Join fellow book lovers on for a discussion of The Library Book, a best-selling work of non-fiction by journalist Susan Orlean. The book club will meet on Saturday, May 25, at 10:30 a.m. We have a copy of the book available for check-out. Everyone is welcome to join the discussion. Organic coffee and hot tea will be served.

The Moon Lake Community Library will host author Raymond Atkins this month on May 20 at 6:30 p.m. A graduate of Valley Head High School, Atkins was honored as Georgia Author of the Year for First Novel in 2008 for “The Front Porch Prophet.” With several  critically acclaimed books under his belt, he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Georgia Writers Association in 2017.

His latest novel is “Set List,” which traces the lives of members of a North Georgia bar band from the 1970s to the present day.

Join us for an evening with one of the South's most celebrated voices. The library will offer Raymond Atkins books for sale and the author will be happy to autograph.
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There is no charge for this program. Light refreshments will be served.

raymondlatkins.com

(a partial list)

Laura Ingalls Wilder: A Writer's Life  by Pamela Smith Hill
Presidents of War by Michael R. Beschloss
How to Raise Chickens: Everything You Need to Know by Christine Heinrichs
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Steven King
Send the Alabamians: World War I Fighters in the Rainbow Division by Nimrod Frazer
Decision Points by George W. Bush
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
Us Against You by Fredrik Backman
The Fallen by David Baldacci
Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry
The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian
Robicheaux by James Lee Burke
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah
Body of Lies by Iris Johansen

Game nights in February and March were so much fun, you've asked for more! We've scheduled two Friday evenings this month, May 3 and May 24, at 6 p.m. when we'll come together and enjoy playing games together. Come and play a traditional game or a new one—or bring one of your favorites to teach others.
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Bring a finger food for potluck-style snacking. All ages are welcome.

Many thanks to all who attended “Books and Brews” at Mentone Market in April! We sold a good many books, and everyone enjoyed socializing together. Thanks to the Mentone Market for generously donating $1 for each beer and wine purchase. All together, we raised almost $400.

Huge thanks to Kerry Breithaupt, who led a class on dot mandala rock painting which was attended by 38 people, including many children. Kerry donated her time and supplies, and suggested to participants that they offer a donation to the library. On that one morning, we raised $389.

These are significant funds for our little library and they go a long way towards our ability to continue to purchase relevant books and movies for our patrons.

We also deeply appreciate our “Friends of the Library” for their annual contributions at various levels: Susan Noel, David Darr, and Jennifer Booker (Individuals); Norm & Liz Baker, Chris & Tracey Davenport, Dianne Gamble, Gay & Ron Godbois, Ruth Hathorn, Terry & Dorma Hutcheson, Mary MacMichael, Frank Mason, Anne McLeod & Don Highfield, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Runnells, Dennis & Sheila Traylor (Couple/Family); Margie Brown, John Carr, Francis & Elisabeth Cline, Amelia Kirk Lolli, Anthony & Eleanor Teverino, Jill Whitten (Patrons); Jane Faile & Wayne Gautreau, Mike Houghland, Clifford & Josie LaGuerre, Cynthia & Mickey Luck, Craig & Elizabeth Sheldon, Mellanie Tuttle & Penny Lyday; Ben & Mary Shurrett, Sue Schwarz, Jan Wilkinson (Angels). If youd like to “Be a Friend,” drop by the library or click here.

Research proves that reading is good for all ages, from birth to old age. It affects cognitive skills, as well as empathy and understanding. Children are exposed to 50% more words through reading than by watching TV, according to one study, and older readers have significantly less cognitive decline than non-readers. Did you know that one study shows that reading reduces stress by 68%, more so than listening to music, having a cup of tea, or taking a walk? Many people claim “lack of time” is the main reason they don't read, but another study claims that Americans spend 10 times more time watching TV than reading. The statistics are impressive. Reading is good for you!

We have a wonderful collection of both books and movies, so stop by and see what's new.

Moon Lake Community Library is open to everyone, and library cards are issued free of charge. The use of laptop computers and wireless internet are available free of charge. Copies and prints cost 10 cents each.

– Kelly Leavitt