place Book Club
Monday, February 9 at 6 p.m. Join the Blackshear Place Book Club for a discussion of Candice
Millard’s “The River of Doubt,” which is a gripping account of Roosevelt’s adventure down an
uncharted river of the Amazon.” New members are always welcome!
Bring a project you need help with, or we can find a new pattern for you to try. Maybe you’d just
like to see what other crafters are working on. Whether you can only make a chain, or you’ve been
crocheting for years, come see us! Bring your own materials. Wednesday, February 18 at 2:30pm.
Contact Jeanette White 770-532-3311 ext. 151.
Zumba
Join Certified Zumba Instructor Jue-Jue as she leads a 50 minute workout. This month’s classes will
be offered on February 5, 12 and 26 @ 6:30pm Join us for any or all of these fun sessions.
For more information on Blackshear Place programs, contact Veronica at 770-532-3311 ext. 151.
Gainesville Branch
In the Gallery
During January and February, the Gainesville Library will feature artwork by Jason M. Smith aka
“The Crafty Cowboy” in our gallery.
Chess Club
The Gainesville Branch hosts a Chess Club on Friday afternoons from 1pm – 5pm. All ages and
levels are welcome. Come play, and exercise your brain!
Can We Borrow Your Memories?
Saturday, February 7
Drop-in between 9:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Can we borrow some of your memories? Get your friends and relatives together for a walk down
memory lane as y’all reminisce about people and places of Gainesville/Hall County’s “good old
days.” We need your help identifying people and places from the library’s large collection of
unidentified photographs.
Job Search Workshop
Monday, February 9 at 1:30pm Work on your job search with a Career Center Expert. You will be
able to apply to local area jobs during this workshop. Sponsored by Goodwill of North Georgia.
Building Financial Confidence
Presented Thursday, February 12 at 6:00pm by Regions Bank.
1. What stresses you out and what motivates you about finances? Face your money fears.
2. What can you do to take charge of your finances instead of letting your finances take charge
of you? Get educated.
3. How can you best prepare yourself and be fully confident about your finances?
Greeting Card Workshop
Saturday, February 28, 9:15am – 12:45pm. Can’t find a nice St. Patrick’s Day card? Create your own
unique greeting card. Instruction and materials provided by Patricia Calvery.
For more information or to register for any of these programs contact Gabriele at 770-532-3311 x114.
Murrayville Branch
A Good Yarn Knitting/Needlework Group
Tuesday, February 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This club provides opportunities to pick up
techniques from other enthusiasts as well as form new friendships. For more information contact the
library at (770) 532-3311 X 171.
North Hall Tech Center
iKnit Crochet Club
Each Thursday from 1:00pm - 4:00pm All levels welcomed. Please bring your own hooks and yarn.
Computer Class Schedule
Tuesday, February 10 at 10:30am
The Internet aka “The Cloud”
Tuesday, February 24 at 10:30am
Editing Digital Images
Discover 3D Printing
Friday, February 6 drop in from 10:30 am. – 3 pm. Stop by to see the innovative Makerbot
replicator 3D printer in action. Item costs are .10/gram.
For more information about any North Hall program, contact the Tech Center at (770) 532-3311 ext. 181.
Spout Springs Branch
Early Bird Book Club
The next meeting of the Early Bird Book Club will be held Wednesday, February 4 at 9:30 a.m. We
will be discussing The Castlemaine Murders by Kerry Greenwood. The upcoming title for the March 4
discussion is All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.
eBook Q & A
Thursday, February 5 at 6:30pm Learn how to access FREE eBooks on your device.
Quilling II: Paper Filigree
Saturday, February 7, 10am-Noon Attendance at basic workshop or basic knowledge of quilling
procedures is desired but not necessary. Use of quilling comb will be emphasized. Bring quilling
supplies from basic class or instructor will have them for your use.
Spout Springs Writing Group
Tuesday, February 10 at 11am Anyone with a desire to write a book, has written and/or published a
book, loves to read and critique others’ writing or wants to polish a short story, poem or memoir is
welcome to join this group.
Mobile Career Coach
Tuesday, February 24 from 10am-2pm Search for jobs and create a resume with the help of the
Mountains Regional Commission Workforce Development team.
For more information about any Spout Springs event call 770-532-3311 X 191.
From the Director
Dear Patron,
Gainesville remains the crossroads for Hall County. The town is hard to avoid if you are driving through.
And if you living in the northern end of the county and heading to the Mall of Georgia or coming from
the south and going to Dahlonega or the Dawsonville Outlet Mall, you will pass thru. You really need to
go out of your way to avoid the town.
In 1969 this was a much smaller county. Back then there was no doubt that the city was the center of
attraction for those calling the county home. It is where you went for your doctor, to do business, or to
shop. This was where your court system was and county government. And 1969 was also the year the
downtown library opened the front doors at its current location on Academy moving from out of the
basement of the old county courthouse on Jesse Jewell. And it must have been a big deal for there was
real civic pride in the faces of those attending the grand opening.
I cannot tell you how many I have met who remember their parents taking them to the Gainesville
library for the first time. It had a staircase that wrapped around an elevator. And for many, it was where
they had their first elevator ride; the children’s room was on the second floor so you had only one way
but to go up. At the time, all library services were located on the second floor including adult, reference
and the magazine collections. There was a large meeting room on the ground floor with its own
separate entrance.
I am sure there was more than adequate parking back then. I have seen pictures of the businesses
located in the downtown and the cars parked along the streets. While the town was the county hub and
where everyone came there were still fewer businesses than now, for there were far fewer residents
living in the county.
But how things have changed: Gainesville is still the center of the county and its library still the busiest
branch but businesses have spread out. The road network is different and far easier to get around. And
there are a lot, lot more permanent residents.
The downtown library is now a tired old lady. She is almost 50 years old. Her bricks are starting to sag.
Her sidewalks are crumbling. Her plumbing is long past the need for a large dose of Maalox. And the
electrical is failing like everything else. But she keeps right on standing, still opening her doors to young
and old, welcoming the newcomer and probably even missing the regulars who are no longer around to
come. For she is still eager to serve and knows she would be missed since so many in the community still
use her.
Most kids no longer come to the Gainesville library looking for the elevator ride; having seen its time,
the elevator has been replaced by computers. But there are still the great children’s books. Not only has
the kids writing profession thrived but the illustrators and storytellers all seem to be at the top of their
game. There are some great books out there. And we now have an excellent collection of large print; a
format in 1969 given to extra-large sized books and dominated by English and Canadian authors. Some
of you might remember the Mazo de la Roches or Eleanor Hibbets of the time. Hibbett penned under
such names as Jean Plaidy, Victoria Holt and Phillipa Carr, as many of the authors back then were so
wont to do.
The Gainesville building needs a face lift, maybe even a tummy tuck and a little more muscle in its
infrastructure if she is going to live to be 100. Like I have just said, she is still seeing children and there
are many adults who do visit every day; computers are popular with all ages but many still prefer their
books in an old fashion format. Those who have never used their library much or read many books in a
year do not understand that the ebook is just another format much like the large print or the audio
book. The ebook is there to serve a certain reader. But then it is readers who know and appreciate the
difference and still understand the purpose of a library.
Would it not be great to have a spiffed up old lady to greet all those who visit the downtown. And think
of all our visitors who come to check out the community, hunting for a place to move or locate a
business and wondering just what sort of citizens make up the area. A library still says a lot about a
community’s values.
Hope to catch you in the collection with an armful of books.
Sincerely,
Adrian Mixson, Library Director
Staff Picks:
Great Romances
Administration
Adrian Mixson, Director
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
The End of the Affair by Graham Greene
Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick
Lisa MacKinney, Assistant Director
Out to Lunch by Stacy Ballis
Mariana by Susanna Kearsley
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
Adult Services
Michael Fouch
True Love – A Practice for Awakening the Heart by Thich Nhat Hanh
Love 2.0 by Barbara Fredrickson
The Power by Rhonda Byrne
David Greenwood
Blankets by Craig Thompson
Gabriele Koecher
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Nancy Loggins
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller
The Princess Bride by William Goldman
Blackshear Place
Michelle Schingler
Marley and Me by John Grogan
Circulation
Janine Cline
The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Devereaux
My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares
Cheryl Diaz
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
Tarra and Bella by Carol Buckley
Unlikely Loves by Jennifer Holland
George Souza
Imzadi by Peter David
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Murrayville Branch
Kathy Evans, Manager
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks
Donna Peacock
Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist
Spout Springs
Angela Glowcheski, Manager
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin
The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Lee Ann Cate
This Heart of Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Dream a Little Dream by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Kiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Technology Services
Neil Byrd, Manager
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
Youth Services
Adrianne Junius, Director
Miss You Like Crazy by Pamela Hall
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Every Day by David Levithan
Emily Braselton
Emma by Jane Austen
Love is a Mix Tape by Rob Sheffield
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
Phyllis Haynes
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
Gail Hogan
The Odyssey by Homer
Snowbear Whittington: An Appalachian Beauty and the Beast by William Hooks
Your Account
To get more information on your library account, please contact Circulation Manager.
Editors Lisa MacKinney and Jeanne Hozak
For more information please call (770) 532-3311 ext. 134 or visit our website.
To subscribe or unsubscribe to the list go to http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=hallcolibrary-l&A=1