A library card is the coolest card – September is Library Card Sign-up Month

Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school. September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when Ashe Library joins with the American Library Association and public libraries nationwide to make sure that every student has the most import school supply of all – a free library card.

Resources at Ashe Library are available to anyone who has a library card. Students can turn to the library for materials, programs and knowledgeable library staff that support academic achievement.  Programs at the library range from “Alphabet Ready by Kindergarten” for preschoolers, to financial literacy workshops for teens and adults.

Today’s libraries aren’t only a place of quiet study, but also creative and engaging community centers where students can collaborate using new technologies, or just relax with peers.  Our library offers access to a variety of print and digital resources, including e-books, and online databases.  

The library provides access and programs for students of all ages. For preschool age children we offer early literacy and lap sit storytimes to encourage school readiness, for older children and teens we supplement education with hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM ) programs, and for older teens we have information and tools to help prepare for college and mentoring programs. There’s really something for everyone and it’s all free with a library card.
Throughout the course of the month, the library will host a number of activities, including a chance to save up to $5 at the Friends of the Library book/gift shop when registering for a new card, and library card crafts for all.

For more information on how to sign up for a library card, visit the Ashe Library in person or visit the library online at www.ashelibrary.org.

Ashe Library Dates to Remember in September:

The library will be closed for Labor Day Monday on September 7.

For All Ages:

• Revonda Crow of the NC Storytelling Guild will share tales of Br’er Rabbit’s cunning exploits at 1:00 p.m. on September 12. 
•  The Get Crafty Goodwill Project will be crocheting Sleeping Mats out of recycled plastic bags at 10:00 a.m. on September 12.  Bring used grocery bags and learn how to create this unique mat.  Hooks will be provided and beginners are welcome!
•  Learn animation and coding from scratch with a Google Ambassador at 1:00 p.m. on September 19.
• Stop in all-day on September 19 for Button Bookmark Fun!
• The Centennial Book Club discusses Sarah,Plain, and Tall, a popular Newbery Award winning book, by Patricia McLachlan at 6:00 p.m. on September 22 in Hotel Tavern.  A film version of the book will be featured at 2:00 p.m. in the library’s downstairs meeting room on September 26.
• The Community Drum Circle meets at 5:50 p.m. on September 8 and 22.  Join the celebration of drums, while exploring the soul and spirit of music!
•  Mountain Music Slow Jam will meets from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. on September 4 and 18 in the downstairs meeting room (after-hours access through side door on lower parking lot).  Get together with other musicians and jam.  Songs are explained as to timing, breaks, etc… and played in slow time.  Designed for beginners, all skill levels are welcome. 

For Children:

• Story Time for ages 4-5 is at 10:30 a.m. every Tuesday.
• Tot Time for ages 2-3 is at 10:30 a.m. every Wednesday and Thursday.  Come out and have fun learning the alphabet with stories and songs.
• September’s Story Walk book is Perfect Square, by Michael Hall is featured at Ashe County Park on Old Highway 16 throughout the month.
• Check out the LEGO Club and experience a new challenge each month.  The group meets at 4:00 p.m. for K-3^rd grade and 5:00 p.m. for 4^th grade and up on September 24.

For Teens:

•  The Teen Advisory Council (TAC) meets at 4:00 p.m. on September 24.  Tell us what you want at the library and earn volunteer hours. 
• Geek out with Otaku’s United Anime / Manga Club at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.

For Adults:

•   Tai Chi classes are available at 10:00 a.m. on Thursdays.
•  Brouhaha Book Club meets at 5:30 p.m. on September 28 in Boondocks Restaurant for “Books, Beer and Bookworm Babble.”  Come and find out what everyone has been reading lately!
• Highlighting Social Wellness, the Wellness Circle meets at 11:30 a.m. on September 8 to experience the sober FUN of Boondocks Trivia Night during the day.  Gary Brown will share secrets of brewing and homemade root beer samples.  Penny, Boondocks activity director, will lead us in a round of trivia.
• Learn or refresh your knowledge of financial skills such as budgeting, saving, spending, borrowing, and establishing financial goals.  Get started on making a spending plan that works for you!  Mend the Spend with Financial Literacy at 5:30 p.m. on September 15.
• Join Stephen Shoemaker and Friends for “Rooted: A Centennial Celebration” for a discussion of growing up and life in West Jefferson at 10:00 a.m. on September 23 at West Jefferson Coffee Shop.
• The Player’s Club meets at 5:00 p.m. in the library for a dramatic reading of Noises Off, by Michael Frayn.  Become a character in the comedic play-within-a-play, or come out just to be entertained!

Special Events:

• There will be a reception in the upstairs art gallery area at 4:00 p.m. on September 11 featuring art by Frenchy.
• On the Same Page Literary Festival begins on September 15.  Visit the festival’s website On The Same Page for a complete listing of events hosted at the library and Ashe Arts Council.