Online Only
Summer Fun
Posted April 2009

Summer Reading & Writing
Be Creative @ Your Library this Summer and Write Short Stories: Calling all young authors and illustrators…the Children’s Area wants to see how creative you can be!  From May 21- July 30, we will be accepting short stories to include in a book that will be added to our very own collection.  Each child is permitted one submission that totals four pages in length. Additionally, the participants will be invited to a book release party and given the opportunity to share a portion of their work at the end of summer.  Limited to children ages 10 and under. 

Be Creative @ Your Library, 2009 Vacation Reading Program
Be Creative @ Your Library Summer Reading Program encourages children and families to keep reading during the summer months. There is much evidence that continued reading over the summer will contribute to maintaining skills.

Who is it for? Kids from newborn to age 11. Children leaving the fifth grade can choose to participate in the reading program in either the Children’s Area or the Young Adult Area. Visit each area and decide which one you like best.

How do I sign up? Pick up a Be Creative @ Your Library Summer Reading log and bookmark at the Children’s Area desk. Write down the names of books you read (or listen to), or how many hours you read or listen to books. Earn prizes by reading the required number of books or hours. We have one set of prizes for each reader.

Athens-Clarke County Library
May 21– August 6, 2009
2025 Baxter Street, Athens
(706) 613-3650 www.clarke.public.lib.ga.us
Programs for children and their families will be offered every Tuesday @ 2:30 pm and every Thursday @ 10:30 a.m. starting May 26th and ending July 30th.

Oconee County Library
Beginning Tuesday, May 26.
Come to our kickoff event, magician Chad Crews, on Wednesday, May 27 at 2:00 pm.
1080 Experiment Station Rd, Watkinsville
( 706) 769-3950 www.clarke.public.lib.ga.us/oconee

Downloadable Audiobooks Now Available
Downloadable audiobooks are now available for library patrons to download for free. Audiobooks can be downloaded to your PC or Mac, burned to a CD (when allowed by the publisher), or transferred to a supported portable device.

This service will be available 24 hours, seven days a week for patrons to download titles from home using their PINES library card and pin number. Patrons cannot download audiobooks at the Library. However, staff will be available to assist with questions related to this service.

Georgia Download Destination

Below is the June 2009 Calendar from Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites. More information on events, including accommodations like cottages, hotel-style lodges, campsites and yurts, can be found at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org or 1-800-864-7275.

June 6, 2009 is National Trails Day sponsored by the American Hiking Society.  Check the event calendar on www.GeorgiaStateParks.org for trail events near you.  Get off the couch and into the great outdoors.

Northern Georgia

Georgia Master Naturalist
Mondays, June 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge–Helen
In cooperation with the University of Georgia Extension Service, we will offer a nine-week training in conservation and wildlife issues relevant to our southern Blue Ridge eco region. Register by May 2. $150 plus $3 parking. (706) 878-3087.

Saturday Evening Concert Series
Saturdays, June 6, 13, 20 and 27
Unicoi State Park and Lodge – Helen
Some of the best musicians in the area perform a variety of music, from Appalachian Mountain to bluegrass to Southern gospel. "Pass-the-hat" donations plus $3 parking. 800-573-9659 ext. 305.

Kaleidoscope
Saturday, June 6, 7 a.m.
Sunday, June 7, 10 a.m.
Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge – Dawsonville
The ever-changing kaleidoscope inspires this weekend’s event as we focus on the preservation of our natural resources. Events will include our popular fishing rodeo called “To Tempt a Trout,” a celebration of National Trails Day, and conservation-oriented programs. $3 parking. (706) 265-1969.

A Day in A Miner’s Life
Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. 
Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site – Dahlonega
Peek back at life in the 1830s with demonstrations on gold panning, blacksmithing, shingle making, pioneer tools, candle making, folk toys, spinning, pine needle basket making and more. $3.50-$5. (706) 864-2257.

Appalachian Jam in Dahlonega
Saturdays, June 6, 13, 20, 27, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site – Dahlonega
Listen to the sounds and songs of yesteryear. North Georgia's mountain music singers and pickers will appear on the grounds of the historic Dahlonega Gold Museum every Saturday. Enjoy acoustic and old-time strings as the sounds of yesterday fill the air. (706) 864-3513.

Children’s Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park – Summerville
Children 15 and younger can bring their own fishing gear to catch a limit of five catfish from a well-stocked lake. $3 parking. (706) 857-0826.

Full Moon Canoe Trip at Tallulah
Saturday, June 6, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls
Enjoy a relaxing paddle around Tallulah lake as the full moon reflects off the water. This ranger-led event is an exciting way to get out in the evenings and enjoy nature. Space is limited, so register in advance. $4 parking. (706) 754-7981.

Forks in a Stream – Cherokees in the Tugaloo Valley
Saturday, June 6, 8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Tugaloo State Park – Lavonia
Learn about the Native Americans that lived along the banks of the Tugaloo River before the arrival of the white man. Artifacts, tools, games and crafts will be displayed. $3 parking. (706) 356-4362.

Visiting Artist Series at Unicoi
Saturdays and Sundays, June 6, 7,13,14, 20, 21, 27 and 28
Unicoi State Park and Lodge – Helen
Several talented artists and craftspeople from Georgia and surrounding states will demonstrate and have samples of their work for sale. The program lasts each weekend from Memorial Day through mid-November. $3 parking. 800-573-9659 ext. 305.

Hiking in Helen
Saturdays, June 6,13, 20 and 27, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.  
Unicoi State Park and Lodge – Helen
Join this fun guided hike that travels three miles from the park's lodge to Helen. Participants can hike back three miles or return by shuttle. Bring lunch. Register in advance. $3 parking. 800-573-9659 ext. 305.

Free Fishing Day in Royston
Saturdays, June 6 and 13  
Victoria Bryant State Park – Royston
No license is required for this special day of free fishing. $3 parking. (706) 245-6270.

Civil War Encampment
Saturday and Sunday, June 6 and 7, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.  
Victoria Bryant State Park – Royston
Join us for a presentation of Civil War camp life, including black powder presentations, drills, musket firing, hatchet throwing and cooking over a fire. $3 parking. (706) 245-6270.

Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike
Sunday, June 7, 8:30 p.m.– 10:30 p.m.
Monday, June 8, 9:15 p.m. – 11:15 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls
Hike by the light of the full moon to the park's suspension bridge where you will learn about sensory awareness and how animals survive. Register in advance. $4 parking. (706) 754-7981.

Family Camp at Unicoi
Weekdays, June 8 through June 12, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Unicoi State Park and Lodge – Helen
Make your family vacation memorable by attending fun classes and outdoor workshops with your family. Activities include canoeing, archery, wilderness survival, stream studies, and more. No age limit. Register in advance. $20 adult, $10 child five and older. $70 maximum per family. $3 parking. (706) 878-2201 ext. 305.

Senior Citizen Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 13, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park – Summerville
Ladies and gentlemen 65 and older can enjoy using their skills to bring in the largest catfish. Bring your own bait. $3 parking. (706) 857-0826.

Overlooked Native Plants that Perform in the Landscape
Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m. -12 p.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge–Helen
Naturalist Jack Johnston will share tips on trees for bloom and form, shrubs for fragrance and color, growing rare Mountain Camellias, and perennials for sunny areas. A short walk will highlight native plants in their natural setting. Register in advance. $3 parking. (706) 878-3087.

Kids Fishing Rodeo at Vogel
Saturday, June 13, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Vogel State Park – Blairsville
Join kids 12 and younger to fish our stocked trout stream. Prizes will be given to the lucky ticket holders, and families will enjoy watching children have a blast. $3 parking. (706) 745-2628.

Siege Yargo TrailBlazer Race
Saturday, June 20, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fort Yargo State Park –  Winder
Join us for this adventure race with teams of three people. Racers will paddle, run, mountain bike and face other challenges through this scenic park. Race fee plus $3 parking. (770) 867-3489.

Youth Fishing Days at Smithgall
Saturday, June 20, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge – Helen
Children and their special "big person" can fish in one of two ponds stocked with catfish, bass and bream. Fish caught in the ponds can be kept. Bring your own bait and rods. Use the Hwy. 75 entrance to the park. $3 parking. (706) 878-3087.

Snakes Alive
Saturday, June 20, 8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Tugaloo State Park – Lavonia
This reptile program includes live and taxidermied snakes to view up close and personal. Meet at the amphitheater to learn about venomous and non-venomous snakes found in north Georgia. $3 parking. (706) 356-4362.

Women in the Outdoors
Friday, June 26 through Sunday, June 28
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge – Helen
Women can learn outdoor skills including fly-fishing, shooting, spin fishing, archery, and the natural environment. Register on www.womenintheoutdoors.org by June 19. Co-sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation. Fee plus $3 parking. (706) 878-3087.

Southern & Central Georgia

Junior Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 6, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
A.H. Stephens Historic Site – Crawfordville
The fishing tournament will be held at the beautiful Lake Liberty. Children younger than age 16 are invited to compete for prizes in several categories. Lunch will be provided. Registration is 7:30 - 8 a.m. $3 parking. (706) 456-2602.

Alligator Day
Saturday, June 6, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Florence Marina State Park – Omaha
See live alligators and take guided boat tours to view these reptiles in their natural habitat. Boat tours on a first come first serve basis. Lake Walter F. George is a beautiful location to view wildlife and birds. $3 plus $3 parking. (229) 838-4706.

Jeff Davis’s Birthday Celebration
Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Jefferson Davis Memorial Historic Site – Fitzgerald
This program starts with a 21-gun salute and guest speaker, followed by vendors, re-enactors, blacksmiths, weavers, blackpowder demonstrators and more. $2.75-$4. (229) 831-2335.

Rosie the Riveter and D-Day Observance
Saturday, June 6, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic Site – Warm Springs
During the 1940s, an unprecedented number of women responded to government encouragement to fill factory jobs left vacant by men during World War II. Join actress and teacher Carol Cain as she portrays these women collectively known as “Rosie The Riveter." Kelly's Zeroes will provide displays and hands-on activities. $4-$7. 706-655-5870. $4-$7. (706) 655-5870.

Fishing and Boating Blast
Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge – Helena
Kids can earn a GO Georgia Badge by participating in a canoe trip, fishing in the lake, identifying some water dwellers and being creative with some fishy crafts. $3 parking. (229) 868-7474.

Kids Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 13, 9 a.m.
Reed Bingham State Park – Adel
Children 12 and younger can enjoy friendly competition to see who can catch the most or biggest fish. Meet at the Kiddie Ponds on the Cook County side of the park. Kids must bring their own tackle, but the park will furnish some bait. $3 parking. (229) 896-3551.

Senior Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 20
A.H. Stephens Historic Park – Crawfordville
This tournament will be held at Lake Liberty, recently stocked with more than 2,000 catfish. Anglers 55 and older can compete for prizes in several categories. A Georgia fishing license and advance registration are required. $3 parking. (706) 456-2602.

An Evening of Astronomy
Saturday, June 20, 9 p.m. – 10 p.m.
F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain
Constellations and planets have been an important part of human society and folklore since humans lived in caves. Join the Columbus Coca-Cola Space Science Center at the amphitheater for an evening that will include star talks, star maps, and viewing of the night sky. $3 parking. (706) 663-4858.

Invasive Plants Hike at Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon
Saturday, June 20, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Providence Canyon State Park – Lumpkin
Join a ranger to learn about intrusive invasives, which are not native, yet they usually smother out other species. This will be a fact-filled hike where you can catch a view of "Georgia's Little Grand Canyon." This is a National Trails Day event. $1 plus $3 parking. (229) 838-6202.

Metro Atlanta

Frog Slog
Tuesday, June 2, 16, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Investigate wetlands and streams in search of frogs and salamanders. Be prepared to get wet and bring a flashlight and headlamp, nets, scenes and buckets. Meet in the Alexandar Lake parking area. $5 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Summer Fly Fishing Clinic
Tuesdays, June 2, 16, 23 and 30, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
This clinic covers equipment, knot tying, casting, safety and other tricks of the trade. If time permits, participants may stay to catch the “Fish of Fish.” Wear long pants and hiking shoes, and bringing snacks, water and sunscreen. Georgia fishing license and park fishing permit required. Register in advance. $10 or $7 with own gear. $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Walk On the Wild Side Twilight Hike
Thursdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Lace up your hiking shoes and come see the nightlife of Panola Mountain. This adventure will introduce you to the evening world of the forest and swamps. We may even have our local nighttime denizen, the Barred Owl, join us. Register in advance. $5 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Day of Discovery at Etowah
Saturday, June 6, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site – Cartersville
Recent findings at Etowah Indian Mounds will be discussed by site archaeologists Adam King and Kent Reilly. $2.50-$5. (770) 387-3747.

National Trails Day Celebration
Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Explore the secret valley of Panola Mountain State Park. You will be guided on a 6-mile hike through wetlands to upland forest and be able to view stunning outcrops. Be prepared for all weather conditions and bring good hiking boots. Register in advance. Friends of Panola will provide snacks and drinks for an additional cost. $10 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb
Saturday, June 6, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Join us "on rope" for an adventure exploring the canopy above. This is an introductory climb to Canopy-Adventure-Research-Educational Technical Tree Climbing (CARE TTC). Participants will use rope and harness for this moderately strenuous activity. Register in advance. $10 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Mountain Music Series on Lake Allatoona
Saturdays, June 6, 13, 20, 27, 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Red Top Mountain State Park and Lodge – Cartersville
Enjoy a summer evening at the Vaughn Cabin, listening to the sounds of live mountain and bluegrass music. Bring a lawnchair or blanket.  For a quick getaway, stay overnight in the park’s lodge and enjoy hearty meals in the restaurant. $3 parking. (770) 975-4226.

New Manchester History Hike
Saturdays, June 6, 13, 20, 27, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
This mile-long hike (easy to moderate) will lead us to the ruins of the Civil War-era New Manchester textile mill and focus on the history of the Sweetwater Creek valley. This historian or ranger-led hike will include going inside the impressive mill ruins and seeing the lovely whitewater rapids (both providing great photo opportunities). $1-$2 plus $3 parking. (770) 732-5871.

“Ruins to Rapids” Full Moon Hike
Sunday, June 7, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
This 1.5-mile guided hike is moderately difficult and visits the Civil War-era textile mill ruins of New Manchester and follows the lovely rapids (up to class IV) of Sweetwater Creek. The hike will continue if it is overcast but will be cancelled if raining. Bring a flashlight and sturdy shoes. No children under 6 or dogs please. $1-$2 plus $3 parking. (770) 732-5876.

Basic Fly Fishing Clinic
Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
The two-hour clinic covers equipment, knot tying, casting, safety issues and other tricks of the trade. If time permits participants may stay to catch the “Fish of Fish.” Instructors C. H. Brown and Michael Reilley suggest wearing long pants/shorts and hiking shoes, and bringing snacks, water and sun lotion. Georgia fishing license required. Register in advance. $7 - $10 $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Basic Canoe Clinic
Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park- Stockbridge
Join a park ranger and learn how to safely use a canoe. Enjoy a nice paddle on scenic Alexander Lake. Register in advance. $20 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Basic Fly Tying Clinic
Saturday, June 13, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park- Stockbridge
Learn the art of fly tying as instructors introduce you to tools, techniques and tricks of the trade to create realistic flies. Participants will make one fly and possibly more if time permits. Ages 10 and older. Register in advance. $25 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Evening Iron Pour
Saturday, June 13, 9 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Red Top Mountain State Park and Lodge – Cartersville
Watch the Red Top furnace crew in action. See cast iron skillets in the making and make your own piece of unique iron artwork by purchasing a "scratch block mold" before the pour. Blocks will be available starting at 2 p.m. Pour starts at about 9 p.m. after the bluegrass concert. $7 for scratch blocks. Stay overnight in the park’s lodge and enjoy meals in the restaurant.  (770) 975-4226.

ZZZ’s in the Trees
Saturday, June 20 at 6 p.m. through Sunday, June 21
Panola Mountain State Park- Stockbridge
These ranger-led hikes depart from the nature center and are for participants in good physical condition. Register and pay in advance. This program must have at least five hikers or it will be cancelled. Register in advance. $5 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Indian Flute and Dancing
Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site – Cartersville
Cherokee artist Tommy Wildcat will perform a flute concert. Dancers and drummers will provide entertainment throughout the day while inviting participation from the public. Wear your dancing shoes. $2.50-$5. (770) 387-3747.

Advanced Fly Fishing Clinic
Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
This clinic is for graduates of our Basic Fly Fishing Clinic and will focus on “On the Water Techniques.” Begin at the Rockdale River Trail parking and head to the lake for advanced casting techniques (Steeple Caste, Roll Cast, and Double-haul Casting), line mending, reading the water and entomology. Register in advance. $12-$15 $3 parking.  (770) 389-7801.

River Canoe Trip
Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Join us for a four-mile float with opportunities for birding and wildlife viewing on the river. We may even see otter and beaver. All gear is provided. Boaters must provide their own lunch, snacks and drinking water. Register in advance. $40 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.