Happy Birthday, Hampton Park!

Forsyth County News, March 18, 2015

Can you believe it? Hampton Park Library is turning 16!

Hampton Park Library, January 2010

Hampton Park Library opened on March 15, 2010. Positioned in the north part of Forsyth County, the branch was the third branch opened by the Forsyth County Library system, cost about 6.8 million dollars to build, and was the first to use RFID technology, also known as those spiffy tags that let you check out a stack of books at the OneStops. 

Children's Area; Photo by: Fred S. Gerlich Photography, 2010

When Hampton Park opened, the collection had approximately 60,000 items on its shelves. You may still find some items stamped with 2010, but many of our opening day items have been weeded over time because of damage, age, or circulation statistics. This means the collection has been growing and changing over the years. For instance, the popular juvenile graphic novel series Dog Man was first published in 2016, six years after we opened, so it had to be added later! This is just one of many changes you may have seen if you are a long time library user. Today, we have about 70,000 items. 

Summer Reading Fun Kickoff with Lew-E the Clown, 2025

As many may have noticed, north Forsyth is growing, and the library is seeing it too. During our first year, we had about 88,212 library visitors. Last year, we had 123,184 visitors, and we expect to see even more visitors this year. 

Statue of Joann and Earl, 2026

One of the unique features of Hampton Park is our statue of Joann and Earl. Our young patrons LOVE this statue. Many greet their “friends” on their way in and out. We encourage patrons to take a picture with the statue and submit them to our Ask a Librarian service. Our entry way is peppered with photos, showing just how much love there is for Joann and Earl.

Virginia checks in books, 2024

Another unique feature of Hampton Park is that we are the only FCPL branch without an Automatic Materials Handler. This means we check-in everything by hand! This is a huge task done by our wonderful Collection Support Aides. 

Virginia, 2026

This is Virginia, one of our Collection Support Aides. Branch Manager Ross Gericke often jokes that she is original to the building. She started as a volunteer at Hampton Park before it opened, helping unpack boxes of books. She became a Circulation Support Aide in 2011. She’s one of our most dedicated and experienced staff members!

If you’ve never visited Hampton Park, now’s the time! We invite you to stop by and wish the branch a “Happy Birthday.” Hope to see you there!

Denmark Library: A Year in Review

On March 27, we will be celebrating the first anniversary of the opening of Denmark Library. It’s hard to believe a year has already passed! Take a look at some of our favorite moments over the past year.

“When Denmark Library had opened and my picture was in the Forsyth County News.” – Leena, Information Specialist

“Opening the doors on March 27 and cheering for the first patrons who entered. Seeing the joy on their faces as they walked into the building was absolutely priceless!” – Lorraine, Circulation Supervisor

The first patrons to enter the library received a warm welcome!

“I’m truly grateful to have been part of this journey from the very beginning, even before the building opened to the public. Watching everything come together from scratch has been such a rewarding experience. It feels like having all the pieces of a toy and seeing it finally come to life once it’s fully built.” – Sravanthi, Collection Support Aide

“One of my favorite memories from last summer was working with the VolunTEENS! We had some amazing teens come to volunteer and help us out all summer. I especially loved seeing them excited to hold the snake at the end of the Wildlife Wonders program!” – Leslie, Youth Specialist

“In less than a year, I've been spoiled by too many great Denmark memories to ever fully mention. But my all-time favorite comes down to one of these two, both from before I was even an employee: first, the beautiful spring day on which we first heard from the school intercom that our neighbor was opening its doors for the first time, when all of us students got to finally explore the masterpiece we'd been watching assemble next to us over the past three years (I'll never forget literally jumping out of my seat as this sneak announcement surprised me in the morning briefing); and, second, the chance connection made with a fabulous juggler who came to perform during our first summer reading, which ended in my receiving an unexpected gift of exceptional comics bounty (ain't being a VolunTEEN great??). I love this amazing place and I'll be thankful for it forever!!!” – Jade, Collection Support Aide

Help us celebrate by sharing your own favorite memory or feature of the Denmark Library. 

If you haven’t visited us yet at Denmark Library, be sure to drop by to say hi and check out our wonderful spaces like our Friends Terrace, Bookworm Garden, and the Amphitheater!

Jessica Dillard

Information Specialist

Denmark Library

Adult Nonfiction Staff Picks: The Sea Captain's Wife by Tilar Mazzeo

As a fan of maritime adventure tales, I was eager to read The Sea Captain's Wife by Tilar Mazzeo. It follows the life and famous 1856 voyage of Mary Ann Patten, a nineteen-year-old bride of sea captain, Joshua Patten. 

The story begins with their maritime family history from Maine, one of the country's largest seafaring states at the time. After making a name for himself on his first command of a clipper ship, Joshua was given command of the Neptune's Car which was to sail from Boston around Cape Horn to San Francisco. For those unfamiliar with Cape Horn, it is at the southern tip of South America and remains to this day one of the most treacherous bodies of water to navigate. 

Being newlyweds and not wanting to be alone with her family, Mary Ann accompanied her husband on this voyage. Keeping busy during the long voyage, she learned to read the stars and charts for navigation. This soon became necessary when Joshua, the ship's captain, became seriously ill and unable to perform his role. Despite challenges from the first- and second-mate, Mary Ann won the admiration and trust of the crew. Her stamina and will were tested as they fought through an eighteen day gale in the freezing waters near Antarctica.

Mary Ann Patten wasn't the only female to captain a ship in those days but many of their stories have been left untold.

If you enjoyed: The Wager by David Grann or the movie Widow Clicquot

Perfect for: Readers who enjoy maritime adventures or the grit of courageous women. 

Also written by Tilar Mazzeo: 

• Eliza Hamilton : the Extraordinary Life and Times of the Wife of Alexander Hamilton 
• Sisters in Resistance : How a German Spy, a Banker's Wife, and Mussolini's Daughter Outwitted the Nazis 
• The Hotel on Place Vendôme : Life, Death, and Betrayal at the Hôtel Ritz in Paris

The Sea Captain's Wife is available at the library in regular print, and as an eBook through FCPL’s digital collection.

Joan Dudzinski

Branch Manager

Cumming Library