DPL’s FYI Series offers a variety of programs for adults in our community. Whether it’s history or poetry, music or philosophy, on select Wednesdays at DPL you’ll find an afternoon event to enlighten, engage and entertain.
Current Programs
STRESS LESS, LIVE MORE: Practical Tools for Everyday Calm
Wednesday, February 25th, 2026
12pm-2pm
presented by Jetaun Bailey, LPC-S, CSC
This program is a practical, skills-based session focused on recognizing stress and learning simple tools for managing everyday stress.
Jetaun Bailey, LPC-S, CSC is a doctorate-level counselor, assessor, Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, certified school counselor, and college professor who provides community-based mental health services focused on emotional wellness, stress, and prevention. As part of her community work, she provides contract counseling through the Family Matters Grant, a prevention initiative funded through the Children’s Trust Fund of Alabama and locally housed under Decatur Youth Services, offering confidential, no-cost preventive counseling to individuals and families in the community.
Past Programs
AMERICAN POETRY: THE PULSE OF A NATION
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
12pm-1:30pm
presented by Harry Moore
Historians record events, but poets probe a deeper truth – a nation’s heart. This program will examine a selection of American poems from the colonial period to the present.
THREE METHODIST CONGREGATIONS IN OLD TOWN: SHARED METHODIST TRADITIONS WITH UNIQUE DENOMINATIONAL HISTORIES
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
12pm – 1:30pm
presented by Wylheme Ragland
King’s Memorial United Methodist Church, Wayman Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, and Garner Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church are landmark congregations in Old Town Decatur. They share a common Wesleyan connection, however their names suggest different denominal histories.
What’s in a name? What do the abbreviations mean? UMC, AMEC, and CMEC represent more than alphabets. This program will provide an introduction to their histories, witness select photos of early pastors, and discover contributions of the The Methodists to quality of life in Old Town Decatur.
LELIA EDMUNDSON: POLITICIAN AND COTTON QUEEN
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
12:00pm – 1:30pm
Community Room at DPL
presented by John Allison
Morgan County Archivist John Allison will share the story of Lelia Seton Wilder Edmundson, a successful businesswoman who navigated the male-dominated fields of agriculture, real estate speculation, and finance with intelligence, cunning, and skill. Edmundson went on to earn the moniker “Cotton Queen of Alabama, ” was involved in Alabama’s earliest stirrings of the women’s suffrage movement, and later became the first Alabama woman to run for the U.S. House of Representatives.
WHEELER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE: YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND TOMORROW
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
12pm – 1:30pm
presented by Ranger Daphne Moland
Join Ranger Daphne for a look at the history of Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, recent upgrades and renovations, as well as plans for the future. She will also share some before and after photos of the Public Use areas of the Refuge.
TRAILBLAZING THROUGH DECATUR & MORGAN COUNTY
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
12pm – 1:30pm
presented by Lillie Beth Warner
Embark on an exciting journey with Lillie Beth Warner, Director of Communications at Decatur Morgan County Tourism, as she showcases the different experiences offered here in Decatur & Morgan County. From vibrant murals to delectable sweet treats, captivating art scenes, historic landmarks, and so much more. There’s something for every explorer on our MoCo trails.
UNDERSTANDING ALZHEIMER'S AND DEMENTIA
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
12:00pm – 1:30pm
Community Room *Training Center*
presented by Dianne Pierson
Learn basic information on the differences between Alzheimer’s and dementia, stages, risk factors, research, and FDA-approved treatments. Presented by Dianne Pierson, M.Ed., CDP, from the Alzheimer’s Association.
HOW TO DISAGREE WELL
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
12pm – 1:30pm
presented by Dr. Kyle Blanchette
*TRAINING CENTER* at DPL (downstairs, under the Community Room)
In a culture as divided as ours, we are constantly faced with the temptation to go into fight or flight mode when controversial topics come up. We either seek to lecture those who disagree with us into submission, or we avoid controversial topics altogether, to spare ourselves the disagreements that can damage or even destroy relationships.
This talk will offer strategies for avoiding these two temptations and for approaching the issues that divide us with both conviction and grace. Dr. Blanchette holds a Doctorate in Philosophy from the University of Rochester. All are welcome to this free program.
THE GREEN BOOK TRAVEL GUIDE & DECATUR
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
12pm – 1:30pm
presented by Peggy Allen Towns
Local historian Peggy Allen Towns will discuss the dangers of travel for African Americans in the early part of the 20th century and how Victor Hugo Green’s book made travel a little safer for Black people. She will describe the perils of traveling, discuss sundown towns, Esso service stations, and what was in a ‘travel kit’ for Black travelers. She’ll tell us about the Fannie Parker Hayes Boarding House here in Decatur – listed in the Green Book – and other services listed. Peggy Allen Towns has authored three books of local history and is an active leader in the preservation of local historical sites.
GRASSLAND ECOLOGY
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
12pm – 1:30pm
presented by Jessie Taylor
‘Quail Forever’, also known as ‘The Habitat Organization’ aims to conserve quail, pheasants, and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public access, education, and conservation advocacy.
Jessie Taylor, North Alabama’s Farm Bill Biologist, will be presenting a program on grassland ecology which will touch on the historic range of grasslands, how we can improve or manage our native grasslands, and how improving grasslands will benefit wildlife including quail and pollinators.
SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS: BE PREPARED, STAY SAFE
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
12pm – 2pm
presented by Alan Gastler
from Morgan County EMA
We’ll discuss the risks posed by severe storms, tornadoes, and other hazardous weather events. Learn how to prepare your home and family, understand weather alerts, and develop a safety plan to stay protected. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your readiness for severe weather in our community!
NATIVE PLANTS TO ATTRACT POLLINATORS
Wednesday, April 16th
12pm – 2pm
presented by Jessie Douglas Taylor
from Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever
Jessie will be discussing plants that can be used in landscaping or large plantings that attract pollinators and beneficial insects. Whether you have ¼ acre or 100 acres, there are plants you can add to your property that will enhance habitat for pollinators!
CSI-K9
Wednesday, April 30th
12pm – 2pm
presented by Leona Conner & K-9 Micha
from SouthEastern Search Dogs K-9 Search & Rescue
Leona Conner – a retired law enforcement officer and President/Founder of SouthEastern Search Dogs K-9 Search & Rescue – will explain the important role of dogs in crime scene investigation. After the presentation, there will be a demonstration outside the library on the north side. K-9 Micha will show her skills. This free program is for adults aged 18 and over.
Takes place in the Community Room with an outside demonstration with K-9 Micha.
More programs coming soon!
Questions?
Contact DPL’s Marketing & Outreach office: 256 340-5780
or email: stephrhonda@myDPL.org.