We're bringing the beach to you

     For a person who lives this close to several beaches, I don't get to go as often as I'd like.  In my home I've created my "beach" environment.  I have beachy furniture, lots of seashells, and bright colors.  Most of the time I feel I'm at my beach cottage, enjoying all the pleasures of my favorite place...the beach.
     Now, we're bringing the beach to you, right here at our library.  We've set up seven displays to invite you to join us with some beach time.
     As you come into the front foyer, you'll see all kinds of seashells in the two large lighted cases, so many I couldn't begin to name them all right here.  The shells are from our Odom Genealogical Library's collection, provided by local residents.  A small collection in one corner of the case is provided by Ann, who works here at the library.  She's included some pictures of her family at the beach.
     Our foyer table is covered with books in bright colors of sea blue, hibiscus pink, sunshine yellow, lime green, and mango orange.  The table sign encourages you to "Hang out with the Summer Readers."
     Next to the circulation counter in the foyer bookshelf, you'll find books to "Chill Out With Summer Reading."  Keva has made special effort to find all these colorful books of the greatest interest that have to do with summer and the beach.
     On the long table in the aisle heading to the Children's Library, you'll find books by three of our favorite authors.  We are highlighting Nicholas Sparks, James Michener, and Carson McCullers.  We're also including books by their "read-alikes," Karen Kingsbury, Leon Uris and Ken Follett, Kaye Gibbons and Richard Wright.
     Heading back to the circulation counter, you'll see on the bookshelf just past it, the "Between the Covers Recommendations" shelf.  This time we've reviewed "Rusty Nail" by J. A. Konrath, "Murder Walks the Plank" by Carolyn Hart, "Key West" by Stella Cameron, and "Pelikan" by David Lozell Martin.  I read those reviews and I have to say, they all look like good beach reads to me.  Take a peek at them next time you come in.
     As you walk down our long, white hallway, be sure to look at the wall display.  June is Audiobook Month.  If you're looking for a great summer read for the beach, the car, or the plane, come check out our great reads - hand-held books or audiobooks.  You can even download audiobooks to your MP3 player with our latest resource OneClickdigital from Recorded Books.  These are downloadable audiobooks - all mobile device compatible and easy to access - 24 hours/7 days a week!  See our website or one of our staff members for more details.
     Right around the corner from the wall display, in the lighted glass case, we are highlighting another of our favorite author-illustrators.  This time it is Allen Say, an Asian-American, with amazing talents.  His children's books are wonderful stories from his history and culture.  You're sure to enjoy each book displayed, which we have in our library, and especially if you have a child to read them to.
     We didn't put displays just in the public library.  In the Odom Genealogical Library, you'll see on an easel the painting "John Biglin in a Single Scull, c.1873" by Thomas Eakins [1844 - 1916].  This is a watercolor picture of a summer's day of boating, one of summertime's favorite enjoyments.  The picture includes several questions about the painting that you'll find interesting and informational.
     With July 4th coming next week, it's easy to understand if you're not able to get to your favorite beach.  If that's true, just stop by our place, the Moultrie-Colquitt Library, and check out our beach finds.  We have them here just for you!