Books, Bytes & More Newsletter
December 2018
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NWRLS Library Locations

Headquarters:
Bay County Public Library
850-522-2100

Panama City Beach
850-233-5055

Parker Public Library is closed for repairs

Corinne Costin
Gibson Memorial Library
Port St. Joe
850-229-8879

Charles Whitehead
Public Library
Wewahitchka
850-639-2419

Harrell Memorial
Public Library
Bristol
850-643-2247

Jimmy Weaver
Memorial Library
Hosford
850-379-3300

Featured Items 
 
 
A Spark of Light
by Jodi Picoult

The warm fall day starts like any other at the Center--a women's reproductive health services clinic--its staff offering care to anyone who passes through its doors. Then, in late morning, a desperate and distraught gunman bursts in and opens fire, taking all inside hostage.  Told in a daring and enthralling narrative structure that counts backward through the hours of the standoff, this is a story that traces its way back to what brought each of these very different individuals to the same place on this fateful day.
 
The Library Book
by Susan Orlean

Reopens the unsolved mystery of the most catastrophic library fire in American history, the 1986 Los Angeles Public Library fire, while exploring the crucial role that libraries play in modern American culture.
 
The Next Person You Meet in Heaven
by Mitch Albom

Remember little Annie, whose life was saved by veteran-turned-amusement park mechanic Eddie in Albom's blockbuster The Five People You Meet in Heaven? Now after a terrible accident on her wedding night, she's heaven-bound herself and about to meet the man who died saving her.
 
Brief Answers to the Big Questions
by Stephen Hawking

Stephen Hawking was recognized as one of the greatest minds of our time and a figure of inspiration after defying his ALS diagnosis at age twenty-one. He is known for both his breakthroughs in theoretical physics as well as his ability to make complex concepts accessible for all, and was beloved for his mischievous sense of humor. At the time of his death, Hawking was working on a final project: a book compiling his answers to the "big" questions that he was so often posed--questions that ranged beyond his academic field. Within these pages, he provides his personal views on our biggest challenges as a human race, and where we, as a planet, are heading next. Each section will be introduced by a leading thinker offering his or her own insight into Professor Hawking's contribution to our understanding. 
   
Killing the SS
by Bill O'Reilly
 
As the true horrors of the Third Reich began to be exposed immediately after World War II, the Nazi war criminals who committed genocide went on the run. A few were swiftly caught. Others evaded capture through a sophisticated Nazi organization designed to hide them. Among those war criminals were Josef Mengele, the "Angel of Death"; Martin Bormann, Hitler's brutal personal secretary; Klaus Barbie, the cruel "Butcher of Lyon"; and perhaps the most awful Nazi of all: Adolf Eichmann. Killing the SS is the epic saga of the espionage and daring waged by self-styled "Nazi hunters." Over decades, these men and women scoured the world, tracking down the SS fugitives and bringing them to justice.
 

Sea Prayer
by Khaled Hosseini
Who better than Kite Runner author, Hosseini, to capture world attention in a work clarifying our understanding of the refugee's awful yearning and sometimes awful fate? Inspired by the heartrending image of three-year-old Syrian Alan Kurdi, found drowned on Turkey's shore in September 2015, this brief, illustrated work is presented as a letter from a father to his son, reflecting on the dangerous life they're leaving behind and the dangerous sea voyage they face.

 

Every Breath
by Nicholas Sparks
 
Hope Anderson is at a crossroads. At thirty-six, she's been dating her boyfriend, an orthopedic surgeon, for six years. With no wedding plans in sight, and her father recently diagnosed with ALS, she decides to use a week at her family's cottage in Sunset Beach, North Carolina, to ready the house for sale and mull over some difficult decisions about her future. Tru Walls has never visited North Carolina but is summoned to Sunset Beach by a letter from a man claiming to be his father. A safari guide, born and raised in Zimbabwe, Tru hopes to unravel some of the mysteries surrounding his mother's early life. When the two strangers cross paths, their connection is as electric as it is unfathomable . . . but in the immersive days that follow, their feelings for each other will give way to choices that pit family duty against personal happiness in devastating ways. 
   
Almost Everything: Notes on Hope
by Anne Lamott
Despair and uncertainty surround us: in the news, in our families, and in ourselves. But even when life is at its bleakest--when we are, as she puts it, "doomed, stunned, exhausted, and over-caffeinated"--the seeds of rejuvenation are at hand. "All truth is paradox," Lamott writes, "and this turns out to be a reason for hope. If you arrive at a place in life that is miserable, it will change." In this profound and funny book, Lamott calls for each of us to rediscover the nuggets of hope and wisdom buried within us that can make life sweeter than we ever imagined. Divided into short chapters that explore life's essential truths, Almost Everything pinpoints these moments of insight as it shines an encouraging light forward. 
   
A Cloud in the Shape of a Girl
by Jean Thompson
 
  A Cloud in the Shape of a Girl is a poignant novel about three generations of the Wise family--Evelyn, Laura, and Grace--as they hunt for contentment amid chaos of their own making. Evelyn set aside her career to marry, late, and motherhood never became her. Her daughter Laura felt this acutely and wants desperately to marry, but she soon discovers her husband Gabe to be a man who expects too much of everyone in his life. Grace has moved out from Laura and Gabe's house, but can't seem to live up to her potential--whatever that might be. Spanning from World War II to the present, Thompson reveals a matrilineal love story that is so perfectly grounded in our time--a story of three women regressing, stalling, and yes, evolving, over decades. 
   
Dark Sacred Night
 by Michael Connelly
Teaming up with Harry Bosch to reopen a cold case, LAPD detective ReneĢe Ballard navigates interpersonal differences to pursue justice for a murdered runaway in Hollywood.   

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NWRLS is a department
of
Bay County

Thank you for choosing to receive the library newsletter, where you will learn about upcoming programs and the many services provided in our libraries.
Holiday Closures 
 
Library Family Christmas

Bay County Public Library
Saturday, December 15th @ 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Santa is visiting the Bay County Public Library!!  There will be snacks, crafts, and carols! Family program held in the Youth Services department. For more information, call 850-522-2118.
Library Updates

Bay County, Panama City Beach, Port St. Joe, Wewahitchka, Hosford, and Bristol locations are open. 

Bay County Public Library Hours
Bay County Public Library does have reduced hours. The library is closed on Sundays until further notice. 

Saturday, December 1st  (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

Calendar effective Monday, December 3rd:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (9 a.m. - 7 p.m.)
Thursday, Friday, Saturday (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

Parker Public Library
The Parker Public Library has sustained damage from Hurricane Michael and is currently closed for repair. We are hoping to borrow a book mobile to help provide services to the community. Your library card will work at any of our NWRLS locations. 

Springfield Public Library 
Due to the destruction of Hurricane Michael, the Springfield Public Library is being used as City Hall. Springfield hopes to reopen the library after City Hall has been repaired. Your library card will work at any of our NWRLS locations. 
Teen Programming

Bay County Public Library

Color and Chill
December 6th, 13th, and 20th @ 2 - 4 p.m.
Come chill with coloring pages, music, and the occasional craft! Program geared for teens ages 11 and up. Located in the Teen Zone.
Youth  Classes @ Your Library

Bay County Public Library

Babies and Tots (0 - 3 years with caregiver) 
Tuesdays @ 10:15 a.m.
(No Class on December 25th)

Read, Rock, & Rhyme Time (Ages 3 - 5) 
Thursdays @ 10:15 a.m.
(No Class on December 27th)

Crafternoons (Elementary and Middle School) 
Wednesdays @ 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Join us for a hands-on craft project!
(No Class on December 26th)

Library Family Christmas
Saturday, December 15th @ 1:00 p.m.
Carols, Crafts, and Snacks with a visit from Santa!

Panama City Beach Public Library 

Book Babies (0 - 3 years with caregiver) 
Tuesdays @ 10:00 a.m.
(No Class on December 25th)

Beach Kids (Ages: 5 and up) 
Class will meet every other Wednesday @ 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. starting on December 4th.   
Join us for a hands-on STE(A)M project. Registration Required.
December 4 - Spinning Tops
December 18 - Build Lava Lamps

Sail into School (Ages 3 -4 years with caregiver)
Thursdays @ 9:30 a.m. 
Let's learn about colors, numbers, letters, and rhymes. We will focus on getting kids ready for kindergarten.  
(No Class on December 20th and 27th)

Write Letters to Santa at the Bay County Public Library

Corinne Costin Gibson Memorial Public Library in Port St. Joe
 
Tuesday Tales (0 - 3 years with caregiver)
Tuesdays @ 10:30 
Stories, songs, and finger plays for instilling a love of literacy!
(No class on December 25th)

Charles Whitehead Public Library in Wewahitchka 

Budding Bookworms (Ages: 3 - 6 years)
No Budding Bookworms or other programming until further notice. Our branch currently is housing a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center. 

Jimmy Weaver Memorial Library in Hosford

Storytimes
Saturdays @ 10:30 a.m. 
Panama City Beach Public Library

Book Sale 
Tuesday, December 11 
10 a.m. -  3 p.m.

Come in and pick up some bargains on the beach this holiday season! All books are half off.
Book Artists Reception

Corinne Costin Memorial Public Library in Port St. Joe
Saturday, December 8th @ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Holiday musical performance by the Ukulele Orchestra of the Forgotten Coast playing at 11 a.m. Light refreshments provided. 

Reception features the work created from the Book Artists Illustration classes (Pointillism, Collage, Dots, and Printmaking). The artists range from 4 to 10 years of age.

Classes were a partnership between our library and the Artery. Program made possible through the generous support of Leslie Fedota. 
Flash Fiction Mini Workshop 

Panama City Beach Public Library
Tuesdays, December 4th, 11th, and 18th  from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. 

This series of classes will read flash fiction stories, follow short lectures, participate in discussions, and complete writing exercises. The workshop can be taken with little or no writing experience. Class taught by Joleen Long. Registration required. Class limit is 25 students. Call the library to register at 850-233-5055.
Classes @ Your Library

Bay County Public Library

Ukulele Social Club
Saturday, December 1st @ 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Meeting at the St. Andrews Civic Club (2629 W. 10th St., Panama City). Everyone is welcome! Please bring your ukulele or just come to watch and listen.  The library meeting room is still in use as a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center, so we needed to relocate this month. Thanks to the St. Andrews Civic Club and the Ukulele Orchestra of St. Andrews for making this happen!

Panama City Beach Public Library

Sea Needles
Fridays @ 10 a.m.
Bring your needlework crafts to work on at the library. Sea Needles meets every Friday at 10 a.m.

Corinne Costin Gibson Memorial Library in Port St. Joe

Friends of the Library Meeting
Monday, December 3rd @ 4:30 p.m.

Book Artists Reception
Saturday, December 8th @ 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Artists reception of the work created from the Book Artists classes. Holiday music provided by the Ukulele Orchestra of the Forgotten Coast at 11:00 a.m. with refreshments. 

Jimmy Weaver Memorial Library in Hosford

Craft Day
Thursdays @ 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Bring your favorite craft or learn something new!
Book & Film Clubs
 
Beach Book Club
Panama City Beach Public Library
Wednesday,  December 5th @ 10:30 a.m.

The Paying Guests
by Sarah Waters

The Beach Book Club meets the 
1st Wednesday of each month. 
For more information, please call 850-233-5055.

BCPL Book Club
Bay County Public Library
Program will resume in 2019.

Beyond the Lens: Book and Film Series
Bay County Public Library
Program will resume in 2019.

Film Fan Club
Bay County Public Library
Program will resume in 2019. 

Library Book Club
Corinne Costin Gibson Memorial Public Library
Program will resume in 2019.
English as a Second Language (ESL)

Bay County Public Library
Due to Hurricane Michael, there are no ESL or Citizenship classes until further notice. Students are welcome to attend the ESL classes offered at the Panama City Beach Public Library! 

Panama City Beach Public Library
English Conversation
Mondays @ 3:00 p.m.

English Conversation
Wednesdays @ 4:00 p.m.

Conversation and Pronunciation Class
Fridays @ 12:30 p.m.
New E-books and Downloadable Audiobooks 

We recently added new items to our digital collection, including: 

The Reckoning
by John Grisham

October 1946. Pete Banning was Clanton, Mississippi's favorite son-a decorated World War II hero, the patriarch of a prominent family, a farmer, father, neighbor, and a faithful member of the Methodist church. Then one cool October morning he rose early, drove into town, and committed a shocking crime. Pete's only statement about it-to the sheriff, to his lawyers, to the judge, to the jury, and to his family-was: "I have nothing to say." He was not afraid of death and was willing to take his motive to the grave. 
Reminiscent of the finest tradition of Southern Gothic storytelling, The Reckoning would not be complete without Grisham's signature layers of legal suspense, and he delivers on every page.

Unsheltered
by Barbara Kingsolver

Unsheltered is the compulsively readable story of two families, in two centuries, who live at the corner of Sixth and Plum in Vineland, New Jersey, navigating what seems to be the end of the world as they know it. With history as their tantalizing canvas, these characters paint a startlingly relevant portrait of life in precarious times when the foundations of the past have failed to prepare us for the future.

The Witch Elm
by Tana French

Toby is a happy-go-lucky charmer who's dodged a scrape at work and is celebrating with friends when the night takes a turn that will change his life - he surprises two burglars who beat him and leave him for dead. Struggling to recover from his injuries, beginning to understand that he might never be the same man again, he takes refuge at his family's ancestral home to care for his dying uncle Hugo. Then a skull is found in the trunk of an elm tree in the garden - and as detectives close in, Toby is forced to face the possibility that his past may not be what he has always believed.

You can check out e-books and downloadable audiobooks for free from your library. All you need is your library card number and PIN. Forgot your PIN? Just give us a call at 850-522-2100 or stop by your local branch and we'll set one up for you.

To access e-books and downloadable audiobooks, click here or:
Go to www.nwrls.com
Click on Books, Etc.
Click on eBooks & eAudio
Click on OverDrive  to find books  
Need assistance with e-books and downloadable audiobooks? Just call us at 850-522-2107 or stop by your local branch.