Library to host weekly series, area author and more
The North Fort Myers Library will launch a new weekly series and host a popular local author in January, along with offering many other programs.
Each Saturday in January, genealogy will be the subject of a five-session program starting at 10 a.m.
“It’s an on-going series for an extremely popular subject with our patrons,” said Reference Librarian Joan O’Brien. “It will help new and experienced genealogists find some elusive clues they’ve been searching for.”
The series is titled “Genealogy: How records interweave to provide family history clues.” It will focus on how to locate valuable family history using the most common genealogical record types.
On Saturday, the focus will be using Census records to establish an ancestor’s place of residence.
In session two on Jan. 10, the program will explore using “Census substitutes” such as city directories, newspapers and voter lists to fill in the blanks.
Session three will be held Jan. 17 on using church records to document life events predating the keeping of vital records.
On Jan. 24, session four will explore locating courthouse records to provide a paper trail.
The final session on Jan. 31 will focus on locating wills, probate files, cemetery and funeral home records.
Local experts involved in preparing and facilitating the series are Carolyn Ford, education coordinator for the Lee County Genealogical Society, and Bryan Mulcahy, reference librarian for the Fort Myers-Lee County Library.
All programs at the library are free and open to the public. Registration is not required but suggested.
Another event looked forward to by staff is a book discussion with a local resident and author.
Fort Myers-area author Stephen Cafaro will be a guest at the library on Jan. 22 for a group discussion on his novel “The Road To The Third World: Conspiracy to Destroy America.” His writings started over a decade ago, based on his take of the political, social and economic consequences of the excesses of capitalism.
“His book is topical at the moment, with financial systems in disarray,” said O’Brien.
Besides featured discussions, a general book discussion has become a monthly social hour at the library. Called “Books and Bites” the January program will be held Monday at 10:30 a.m. These are discussions on any book in any format, or movies that have peaked interest.
The library offers coffee and refreshments for what librarians have said are enthusiastic discussions. O’Brien and head librarian Maryellen Woodside host the program.
Knitters and nature
Other programs featured in January include “The Miss Marple Monthly Knitters.”
The knitters will meet Tuesday.
“This will then be an on-going program, set for the first Tuesday of every month,” said O’Brien. “We invite all to come in and share in the knitting experience.”
The sessions are for knitters and crocheters of all levels. Attendees are invited to visit and share project and technique ideas. The event is hosted by instructor Ricki Howie and the Charlee Weavers.
On Jan. 8, look for the program “Hunters of the Sky.” The program begins at 4 p.m., with representatives from the Caloosa Nature Center. It is a program for all ages, exploring the world of raptors, including owls, vultures and eagles. Tips and tricks for identifying the birds will be a focus.
Many other programs will be presented throughout the month.
For more information, visit: leecounty.com/library or call 997-0320.