Happening at the roswell library

FEBRUARY HOLIDAYS

All Fulton County libraries will be closed on Monday, February 17 in observance of Presidents Day. Remember you can always access your library account and our wonderful electronic resources 24/7, 365. 

FORL WINTER BOOK SALE

Special featured items include: cookbooks, children’s books, and treasures from the storage unit. As always, you’ll find a wonderful selection of books at great prices.

• Friday, Feb. 7 from 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. - No scanners on Friday.
• Saturday, Feb. 8 from 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• Monday, Feb. 10 from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. - Clean-up sale with bargains galore.              

COMING IN FEBRUARY: ROSWELL ROOTS AND ATLANTA AUTHORS PRESENT MICHAEL L. THURMOND

Thursday, February 20 at 6:00 p.m. at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center 

Presented by Roswell Roots, the City of Roswell, Roswell Cultural Arts and Atlanta Authors. Join us for an evening with Michael L. Thurmond as he discusses his book James Oglethorpe, Father of Georgia. This book uncovers Oglethorpe’s evolution from slave trader to abolitionist, propelled by intellectual relationships with two formerly enslaved Black men. For more information, click here: Roswell365-Michael L. Thurmond. Registration is required and tickets are free. Visit Roswell Roots presents Michael L. Thurmond to register.

THE ROCK GARDEN

Our rock garden is growing nicely. Thanks to patrons, volunteers, and library staff for providing decorated rocks and spreading kindness. We still need your assistance to help the garden grow - and keep growing. If you see a rock in the garden and it means something to you, feel free to take it. You can keep it or share it. We also ask you to share a rock or rocks that you painted so others can experience the joy and inspiration, too. We will also have plain rocks available for you to take home, paint and return to the garden. 

SEED LIBRARY

Our Seed Library is going strong. Patrons may check out up to 5 packets of different seeds per family, per month - no library card required, but we do ask that you “sign out” what you take. There are some guidelines to follow and these are posted next to the Seed Library. If you have any questions, please reach out to Cameron Hannon, cameron.hannon@fultoncountyga.gov. Many thanks to the Friends of the Roswell Library for sponsoring the Seed Library.

FOR CHILDREN

New Books!

If you’re interested in seeing some of our new titles, click the links below to see a list of what’s available right now at the Roswell Library. 

• New Juvenile Fiction
• New Juvenile Non-Fiction
• New Juvenile Easy Books
• New Juvenile Picture Books

Thursday Story Times

Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.

Join us every Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m. (unless otherwise noted) for a wonderful program of songs and stories.  Many thanks to volunteer Miss Peggy for leading our story times. 

Neurodivergent Stories and Tunes

Monday, February 3, 3:30 p.m.

Join Miss Jessica for Neurodivergent Stories and Tunes, a special small group storytime geared towards neurodivergent patrons.  Online registration is required. Registration is required and may be made online here: Feb. 3 Neurodivergent Stories and Tunes. Ages 4-8.  Caregivers must remain with children during the program. No official diagnosis necessary to attend, but this program is intended for neurodivergent children.

Kids Lego Clubs

We offer two LEGO clubs for kids.

• Ages 18 months-5 years. Children will use Big Duplo blocks.

Monday, February 3 and 24, 10:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

• Ages 6-12. Children will use regular LEGO blocks.

Monday, February 24, 4:00 p.m.

Bouncing Babies Story Time

Wednesdays, February 5, 12, and 19, 10:30-11:00 a.m.

Please note: There will not be a Bouncing Babies Story Time on February 26.

This program will be led by Miss Jessica and is for ages 0-18 months. Caregivers are asked to stay with their children during this interactive story time. No registration is required.

BiLingual Story Time

Monday, February 10, 10:30-11:00 a.m.

Join us for BiLingual Story Time on the second Monday of each month. Learn some basic phrases while having fun with music, movement, and stories. Perfect for toddlers through early elementary, but all ages are welcome. Caregivers must remain with children during the program. Sponsored by the Friends of the Roswell Library.

New! Don't Judge a Book By Its Movie Book Club, A Special Middle School Book Club

Tuesday, February 11, 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Join us at the Roswell Library for a new monthly book club for Middle Schoolers Grades 6-8*. Read the book and watch the movie and be prepared to discuss how the adaptation compares and contrasts with the original medium.

The schedule is as follows: 

February - Percy Jackson 

March - Artemis Fowl 

April - Coraline 

May - Hunger Games 

This book club will take a recess in June and July and return in August. Book choices for August-November will be voted on in May. *5th graders might be permitted to join if they are reading at a middle school reading level.

New! Miss Gail's Jumpin' Jam

Thursday, February 13, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Miss Gail is back for another fantastic music program! Come on in to dance and sing and enjoy a mixture of original and well known children's songs. No registration required. Ages 6 and under. Caregivers must remain with children during the program. Sponsored by the Friends of the Roswell Library

Yoga for Kids 

Saturday, February 15, 11:00 a.m. 

Ashley DeLuccia leads our yoga classes for children on the third Saturday of each month. This program will be in the classroom. Parents are asked to remain in the room during class and are encouraged to participate. Due to a new system-wide policy, parents must sign a waiver for participation in this program.

Reminder: Participants are welcome to bring their own mat. Please wear comfortable (not too loose) clothing and bring a water bottle. It is best not to eat 1 to 2 hours before class. This program is for ages 5 - 11. Modifications will be offered for limited mobility. 

Kids Art Class with Ms. Lara

Tuesday, February 18, 4:00-5:30 p.m.

Join Ms. Lara and learn how to create art using different techniques! Registration is required and begins February 1. Click here to register: Art Class with Ms. Lara. Ages 6-8. Caregivers must remain with children during this program. Due to a new system-wide policy, parents must sign a waiver for participation in this program. Sponsored by the Friends of the Roswell Library.

Displays

The Children’s Department is featuring a great selection of rotating displays as you enter the department. We also have Book Bundles: a few picture books about a certain theme (family, farm, etc.) are preselected for you to check out. This display is on top of the shelves above the Easy Books.

FOR TEENS

New Books!

If you’re interested in seeing some of our new titles, click the links below to see a list of what’s available right now at the Roswell Library. 

• New Young Adult Fiction
• New Young Adult Non-Fiction

Blackout Poetry

Tuesday, February 25, 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Let your inner poet out with Blackout Poetry. Join Roswell High's National English Honor Society for this special poetry event for teens. Black out the words to create a poem and enjoy the fruits of your labor! Ages 13-18.

Displays

The Teen area features a variety of fun books on display. 

FOR ADULTS

New Books!

If you’re interested in seeing some of our new titles, click the links below to see a list of what’s available right now at the Roswell Library. 

• New Adult Fiction
• New Adult Non-Fiction 

SHIP Medicare Information Sessions

Tuesday, February 4, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 

Are you baffled by all the information about Medicare and various “advantage” plans? A representative from Georgia’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program will be here on the first Tuesday of every month between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to speak individually with Medicare recipients and answer their questions.  Appointments are required and each session lasts about one hour.

Art Class with Sharon Crumley

Tuesday, February 11, 1:00-3:00 p.m. 

Registration opens Saturday, February 1 at 10:00 a.m.  Click here to register: Art with Sharon Crumley. You will see a link to register on the upper right side of the post. These classes fill up quickly, but be sure to join the waiting list. There are often cancellations a few days before the art class. Many thanks to the Friends of the Roswell Library for sponsoring these popular classes.

New! Black History Month: A Visit with Author Deric Gilliard

Tuesday, February 11, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

SCLC member and author/historian Deric Gilliard will discuss his book Living in the Shadows of a Legend: Unsung Heroes and "sheroes" Who Marched With Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in celebration of Black History Month. Mr. Gilliard will talk about the Civil Rights Movement and the unsung heroes and 'sheroes' who made significant sacrifices and contributions towards the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. “Sharing stories about the selfless individuals who helped move the nation forward is one of my greatest pleasures in life.” No registration is required. 

Monthly Meditation for Beginners

Saturday, February 22, 3:00-4:00 p.m. 

In this one hour session, you will learn Isha Kriya, a simple 12-18 minute practice to help you become meditative effortlessly. Attain health, clarity and joy! Isha Kriya does not require meditation experience and may be done sitting in a chair.

This program is for adults; children 12+ must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Due to a new system-wide policy, parents must sign a waiver for children participating in this program.

New! Let’s Craft!

Thursday, February 27, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

The first Let’s Craft! Program was so popular, it was decided to offer it monthly. For February, we’ll continue to paint rocks. Help us spread kindness and grow our rock garden. Make your own decorative rock to take home & help us paint rocks for our garden. Supplies and light snacks will be provided. Registration is limited to 10 and begins February 1. Register here.  Many thanks to the Friends of the Roswell Library for sponsoring our new arts and crafts classes.

Book Clubs

We hope to see you at one of our book clubs in February. New members are always welcome. To join the mailing list for one or all of the book clubs, please send an email to roswell.branch@fultoncountyga.gov. Let us know which email list you’d like to join and we’ll sign you up right away. 

Midday Book Club (virtual only)

Friday, February 14 at 11:00 a.m. -  The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride

Noonday Nosh Book Club (virtual and in person)

Tuesday, February 18 at 12:00 p.m. - Miss Pearly’s Girls by ReShonda Billingsley 

Mystery Book Club (virtual only)

Tuesday, February 25 at 6:30 p.m. - The Kingdoms of Savannah by George Dawes Green

Non-Fiction Friday Book Club (virtual and in person)

Friday, February 28 at 2:00 p.m. - Persepolis 1 & Persepolis 2 by Marjane Satrapi

ESL Classes

Tuesday Mornings - ESL for Beginners

Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 

Classes are free and no registration is required. All materials are provided by the instructor. Many thanks to volunteer Katie for teaching these classes. 

Wednesday Mornings - Conversational English (Intermediate)

Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 

Classes are free and no registration is required. All materials are provided by the instructor. Many thanks to volunteer Jojo for teaching these classes. 

Regular Yoga and Chair Yoga Classes

Chair Yoga, Wednesdays,  1:30 p.m.

Regular Yoga, Wednesdays, 3:00 p.m.

The benefits of yoga are endless: less stress, peace of mind, better movement, better breathing and more. Our Wednesday yoga classes with Mary Veal are popular, but there’s still room for you to join us. No registration is required, just wear comfortable clothes, bring a towel or yoga mat and have a good time. Many thanks to the Friends of the Roswell Library for sponsoring these classes. 

Needle Crafters

Thursdays, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Do you knit, crochet, embroider or practice another needle craft? Each week, needle crafters meet-up and work on their own projects. Bring your own supplies and skills, there’s no instruction provided. Warning: be prepared to laugh and have a good time!

Displays

We have great displays planned for February. We will feature a wonderful selection of books by and about African Americans to honor African American History Month. If you haven’t read Colson Whitehead or James McBride yet, now is a good time to do so. There will be a special display in front of the non-fiction section to promote the Great Backyard Bird Count. The count will be held February 14-17, but we’ll celebrate birds all month long.

We will also give a nod to great Black singers and musicians. In the last few years, new biographies about Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, John Coltrane and others have been published. We hope you’ll take a look at our display near the nonfiction section. Be sure to check out their music for free with your library card via Freegal. Freegal has a lot of great music.