Make Connections at the Library

BY TOM BROOKS

The west Cobb region libraries are great places to meet people and engage in positive conversations for the benefit of the community and you. Cobb County Public Library workers are committed to creatively supporting the civic infrastructure — schools, public parks, museums, playgrounds — designed to promote personal growth and positive change. Spring is an excellent time to discover how you can make meaningful connections by joining people at these community bright spots. We encourage you to explore the programs, events, clubs, and print and digital resources your Cobb libraries offer, and if you haven’t visited in a while, please add library visits to your calendar.

“There’s More to the Story” is the theme for National Library Week, April 23-29. Sure, most people know libraries are crowded with stories — picture books, juvenile and adult books, audiobooks, e-books, park passes, digital devices to check out. But there is more. The west Cobb region story is about children discovering their voice. They start with baby and toddler storytimes and grow into students using support they find in libraries to advance, adults gaining access to resources for personal development and economic vitality, and seniors reconnecting with libraries for enriched lives. Visit a Cobb library in April or stop by librarysponsored programs in the community. Be part of the full story.

Cobb Civic Center

548 S. Marietta Parkway, Marietta

• The Cobb Library Spring Book Sale: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April 14-15 and 1-5 p.m. April 16. The sale features books for all ages, DVDs, books on CD and audiocassette, and magazines. For details, visit cobbcat.org/booksale.

Kemp Memorial Library

4029 Due West Road, Marietta, 770-528-2527

• Project Linus Blanket Circle: 1 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month. Knitters and crocheters join neighbors in making blankets, from no-sew fleece tie blankets to fancy quilts, for children served by Project Linus.

• Cooking Club: 1 p.m. the fourth Thursday of each month. Share recipes and dishes in a fun and relaxed environment. Upcoming themed sessions include Plantains, Breakfast for Dinner, The Incredible Edible Tomato and Meatless Meals.

North Cobb Regional Library

3535 Old 41 Highway, Kennesaw, 770-801-5320

• Early hearing detection and intervention event:

5:45-6:45 p.m. April 12. Cobb and Douglas Public Health will be on-site for babies, up to 18 months. Determining an infant has hearing loss through early screening and referrals to intervention services gives the child a better chance for language development. No registration required.

• The Lit Squad, A Walking Book Club for Busy

Adults: Meets at trails in the Acworth-Kennesaw area at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Join neighbors to walk, discuss books and explore the community.

Stratton Library

1100 Powder Springs Road, Marietta, 770-528-2522

• Freestyle Club: 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday. Freestyle involves generating improvised lyrics over an instrumental beat and is great mental exercise for music lovers. Ages 13 and up.

Swift-Cantrell Park

3140 Old 41 Highway, Kennesaw

• Fall-Prevention Nature Walk: Open through May 12 on the park’s inner loop. North Cobb Library and Kennesaw Parks and Recreation are collaborating on the first installation of the Fall Walk. Developed by the Georgia Department of Public Health, in collaboration with leading injury-prevention organizations, the walk includes evidence-based information stops designed to start a community conversation on safety for all ages.

West Cobb Regional Library

1750 Dennis Kemp Lane, Kennesaw, 770-528-4699

• West Cobb Craft Club: 10 a.m.-noon each Thursday. All skill levels welcome, including beginners, to knit, crochet or create any other craft and to make new friends.