The Barbee Library Max and Sarah Williams Life Long Learners have once again made history with the launch of hybrid presentation capabilities offering concurrent “in-library” and “via Zoom” participation options. This week, Southport Historical Society President Dr. Liz Fuller regaled an audience of 21 Zoom participants and nine attendees at Barbee Library with her presentation on “Pirates of the Lower Cape Fear.” 

The Lower Cape Fear area of colonial North Carolina of great interest to pirates in the early 1700s, including famed pirates Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet. Dr. Fuller brings this history alive through her frequent speaking engagements and guest columns in the State Port Pilot newspaper. When the pandemic began, Dr. Fuller was one of the first library program presenters to embrace live streaming on Zoom and Facebook Live. Through her vision and dedication, Southport Historical Society presentation attendance grew dramatically, with out-of-state participants joining via live streaming. 

Future library patrons will have their choice of engagement options, thanks to the hard work of the following folks: 

• Stan Shelton, who led the team in establishing the hybrid, in-person/Zoom, capability for the weekly meetings of the Life Long Learners at Barbee Library and codified process instructions and responsibilities.
• Bob Barbieri and Bill Meiners, who bring their laptops and serve as Library Zoom Hosts.
• Mimi Bach and Carolee Morris, who organize the library room and serve as Library Room Hosts.
• Jeff Neubert, who provided invaluable technical guidance.
• Diana Fotinatos of FOLSOI, who arranged for the purchase of a wi-fi extender and a remote camera/microphone for the library, and
• Erika Dosher, Branch Manager of Barbee Library who serves as our congenial and helpful host.

To join the Life Long Learners – in the library or over Zoom – please contact Erika Dosher at Barbee Library (910) 278-428.