Art in the Library
The Friends of Freedom Public Library invite you to celebrate Art in the Library. Each Tuesday in October from 3 to 7 p.m. several groups who meet at the library will display their creations for all to enjoy.
Oct. 6 - Freedom Quilters
Oct. 13 - Artist Club of Oak Run
Oct. 20 - The OTOW ShutterBugs Photograph Club
and Ocala Decorative Artists
Oct. 27 - Freedom Writers Group of Florida Writers Association
and Creative Memories Scrapbookers
You won’t want to miss this fine art display in its many varied forms.
Friends say “Thank You”
A large number of readers attended our book sale with one purpose in mind: obtain good books at unbeatable prices, which is exactly what we offer. All three days were busy, busy, and we thank all who participated in helping make this sale another great success.
All proceeds go toward purchasing items needed by the library that are not covered in the county’s budget.
Master Gardeners
Marion County Master Gardener, Madeleine Braisted, will give her popular “Gardening for Butterflies” presentation on Tuesday, October 13, at 2 p.m. inside the library toward the back. This informative presentation includes the life cycle of the butterfly and how to choose nectar and host plants for attracting butterflies to your garden.
Victor Di Genti comes to Ocala
On Wednesday, October 14, at 2 p.m., author of the adventure/fantasy Windrusher novels, Victor Di Genti, is scheduled to speak at the downtown Marion County Public Library, Meeting Room C. Presented by the Friends of the Ocala Public Library, the program is free and open to the public. Mark your calendars and plan to attend for an entertaining afternoon.
This month’s exhibits
As you enter the library, stop at the glass case on your right. Model shipwright Norman Johnson has on display three intricate ship models, including a two-masted Pinky schooner called “Glad Tidings.”
Wander further into the library, beyond the carousels of books, to ShutterBug member Charlie Smith’s “Impressions of Yellowstone.” The Fire Hole geyser is an eye-catcher as is the serene vista of Jackson Lake.
Still further back, you’ll find an art exhibit by Carol Hall, the Art Club of Oak Run’s Artist of the Month. Enjoy her watercolors and the lifelike pastel of a snow-sprinkled Gray Wolf.
Coloring Contest winner
The Miami Dolphins football team sponsored a county-wide coloring contest in August, open to grades K thru 9 and divided into three categories.
We have it on good authority that judging was not easy. We waited and wondered for weeks after the contest closed at the end of August, and at last the winners were chosen. One of our young library patrons emerged a winner.
Ten-year-old Omar Kasem, a fifth grader at Hammett Bowen, Jr. Elementary School, colored his entry in superhero costumes. The “Super Football Players” never looked more “super” than clothed as Spiderman, Superman, Batman, etc.
Omar’s mother, Alia Kasem, said of his planned submission, “I wasn’t sure superhero costumes were a good idea, but Omar was excited about it.” Now in her last year of studies at University of Central Florida, Alia plans to become a teacher.
Omar’s creative and colorful submission won the Grades 7 thru 9 category, and this wasn’t his first win. In May 2008, the South Marion Citizen and West Marion Messenger co-sponsored “Read on the Green,” the library and Friends’ festival held in Liberty Community Park. Omar’s glittery entry won the coloring contest in the 8-to-10-year age group.
Congratulations, Omar! And thanks, Miami Dolphins, for a terrific contest.
Library Hours
Freedom Public Library is open six days a week, Monday through Saturday, closed on Sunday. Open times are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. For questions, or to arrange an appropriate time for your group, call Heather Ogilvie, 438-2580.
