Book events in Middle Georgia for the week of Jan. 29, 2017.
Jordan Massee Lecture of Southern History and Culture
Rick Hutto will present the first lecture of the series, titled “Macon’s Other Johnston Family: A Forgotten Heritage.” Hosted by Historic Macon. Sidney Lanier Cottage, 935 High St. historicmacon.org. 478-742-5084. 4 p.m. Jan. 29.
Blind Date with a Book
No judging a book by its cover. Happening during library hours: 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday, and 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday. Free. Shurling Library, 1769 Shurling Dr. 478-744-0875. Feb. 1-14.
MG Sprouts
A six-part program for kids ages 6-8 offered by the Master Gardener Extension Volunteers. Garden related stories, exploring horticulture through games and other fun activities. Registration required. Free. Lanford Library, 6504 Houston Road. 478-621-6970. 4 p.m. Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23.
Billie Coleman book signing
Author Billie Coleman will sign copies of her new book, “Images of America: Central Georgia Textile Mills,” which explores the past industrial giants that once defined the city landscapes and drove the local economics of Middle Georgia. Free. Travis Jean Gallery, 530 Cherry St. 478-508-3382. 5:30-8 p.m. Feb. 3.
“Executing Grace in Georgia: A Faithful Discussion about the Death Penalty”
Join author and activist Shane Claiborne, along with local guests, for a discussion about the death penalty and what people of faith can do to change the conversation about justice, mercy and forgiveness in Georgia. Book signing will follow the discussion. Centenary Church, 1290 College St. Free. To reserve seating, register at bit.ly/executinggrace. 478-742-8926. 6-8 p.m. Feb. 4.
Teens Talk: Everything Club
A revamp of our book club. We’re adding discussions about movies, games, music and television. Free. Washington Memorial Library, 1180 Washington Ave. 478-744-0825. 3 p.m. Feb. 11.
Wesleyan Storytelling Festival
Includes a storytelling workshop led by Wendy Hamm in the amphitheater in the afternoon. Benson Room, Candler Building, Wesleyan College. 6 p.m. April 28.
Macon Writers Group
Sidney Lanier Cottage, 935 High St. Membership in the group is open and free, and writing of every sort is accepted. For more information, email trayers.shane@gmail.com. 2-4 p.m. the last Saturday of each month.
Kids story times
Read with Buddy Roe
Buddy Roe is a licensed therapy dog. He’s a super sweet pup that enjoys story time. Come share a story with him. Free. Riverside Library, 110 Holiday Drive N. 478-757-8900. 4 p.m. Feb. 8 and 10:30 a.m. Feb. 24.
Bibb Public Libraries
West Bibb Public Library, 5580 Thomaston Road: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, 478-744-0818. Shurling Public Library, 1769 Shurling Drive: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, 478-744-0875. Lanford Public Library, 6504 Houston Road: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, 478-621-6973. Washington Memorial Library, 1180 Washington Ave.: 10:30 a.m. Thursday and Saturday, 478-744-0859. Riverside Public Library, Rivergate Shopping Center, 110 Holiday Drive N.: 10:30 a.m. Friday, 478-757-8900.
Nola Brantley Public Library
721 Watson Blvd., Warner Robins. 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays for ages 2 and younger; 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays for ages 2-5; Teen Budding Artist program at 5 p.m. second Tuesdays; Construct and Create Club for ages 8 and older at 5 p.m. second Thursdays; Family Night at 6 p.m. the last Thursday of the month. Home-school programs: 1 p.m. Thursday for grades K-2, 1:30 p.m. Thursday for grades 3-5, 2:30 p.m. Thursday for grades 6-12. 478-923-0128.
Perry Public Library
1201 Washington St., Perry. 10:15 a.m. Monday for ages 1-3; 11 a.m. Monday for ages 4 and younger; 10:15 a.m. Thursday for ages 3-5; Family Night at 6 p.m. second Tuesdays; Teen Night at 6 p.m. fourth Tuesdays. 478-987-3050.
Centerville Public Library
206 Gunn Road, Centerville. Bedtime stories at 6:30 p.m. on first Tuesdays; 6 p.m. second Tuesdays for third- through sixth-graders; 6 p.m. third Tuesdays for ages 11-17; 10:30 a.m. Wednesday for ages 2 and younger; 11:15 a.m. Wednesday for ages 2-3; and 10:30 a.m. Thursday for ages 3-5. Home-school program for grades K-12 at 2 p.m. Monday. 478-953-4500.
Peach County Public Libraries
Thomas Public Library, 315 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Fort Valley: 11 a.m. Thursday for ages 18 months to 3 years; 4 p.m. the first Thursday of every month for ages 4-7 years, 478-825-1640. Byron Public Library, 105 W. Church St., Byron: 11 a.m. Wednesday for ages 18 months to 3 years; 4 p.m. the first Wednesday of every month for ages 4-7 years, 478-956-2200.
Email rmartinez@macon.com; mail “Book Events,” The Telegraph, P.O. Box 4167, Macon, GA 31208.
This story was originally published January 26, 2017 at 10:35 AM with the headline "Book events in Middle Georgia for the week of Jan. 29, 2017.."