Thoughts From The Stacks

A weekly blog from the minds of our staff

10 February  It Is All Ancient History

I have mixed feelings when it comes to history.  They (who “they” are I cannot specify) say that, as you get older, you become more interested in history.  I must not have reached that age yet.  My main issues against history are that a) we seem to obsess over it when there is nothing that can be done to correct it – it happened; b) we have yet to learn from it even though we obsess over it; and c) it is served to us through the lens or filter in which we choose to present it.  (And when it comes to ancient history, we attach truisms to it when we only understand it in the context of our present day.)

I don’t mean to imply that I am completely dismissive of history.  I do enjoy learning about different places and their pasts.  Take for example the library in its current location: the building in which we are housed (sans expansions) used to be the bus station.  It makes sense that the bus station energy would call to the library, as we are also an institution of comings-and-goings, new adventures, collective stories and growing community.  I am also of the opinion that we should be using the wisdom of the past to guide our present.  I find that, at times, we seem to believe that how things were once done should apply to the forever, but that completely disregards the undeniable truth that the only constant is change and dismisses the knowledge of the present we have gained over time. 

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Programs for Adults

Library Board of Trustees Meeting

Monday, Feb 13, 1:00pm

The Board of Trustees of the Thomas County Public Library System will hold a regular Board Meeting on Monday, February 13, 2023 at 1 PM at the Headquarters Library in Thomasville.  Open to public.

Meeting Agenda

Book To Art Book Club

Tuesday, Feb 14, 3:00pm

Break out of your reading "comfort zone" with the TCPLS Book To Art Book Club.  In addition to lively discussion over a monthly shared read, Club members create their own artwork based off themes from the book during the meeting.  New members are always welcome.  Speak with marketing + outreach coordinator, Samantha Hanchett, to join. ([email protected] / 229-225-5252)

Sign Up

VITA Assisted Tax Filing

Tuesdays, Feb 7 - April 18.  By Appointment Only.

Volunteers from the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will be will be offering free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.  These qualifications include:

- People who generally make $50,000 or less;
- Persons with disabilities; and
- Persons 65 years or older.

Appointments must be made via phone or in person with our Reference Desk.  Call 229-225-5252 for more details.

Beginner Yoga

Wednesday, Feb 15, 9:45am - 10:45am

An introductory yoga class that moves slowly through a simple vinyasa sequence, focusing on alignment and breath while working on strength, balance and flexibility.  Great for beginners to yoga. Be dressed for movement and flexibility. Bring a mat, if possible. However, yoga supplies are available to those without.

Sign Up

Friday At Noon (presented by ACTU)

Friday, Feb 17, 12:00pm

Join us at the library for free classical concert presented by Thomas University’s Arts for the Community (ACTU) featuring the talents of foremost blues scholar and acoustic guitarist, Dr. David Evans.  David Evans is a historian/musician and retired professor, specializing in the Blues.

A free lunch will be provided following the concert courtesy of the Thomas County Public Library.

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Friends of the Library Used Book Sale

Every Tuesday, 10:00am - 5:00pm

Our Friends the the Library used book store is open every Tuesday, from 10am to 5pm.  Here, you will find hardbacks, paperbacks, DVDs, magazines, puzzles and more.  All softly used and in good condition.  Nothing over $5.00.  All proceeds are used to help fund library programs and materials.

Programs for Youth

Arts + Crafts Time

Tuesday, Feb 14, 4:00pm

Allow your child’s imagination to blossom through our monthly Arts + Crafts Time. Once a month, we offer a fun and accessible art activity, ranging from watercolor painting to paper crafting to air-dry sculpting.  This month, we will be making a heart mosaic papercraft, perfect for sharing with a loved one.  Intended for ages 4 – 11 with their caregivers.

Story Time: Toddlers + Tykes

Thursdays, 10:30am

Join us every week in the Children's Department for an hour of stories and fun!  Enjoy a few great books, sing songs and recite rhymes designed to enhance the literacy of your child. Every Story Time is wrapped-up with a fun, simple art + craft project.  An excellent space to meet others in the community!

LEGO Club

Thursdays, 4:00pm

Calling all kid LEGO masters and first-timers!  Our LEGO group meets every week to create and build whatever they can imagine.  A great place to meet and mingle with other children interested in 3D creation.  We also offer larger LEGO bricks for those who may find the smaller bricks tasty.  Intended for ages 4-11 years with their caregivers.

See Full Calendar

Programs At Our Branch Libraries

Boston Library -

Make-A-Valentine (All-Ages)

Tuesday, Feb 14, Drop-In Activity

Create your own valentine to give away to a loved one. We have stencils, craft paper, paint, stamps and more to help you design a unique token of love. 

Quiddler Club

Tuesday, Feb 14, 2:00pm

Every Tuesday the Quiddler Club meets to socialize and enjoy a few rounds of the word-card game, Quiddler. The object of the game is to get points by combining the lettered cards in your hand and make words.

To join or have any questions answered, call Suzanne Moore at the Boston Library at 229-498-5101.

Coolidge Library -

Bingo

Tuesday, Feb 14, 2:30pm

Join the Coolidge Library’s monthly Bingo game.  Enjoy a few friendly rounds of Bingo while meeting and mingling with others from the community.  Intended for ages 16+

Arts + Crafts for Kids

Wednesday, Feb 15, 4:30pm

Join us after school with your child and allow their imagination to soar!  Create your very own Diamond Art masterpiece, one shimmering resin rhinestone at a time! No artistic ability required.  Let your mind wander and Paint With Diamonds^TM!  Intended for ages 2 – 11 with their caregivers.

Meigs Library -

Make-A-Valentine (All-Ages)

Tuesday, Feb 14, Drop-In Activity

Create your own valentine to give away to a loved one. We have stencils, craft paper, paint, stamps and more to help you design a unique token of love. 

Ochlocknee Library -

Story Time + Craft: The Day It Rained Hearts

Feb 13 - 16, Drop-In Activity

Drop in anytime during open hours (1:30-6:00pm) for a few read-aloud storybooks and a fun papercraft.  We will be reading the heart-filled story, The Day It Rained Hearts and showing your child how to make their own raining heart rain cloud!  Intended for age 2 – 6 with their caregivers.