Wrapping up February . . . looking forward to March at FLPL

Exploring 100 years of original children’s book illustration

Through March 24

Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts

and the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library

Free

The exhibit, Childhood Classics: 100 Years of Original Illustration from the Art Kandy Collection, continues this month at the library and Kennedy-Douglass Center for the arts.

It features more than 140 original works from more than 75 children’s books, and explores the history of children’s book illustration for past 100 years, from pen-and-ink drawings common at the turn of the century, to today’s modern, digital creations.

This national traveling exhibit is one of the most extensive exhibitions on this subject ever organized.

The exhibit was made possible by The Alabama State Council on the Arts, The Florence-Lauderdale Public Library Foundation, and The Kennedy-Douglass Trust.

Don’t miss this special opportunity to see these incredible illustrations!

Exploring Little Golden Books

5:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28

Florence library

“Little Golden Books Storytelling” with Youth Services Librarian Jessica Hill

Free

Florence-Lauderdale Public Library Youth Services Librarian Jessica Hill will teach us more about the history of Little Golden Books and share our favorite titles along with the memories associated with these classic children’s books.

Exploring censorship

11:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 2

Florence library colonnade

Free

“Censoring Childhood Classics: The Who and Why” with Kristin Pekoll, author and assistant director of the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom

The reasons why children’s books have been challenged in schools and libraries and the people behind those challenges have changed over history. The reasons are at times astounding and obvious. Kristin Pekoll will explore cases of classic censorship and share ways to protect these books and future classics.

Exploring Beatrix Potter

6 p.m. Thursday, March 3

Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts

Free

‘Beatrix Potter: The Woman Behind the Rabbit’ with Betsy Bray,

a Beatrix Potter Society member

As well as being a long-time member of the Beatrix Potter Society, Betsy Bray is a visiting educator and retired librarian. She will present this talk about the fascinating work of Beatrix Potter, a ‘woman before her time’ who was raised by wealthy parents in mid-Victorian London, developed a successful career as a writer and illustrator of children’s books that are still popular worldwide, achieved financial independence, and owned property during an era in which women had few educational options or legal rights, and were barred from most professions.

Understanding Alzheimer’s disease and dementia (click on image to enlarge)

5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24

Library conference room

Free

The 2022 symposiums on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia disorders will begin Thursday, Feb. 24. No registration is required for these free sessions.

Anyone who cares for someone with this disease, has a loved one with the disease, has been diagnosed with the disease, or who is concerned about a possible diagnosis will find this free event helpful. Donna Tidwell, who is a board member for the Coalition for Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders organization and a community educator with the Alabama Alzheimer’s Association, will lead Thursday’s discussion.

Upcoming monthly topics include:

• March 24 – Beyond Memory Loss
• April 28 – Developing a Plan (financial and legal)
• May 26 – Building a Support Network and Care Team
• June 23 – Redirecting Behaviors and Communicating Effectively
• July 28 – Processing Grief
• Aug. 25 – Community Resources
• Sept. 22 – Living in the Moment and Processing Emotions
• Oct. 27 – Celebrating the Caregiver

Go DEEP to manage diabetes

(click on image to enlarge)

12:30-1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, March 1, March 8, March 15, March 22, March 29, and April 5

Be good to yourself and join this free, six weeks Diabetes Empowerment Education Program to learn important strategies in managing and controlling your diabetes! Registration is required by calling 256-324-2851 or 256-764-6564 ext. 128, or email kes0021@aces.edu or sherhonda@flpl.org.

These sessions will address how important it is to understand your body and the risk factors for diabetes. Also included will be how to monitor your blood glucose, how to get and stay active, how to plan meals, and more.

If you have any questions, call Karen E. Softley at 256-324-2851 or 256-386-8571, or email you questions to her at kes0021@aces.edu.