We're highlighting two events this month

     This month we're recognizing not only Valentine's Day and Presidents' Day, but we're celebrating Black History Month, as well as making you aware of National Heart Month.
Black History Month

• In the Odom Genealogical Library, we've placed a poster provided by the National Endowment of the Humanities from their "Picturing America" series.  On an easel near the entrance is the picture of the painting "Ladder for Booker T. Washington, 1996" by Martin Puryear.  The display includes questions and answers that help us understand the various aspects of this painting.
• In the hallway between the Odom Library and the public library, a poster titled "Explore Black History" shows pictures of several famous African Americans.  To one side of the poster is a list of African American authors.  To the other side of the poster is a list of known African American inventors from 1845 to 1980, with the name of the invention, patent number and date issued.
• The lighted cases in the main foyer hold items provided by Keva Williams and Monique Green.  Photographs are of Keva's grandfather, grandmothers, the Esquire Club Ball and Moultrie High for Negro Youth students (circa 1947-1952), plus various personal artifacts.  The foyer table highlights an African dress and head scarf made by Keva's mother, Avanell Williams.  Books written by African American authors surround the dress.  Also, handouts of Black History puzzles, which were provided by Cray Brooks, are on the table.

National Heart Month

• In the lighted case off the connecting hallway between the libraries, there is a National Heart Month display with information concerning congestive heart failure and what you can do to prevent a heart attack.
• In several areas of the library are displays regarding The Yale Heart Study.  Sharing your heart attack experience can help others.  Information is needed concerning how you obtained medical care during that experience.  To participate in the online survey, go to heartstudy.yale.edu.
• Also, free blood pressure checks will be provided this month by a Colquitt Regional Medical Center nurse in the adult reading area on Tuesday, February 14, 9:45 to 11:45 a.m., and again on Tuesday, February 28, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.  Free informational handouts will be available to the public.

Don't forget to look at our "Friends Book Recommendations" shelf, which holds four great Valentine reads.  And in the aisle on the way to the Children's Library, we have a display table filled with Valentine reads..."From Our Heart To Yours."