Daren points to this new feature on HGTVgardens.com that features many of the “international phenomenon” Little Free Libraries from around Decatur and Atlanta.

Ah, I remember when these were just a first glimmer in our collective eye.  Was the Wilton Drive library the first one set up in Atlanta?

Photo courtesy of HGTV Gardens

Linda sends along this announcement…

The Friends of the Decatur Library will host a book sale on February 8, 2014, from 9 am to 3 pm on the lower level of the Decatur Library.  Thousands of gently used fiction, nonfiction and children’s books, as well as DVDs and CDs, will be offered for sale at low prices starting at $.50.  Only cash or checks will be accepted.  Dealers must scan at tables. 

All proceeds benefit the programs and collections of the Decatur Library.  Admission is free.  Donations of gently used books are always welcome at the library front desk. 

215 Sycamore Street, Decatur, GA 30030

After being a big hit with residents – and DM readers! – last year, the “Decatur Biggest Loser” competition is returning in February with a portion of proceeds again benefiting the Decatur Education Foundation.  Here’s the release, courtesy of Marcia…

Decatur Biggest Loser Weight-loss Challenge Returns Feb. 1

Sponsored by CertaPro Painters and Pinnacle Fitness Bootcamp, a portion of the proceeds benefits DEF

For the second year, two local Decatur businesses, Pinnacle Fitness Bootcamp and CertaPro Painters, are teaming up to sponsor the Decatur Biggest Loser Weight-loss Challenge, a six-week fitness contest designed to improve awareness of healthy habits and challenge the Decatur community to live a healthier lifestyle. Grand prize winners in the men’s and women’s categories will each win $250 in cash, one month of Pinnacle Fitness Bootcamp sessions and $400 in CertaPro Painters gift certificates for painting services. Prize packages will also be awarded for second and third place men’s and women’s winners.

“We had such an amazing response to our Biggest Loser Challenge last year, we just had to do it again,” says David Nash of Pinnacle Fitness Bootcamp. “Weigh-in day was a lot of fun, with participants all fired up to make a change for themselves and support the DEF. We are so proud of our prize winners, but in the end, everyone who participated came out a winner with better health and fitness habits.”

The contest kicks off with a weigh-in at Leapin’ Lizards, 185 Sams St. in Decatur, on Saturday, Feb. 1,7 am–10:15 am. All body weights are kept private – progress is tracked via percentage. Upon registration, each participant receives a weight-loss packet and water bottle. The final weigh-in event is Saturday, March 15, 7 am–10:15 am. Winners will be announced at 10:30 am, and also notified by email.

Says 2013 Decatur Biggest Loser contest winner Thomas Van Soelen, “The Decatur Biggest Loser Challenge was critical to my health. Thanks to Pinnacle Fitness Bootcamp and CertaPro Painters for offering this opportunity to make a needed change!” (Read more of Thomas’s story at PinnacleFitnessBootcamp.com.)

Register by Feb. 1 (must be 18 to participate). Five dollars of each $20 registration fee goes directly to benefit the Decatur Education Foundation. Participants who decide to supplement their weight-loss efforts with rigorous Pinnacle Fitness Bootcamp workouts can sign up for four weeks for only $40. And if you’re among the first ten to register, CertaPro Painters will pick up the tab (new customers only).

Photo of David Nash / Pinnacle Fitness and Jeremy Rhett / CertaPro

I think Jenny already has Decatur figured out.  All you need to do is promise “treats & surprises” – especially in a retro, hand-written letter taped to the window of your new space – and you’ll quickly have everyone hooked!

Thanks to Dave for the pic!

Feel free to use this post to make comments or ask questions about local issues not discussed here over the last week.

Comments close on Monday. Happy New Year!