Share Your Story during National Library Week

“Lives Change @ Your Library” is a fitting theme for this year’s National Library Week celebration. Libraries of all types serve as catalysts in their communities, offering opportunities for children and adults alike to learn, grow, and achieve their dreams. In addition to providing access to books, e-books, computers and other resources, public, school, academic and special libraries offer expert teaching and guidance to aid library users in their quest to open new worlds and change their lives.

Libraries have historically served as our nation’s great equalizers of knowledge, providing free access to information for all people. Today’s libraries continue this tradition, helping level the playing field by making both print and digital information affordable, available and accessible to all people. The range of information and services available to library users is unlimited –resources for job seekers, cultural heritage and genealogical collections, English as a second language and citizenship classes and much more.

Libraries and librarians have a powerful and positive impact on the lives of Americans on a daily basis. Their stories are key to communicating the value of libraries. Every day, people of all ages and backgrounds from rural, suburban and urban communities across the country turn to their libraries to find jobs or go online, to get help with homework or complex research projects, to start on a business plan, connect with their kids or simply find a space to relax.

For every person who loves libraries, there is a story about what the library means to them.   During National Library Week, April 14-18, North Carolina Library Association (NCLA) is sponsoring an advocacy campaign to encourage library users to share stories of how the library has changed their life.

Each day has a challenge or activity via: pen & paper, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.  By posting via social media with #MyNCLibrary, or filling out a daily challenge card at the library, participants can enter to win a drawing for 4 grand prizes: $50 and $25 gift cards to Amazon and $50 and $25 gift cards Barnes & Noble.  Stop in the library or visit the Ashe County Public Library Facebook page to find out more.

Every year, thanks to the Legislative and Advocacy Committee of NCLA, a group of librarians and library supporters head to Washington, D.C. during National Library Legislative Day. They talk to state legislators to let them know face-to-face why they should support libraries. The data collected from this campaign will be compiled into info-graphics and photo collages to give to the legislators themselves.

Ashe Library Dates to Remember in April:

For All Ages:   

• In celebration of National Library Week and Arbor Day, the library will be giving away tree seedlings (while supplies last) during the week of April 14 to library card holders or anyone who registers for a card.
• Learn about electrical circuits and animal adaptations from Ranger Darius and the Illuminated Librarian while making squishy animals with LED lights at 4:00 p.m. on April 3.
• Have fun creating arts and crafts with Tinker Maker Time every day at 3:30 p.m. during National Library Week April 15-17.  (materials provided)
• Community Drum Circle meets at 5:30 p.m. on April 8 and 22.  One need not possess or purchase a drum to participate. There are all sorts of drums and a variety of percussion instruments available to share the rhythm with everyone.
• Learn to crochet with the 2014 Afghan Project at 10:00 a.m. on April 12.  Work square-by- square this year to create a magnificent afghan.  (materials provided)
• Learn the knitting basics and make a scarf at 10:00 a.m. on April 26.  (materials needed: size 8 circular needles and 159 yds colorful yarn in DK weight)
• Join the library’s celebration of Earth Day at 4:00 p.m. on April 22.  Earth friendly activities for kids and a session on family gardening with potato towers.                                                     

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
• “Baby Bounce” is at 10:00 a.m. on April 5.  Babies and their parents/caregivers can enjoy great books, lively songs, and meet other babies in the neighborhood.   
• Afternoon Adventures will create animated clay stories in celebration of NC Science Festival at 4:00 p.m. on April 10.
• Join Pete the Cat for an EGGstra Special Day at 10:30 a.m. on April 16.

For Teens:

• Enjoy watching “Catching Fire” with friends on the Teen Screen at 2:00 p.m. on April 26. 
• Geek out with Otaku’s United Anime / Manga Club at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.  
• Visit Gamer Haven and enjoy Xbox 360 in the teen space.  Half hour time slots are available at 4:00 p.m. on Thursdays.  

For Adults:

•  Bring balance to your life with Tai Chi lessons presented by Sybil Harmon at 10:00 a.m. every Thursday.

•    Brouhaha Book Club meets at 5:30 p.m. on April 28 at Boondocks.

• Grow Yourself, self-paced computer use tutorial sessions, are held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesdays.

• Ashe Wellness Circle introduces the dimension of Intellectual Wellness and meets at 11:30 on April 8 to promote Autism Awareness with a documentary showing about Temple Grandin, an autistic woman who has become one of the top scientists in the humane livestock handling industry.  Brown bag lunches are welcome.  After the program, participants are invited to join in a walk around the park and a discussion of intellectual wellness books. 

Special Events:

• A reception for Lea Booth’s “Steeple Series” art exhibit will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the upstairs art gallery accompanied by Richard Easley’s classical guitar on April 5.