Adult Programs   <<  Programs

• Author Programs
• Special Programs
• Asian Heritage Month Programs
• Starting and Growing Your Business the Right Way
• Musical Bookings@ the Decatur Library
• Movies

Author Talks

Kevin Phillips

Nationally known economist and former Republican strategist Phillips makes a return appearance to talk about his new book, Bad Money: Reckless Finance, Failed Politics, and the Global Crisis of American Capitalism. It’s a far-reaching, cautionary analysis of the interaction of politics and money by the author of such important best-sellers as American Theocracy, The Emerging Republican Majority, American Dynasty and Wealth and Democracy.

Tuesday, April 22, 7:00 PM Jimmy Carter Presidential Library, 441 Freedom Parkway.

Townsend Award ceremony

Ten outstanding Georgia authors are nominated for the bi-annual award for the best novel, which will be announced at a free reception (cash bar). The nominees, most expected to attend, are Pearl Cleage (Baby Brother’s Blues), Bob Cupp (The Edict), Renee Dodd (A Cabinet of Wonders), Jim Grimsley (Forgiveness), Greg Johnson (Women I’ve Known), Sheri Joseph (Stray), Terry Kay (The Book of Marie), Nathan McCall (Them), Jack Pendarvis (Your Body is Changing) and Karin Slaughter (Beyond Reach).

Thursday, April 24, 7:30 PM Old Courthouse on the Square, Decatur.

“Letters About Literature” Awards Ceremony.

The annual awards ceremony is one of the highlights of the year: the opportunity to recognize students from around the state whose literary accomplishments have won widespread attention. A dozen students from grades 4-12 will read winning letters they wrote to authors whose books have had a great impact on young lives. The ceremony is free and open to the public; a reception follows.

Saturday, April 26, 2:00 PM Decatur Library

Ellen Feldman

Feldman’s gripping new novel recounts the story of nine young black men in 1931 Alabama accused of fighting and the crime of rape. The book, Scottsboro, based on a shocking true story of racism, sexism and anti-Semitism, is a dramatic account of an incredible and seemingly doomed struggle to save the youths from the electric chair. Feldman’s previous books include The Boy Who Loved Anne Frank and Lucy (about Franklin D. Roosevelt’s lover).

Monday, April 28, 7:15 PM Decatur Library

William Chace

The former President of Emory University presents the second of his informative and entertaining lectures on the life and work of James Joyce. It’s part of our “University in the Library” series that brings in nationally known scholars to help audiences better understand and appreciate the work of some of the world’s great writers. Students are especially welcome for this series.

Tuesday, April 29, 7:15 PM Decatur Library

Sarah Dessen

The New York Times bestselling young adult author arrives for a program featuring her new novel, Lock and Key. Dessen (That Summer, Someone Like You, Keeping the Moon) is a brilliant North Carolina-based writer whose sense of humor and knack for creating fascinating characters have won her millions of juvenile readers. Co-sponsored with the Margaret Mitchell House.

Thursday, May 1, 7:00 PM, Decatur Library

'River of Words'

The annual awards ceremony honoring Georgia's winners in our "River of Words" poetry and visual arts competition is a seasonal highlight. Join us for a first look at the colorful, imaginative works created by hundreds of students from grades four through 12. Co-sponsored with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Project WET.

Sunday, May 4, 2:00 PM, Chattahoochee Nature Preserve

Philip Bobbitt

One of America's foremost constitutional authorities who also served the administrations of Presidents Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush discusses his important new book, Terror and Consent: The Wars for the Twenty-First Century. A front-page New York Times' review calls it "the most profound book on American foreign policy since the end of the cold war." Bobbitt holds an endowed chair at Columbia University Law School and lectures in the U.S. and abroad.

Friday, May 9, 7:15 PM, Decatur Library

Carl Hiaasen

One of America's most popular writers returns with a rollicking new book, The Downhill Lie: A Hacker's Return to a Ruinous Sport. It's laugh-out-loud funny and answers some important questions: how to you retrieve a sunken golf cart from a snake-infested lake? And, which club is best for killing rats? It's a delightful book that lampoons all that is stuffy about the sport and will appeal to seasoned golfers no less than duffers. The Florida author's novels include Tourist Season, Double Whammy and Strip Tease.

Monday, May 12, 7:00 PM (Doors Open at 6), Location TBA

Mary Tillman

Pat Tillman was an American hero who walked away from a multi-million dollar NFL contract to fight with the U.S. Army in Iraq. His mysterious death sent his family into a tumultuous search for the truth, ultimately turning up lies by Army and Pentagon officials and a cover-up of gross, deadly incompetence. His mother's new book, Boots on the Ground by Dusk: My Tribute to Pat Tillman, is a glowing memorial to her son and a powerful report on what she underwent to discover the sad truth.

Tuesday, May 13, 7:00 PM, Jimmy Carter Library

Chris Bohjalian

Bohjalian, whose novel Midwives was an Oprah Book Club pick, discusses his new book, Skeletons at the Feast. A dramatic departure for the best-selling author, it's drawn from real life about two families in the collapsing days of World War II Germany, struggling to survive and to believe in the fundamental goodness of people. Bohjalian's books include The Double Bind and The Law of Similars.

Friday, May 16, 7:15 PM, Decatur Library

Barbara Walters

Perhaps the most famous woman in the history of American television journalism makes a much-anticipated special visit to discuss her new book, Audition: A Memoir. It's an inspiring and riveting book that examines her life fully and analyzes the choices she made as she competed in a heavily male-dominated industry. It is a mesmerizing story that details the risks, the heartbreak and the enormous highs she has experienced in her long, amazing career.

Monday, May 19, 7:00 PM (Doors Open at 6), Agnes Scott College

Mike Farrell

In Just Call Me Mike, his honest and revealing autobiography (with an introduction by Martin Sheen), Farrell details his life growing up in Hollywood, the struggles to become an actor, his happy success playing B.J. Hunnicutt on TV's M*A*S*H, and his growing commitment to social and political activism. In the process, he shows himself a likable, serious and winning personality with a worthwhile story to tell.

Wednesday, May 21, 7:15 PM (Doors Open at 6), Decatur Library

Elise Blackwell

Blackwell (The Unnatural History of Cypress Parish and Grub) is a thoughtful, literary author whose new book, Hunger: A Novel, is set during Hitler's siege of Leningrad. It's a beautiful debut novel of a scientist's deeply moving confrontation with his own morality. Critics call it a searing exploration of the limitations and possibilities of the human spirit. The author is on the faculty at the University of South Carolina.

Thursday, May 22, 7:15 PM, Decatur Library

Sanjay Gupta

The popular CNN medical consultant and Emory University neurosurgeon discusses his intriguing new book, Chasing Life: New Discoveries in the Search for Immortality to Help You Age Less Today. It's a revealing look at the latest research into longevity with a goal of helping us live not just longer but better. Eating the right foods, he says, is a critical element in successful aging along with exercise for the body and the brain.

Saturday, May 24, 2:00 PM (Doors Open at 1), Decatur Library

Alison Weir

The distinguished English historical biographer (The Six Wives of Henry VIII, The Wars of the Roses and The Life of Elizabeth) and novelist visits to talk about her fascinating portrayal of a remarkable queen, The Lady Elizabeth. It's an unforgettable, sweeping exploration of the bloody conflicts between family, religion and conscience that came to define an age.

Tuesday, May 27, 7:15 PM, Decatur Library

Elizabeth Berg

The acclaimed author of more than a dozen novels including Range of Motion, The Handmaid and the Carpenter and Joy School, discusses her exciting new story collection, The Day I Ate Whatever I Wanted and Other Small Acts of Liberation. These are exhilarating short stories of women breaking free from convention as they navigate through emotional landmines.

Wednesday, May 28, 7:15 PM, Decatur Library

Special Programs

The Golden Age of Wine

Ryan Mullins, Master Sommelier and wine consultant for Quality Wine and Spirits, will tell you why we are living in the “Golden Age of Wine,” as well as how to choose a bottle of wine that you will love.

Tuesday, April 22, 7:00 - 8:00 PM Dunwoody Library.

UFOs, Mysterious Lights? Get Answers to Your Questions.

MUFON (Mutual UFO Network), Georgia Chapter will discuss recent news reports and answer your questions about UFO sightings. Learn about the history of UFO sightings and about the group that studies these phenomena.

Saturday, April 26, 2:00 PM Chamblee Library

Writing a Business Plan

The Small Business Administration will tell you what you need to know to write a business plan.

Monday, April 28, 6:00 PM Stone Mountain-Sue Kellogg Library

Gardening Series: How “Green” is Your Thumb?

Join Lynwood Blackmon of the DeKalb Extension Service to learn the basics of environmentally friendly gardening. #1 Composting.

Monday, April 28, 6:30 PM Flat Shoals Library

Gardening Series: How “Green” is Your Thumb?

Join Lynwood Blackmon of the DeKalb Extension Service to learn the basics of environmentally friendly gardening.

1. Lawn Care. Saturday, May 3, 11:30 AM Redan-Trotti Library
2. Water Conservation. Monday, May 12, 6:30 PM Gresham Library
3. Xeriscaping. Saturday, May 17, 11:30 AM Scott Candler Library

Early Brain Development and Learning: It's All About Relationships

for childcare providers and parents

Recent research demonstrates the brain is not completely developed at birth and that experiences in early childhood help determine the brain’s wiring, forming the foundation for later learning, relationships and life success. The relationships that a young child forms with key adults are some of the most crucial components of early brain development. This segment will provide an overview of current research in brain development, along with information about how young children form attachments and how parents and professionals can encourage emotionally secure bonds. Workshop presented by Diane Bales, UGA Cooperative Extension human development specialist.

Childcare providers will receive 2 credit hours for attending. No children please. Registration required. Call 770/270-8234

Saturday, May 3, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library

Veronika Jackson

The internationally-known acoustic guitarist and blues singer brings her exceptional talent and unique sound to the Flat Shoals Library. This is a family program for all ages.

Saturday, May 10, 1:00 PM Flat Shoals Library

La Biblioteca de Chamblee Abre sus Puertas

Venga y entérese de lo que la Biblioteca de Chamblee tiene que ofrecerle. Habrá comida, contactos comunitarios, y una presentación explicando nuestros servicios y los programas que ofrecemos en nuestra biblioteca de Chamblee.

el 10 de Mayo, Desde las 12 del mediodía hasta las 3 PM Chamblee Library

NASA Space Update

NASA Space Program volunteer Ginny Mauldin-Kinney will talk about both past and current projects. For all ages.

Saturday, May 10, 2:00 PM Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library

Oh, the Places You'll Go!

While your branch is closed, discover branches in your community and the resources they offer. Come meet staff and let them share information about the services at their locations and get prepared for “the places you'll go!”

Thursday, May 15, 6:00 PM Embry Hills Library

Food Fights

for parents and childcare providers

Pediatrician Dr. Jennifer Shu, author of Food Fights: Winning the Nutritional Challenges of Parenthood Armed with Insight, Humor and a Bottle of Ketchup and featured on CNN, Headline News and the Discovery Health Channel will talk with parents and caregivers about toddler behavior and nutrition. A limited number of Dr. Shu’s book will be given away to participants.

Saturday, May 17, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library

Healthy Eats for Seniors on the Go!

In Celebration of Older American Month, seniors will learn the facts about eating healthy and have a chance to try some healthy recipes that are easy to make! Presented by DeKalb Extension Service. Registration for this program is required.

Wednesday, May 28, Noon-2:00 PM Scott Candler Library

Self Publishers' Forum and Book Fair

If you have self-published your book(s), here is an opportunity to display, discuss and sell copies. Guest speaker, Ellie Wharton, will talk about the ins, outs, dos and don'ts of self publishing. Ms. Wharton has more than 35 years of experience in sales and marketing, print, and non-print media. Sponsored by the Friends of the Redan-Trotti Library. For more information, contact the Redan-Trotti Friends Group redantrottifriends@yahoo.com.

Saturday, May 31, Noon - 4:30 PM Redan-Trotti Library

Asian Heritage Month Programs

Film: Eat Drink Man Woman

Tuesday, May 6, 7:00 – 9:00 PM, Chamblee Library

Learn to Meditate

Conducted by Shambhala Meditation Center of Atlanta.

Class Limit 30. To register, e-mail lto@dekalblibrary.org or call 404/370-8450, ext. 2257.

Tuesday, May 13, 7:00 – 8:00 PM Decatur Library

Film: In the Mood for Love

In Shanghainese/Cantonese with English subtitles.

Tuesday, May 20, 7:00 – 9:00 PM Chamblee Library

Chinese American Cultural Performing Group (CACPG)

CACPG performs to promote the development, advancement and appreciation of Chinese music, singing, dancing and performance in the community and in the American mainstream.

Saturday, May 31, 1:00 – 2:00 PM Chamblee Library

Starting and Growing Your Business the Right Way

Business Essentials

This is an interactive workshop that teaches business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs ten essential elements for creating and maintaining a successful business. Participants receive valuable information, proven business techniques, marketing ideas, customer service strategies and a simple system for creating a successful business.

• Monday, May 5, 5:45 – 7:45 PM Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library
• Monday, May 12, 5:45 – 7:45 PM Covington Library
• Monday, May 19, 5:45 – 7:45 PM Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library

Musical Bookings@ the Decatur Library

The Jeff and Vida Band

The Jeff and Vida Band is one of the premier acoustic roots acts in the Southeast. With original material ranging from Appalachian bluegrass to alternative country, their live performances showcase Vida's powerful voice and Jeff's superb picking on mandolin, guitar and banjo and tight, well arranged harmonies. Ballads that sound like they could have been written fifty years ago and raucous barnstorming numbers that keep your feet tapping make their shows exciting and unique.

Thursday, May 8, 7:00 PM, Decatur Library

Brian Sullivan

Brian Sullivan is an acclaimed performer and songwriter from the mountains of North Georgia. His rich baritone voice and vibrant stage presence bring to life songs, stories and poems from the Celtic tradition and beyond. As lead guitarist for the internationally touring Celtic band Emerald Rose, Brian has entertained audiences across the U.S. and Ireland.

Thursday, May 29, 7:00 PM, Decatur Library

Movies

Film Movement Series

Screenings of new, award-winning independent and foreign films.

August the First

It is the morning of Tunde's graduation party and things have already begun to unravel. Tunde has managed to alienate his sister, Simisola. His older brother, Ade, persistently plagues him with criticism, and their mother has started drinking again. Unbeknownst to most, Tunde has orchestrated the return of his long estranged father, resurrecting unresolved family anguish against the backdrop of Tunde's celebration. As the day turns to night, old wounds are re-opened and bad habits are revived. Layer by layer, deception and half-truths are peeled away as secrets are uncovered in what will be become the most unforgettable day the family has ever experienced.

• Wednesday, April 23, 7:00 PM Dunwoody Library
• Saturday, April 26, 1:00 PM Covington Library NOTE: This screening (at Covington Library) has been cancelled.

ITVS Community Cinema

Documentaries by independent producers from the Emmy-winning PSB series "Independent Lens." The complete schedule for the ITVS Community Cinema Series is also available (PDF, 233kb).

A Dream in Doubt by Tani Yeager

America's first post-9/11 hate crime murder punctuated a growing wave of violence in retaliation for the terror attacks. Told through the eyes of the victim's brother, A Dream in Doubt travels to Phoenix to tell a personal story of national tragedy, murder, community, and the American Dream.

Tuesday, April 22, 7:00 PM, Decatur Library

Senior Movie Time

All seniors welcome.

Deja Vu, stars Denzel. Washington.

Tuesday, May 13, 11:00 AM Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library

Movie Matinee

Akeelah and the Bee, stars Keke Palmer, Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne.

Tuesday, May 13, Noon. Scott Candler Library

Golden Classic Film Series

Especially designed for those 55 and older.

The Day the Earth Stood Still, stars Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal and Hugh Marlowe.

Tuesday, May 20, 10:00 AM, Decatur Library

Film Movement Series

Screenings of new, award-winning independent and foreign films.

Noise

This is a story about the wrong person in the right place at the wrong time. Two heinous crimes have left a suburban town reeling. Police quickly connect them but are desperate for witnesses as the local community enfolds itself in a shroud of secrecy, borne from fear and an untrammeled mistrust of authority.

A young police constable, Graham McGahan, suffers from a chronic hearing problem and applies for worker's compensation. To his chagrin, he is stationed at a police caravan near the crime scene. Living on the periphery of the investigation, McGahan crosses paths with the various people affected by the tragedies and uncovers an unraveling nightmare of guilt and suspicion.

• Saturday, May 24, 1:00 PM Covington Library
• Wednesday, May 28, 7:00 PM Dunwoody Library

ITVS Community Cinema

Documentaries by independent producers from the Emmy-winning PSB series "Independent Lens." The complete schedule for the ITVS Community Cinema Series is also available (PDF, 233kb).

New Year Baby by Socheata Poeuv

Born in a Thai refugee camp on Cambodian New Year, filmmaker Socheata Poeuv grew up in the United States never knowing that her family had survived the Khmer Rouge genocide. In New Year Baby, she embarks on a journey to Cambodia in search of the truth and why her family's history had been buried in secrecy for so long.

Tuesday, May 20, 7:00 PM, Decatur Library