August “Total Reads” Blog

 

 

The past two months have been a whirlwind of library programs and outreach events. While it was hectic, we survived and will do it all over again next year.  Youth Services will take a small break from programs to rest up from all of the fun that was Summer Reads.

Meanwhile, we have several programs for adults this month. We have two FYI programs coming up. The first one is Wednesday, August 5^th, with local author Becky Alexander. She will be sharing the latest book in her Coffee with God series, Coffee with God (Volume 6): 31 Red, White, and Blue Devotions. There will be a demonstration of the 13 folds in the American flag and a chance for attendees to try it themselves. Copies of her latest book will be for sale during the program.

The other FYI this month is the last one we have scheduled with Dr. Jetaun Bailey. She will present “Emotional Intelligence in Everyday Life: Building Awareness, Connection, and Intentional Communication” on Wednesday, August 26^th. Both FYI programs will be held in the Community Room from 12noon until 2:00pm.

The third program (for adults 18+) is called Happily Ever After at DPL and while it is free, in order to attend you must register. The program will be held in the Community Room on Thursday, August 27^th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Happily Ever After at DPL is our way of celebrating Romance Awareness Month, the romance genre, the authors who write the books and the readers who read them. Seating is limited and registration is required. Each attendee will receive a free bottle of romance-themed swag and have a chance to enter their name in the drawing for the door prize (a romance inspired goodie basket) by taking part in the activities. For more information or to reserve your place call (256-340-5780) or come by the Marketing and Outreach office.

August in north Alabama is typically hot as Hell, so the task for this month is spot on. Read a book where one of the seven deadly sins is the motivation for the main character. In case you have forgotten, the sins are: pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth. The task only requires one of the seven to be the motivation, but extra points for those over achievers who find a really rotten character that is motivated by multiple deadly sins.

Happy Reading!

July "Total Reads" Blog

 

The year is speeding by at breakneck speed and we have had some dino-fabulous fun at DPL this summer. Our Youth Services room now has 2 beautiful dinosaurs courtesy of local artist David Thompson: the orange and green Stegosaurus outside the entry, and a diving pterodactyl on the wall over the easy readers. If you haven’t been in Youth Services lately, go take a look at our new dino-tastic décor.

There are some great programs coming up. Don’t miss Revolutionary Stories: Celebrating the US and the Declaration of Independence, 1776-2026 (tomorrow) this Wednesday, July 8^th from 5pm to 7pm. There will be activities for all ages, a character gallery of some of the people who were alive during the time of the American Revolution, and educational displays. The main showcase will be a 6pm reenactment of the first reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 1776. Local actor Chuck Puckett will be portraying Colonel John Nixon, who was the historic first reader. This program is made possible by a partnership with the Stephens Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Tennessee Valley Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, local author and historian Peggy Towns, local actor Chuck Puckett, quilters Marty Lawson, Laura Miller, and Emily Whittier. We hope you can all join us to celebrate this historic milestone for our country.

The July task for the Adult Reading Challenge is to read a book set anywhere in America that you have been or would like to visit. Our country celebrates 250 years this month so read a book that allows you to experience a part of our large and diverse country. The United States of America has something for everyone, from frozen mountains to sandy beaches. Where is your favorite place or a place you hope to visit?

Happy Reading!