There is truly nothing like summer in Cumming, Georgia! My love affair with this area started when I was just ten years old, spending long, sun-drenched days at Lake Lanier—swimming, boating, and picnicking until the sun went down.
When it came time to raise a family, my husband and I knew exactly where we belonged. For twenty years, our children have grown up with the best of Forsyth County’s backyard. Our perfect summer Saturdays usually start with an early morning hike up Sawnee Mountain to catch the breeze at the Indian Seats, followed by a trip to the local farmers and meat market to grab fresh peaches and steaks for the grill. When my kids were little, we would often head to the Cumming Aquatic Center to hit the big slide and race each other in the lazy river.
As the sun sets, the energy shifts to the Cumming City Center, where the Lou Sobh Amphitheater comes alive with free concerts—there’s nothing better than a warm evening of live music with the neighbors! Just don’t forget to get there early and find a spot for your lawn chair.
And of course, the crown jewel of our summer is the 4th of July. Between the iconic Steam Engine Parade and the spectacular fireworks display at the Fairgrounds, it’s the ultimate celebration of community.
But beyond the lake and the trails, there’s another gem that makes our summers special: the Forsyth County Public Library (FCPL). As the busiest library system in Georgia, FCPL goes all out to keep every generation—from babies to retirees—engaged and inspired. I am truly thankful to be the director of such a popular library system and work with amazing people.
This isn’t just any summer; it’s a historic one! In celebration of America and Georgia 250, the Library has curated a massive lineup of American-themed programs. We have a special reading challenge for kids, teens, and adults to mark the celebration. Anyone can use the Beanstack Tracker App and register for the program. There are also activities that can be completed to earn a special prize. The Library will host a number of patriotic-themed programs including a local documentary premiere, Stars and Stripes Storytimes, and a self-paced historical tour of Forsyth County to discover the hidden stories in our own backyard.
Families can also join the Library for a weekly community-wide scavenger hunt this June to track down our beloved bookmobile, “Loanie.” Every week, the Library will post clues on our website and social media accounts hinting at the exciting destination where Loanie will be stationed that Friday. Whether it’s a local park, a fire station, the pool, a historic landmark, or a recreation center, who knows what surprises this year’s “Where’s Loanie” challenge will bring! Families are invited to find Loanie at her special weekly spot to enjoy a storytime, a fun activity, and even earn a special, limited-edition pin.
Starting May 1, you can officially join the Summer Reading Challenge: “Unearth A Story.” It’s the perfect way to keep the kids’ brains sharp (and give yourself an excuse to dive into that beach read!). Simply download the free Beanstack Tracker App, log your reading, and earn badges. The more you read, the more prizes you’ll earn and the more chances you have to win our coveted grand prizes for every age group!
Whether you’re looking for a high-energy afternoon or a cool escape from the Georgia heat, the Library offers hundreds of free programs for all ages, including free art classes for both teens and adults. Kids can enjoy storytimes, magicians, puppeteers, and visits from zoo animals, while teens can dive into “Glow Parties” and immersive escape rooms. Adults also have the opportunity to learn something new through sessions ranging from the history of Sawnee Mountain to practical workshops like starting a backyard chicken coop.
Forsyth County has also become a premier destination for book lovers to meet their favorite authors. This year’s lineup is spectacular:
We are thrilled to welcome New York Times Bestselling Author Mary Kay Andrews! She will be appearing on Sunday, June 28, at 2:30 p.m. at the Sharon Forks Library. Registration opens June 1 for this event, which is brought to you by Bookmiser and Arts On The Creek.
We are also launching the first-ever Forsyth Reads Together—Kids Edition with the legendary Brandon Mull! He will appear on Saturday, July 25 at 3:00 p.m. at the Forsyth County Conference Center. Registration opens July 1. This is a wonderful way to celebrate the end of summer and get the kids excited for the new school year!
Whether you’re taking a dive into Lake Lanier, watching fireworks at the Fairgrounds, or “unearthing” a new favorite book at the library, Forsyth County is the place to be this season. We can’t wait to see you out there!
Happy Summer, Forsyth!
Adrianne Junius
Library Director
