Resources

Library Friends in action in 2009

Collector’s Item Published by the
Friends of Braswell Memorial Public Library

FLOODED: Reflections of Hurricane Floyd
By Friends of Braswell Library
Rocky Mount, North Carolina
$30.00 Hardcover
375 pages
Published: December 2004

On September 15, 1999, Hurricane Floyd hit eastern North Carolina, producing raging waters in the city of Rocky Mount and in Nash and Edgecombe counties. During this time the new library was under construction. The Friends of Braswell Memorial Library decided to commemorate the opening of the new library by collecting these stories of tragedy and heroism, and love and caring for friends and strangers that became part of the healing process. Contributors of all ages and from many organizations, agencies, and businesses in Nash and Edgecombe counties submitted first-hand accounts of escapes, rescues, loss, impact, and recovery. Published in 2004, the hardcover book is one of only a few books on Hurricane Floyd. It is for sale at Braswell Memorial Library at the Information Services desk on the second floor for $30. Proceeds will benefit the library. For more information on purchasing your copy, please call 252.442.1951.

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Professor and Author Elliot Engel
COMING IN DECEMBER!

Elliot Engel, professor, author and popular lecturer will present, “An O’Henry Christmas,” Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 6:30 pm in the Warner Room at Braswell Memorial Library.

O’Henry is the pen name of William Sydney Porter, who was born in Greensboro, North Carolina on September 11, 1862. His 400 short stories are known for their wit and character and clever use of twisted endings. Among the most notable is “The Gift of the Magi” and “Ransom of Red Chief.” Porter moved away from Greensboro at the age of 20 and died in 1910. He is buried in Asheville, North Carolina.

O’Henry’s fascinating stories have been forgotten by some and criticized by others. According to Engel, some critics considered O’Henry as having little talent. But a 1927 critic comments, “They are absolutely right, no talent at all – only genius.” O’Henry’s life is fascinating because of the path he took to become a short story writer. Unlike most writers, O’Henry went to the south, New York City and prison. While serving five years in prison, he continued to write as a means of speaking to prison inmates. Prisoners shared their life stories giving O’Henry great ideas for his short stories.

Dr. Engel has received awards such as UCLA’s Outstanding Teacher Award, North Carolina’s Adult Education Award and the Victorian Society Award of Merit. He has seven published books and written articles for national magazines.

Come and join us as Dr. Elliot Engel brings an O’Henry Christmas to Rocky Mount!

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FUN RUN for Charities



Jackie Jones, Vice President FBMPL (L) and Katherine Lucas, President FBMPL (R ) with proceeds received from FUN RUN for Charities.

The Friends participated in the first annual FUN RUN for Charities, an incredible philanthropic event that includes a two month giving period with a day of community celebration of a charity run. In collaboration with The City of Rocky Mount and the North Carolina Community Foundation, the goal of this event is to bring the community together promoting fellowship and fun while raising money for non-profit organizations.

The Friends look forward to participating again in 2010 and ask the community to assist in this new funding opportunity to benefit the library.

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A message from the President of the
Friends of Braswell Memorial Public Library

The Friends of Braswell Memorial Public Library, Inc. is devoted to placing Braswell Memorial Library among the top libraries in North Carolina. The goal for membership and annual giving for 2009-2010 is $50,000.

The Friends raise necessary funds to be used by the library for special projects, purchase of library materials, sponsorship of special programs for children and adults, and programs such as the Kids’ College Homework Center, the Foote P.R.I.N.T. Homework Center, and the phenomenal Summer Reading Program.

This year the Friends will sponsor a delightful Christmas program featuring Dr. Elliot Engel. Professor Engel is an insightful, imaginative and entertaining academic lecturer and a master of English and American literature. This will be followed by the annual gala, “Champagne and Chocolates,” scheduled for April 16, 2010. Your membership dues and annual donations to the Friends will assist us in providing another year of stellar support for Braswell Memorial Library. With your help Braswell Memorial Library will reach its goal of becoming a top library in North Carolina as well as one of the best in the United States!

For our youngest Friends, a Rocky Readers card is available to children ages three through fifth grade. A child’s membership in the Friends of Braswell Memorial Public Library is free. Please stop by the library to become a Friend and register to receive your child’s free membership card.

Please join the Friends and help support our quest toward making our library one of the best in North Carolina. Memberships are as follows: Individual $20; Family $24-$49; Business $50-$99; Benefactor $100+. Please make checks payable to Friends of Braswell Memorial Library (FBML).

For more information about membership, please call (252) 442.1951 ext. 245.

Katherine Lucas

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