Join the Celebration of Reading and Writing

On the Same Page celebrates its 6^th annual festival this month.  I attended my first festival last year and heard many comments about how every year is even better than the last.  There’s no doubt that the upward rising trend will continue this year as well.  While serving on the planning committee and partnering with the Ashe Arts Council it has been exciting to see things coming together.   The library’s primary role involves organizing events for the Community Read, a prelude to the festival.   Earlier this year, a community read committee reviewed a number of suggested titles while looking for the right book.  When Refuge, by Dot Jackson, was discovered it was obvious that her book was the perfect choice.  Dot’s book offers beautiful descriptions of mountain scenery and her characters come alive with authentic dialog.   This story is one that grabs hold of readers.  It kept me turning pages late into the night!  This year a series of Refuge Read Aloud sessions are being held at Phipps Store in Lansing.  Hearing the novel read aloud is like listening to a movie.  Every read aloud session begins with a summary/review/discussion of events previously read so listeners can drop in at any point in the story and soon become absorbed as the tale unfolds.  The literary festival’s first event takes place at 1:00 p.m. on September 17 with a visit from Dot Jackson and a discussion about her book.   Refuge is a suspenseful story that includes plenty of mountain folklore along with a tragic romance.   I highly recommend it and can't wait for the community discussion.  There are nine other authors scheduled to appear at special events throughout the week of September 17-21.   Visit the library to check out books by festival authors, pick-up a copy of the festival program guide and get “on the same page!”   Information and details also available on the library’s website: www.ashelibrary.org.

Dates to remember in September:

For All Ages:

• Suzanne’s crochet class will be creating Despicable Me Minions on September 14.  The class meets from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Students will need yarn in “Minion colors” (yellow, blue, black, and gray); hooks and accessories will be provided.
• Angela’s “Upcycle Crafty Class will be altering old books into new creations at 2:00 p.m. on September 28.  Materials will be provided.
• The Seasonal Reading Challenge will host a Summer Wrap-up / Fall Kick-off Celebration at 5 p.m. on September 4.  Join the Fall Challenge and discover new books!  Collect certificates and prizes for participation in the Summer Challenge! 

For Children:

• Story Time for 4-5 year olds is at 10:30 a.m. every Tuesday.
• Tot Time for 2-3 year olds is at 10:30 a.m. every Wednesday and Thursday.  Come out and have fun learning the alphabet with stories and songs.
• “Break the Ice” (for 3^rd – 5^th grades) is scheduled for 2 p.m. on September 14 and 28.   Enjoy fun games and activities at the library.
• “Baby Bounce” starts up on alternating Saturdays beginning September 7.  This is a short 15-20 minute program for infants and babies that will include finger plays, songs, rhymes, and a book or two.
• Afternoon Adventures for 6-9 year olds will meet at 4 p.m. on September 12 and “travel to Japan!”
• A Fairy Celebration takes place on September 7.  Children can drop in to make fairy dolls from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Fairy stories will be read at 1 p.m.  See “Fairy Librarians” for a sprinkle of fairy dust!
• Check out Nancy Clancy Super Sleuth, the Big E-Read, from the library’s OverDrive collection; available September 16-30.  Also during the month of September investigate the mystery corner to create a disguise, solve the mystery box, and more!

For Teens:

• Join TAC – the Teen Advisory Council - to discuss future plans and possibilities for teens at 4 p.m. on September 11.
• Outside the Box: Bring your instrument or just come out and groove on music with friends at 4 p.m. on September 26.
• Geek out with Otaku’s United Anime / Manga Club at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.

For Adults:

•  On the Same Page Literary Festival: a Celebration of Reading and Writing begins with a Community Read Discussion at 1 p.m. on September 17 featuring Dot Jackson, author of Refuge.  For up-to-date information on events being held throughout the week (September 17-21) visit www.onthesamepagefestival.org or call 336.846.ARTS

•  Tai Chi classes are available at 10:00 a.m. on Thursdays.

•   Brouhaha Book Club meets at 5:30 p.m. on September 30 at Boondocks.

•  FYI: Healthcare Reform: an informative session to interpret and answer question concerning the Healthcare Reform Law will take place at 3 p.m. on September 25.  Please call 336.846.2041 x227 to sign-up.

Special Events:

• Music on Saturday presents Summit Strings Duo, at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 7.
• Meet artist of the month Beth Andrews, and see her exhibit of paintings in the upstairs gallery reception area at 2 p.m. on September 7.
• Refuge Read Aloud – Drop-in and hear readings of Dot Jackson’s novel at Phipps Store, in Lansing.  Readings take place from 6 – 8 p.m. on August 29, September 3 and 10.  Coffee and refreshments available.