October Events at Decatur Library

This information was provided by the DeKalb County Library System.

October Festival of Writers

 Friday, October 5

Jasper Fforde. International bestselling author Jasper Fforde makes his first visit to the Center for the Book with a literary thriller that just might be his best book yet: The Woman Who Died a Lot: A Thursday Next Novel. Fforde’s Thursday Next books, in the author’s words, “are a series based upon the notion that what we read in books is just a small part of a larger Book World that exists behind the page.” His books skillfully and playfully combine doses of reality with plenty of fantasy and sci-fi, and they have sold millions of copies all around the world. His event is free; no reservations required. The doors to the church will open at 6:00 p.m. for early seating. 7:00 p.m. First Baptist Church Decatur, 308 Clairemont Avenue Decatur, GA 30030.

Wednesday, October 10

Carlos Andres Gomez. Award-winning actor, poet and writer Carlos Andres Gomez is a gifted storyteller with a captivating voice whose power resonates on the stage and on the page. In his new book, Man Up: Cracking the Code of Modern Manhood, he gives us powerful lessons about the cost of aggression in young men and makes clear why squelching emotions can be dangerous. His book is an agent for positive change in men, and it urges everyone -- men and women of all ages -- to rethink and redefine the ways men interact with others, deal with violence, handle fear and express emotion. 7:15—9:00 p.m. Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur 30030. 404.370.3070.

Monday, October 15 

Pam Durban. Prize-winning author Pam Durban returns to the Center for the Book with an eagerly-awaited new novel, The Tree of Forgetfulness. This mesmerizing and disquieting novel recovers the largely untold story of a brutal Jim Crow-era triply lynching in Aiken County, South Carolina. Durban, winner of the Lillian Smith Award, weaves the voices of different characters to give a full narrative of what led to the tragedy and the loyalties that led a community to choose silence over justice. It’s a powerful novel by a most gifted writer who is currently the Doris Betts Professor of Creative Writing at the University of North Carolina. Her previous books include All Set About with Fever Trees, The Laughing Place and So Far Back, and her work has been included in The Best American Short Stories of the Century. 7:15—9:00 p.m. Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur 30030. 404.370.3070

Tuesday, October 16

H.W. Brands. From one of America’s finest historians comes a masterful new biography of a Civil War general and two-term president, The Man Who Saved the Union: Ulysses Grant in War and Peace. H.W. Brands’ book traces Grant’s remarkable rise from obscurity to command of the Union Army and his two terms in the White House. He re-examines Grant’s legacy and provides a convincing and intimate portrait of a man who saved the Union on the battlefield and then consolidated that victory as a resolute and principled political leader. Brands is ideally suited to tell this story; his books include award-winning biographies of Aaron Burr, Benjamin Franklin, Andrew Jackson and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Formerly on the faculty at Texas A&M University, he now is the Dickson Allen Anderson Centennial Professor of History at the University of Texas. 7:15 p.m. Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur 30030.

 Monday, October 22

Justin Cronin. In his number one bestselling novel The Passage, Justin Cronin constructed an unforgettable world transformed by a government experiment gone horribly wrong. In his thrilling new novel, The Twelve (Book Two of The Passage Trilogy), the story widens and deepens as the man-made apocalypse continues, and some will have to pay the ultimate price. It’s a heart-stopping story told with great skill, a gripping tale of sacrifice and survival. The Passage was named one of the best books of the year by The Washington Post, Time magazine and Library Journal, and the early reviews of this second book in the trilogy are just as full of acclaim. The doors for this event open at 6:30 p.m., first-come, first-seated. 7:15 p.m. Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur 30030.

Tuesday, October 23

David Abrams. David Abrams was an award-winning active-duty journalist in the Army for 20 years before retiring in 2008. Now he’s a novelist with a black sense of humor about his experiences in Iraq. His book is titled Fobbit, and it’s a harrowing satire of the Iraq War that is both hilarious and tragic, a book that may well remind readers of Catch-22. Fobbit takes us into the chaotic world of Baghdad’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) which is the “back office” of the battle. It’s where there’s more concern for the show line than military strategy and where male and female soldiers spend more time getting acquainted in Porta-Potties than searching for the enemy. Abrams has a terrific writing style; his stories have been published in Esquire magazine and many literary quarterlies, and he was named the Department of Defense Military Journalist of the Year. 7:15 p.m. Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur 30030.

Wednesday, October 24

Gina Gershon. The Center for the Book doesn’t often have the opportunity to present celebrities outside the literary world, so we’re excited to present a special appearance by the popular film and television actress Gina Gershon. She is the author of a new book that ought to have a wide appeal for pet lovers, especially cat fanciers--In Search of Cleo. It’s all about the star’s desperate and surprising two-month search for her beloved, lost cat Cleo. Along the way, roaming through the back streets of Los Angeles, Gershon met up with an astonishing group of real characters, from hippies to mystics, and even encountered Ellen DeGeneres, who joins in the search and recommended her own pet psychic. Gina Gershon is perhaps best known for her roles in the movies Showgirls and Bound, but she also has appeared in The Insider and Dreamland.  On television, she has had recurring roles in Melrose Place, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and How to Make It in America. This will be a free event with no tickets or reservations. 7:00 p.m. Location TBA.

 For information, call 404.370.8450, ext. 2225 or visit georgiacenterforthebook.org  or dekalblibrary.org

Meetings and classes

 Tuesday, October 9

International Dyslexia Association Outreach Meeting. DeKalb County Public Library and the Georgia branch of the International Dyslexia Association present Creative Brains: Gifted, Talented and Dyslexic, a video documentary. This film highlights ten people with dyslexia who explain in their own words their personal struggles and the steps they took to gain success and develop their talents. Following the screening of the film, dyslexic adults and teens from the Atlanta area will discuss the film and share the strategies they have used to help them reach their goals. For more information, visit idaga.org or call 404.256.1232. 6:30—8:30 p.m. Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur 30030. 404.370.3070.

Tuesday, October 23

Consumer Education Clinic. Are you struggling with debt? If you have been sued for a debt and you have questions, then the DeKalb Volunteer Lawyers Foundation has answers. Local attorneys will discuss information regarding debt cases in DeKalb County and facilitate one-on-one consultations. Participants should bring all documents related to their cases. 5:30—7:00 p.m. Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur 30030. 404.370.3070.

Tuesday, October 23

From the Kitchen to the Medicine Cabinet. Heal Yourself! Join one of Oakhurst Community Garden's favorite teachers, Charli Vogt of Beyond the Measuring Cup, and learn about some of the foods, herbs, and spices that promote health. Taste and learn about foods that restore health and provide comfort. Charli Vogt, RN, MN, MPH and herbalist, has a private practice in Decatur aimed at helping her clients to be healthy in mind, body and spirit. This program is part of a year-long series, "Living the Green Life," to promote and educate the community about a green, sustainable lifestyle. Sponsors are the Oakhurst Community Garden Project, the City of Decatur and DeKalb County Public Library. 7:00—8:00 p.m. Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur 30030. 404.370.3070.

Wednesday, October 24

Senior Advisory Board (SAB). Become a member of the DeKalb County Public Library Senior Advisory Board (SAB) and assist us in planning programs for and about seniors. The Senior Advisory Board is your opportunity to be heard. 1:30—3:00 p.m. Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur 30030. 404.370.3070.

Diversity in DeKalb

Now through December

Diversity in DeKalb…“One County—Many Voices.”  Celebrate the many cultures in DeKalb County at special programs DeKalb County Public Library and the Organization of DeKalb Educators have planned. For a list of the events, pick up a “Diversity in DeKalb” program schedule at your local branch or visit our website at dekalblibrary.org and select “Browse by Event Type” under the “Events” tab; then select –“Diversity in DeKalb.” October program:

Tuesday, October 23

Musical Bookings Luis Stefanell. Luis Stefanell, the son of South American parents, has lived in the Atlanta area for more than 35 years. His specialty is Latin American percussion--conga, bongo, timbale drums, Native American flutes and an array of world percussion instruments from Africa, Asia and South America. Luis has performed and recorded with several legendary jazz and R & B artists. His performance will highlight Latin acoustic world music. Funding provided by the Friends of the Decatur Library. 7:00—8:00 p.m. Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur 30030. 404.370.3070.

Computer classes

Monday, October 15

Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 Basics. Learn how to create a simple slideshow. Mouse, typing skills and some experience with Windows required. Registration begins September 15, 2012. Please call 404.370.8450, ext. 2259. Please be on time. Latecomers may lose their space to walk-ins. 6:30—8:00 p.m. Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur 30030.

Wednesday, October 17

Microsoft Excel 2007 Basics I and II. Learn to identify the basic parts on an Excel document, work with a sample spreadsheet and create a new workbook. Mouse, typing skills and some experience with Windows required. Registration begins September 15, 2012. Please call 404.370.8450, ext. 2259. Please be on time. Latecomers may lose their space to walk-ins. 10:00 a.m.—Noon. Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur 30030.

 Monday, October 29

Microsoft Publisher 2007 . Learn how to use a template to design a greeting card. Mouse, typing skills and some experience with Windows required. Registration begins September 15, 2012. Please call 404.370.8450, ext. 2259. Please be on time. Latecomers may lose their space to walk-ins. 6:30—8:00 p.m. Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur 30030.

English as a second language classes

Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore Street. 404.370.3070.

Wednesdays, 2:00-3:30 p.m. Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore Street. 404.370.3070.

Book discussions

Wednesday, October 31

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë. Funding provided by the Friends of the Decatur Library. 7:00—8:30 p.m. Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur 30030. 404.370.3070.