December Display Case Exhibit Announced by Smyrna Library
A Collection of Nativity Scenes Will Capture the Spirit of the Season

SMYRNA, GA (November 17, 2006) - The Friends of Smyrna Library has announced that the Smyrna Library Gallery Display Cases will feature a series of nativity scenes from the collection of Mrs. Lu Allgood, who lives in Atlanta, throughout the month of December. This seasonal display will appear from December 1 through December 30, 2006 in the gallery. Gallery exhibits are on display daily during regular library operating hours and are located on the second floor of the Smyrna Library at 100 Village Green Circle in the Smyrna Village. For more information please visit friendsofsmyrnalibrary.org.

"Mrs. Allgood began her collection of nativity scenes when her mother-in-law brought her an ivory one from Italy in the early 1960s," stated Dorothy Sibert, coordinator for the Smyrna Library Galleries. "Later, as she and her husband, Pierce Allgood, began to travel around the world they selected a nativity scene from each country they visited."

For years, only her family and friends had the opportunity to see this unique collection. Friends began to see these scenes she displayed at Christmas and they began to contribute to the collection after their travels. Additionally, as the Allgood children grew up and began to travel themselves, they delighted in bringing home nativity scenes to their parents.

Although there are duplicates from some countries, no two scenes are made from the same materials. The collection includes over forty scenes and range in materials from ivory to corn husk. Mrs. Allgood is pleased to be able to share her collection publicly for the first time at the Smyrna Library.
The Smyrna Library Galleries, which are managed by the Friends of Smyrna Library, are showcases for the works of local artists, craftspeople and collectors who have something unique to share with the larger community. The Friends of Smyrna Library organization is continuously seeking thought-provoking and visually appealing exhibits to feature in the gallery.

The Friends of Smyrna Library is a non-profit organization that has served the Smyrna Library since 1991. The organization develops and executes various adult programs and helps fund children programs to promote appreciation for the library and to grow its membership. The Friends of Smyrna Library is the sponsor of "Murder Goes South," a southern mystery book festival that brings authors and readers throughout the region together for discussions, workshops and more. It is the highlight of the Friends yearly program schedule. To learn more about the Friends of Smyrna Library, visit friendsofsmyrnalibrary.org.

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Contact:
Don Kintner
Friends of Smyrna Library Public Relations
770-436-9380
dkintner@friendsofsmyrnalibrary.org

Linda Evans
Friends of Smyrna Library President
770-431-2860
levans@friendsofsmyrnalibrary.org