17 February Lessons From Prince Harry
I am currently reading Prince Harry’s autobiography, Spare, and while it is very good, it is also raising many questions in my mind. After finishing up a section regarding his last tour to Afghanistan in the British Army, in which he speaks toward a doctored article written about him following an exit interview given to the press. He goes on to speak of his lack of regret toward the people he killed during the war. Apart from the fact that these acts took part during a war and that was his mission – to fight against the Taliban – he states that the training of “other-ize-ing” these people (seeing them not as people but as chess pieces removed from the board), they were also “Bads taken away before they could kill Goods”. Pieces taken out before they could take the lives of civilians and those fighting on ‘our’ side.
While I fully understand where he is coming from (my own father, himself, toured during the beginning of that war), it brings up moral questions for me. Such as: who are we to determine who is “Good” and who is “Bad”? Some of those Taliban soldiers are forced or threatened into such a role, acting as they do out of survival and the survival of those they love. That line of thinking then lead me into the “other-ize-ing” training Prince Harry received and the boot camp training my father went through to break military members out of the idea of the “self” and into the idea of “one unit/one solider”. Ultimately, it is an intense sundering of the individual from identifying with oneself as a “self” – as an independent being – and into the idea that we are all one individual; that each solitary act affects the whole.
Bloom In To Art: An Art Exhibit
Feb 21 - March 31, Henry Flipper Meeting Room
The Pines & Palms Annual Member Exhibit has a new date!
Stop in and enjoy the original artwork from members of the Pines & Palms Artist Association. Free to view during library open hours. On display in the Henry Flipper Room, Feb 21 – March 31. Artwork is available for purchase through PinesAndPalms.org.
VITA Assisted Tax Filing
Tuesdays, Feb 7 - April 18. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
Volunteers from the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will be will be offering free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. These qualifications include:
-People who generally make $50,000 or less;
-Persons with disabilities; and
-Persons 65 years or older.
Appointments must be made via phone or in person with our Reference Desk. Call 229-225-5252 for more details.
Friends of the Library Used Book Sale
Every Tuesday, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Our Friends the the Library used book store is open every Tuesday, from 10am to 5pm. Here, you will find hardbacks, paperbacks, DVDs, magazines, puzzles and more. All softly used and in good condition. Nothing over $5.00. All proceeds are used to help fund library programs and materials.
Story Time: Toddlers + Tykes
Thursdays, 10:30am
Join us every week in the Children's Department for an hour of stories and fun! Enjoy a few great books, sing songs and recite rhymes designed to enhance the literacy of your child. Every Story Time is wrapped-up with a fun, simple art + craft project. An excellent space to meet others in the community!
LEGO Club
Thursdays, 4:30pm
Calling all kid LEGO masters and first-timers! Our LEGO group meets every week to create and build whatever they can imagine. A great place to meet and mingle with other children interested in 3D creation. We also offer larger LEGO bricks for those who may find the smaller bricks tasty. Intended for ages 4-11 years with their caregivers.
PROGRAMS AT OUR BRANCH LIBRARIES
Boston Library -
Quiddler Club
Tuesday, Feb 21, 2:00pm
Every Tuesday the Quiddler Club meets to socialize and enjoy a few rounds of the word-card game, Quiddler. The object of the game is to get points by combining the lettered cards in your hand and make words.
To join or have any questions answered, call Suzanne Moore at the Boston Library at 229-498-5101.
Coolidge Library -
Story Time + Craft
Tuesday, Feb 21, 4:30pm
Drop in after school for a few read-aloud storybooks and a coloring activity. We will be sharing some cool stories and passing out some fun coloring sheets. Intended for age 2 – 6 with their caregivers.
LEGO Club
Wednesday, Feb 22, 4:30pm
Drop in this afternoon for the monthly meeting of Coolidge’s unofficial LEGO Club for kids! All builders are invited: from novice to master. We also have larger LEGO bricks for those that find the smaller ones tasty. Intended for ages 4-11 with their caregivers.
Meigs Library -
Bingo (all ages)
Thursday, Feb 23, 4:30pm
Ochlocknee Library -
Teen Jewelry Making
Feb 21 - 23, Drop-In Activity
Pavo Library -
Trivia Bingo
Tuesday, Feb 21, 2:00pm
Join us for a few friendly rounds of trivia Bingo. This time around, we will be testing your knowledge of Mardi Gras (or Fat Tuesday). Learn a few fun facts, meet and mingle with others from the community and enjoy a Mardi Gras snack favorite during this friendly Bingo game. Intended for ages 18+.
In the mood for some retail therapy? No matter where you are in Georgia, there are beautiful shopping districts that are ready to welcome you. Check out any of these top Georgia peaches.
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