Stay Warm and Read

During the winter months I look forward to burrowing down into comfy blankets and reading the dark and cold away. As you start your Countdown to Christmas don’t forget about the gift of reading and be sure to visit the library to stock up on plenty of reading materials for those snowy days ahead. The library has something for everyone and a couple of special little “Elves on the Bookshelves” to help you find a good book this holiday season. Visit the library and look for a “reading elf” hidden somewhere in the library. Each day the elves will be reading different books. When you find an elf enter a raffle to win a Christmas stocking filled with goodies. The elves will be in the library through December 21, so be sure to stop in and see them. The Winter Reading Challenge is another way to find good books to read while keeping warm. All ages can participate in these fun reading events. Remember “Reading is SNOW much fun!”

In the spirit of Christmas, the library is scheduling a “Food for Fines” week from December 9-14. This is an opportunity for those who have accumulated fines for late fees to clear the slate before the New Year begins. Each food item (unopened, unexpired, non-perishable) can clear up to a dollar of late fees. The collected food will be donated to local charities. The library will be closed December 24-26 for Christmas.

Ashe Library Dates to Remember in December:

For All Ages:

• Adults, teens, and children can create Christmas ornaments from around the world beginning at 3:30 p.m. Supplies, including glitter, will be provided, so bring your imagination and join in the fun. Santa will be making a guest appearance.
• A DIY Gift Bazaar takes place starting at 12:00 p.m. on December 7. Come out and craft some gifts for your loved ones. Gift wrapping will be provided by the Friends of the Library.
• The Seasonal Reading Challenge will wrap-up Fall and kick-off Winter at 5:00 on December 4. Come and collect your prizes and discover what’s new for the Winter Reading Challenge.
• Harmony Acres Soap Company will give a soap-making demonstration at 1:00 on December 14. Come out and learn about oils and natural products.

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. on Wednesday and Thursday (except for December 25 and 26). Come out and have fun learning the alphabet with stories and songs.
• “Baby Bounce” is at 10:00 a.m. on December 14. 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 December 12 for “Hello From Russia.”

For Teens:

• Sign up for Gamer Haven and enjoy Xbox 360 in the teen space. Half hour time slots are available at 4:00 p.m. on Thursdays.
• “Christmas Vacation” will be featured on the Teen Screen at 2:30 p.m. on December 21. The Griswold family’s plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.
• Geek out with Otaku’s United Anime / Manga Club at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. A holiday celebration takes place on December 17. Come in costume for food and fun.

For Adults:

• Brouhaha Book Club meets at 5:30 p.m. on December 30 at Boondocks.
• Grow Yourself, self-paced computer use tutorial sessions, are held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesdays.
• NaNoWriMo Writer’s Group will meet at noon on December 6 to read selections from their novels (finished or unfinished).

Special Events:
 

• Music on Saturday presents Summit Strings at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 7.
• Jennifer Pharr Davis will be talking about her new book “Called Again: A Story of Love and Triumph” at 10:00 a.m. on December 11. Jennifer became the overall record holder for hiking the Appalachian Trail, all 2,181 miles, in 46 days. But this book is not a book about records or numbers; this is a book about endurance, faith, and most of all love.