(Southport) Coffee and Friends Go Together!

Mark your calendar for Thursday, March 17 when you should grab a friend or two for a delicious coffee drink from the good folks at Southport Coffee, 5503 Rob Gandy Blvd in Southport. That’s because FOLSOI has been selected as Southport Coffee Co’s Third Thursday Giveback Days partner for both March and April!  The company will donate 25% of sales on both March 17 and April 21 to FOLSOI to help support our programming and outreach. Support a great local business and your local libraries, and treat yourself while you do it! (Image: pressfoto)

March Is Women’s History Month

We recognize the contributions of the women who came before us, encourage the women of today to find their own voice, and empower the women of tomorrow to embrace their beautiful power and create a better world.

From the FOLSOI blog …

Recognizing International Day of Women & Girls in Science

by Patrica Langer | How many female scientists, besides Marie Curie, can you name?  Maybe the famous primatologist Jane Goodall comes to mind, or Rachel Carson, the environmental scientist who exposed the dangers of pesticides in the 1960s.  But if you’re like most people, other names elude you.  And did you know that even …  read more

Essential Oils: Helping our Pets Live their Best Lives

by Barbara Lemos | Essential oils are the “life blood” of plants, and ancient practice and modern science confirm that they offer many health benefits for people and for animals. Mary Beth Mount, an educator and distributor for Young Living products, hosted a presentation at Barbee Library this week on “Natural Pet Care with Essential Oils.” … read more

Remembering John Whiting, FOLSOI President 2005-2006

by Beth Klahre | Friends of the Library Southport and Oak Island (FOLSOI) are saddened to hear the news of the passing of John Whiting on January 26. John served as president of FOLSOI in 2005 and 2006. His outstanding dedication to the libraries was recognized when he was named Friends of the North Carolina Public Libraries Volunteer of the Year in 2008 for generously and unselfishly sharing his time, knowledge and experience  …  read more

How Sweet It Was: The History of Sugar, Molasses, Maple Syrup and Honey

by Barbara Lemos | “Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, … “ We sure love sugar because it helps to make our lives sweeter. But over the centuries, sugar has had an unsavory side to it, too. This week, Desiree Bridge of the Southport Historical Society hosted a Zoom and Facebook Live presentation called “The Sweet Life, in which she revealed the history of sugar and other culinary sweetener …  read more

FOLSOI Donor News …

Many thanks to these generous patrons for their donations this past month. We are so grateful for your support.

• Lee and Diane Butzin –  in memory of John Whiting
• James and Barbara Carey – in memory of John Whiting
• Marjorie and David Chodikoff –  in memory of John Whiting
• Dag and Roberta Egede-Nissen – in memory of John Whiting
• Fred Gillette – in memory of John Whiting
• Dr. Darren and Ashley Harrington – for FOLSOI’s general fund
• Catherine Kessler –  for Harper Library Libre Loot subscription boxes for teens, made in honor of Susannah Caroline Webster
• Lynette Lowrimore – for FOLSOI’s general fund
• Linda S. Peterson – in memory of John Whiting
• Mary and Stanley Shelton – for FOLSOI’s general fund
• Jane and Don Warren –  in memory of John Whiting

For Our Younger Readers …

Celebrate NEA’s Read Across America this Month

Stories are at the heart of Read Across America. As we celebrate with teachers, librarians and readers across the country this month, why not join in? Use these resources to help create space for storytelling of all kinds to be shared out loud, from oral history to personal stories to spoken-word poetry.

Barbee Library and FOLSOI present Kids: Read Away!

Free montly subscription boxes for elementary and middle school students! Register and tell us your favorite types of books. Sign up for monthly ‘Loot Box’ with books and fun items selected just for you! Call 910-278-4283 or stop by Barbee Library to register today!

Teens in Grades 6-12: ‘Libre Loot’ is Really Cool!

FREE! Call now for pre-selected juvenile/Young Adult books and loot each month in brand-new Libre Loot monthly subscription boxes (see a sample of the first boxes, left) from Harper and Barbee libraries. Select your three favorite genres when you subscribe; return the books after 3 weeks but the “loot’ is yours to keep! Call Harper Library 910-457-6237 or Barbee Library 910-278-4283

Join the Harper Library Birthday Book Club!

Celebrate a child’s birthday AND support Harper Library. Create lasting memories by sponsoring the purchase of exciting new kids’ books for Harper Library that will celebrate your child! Your child’s birthday month, librarians will choose a new book matching your child’s age range. A bookplate dedicating the book in your child’s honor will be placed inside; your child will get a birthday card acknowledging the gift made in his or her name. Birthday Club donations are $20 per child. Contact Tammy Tackett or call 910-457-6237.

Member & Volunteer News

Thank you and welcome to our newest members:

• Gloria Coldwell
• Paul Glassman
• Phyllis Kelly
• Jil Pawlak
• Sarah Watson

Not sure if your membership is current? Reach out to membership@folsoi.org and we’re happy to check! Membership fees help FOLSOI enhance Barbee and Harper library programs, collections, and resources.

Volunteer update

Our volunteers logged a total of 427 hours for February! The Programs & Events committee saw a 230% increase over their January hours, so good things are coming!

Book Sale Updates

Our March end-of-month Used Book and Vinyl sale is Saturday, 3/26 from 1:30 – 4 PM. Can’t make it? Don’t forget you can now shop the new bookstore hours Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1 – 3 PM.