Music Makers Series info:

Statesboro musician-teacher Michael Braz will share his musical world with interested students in “Music Makers,” a new series at the Statesboro Regional Library.  Open to ages 8 – 12, the six weekly 45-minute workshops will introduce participants to both common and uncommon musical instruments, while teaching the basic “building blocks” of music in a relaxed setting.  We will be learning to play the recorder (which will be provided), as well as gaining more experience with the instrument we always carry around with us—our voice.   We welcome those who can attend all six Thursday evening sessions (March 15^th through April 19^th).  No previous musical training is required. To register please call 764-1344 or stop by the Children’s Help desk at the library.

Franklin Memorial Library will host a Teen’s Valentine Chocolate Party, Monday, Feb. 13 at 4 p.m. Teens are invited to indulge themselves in everyone’s favorite comfort food (chocolate); make chocolate treats; play chocolate games and win chocolate prizes. Teens are also encouraged to create a 2-8 line Valentine Expression and submit to the library by Feb. 11. A prize will be awarded for the most creative expression. Participation is open to area middle and high school students only.

According to Jeremy Wixson, the center’s manager, the Go Fish Education Center gives visitors a fun and interactive look at Georgia’s diverse aquatic wildlife and natural habitats. Among the facility’s most popular attractions are its freshwater aquariums featuring trout, largemouth bass and more; interactive fishing, boating and shooting simulators; a stocked pond for fishing; and underwater habitats from mountain streams to black-water swamps that feature live alligators and other wildlife. “Visitors can also get our tried-and-tested tips on how, where and when to fish in Georgia,” Wixson said.

The Go Fish Education Center is currently open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Through the week, it is reserved for educational outreach programs that include on-site classes for students and conservation-centered public educational workshops and seminars. The facility also can be rented for special events.

“We’re pleased to be joining forces once again with our friends at Georgia DNR to provide Georgia’s citizens with another fun, exciting and educational opportunity like this,” said State Librarian Dr. Lamar Veatch. “For those who live nearby and for those who are traveling in or through the area, the Go Fish Education Center provides a top-notch travel experience. This partnership is a great complement to our State Park ParkPass program.”

Because of the Go Fish pass program’s expected popularity, families interested in borrowing a pass from their local public libraries are advised to plan early, as supplies of the passes are limited. For additional information, including directions to the center and opening hours for the day of your visit, please visit www.gofisheducationcenter.com.

Tip was partial to baked goods and thought nothing of taking anything baked, such as cake, bread or cookies, right off the kitchen counter.  That was about the worst thing she ever did. She was very good protection and everyone felt safe when Tip was there.  She loved everything, all dogs, all cats and all people.

Tip was one of the original “reading dogs” when the library began its popular Reading to Rover program several years ago.  She was perfect for the part – a sweet, calm, extremely attentive reading companion who had a way of making each child feel special. Many children asked for her specifically, and we will all miss her loving presence.

Library Director Sharon Rowe said, “By February The Food Bank is running low after all the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday donations.  Since February is also the month for Valentine’s Day, the timing of this food drive is doubly appropriate.  Our five affiliated libraries in Bryan, Candler, Emanuel and Evans counties will also be participating, with collections going to their local charities.”

The program provides library patrons with a way to reduce or eliminate overdue fines, and provides much-needed donations to The Food Bank, Inc.  Donated goods apply only to fines.

Canned items such as soups, fruits and vegetables, beans, pasta dishes and meats are welcome, as well as rice, oatmeal, cream of wheat or grits packed in individual servings, dried beans, dried pastas, and dried milk may be donated, according to Alton Odom, director of The Food Bank, Inc.

The Food Bank requests that the following items not be donated: cake mixes, pie fillings, soft drinks, jello and pudding mixes, jams, jellies, sugar, spices, coffee, tea, cooking oil, vinegar and all other condiments.

Libraries throughout the United States offer these special amnesty events as a way to allow patrons to relieve their debt to the library and to benefit the community. Donations to the Library are always appreciated.

Many libraries throughout the United States utilize therapy dogs with children to increase their reading level, to build self-esteem, and because it is fun! “New readers may be nervous reading in front of a class or to adults, but dogs are completely nonjudgmental. The library will provide special books that both the child and the dog will enjoy, or children may bring a favorite book from home. A typical afternoon of “Reading to Rover” will include the child, the dog, and the dog’s handler, who is present for the entire session. The child will be introduced to the animal, with a few minutes for paw shakes and head rubs. Then, it’s down to business. It’s the child’s job to read aloud and the dog’s job to listen attentively. For non-readers, an adult may read a book to the child.  What could be more fun than a good book and a beloved pet to help you enjoy the story?

The course is free, but registration is required. All experience levels welcome. The class meets weekly for two hours and is limited to the first 8 registrants. To register, please contact the adult reference desk at (912) 764-1337.  Classes will meet weekly at the library on Fridays, February 10-March 16 from 1:30PM – 3:30PM.

Tax Forms

It’s tax time once again! The library has many of the most common print forms you will need to get your taxes filed. We have 1040A instruction booklets and forms, 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ forms as well as schedules and common forms such as EIC. We also have GA Department of Revenue booklets with instructions and forms for 500 and 500EZ.

If we don’t have copies of the forms you need, we have a book of reproducible forms, OR use the following weblinks to find the forms you need:

IRS FORMS:
http://www.irs.gov under forms and publications
GEORGIA STATE FORMS:
https://etax.dor.ga.gov , or https://etax.dor.ga.gov/inctax/individual_income_tax_forms.aspx

Tax Preparation Assistance

Volunteers from VITA and AARP will be available to provide free tax help for older taxpayers and people with low and moderate incomes at the following libraries:

Free One- On-One
Computer Lessons for Older Adults (AGE 60 AND OLDER)

Set up one-on-one computer lessons with a Georgia Southern University student. These free hour long lessons are tailored to your interests and abilities. Some options are: computer basics, internet basics, and social networks (email and facebook). Sessions are held at the Statesboro Regional Library, 124 South Main Street.

The lessons begin the week of February 6th and continue until April 20th. You may start at any point and take as many lessons as you would like. For more information or to register, contact the Library’s Adult Reference desk at (912) 764-1337.