Importance of Summer Reading

Summer vacation does not have to mean a vacation from reading. During the summer months, many activities will be taking place at the library. Free programs and performances will be offered, including magic and science demonstrations as well as special art activities (some events have limited seating and require advance registration). Prizes and incentives will be available for children who complete their reading goals. Teens will participate in special teen programs. Summer Reading wraps up at the end of July, with a Big Bang Carnival and Discovery Fair. The summer months are a great time to expand your child's literary world, teach them to enjoy reading for pleasure, help sharpen school skills and bridge the gap between school years.  Reading is a deeply pleasurable and meaningful part of life. Reading broadens our horizon, gives a new direction to the mind to think, improves the vocabulary and creates awareness for other people and cultures. Visit the library's website for details and stop in the library to find some good books!

 
Ashe Library Dates to Remember in June:
 
For All Ages:

• Summer Reading Challenges begin June 1 and last through August31. A party to wrap-up Spring Challenges and Kick-off Summer Challenges is at 5:00 p.m. on June 4. Have fun discovering new books and authors!
• WOOL Read-alouds begin at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays in Todd Mercantile and at the same time on Thursdays in Phipps Store. Join the fun and hear excerpts from this year's Community Read.
• Community Drum Circle meets at 5:30 p.m. on June 9 and 23. 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.
• Artist Dave Edgar presents a Plastic Sculpture Workshop at 1:00 p.m. on June 11. Additional work sessions take place on June 18 and 25. Enter your plastic sculpture in the Community Read Art Contest / Show.

For Children:

• “Baby Bounce” is at 10:00 a.m. on June 14 and 28. This is a short 15-20 minute program for infants and babies that will include finger plays, songs, rhymes, and a book or two.
• Pop-up Creations takes place from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. on June 17. Drop by and create your own pop-up book (animals or Wizard of OZ)
• Zen Doodle Art is scheduled between 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. on June 24.
• Rainbow Loom Art is from 1:00 – 3:00 on June 26. Learn to create rings and animals and make a bracelet using a fork!

For Teens:

• Sounds of Dystopia: Create a playlist for the “end of the world” at 1:00 p.m. on June 18.
• The Teen Screen features World War Z at 2:00 p.m. on June 7.
• Star Odysseys Jeopardy is at 1:00 p.m. on June 25. Show what you know about Star Wars and other space odysseys. Compete for great prizes!
• Geek out with Otaku’s United Anime / Manga Club at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.
• Gamer Haven and the “Unidentified Craft” takes place at 4:00 p.m. on Thursdays.

For Adults:

• Brouhaha Book Club meets at 5:30 p.m. on June 30 at Boondocks.
• Grow Yourself, self-paced computer use tutorial sessions, are held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesdays.
• Ashe Wellness Circle meets at 11:30 on June 10 for a program on Wisdom vs. Intelligence and an exploration of games to train your brain. Brown bag lunches are welcome. After the wellness program, participants are invited to join in a walk around the park and a discussion of physical wellness books. Adults of any age and fitness level welcome.

Special Events - In and Out:

• Star Wars Day takes place in the library from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. on June 14. Meet Stormtroopers and more. Make a Father's Day gift, train as a Jedi, and learn about solar viewing with ASU.
• Stars and Stories begins at 8:30 p.m. on June 14 at Mount Jefferson State Natural Area. Hear star stories and view the night sky.
• It's Alive! New River Park Rangers visit with reptiles, snakes included at 10:30 a.m. on June 11 at the Backstreet Park (rain site: library auditorium).
• A Dystopian Film Festival featuring Sci-fi classics will be in the library auditorium every Friday. Showtime is at 3:00 p.m. Don't miss excitement on the big screen, popcorn, and beverages!
• Level 100: Market (from WOOL) visits the Farmer's Market with renaissance flair on June 21. Meet the King and Queen, Huntsman and more. There will be music, games, and crafts!
• New York Times Bestseller Hugh Howey visits to talk about his book WOOL at 2:00 p.m. on June 28 in the Ashe County Civic Center.
• Theresa Early Curd is June's Artist of the the Month. Be sure to stop in and see her fabric art in the library's upstairs gallery.